Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Here is something I came across today:
The rear left indicator bulb on my dio had stopped working a couple of days ago, and I bought a new bulb at a local spares store to replace it. The bulb the guy handed over to me was physically smaller but with the the same base (i.e. the connector) - i thought why not try it and did not ask him for the 'bigger' bulb.
When i replaced the bulb, what i noticed is that the left indicators were flashing slower (half as slow as the right ones).. so i pulled out the bulb and inspected both the fused oem bulb and the new one and noticed that the one I had bought was a 10w bulb while oem was 21w (the rating were not clearly visible as they were tiny and punched into the metal base) - this led me to wonder "why is a lower wattage bulb flashing slower?? I did not notice any drop in brightness"

On some searching around i came across this explanation:

The flasher unit is an electro-mechanical switch that works by internal heating of resistance wire. If you put in low-wattage bulbs by mistake, the current flow is reduced as is the heating. This will make the flashers work slowly... so will bulbs that aren't flashing.

If all the bulbs are flashing, you have a couple of options.
1) Replace all the bulbs with higher wattage units having the same bayonet base, or
2) Buy and install an electronic flasher to replace the factory part.

The electronic flashers use a capacitor and some inductors to set up a timing circuit. They don't work by heating. They will flash at a steady rate regardless of what bulbs are installed. The down-side is, they won't change their flash rate as bulbs burn out.

source: Indicators Flashing Slow - Problems, Questions and Technical - The Mini Forum

I have exchanged the bulb for the correct one at the same store and will be replacing it shortly. Costs Rs.8

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

I mean inside Air-Filter box without any issue.

Nice dig mate.

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Like i said, the air filters are easily available.. but if the dio you are talking about is the one with the viscous type filter, then you need to check it as i am not sure. Ask your mechanic or take a look yourself and do let us know.

btw.. replaced the 10w bulb with the 21w stock rated bulb and the flashing is back to normal. To remove the rear indicator lens you only need to unscrew 2 screws holding the tail lamp lens and then gently pull out the tail lamp lens and then the indicator lens (the rear indicator lens do not have separate screws). Be careful so as to not damage them (they are a bit sturdy though).

My New Ride Got Yesterday.

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Hey guys!
I own a 2010 model dio, its 26k km old. After the last service the front part (near the headlight) vibrates a lot during initial RPMs. Any idea why this is happening??

I tried removing it and tightening all the screws. But still the same problem.

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Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Are all the screws in place ? Because its very common for some of the screw mounting area to break off and rattle.(the screw will go in from the plastic side but if the mounting on the panel itself is broken it will not hold anything and cause vibrations)
Also you could try using these little metal clips you get (not sure what they are called, though available at asc and local spares..ask for clips to fit body panels for activa/dio) - these clip on to the screw holes on the panel where the screw goes in and gives a snuggier fit.
If not just use very little automotive grade double side tape between the front plastic body and the front head light panel.. or rather use some tape underneath the headlight area where there are two screws that hold the front panel

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

I checked it again today morning bro. All the screws were in place but the headlight holder had broken.(Attaching a pic). Thanks to you, The double side sticking tape did a good job. Almost 60% of vibs are gone. Any idea how much the headlight holder will cost??

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Oh man that's bad.. am lucky to have a few broken screw mountings but touchwood the headlight holder is intact.. infact yesterday i had to get the handle bar ignition cum lock tightened and noticed the holder was a little loose and tightened it up. btw its a pain to remove/install/tighten the handle bar lock/ignition and we had to use a juggad method of tightening the screws using a hammer and screwdriver instead of opening up the entire front end.
Now coming to your case.. I do not know the price of the headlight holder, pls do find out at a spares store or asc.. preferably stick to oem. Another thing i noticed in the above pic is that the two ends with a groove at the bottom on either side should be seated on that plastic 'rail' and move up and down to adjust the headlight position when the screw under the panel is adjusted. My advice would be to replace the headlight holder with a new one.. buy it while its still available !
If you are unable to buy one and want to do a juggad, you can try and place the two ends with the groove on the rail and hold it down with some double side tape and also use some double side tape at the joint where its broken.. try not to use mseal or such adhesives between the panel and holder since it will be difficult to remove. After you do this juggad inside the front panel, now on the outside.. use very little clear cello tape (available at stationary stores.. and don't plaster it across!!) at the edge of the headlight so that some of it is on the headlight and some on the panel.. holding them together minimizing vibes and rattles. This juggad will prevent adjusting the headlight.. so make sure its at the right position before you tape things up. and use only automotive grade double side tape like 3m and not the white stationary kind.

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

i am planning to do a 180 km. round trip on new model activa. what things should i keep in mind..?? its 3rd free service has been done 2400kms. back.
i have break tightening, and RVM's fitting in mind, what else should i look out for..??

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Well, its time for 4th service since you have already covered 2400km. Just the usual stuff.. engine oil change (if possible use the 10w40 or 20w40 - my personal choice & especially considering the summer heat and the distance you are covering.. either shell ax5 , or castrol activ scooter for gearless scooters) , check brakes, lights and inspect the tires closely for any embedded objects/punctures and fix it if you find any. Carry basic tools including spanners to remove the wheels and a spare tube along with some engine oil.
180 km round trip is not a big deal for the scoot ... enjoy the ride and ride responsibly !

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Glad you could fix your handle bar! Actually the two ends were seated on the plastic rail, i took them out to get a good view of holder. I'll go check with the asc for availability of holder. If its not available, I'll probably go for the juggad method.
Thanks for the help bro!

One more query, any tips on improving the performance of bike?? My bike literally takes 8-9 seconds to reach 50 kmph.

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

acc. to the owners manual 4th service is due around 11500kms, and my scooty has run around 10000kms. should i go for 4th service that early..?? and can i fill the engine oil of my choice, i mean aren't service guys are supposed to put their engine oil..
and this will be my first ever ride covering that much distance, so i will ride carefully and responsibly (want to have lot more in future..)
thanks [MENTION=5909]sid[/MENTION], it seems you have got lot of knowledge about scoot..

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Will svc change gear oil along with engine oil during first service?

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Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

when was the third service done ? Ideally service interval should be 2500km (max 3000km) and there is no harm in giving for service a cpl of hundered km earlier.
Since you have covered 2400km already since last service and are planning a 'long' ride , it is better to have it serviced and engine oil replaced.
And yes the service guys change the oil, no worries - but make sure they drain the oil and refill it from a sealed bottle and not from the huge drums. If possible it is always better to stick around and get the oil changed in your presence. Tell them to change the oil in your presence (preferably when you come to collect the scoot after service.. not much is done at the free service anyway). No issues you stick with the Honda oil which is a 10w30 JASO MB grade and comes in a golden brown bottle (make sure they use this oil at the ASC)
The engine oil is like one of the most critical part and regular (2000-2500km) changes will significantly help in keeping the engine healthy.
And again i stress this point - pls rotate and check the tires closely for any embedded objects before going on a long ride/remote areas and get it fixed if any are found.
I can never have a lot of knowledge - keep learning, stay informed ..

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No they will not (and if you ask them to, you will be charged a bomb at Rs100 and will never know what oil they put in - experienced it personally). Honda recommends changing gear oil once in two years (or one year, cant remember correctly). I always get it changed at every service (around 2500km) at a local mech. It holds around 110-120ml and a half litre of good quality EP 90 gear oil costs less and will last around 4 oil changes (read some of my previous posts where this has been discussed). Its a 5 min job replacing gear oil. Use branded oils from sealed containers (servo , castrol etc) instead of the loose packets which are sold in 200ml pouches of local brands.
Trust me the local gear oil will turn milky white if not changed for a long time, and i do not know how safe that state of oil would be. Better safe than sorry is my policy :-) I dont see any point in cribbing for a 5 min job that costs 40rs and gives you a peace of mind.

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I haven't really timed my acceleration figures but the dio is a nippy performer. Some of the regular checks to be done if its having poor acceleration or difficulty climbing slopes are:
0. Clean air filter & spark plug (change every 10k - 12k km), correct tire pressures (26-28 front , 34-36 rear) and correctly set valve clearances and tuned carb.
1. Variator roller weights - should ideally be rounded and free of any flat spots (a mild flat spot is ok)
2. Clutch shoes - shouldn't be worn out
3. Clutch bell - again should be within spec
4. Clutch springs (small springs and the BIG 'torque' spring)
5. Drive belt for any damage/uneven wear

all the above components will normally last for at least 25k km before needing attention. My 40k+ dio still runs on the original clutch shoes/springs and clutch bell and will need replacement soon. Drive belt and variator rollers is advisable to change at around 25-30k km.

Stay away from any 'mods'..
For more info read these topics:

Re: Honda Dio, Activa and Aviator

Ep90 oil? Read somewhere that same engine is used in gear box and not ep90 oil. Its also mentioned in the oil change diy thread here.

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