Honda Aviator Help Needed!

[Bluu]

I purchased a Honda Aviator Disc version for my wife at the end of Aug. The bike has done about 100 odd km after 30 days.

Problem 1: The rear tire is suffering from substantial loss of air pressure. I got the pressure checked recently (due to instability issues) and it was at 16 psi. Filled it to 36 as per instructions for rider + pillion. Next day, lost well over 10 psi. As expected, bike fishtails, esp when turning. My dad topped off the tank which makes the bike heavier and more difficult to handle. However, it's now at half-tank and the problem persists. Took the bike to a puncture shop today. The guy examined the tube in my presence and pronounced it "weak". There was no puncture in the tube. However, it was losing pressure even as we spoke. HMSI manual says that Honda are not responsible for tyres, tubes and batteries. Should I take the bike directly to an MRF dealer or should I take this up with Honda? Also, will the MRF showroom on Varthur Road, Whitefield be able to solve my problems?

Problem 2: Front wheel makes a squeaky sound with each revolution of the wheel. Suspect it is from the disc. Can anyone confirm?

I'll be giving the bike for service soon so will bring it to the notice of the Honda mechs.

Any Bangaloreans here who can suggest which is the best Honda maintenance centre to give the bike for servicing?

Thanks and cheers!

[Sankar]

Problem 1: Take it to the HH dealer and see what he says? You bought the bike from them so even if they're not responsible for the tyres they should guide you properly. If there aint no puncture and the tube is still leaking air it's a manufacturing defect and HH or the MRF should do something about it.

Anyways if you end up paying from your pocket to replace the tube opt for MRF's tuff-up tube.

Problem2: My new Karizma occasionally squeaked when the front wheel was rotated. But it went away on it's on. So you too may not have to worry about it much.

[aaggoswami]

Problem 1 :
Ask the person who checked the punture to again reconfirm that if there is something wrong in the valve. Sometimes this happens, if the valve is defective or not tightened properly.

If that's proper, then take the vehicle to the dealer and ask them to assist you in getting solution to this problem.


However, IMHO, this problem is potentially safety threat as this is affecting the handling of the vehicle. So if the dealer is not responsive enough, and the puncture man finds nothing wrong in tyre, then plonk in a new tube. It wont cost you more than Rs. 150.

Problem 2:
I suspect here that manufacturers configure the front disc pads such that there is slight friction between the disc and disc pads. This is to avoid the build up of dust ( mainly ) or rather to reduce the build up of debris on the disc pad surface. So dont worry about it.

My Zeus had a similar issue and now after around more than one year, the noise had reduced to almost non existent.

[Mpower]

Tire warranty comes separate from manufacturers warranty, the card should have been included.

[Bluu]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm leaning towards taking the scooter to MRF rather than Honda because it's a lot closer (I live on the outskirts of Bangalore). I'm not happy about driving it long distance with current instability issues.

FYI - the scooter comes with the tuff-up tube by default.

Will mostly get it replaced. My wife will be speaking with the Honda reps today. Will update thread if necessary.

Thanks again!

[vivekji05]

I too face the problem of the front wheel disc squealing. Showed it to the service centre. They said it was ok....and will cease with some running

[Proxima]

Bluu - how is your Aviator? Im planning to buy one and would love a report from you.

[Bluu]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Bluu - how is your Aviator? Im planning to buy one and would love a report from you.

Proxima - My Aviator is splendid now that the tyre issue has been resolved! Actually, it wasn't a tyre issue, it was the tube that was faulty. It was not retaining pressure even for a day and hence I had stability issues but now that the tube has been replaced everything is great!

Pros:

1. Comfort - I find the vehicle to be very comfortable. My wife, who is about 5ft tall, found it difficult to move from her Kinetic Honda to the Aviator but she has adapted well now.

2. Brakes - I have the disc brake version (~5K extra) and would recommend it. The vehicle is not powerful by any stretch of the imagination but a disc brake is a welcome addition.

3. Honda - 'nuff said!

Cons:

1. Power - The vehicle is slightly underpowered. It's not exactly small or sleek so a bhp or two more would have been great.

2. Headlamp - Can probably be upgraded but stock bulb is poor.

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I'll keep the summary short - its a great little scooter for day-to-day puttering around and carries two people in comfort, albeit a little slowly. Has all the wonderful Honda tidbits like refinement, smoothness etc. Is heavy and not too comfortable (both as rider and pillion) for short (~5ft and lower) people.

[Proxima]

Thanks a ton Bluu. I think I will be booking mine tomorrow if I don't hear of any issues from other owners.