Is it worth risking warranty to skip oil change at 600 km on my CB350

I can understand irrespective of the usage you need to change oil yearly, but for a bike run just 600km in 6 months why do you need to change oil?

BHPian jonesanto recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My CB350 is one and half years old and for the past 6 months it has done only 600km because me being out of station and stuff. Service interval is 6 months or 6000km whichever is earlier. I gave the bike for service and SA said oil change is must or it will void warranty. I can understand irrespective of the usage you need to change oil yearly, but for a bike run just 600km in 6 months why do you need to change oil? And it is not like it is cheap, bill came to 3.5K for just oil and filter changes nothing else has been changed. Is it a scam or warranty will get void if I don’t change oil due to less usage?

ODO:

Don’t mind the oil stain on the floor, that’s the chain lube:

Here's what BHPian sukiwa had to say on the matter:

For a motorcycle in first year of ownership, oil change(s) at authorised service center are obvious. If oil changes aren't carried out as prescribed in manual, how can one ascertain engine issues(low oil, engine seizure) at a later date.

I don't know engine oil capacity for Honda 350cc engine, assuming it to be around 3.1~3.3 litres. Most 2-wheeler fully synthetic oils cost around Rs. 900-1000 per litre, so total bill amount of 3.5k seems appropriate. It would be better if you can share split-up of service amount.

Here's what BHPian zaks had to say on the matter:

The oil change intervals are based on manufacturers average statistics which most brands adhere to. It requires oil change in first 500 kms because the first few hundred kms is enough to get the new engine to throw out any debris as the mated parts gets set with proper clearances. This is the accepted practice and mind you they cannot set service intervals according to ones usage as they need to cater to thousands of vehicles. So its responsibility on owners to do proper run-in before first service. It helps to meet warranty guidelines too.

Here's what BHPian drt_rdr had to say on the matter:

I see your odo reading is 4587 kms. So, you're well clear of the run in phase. An oil change at this stage doesn't seem like it was needed with just 600 km after the previous oil change.

3.5k is quite a bit of money to pay for unnecessary service. You could've easily fueled for atleast 1,000 km with it.

You should've contacted the regional service head or whichever next-in-line bigwig before the service and spoken with them regarding this. You can still try to contact Honda and see what they have to say about it. Atleast it'll spare you the trouble of going through this again in case your bike hasn't run enough to justify an oil change by your next service.

Or alternatively, you can insist that they replace with much cheaper mineral oil of the recommended spec instead of synthetic oil.

Here's what BHPian aneesh2M had to say on the matter:

As per OEM guidelines the oil has to be replaced in stipulated intervals. It is absolutely not required to replace oil in 600Kms as technically it will not hamper your engine but yes if not replaced as per manual the OEM can void the warranty if something goes wrong. You have to stick to manual as long as you have warranty or for that matter even till you have extended warranty if opted for.

Here's what BHPian srijeethkk had to say on the matter:

Technically the dealer is right. The owner's manual says "Replace engine oil every 6000 KM or 6 Months" and the fine print also says "Service according to odometer reading or months, whichever is earlier". Though actually it is an overkill. On the service cost front, I guess the 2 litters of Engine oil cost around 1500, but the remaining amount might be the service cost and may be add on costs. Last time I checked with Bigwing, the paid service cost is Rs 1200 plus GST and also they charge extra (about Rs 200), for chain cleaning an lubing.

Here's what BHPian kvsneela had to say on the matter:

As aneesh2M mentioned , it is the warranty rule, that during the warranty period, maintenance should be according to the table mentioned in the manual.This includes extended warranty also. This is because if any problem happens in the vehicle , it is difficult to know whether the problem is due to not following the basic schedule or something else (It does't not mean if schedule is followed problems will not come).Once the warranty period is over it is upto you to follow the prescribed schedule or your own schedule. Normally for cheaper 2 wheelers ( commuter bikes and scooters ) many people donot follow the schedule as most have the confidence that nothing will happen in warranty period of 2/3 years and even if something happens it will be cheaper to repair. For our Activa , we had done 2 free service costing 800/- each with oil change( though usage was less)but after 2nd service rear wheel bearing and speedo cable needed chànging ( not covered under warranty though they accepted it might be manufacturing defect). But for costlier vehicles ( including cars) it is better to follow the schedule atleast until warranty is over. ( Personally I don't trust the oil change interval rule based on time as it depends on climate and usage ). Regarding the oil grade ,stick to the prescribed oil grade as per manual. There is no logic in going for costlier vehicles but counting pennies during service.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:

I always follow the time bound method of service intervals on all my cars. Because I cannot possibly cover the requisite number of Kms in that period.

The thing to remember is whether the vehicle is being run or used or not at all, it is not spared the ageing process. And all these oils and fluids and all, degenerate with time.

So considering many of us here are working people without unlimited leisure time and consequently unable to use our vehicles ‘to the hilt’, it is best to follow the practice of time-bound service intervals.

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