How long do Honda Clicks last on average?

[DavidMavec]

Hello...

I have a 2009 Honda Click. When I bought it secondhand two years ago, it had 18,000 km. I've driven it all over the place, including all over Thailand and through Laos, and now it has 42,000 km. It runs smoother than ever. I get the oil changed every 1000-1,500 kilometers, gear oil changed, chain changed, air filter changed regularly, etc., maintained according to the mechanic's advice.

I knew a Thai woman that owned a 25 year old Honda Wave (or Dream, I can't remember) and she never had any problems... maybe the Honda Click is not produced as well as those old bikes were, I don't know.

When would people think I would start having problems? After how many kilometers? The last thing I would want is for the engine to seize up on me and the rear wheel to lock while riding but since it runs so well, I wouldn't imagine this to be a risk for a very long time. Or am I wrong?

[ll2]

with proper maintenance, any honda can go forever.

but click is an automatic so they last shorter than a wave for sure.

[seedy]

Keep up on the maintance. When did you last check wheel bearings ? Also check wear on the centrifugal clutch, if it grenades it will be costly to replace.

1000 - 1500 km oil changes a bit excessive I think - 3000 km should be fine, use full synthetic.

Spark plug once a year, high tension lead from coil when insulation cracked, remove all wiring plug-in connectors and lube with dielectric grease, check the ground screws as most wiring trouble caused by bad grounds.

Should last darn near forever.

Edited November 25, 2013 by seedy

[DavidMavec]

@seedy, every single mechanic i have spoken to has recommended 1000-1500 km as the proper time to change the oil... one time I forgot to change it and drove 2200 km. I didn't have to tell the mechanic what I had done because when he looked at the oil he told me it was too black for the engine's good, there was less oil than there should be and he could tell i waited too long to change it. I won't do that again! I don't think every 3000 kilometers is correct but maybe I am not using the best kind of oil. I use Castrol and it is 120 baht each time I change it, I don't know much more than that.

Thanks for the other tips, I didn't know about any of that stuff but will talk to the mechanic about them next time I go in... if I can figure out the vocabulary in Thai!

[seedy]

If you found a good mechanic, stick with him. At 120 baht to change it - if it keeps him happy and working on your bike in a competent manner - go for it.

A small price to pay if you do not have the experience yourself.

[mgjackson69]

As with most Honda motorcycles, with proper maintenance and reasonable driving, it will last forever

[GAS]

First off you can not tell how good oil is by looking at it....you would have to sample it...in my Click we probably change it every 3-4000 using synthetic mostly....oil is REALLY good these days, it can probably go longer...but it is cheap and easy in the click. In my truck I run over 15,000 US miles (diesel) and oil sample and get great results.

I bought my 2009 Click in 2010 used from a French chick...has just over 11,000km on it now I think...runs great...probably go 75,000 or more...but c'mon I see used low mile 09's for what ...20-25,000 baht? These things are cheap enough to just replace!!

[brfsa2]

The brother of my GF has Click with 50,000 KM running just fine with basic maintenance.

But does not run as fast my GF click with 20,000 KM which I did myself the proper maintenance.

Im very sure those bikes can run 100-200K without issues if you do the proper maintenance.

What I dont really like about those automatic scooters, is that they use drive Belt, not a real chain.

if you want a long lasting cheap bike, Waves !

[Gsxrnz]

Provided it isn't nicked, run over by a concrete mixer, or driven into a brick wall, it will last forever with the correct maintenance.

3,000klm is fine for an oil change. Change the plug once a year/10,000klm or so. Change the air filter at the same time.

Do the brakes and clutch as necessary. A rear wheel ,lock up on a click is no drama at 60klm/h, (try a RD400 at 160klm/h) but easy to have it examined and replaced after an inspection.

Often a steering head bearing/balls wear and make for an uncomfortable ride (especially when braking) but many don't recognise the symptoms - a few hundred baht to replace so worth doing.

Also the suspension will have started to wear now, so may be worthwhile getting the seals and oil changed.

After the rainy season, get the drive assembly cleaned out and lubricated - the constant water is a bugger on the belt, bearings and clutch. If you hear a growl it's probably the clutch bearing - do the whole clutch assembly if that's the case.

[recycler]

Just borrow it to your Thai brother in law, he can do it in a week or less ;-)

[Estrada]

@seedy, every single mechanic i have spoken to has recommended 1000-1500 km as the proper time to change the oil... one time I forgot to change it and drove 2200 km. I didn't have to tell the mechanic what I had done because when he looked at the oil he told me it was too black for the engine's good, there was less oil than there should be and he could tell i waited too long to change it. I won't do that again! I don't think every 3000 kilometers is correct but maybe I am not using the best kind of oil. I use Castrol and it is 120 baht each time I change it, I don't know much more than that.

Thanks for the other tips, I didn't know about any of that stuff but will talk to the mechanic about them next time I go in... if I can figure out the vocabulary in Thai!

I used to work with most of the Major Oil Companies as a supplier of oil vending machines and oil reconditioning/reclaim units. This included Silkolene who in the early days, specialised in reclaimed oils and lubricant products. In Thailand I worked for two years for Premier Lubricants and Siam Lubricant Industry, manufacturers of Premier and Crocodile Brands of lubricants and greases. Firstly, the only reason to change oil is if it is contaminated. Japanese Engines tend to be manufactured to high tolerances and do not give rise to much in the way of metal, carbon and other particles from the engine/gear box or the upper cylinders. If the oil is clean when you check the dip stick there is no need to change the oil.

Thailand is famous for scams involving oil changes and the like. For instance many garages will tell you the oil is very dirty when it is beautifully clean. They are always telling my wife that the tyres are well worn and need changing when they are almost like new. They never seem to know what the little raised rubber indicators are between the treads which actually tell you when the tyres need changing i.e. when the tyres wear down to the indicators. Two garages told us that I had to change my tyres because our 5 1/2 year old Honda Civic had severe steering wobble. I told them it wasn't the tyres but more likely the engine mounts. In the end they changed the engine mounts and then there was no problem. Honda replaced them free of charge because they said that they should last a lot longer even though the car was out of the 5 year warranty period. Apart from that we have had no problems in the 6 1/2 years we had the Honda Civic and we have now bought the new Honda CRV.

Another scam in Thailand is that when you are persuaded to change your excellently clean oil because they say it is very dirty and will damage your engine, the following may happen:

1. They may not actually change your oil but show you some empty oil cans that were supposed to have contained your oil.

2. The oil from your car goes into some empty oil cans and without any treatment is sold as new oil to unsuspecting customers.

I also worked in the battery manufacturing industry in the UK and Thailand as well as being a specifier on major projects. There are International Standards of Manufacture for Car Batteries. A car battery should last 5 years for a standard Car Battery subjected to heavy starting loads during very cold weather. However, in Thailand the batteries seem to self destruct after two years almost as though they have a built in timer. So if you buy a Honda you should expect years of trouble free service from it. Only the batteries and tyres are the major outlay. I should mention uninsured damage to your car as the locals have no qualms in running into your car in the car park and driving off to avoid paying. With the Honda the parts are very cheap to replace compared with European cars.

I would also like to add that I had a fleet of vans in the UK. Originally we were persuaded to buy British as some of our major customers were British Leyland and Bedford Trucks. These vehicles were nothing but trouble, slow as a donkey, with a thirst like an elephant, and had major problems. I then bought Mitsubishi vans running on LPG during the '70s oil crisis. These engines blew up. Finally I bought 18 Toyota Hiaces and they generally ran 3 times around the clock without any problem, and were fast, safe and comfortable to drive.

[CBR250]

Keep up on the maintance. When did you last check wheel bearings ? Also check wear on the centrifugal clutch, if it grenades it will be costly to replace.

1000 - 1500 km oil changes a bit excessive I think - 3000 km should be fine, use full synthetic.

Spark plug once a year, high tension lead from coil when insulation cracked, remove all wiring plug-in connectors and lube with dielectric grease, check the ground screws as most wiring trouble caused by bad grounds.

Should last darn near forever.

Good points for me too Seedy, so thanks.

One question - I know there is considerable debate over use of full synthetic in motorbikes, so I am interested in the reasons why you suggest the use of this?

[misterphil]

My wifes click is 5 years old and has 20,000 km on it. Its had a new back tyre and a new drive belt. Clicks have a belt, not a chain. It needs a new battery soon and has been regularly serviced as per Hondas schedule. Pretty good value for money i would say after 5 years.

Dont worry about the engine siezing and the back wheel locking, they are an automatic so if the gearbox loses drive from the engine it will just stop emitting power to the back wheel, and you will free wheel.

[A1Str8]

In my opinion changing the oil every 3000 km is only fine if you use synthetic as it significantly extends the time period of recommended oil usage. If you use non-synthetic then changing it after every 1000-1500km is required.

[ll2]

@seedy, every single mechanic i have spoken to has recommended 1000-1500 km as the proper time to change the oil... one time I forgot to change it and drove 2200 km. I didn't have to tell the mechanic what I had done because when he looked at the oil he told me it was too black for the engine's good, there was less oil than there should be and he could tell i waited too long to change it. I won't do that again! I don't think every 3000 kilometers is correct but maybe I am not using the best kind of oil. I use Castrol and it is 120 baht each time I change it, I don't know much more than that.

Thanks for the other tips, I didn't know about any of that stuff but will talk to the mechanic about them next time I go in... if I can figure out the vocabulary in Thai!

I used to work with most of the Major Oil Companies as a supplier of oil vending machines and oil reconditioning/reclaim units. This included Silkolene who in the early days, specialised in reclaimed oils and lubricant products. In Thailand I worked for two years for Premier Lubricants and Siam Lubricant Industry, manufacturers of Premier and Crocodile Brands of lubricants and greases. Firstly, the only reason to change oil is if it is contaminated. Japanese Engines tend to be manufactured to high tolerances and do not give rise to much in the way of metal, carbon and other particles from the engine/gear box or the upper cylinders. If the oil is clean when you check the dip stick there is no need to change the oil.

Thailand is famous for scams involving oil changes and the like. For instance many garages will tell you the oil is very dirty when it is beautifully clean. They are always telling my wife that the tyres are well worn and need changing when they are almost like new. They never seem to know what the little raised rubber indicators are between the treads which actually tell you when the tyres need changing i.e. when the tyres wear down to the indicators. Two garages told us that I had to change my tyres because our 5 1/2 year old Honda Civic had severe steering wobble. I told them it wasn't the tyres but more likely the engine mounts. In the end they changed the engine mounts and then there was no problem. Honda replaced them free of charge because they said that they should last a lot longer even though the car was out of the 5 year warranty period. Apart from that we have had no problems in the 6 1/2 years we had the Honda Civic and we have now bought the new Honda CRV.

Another scam in Thailand is that when you are persuaded to change your excellently clean oil because they say it is very dirty and will damage your engine, the following may happen:

1. They may not actually change your oil but show you some empty oil cans that were supposed to have contained your oil.

2. The oil from your car goes into some empty oil cans and without any treatment is sold as new oil to unsuspecting customers.

I also worked in the battery manufacturing industry in the UK and Thailand as well as being a specifier on major projects. There are International Standards of Manufacture for Car Batteries. A car battery should last 5 years for a standard Car Battery subjected to heavy starting loads during very cold weather. However, in Thailand the batteries seem to self destruct after two years almost as though they have a built in timer. So if you buy a Honda you should expect years of trouble free service from it. Only the batteries and tyres are the major outlay. I should mention uninsured damage to your car as the locals have no qualms in running into your car in the car park and driving off to avoid paying. With the Honda the parts are very cheap to replace compared with European cars.

I would also like to add that I had a fleet of vans in the UK. Originally we were persuaded to buy British as some of our major customers were British Leyland and Bedford Trucks. These vehicles were nothing but trouble, slow as a donkey, with a thirst like an elephant, and had major problems. I then bought Mitsubishi vans running on LPG during the '70s oil crisis. These engines blew up. Finally I bought 18 Toyota Hiaces and they generally ran 3 times around the clock without any problem, and were fast, safe and comfortable to drive.

thanks for the info.

the thing is no one asked me to change my oil in Thailand and vice versa, they always told me no problems with the oil and tried to persuade me not changing it!

for example, honda cbr500 has oil change intervals of 12,000 km but i force them change my oil every 5000 - 6000 km now. I like fresh oil in my bike.

[Bpuumike]

@seedy, every single mechanic i have spoken to has recommended 1000-1500 km as the proper time to change the oil... one time I forgot to change it and drove 2200 km. I didn't have to tell the mechanic what I had done because when he looked at the oil he told me it was too black for the engine's good, there was less oil than there should be and he could tell i waited too long to change it. I won't do that again! I don't think every 3000 kilometers is correct but maybe I am not using the best kind of oil. I use Castrol and it is 120 baht each time I change it, I don't know much more than that.

Thanks for the other tips, I didn't know about any of that stuff but will talk to the mechanic about them next time I go in... if I can figure out the vocabulary in Thai!

It's pretty bluddy simple to check the oil level yourself and when you do so you get to see the colour of it.

[myluckythai]

the color of oil doesn't say anything ! Change it for new oil and check it just a few days driving later and it is already 'off colour'. You should check it for purity. is it still smooth fluid without grains in it.......if so, like stated before,your oil is OK. When younger i owned old cars wich i drove for 50 to 60.000 km without oilchanges. never any problems. (been a car mechanic btw for quite some years and sold oil on a regularbasis too to my customers.....thats the way they want it , that's the way they get it

Edited November 26, 2013 by myluckythai

[VocalNeal]

There is Taxi Mocy Honda Wave on our soi with 78,000kms on the clock and it is OK condition. Maintenance-wise fundamental differences between a Wave and a Click are:

The Wave has an oil bath clutch whereas the Click has a dry clutch, so that will need attention more often.

Click has a belt not a chain so that also needs replacement more often than the chain on a Wave.

Click has no shared transmission oil so can use JASO MB rated oil which has friction modifiers whereas Wave has to use MA rated oil which has no friction modifiers.(Honda has both oils!)

Bearing these in mind and following a good maintenance routine there is no reason, as has been said, a Click will not last a long time .

Edited November 26, 2013 by VocalNeal

[brfsa2]

the color of oil doesn't say anything ! Change it for new oil and check it just a few days driving later and it is already 'off colour'. You should check it for purity. is it still smooth fluid without grains in it.......if so, like stated before,your oil is OK. When younger i owned old cars wich i drove for 50 to 60.000 km without oilchanges. never any problems. (been a car mechanic btw for quite some years and sold oil on a regularbasis too to my customers.....thats the way they want it , that's the way they get it

Yes, very true. BUT..... Do not forget that the honda click, and all scooters, do not have Oil Filter, they don't need, but there will be more dirty on the oil. than on bikes with filter. and in Bangkok I have seen some very very nasty filters just after 1 year. imagine those that remove the whole filter to get more power...

[Nickymaster]

These little Hondas must be the cheapest way to move around....ever!

[godden]

i change the oil on my wave as often as i change my girlfriends, safer that way and cheaper.

[VocalNeal]

the color of oil doesn't say anything ! Change it for new oil and check it just a few days driving later and it is already 'off colour'. You should check it for purity. is it still smooth fluid without grains in it.......if so, like stated before,your oil is OK. When younger i owned old cars wich i drove for 50 to 60.000 km without oilchanges. never any problems. (been a car mechanic btw for quite some years and sold oil on a regularbasis too to my customers.....thats the way they want it , that's the way they get it

Yes, very true. BUT..... Do not forget that the honda click, and all scooters, do not have Oil Filter, they don't need, but there will be more dirty on the oil. than on bikes with filter. and in Bangkok I have seen some very very nasty filters just after 1 year. imagine those that remove the whole filter to get more power...

Larger bikes with filters have plain bearing cranks and small Hondas have roller bearing cranks Which is why they have a screen to keep large particles out but, as has been said, no filter. The bottom half of the engine is splash lubricated, the oil pump only supplies oil to the camshaft.

Much to my wife's annoyance I used to strip ours down frequently for one modification or another.

[seedy]

Keep up on the maintance. When did you last check wheel bearings ? Also check wear on the centrifugal clutch, if it grenades it will be costly to replace.

1000 - 1500 km oil changes a bit excessive I think - 3000 km should be fine, use full synthetic.

Spark plug once a year, high tension lead from coil when insulation cracked, remove all wiring plug-in connectors and lube with dielectric grease, check the ground screws as most wiring trouble caused by bad grounds.

Should last darn near forever.

Good points for me too Seedy, so thanks.

One question - I know there is considerable debate over use of full synthetic in motorbikes, so I am interested in the reasons why you suggest the use of this?

Don't own a Click, have a PCX150 which I bought last week. It has an oil change capacity of 0.8 litre, Click probably similar. For the price difference I would use the full-syn hands down. Better cold start lube, more heat resistant, just a better all around oil. And you are only buying a litre at a time.

There is debate of the friction modifiers affecting wet clutches, but I am too old school to want any of the bikes mentioned as having issues, like Ducati.

Used 20W50 diesel truck engine oil in my HD too. No issues.

The big thing is to change it often - when PCX off warranty in 2 years will do a 3000 K change interval, same as the HD. My car I use 5000 K.

[salapau]

I have a 7 year old Click with 35,000 kms on the clock. Bought it privately second hand. Outwardly it didn't look too good but after a test ride I new it was mechanically sound. I negotiated a really good price. Initially I had trouble starting it but had planned to get an immediate full service. Looked around the small village where I live in the NW, found a new repair shop which was kept immaculately clean with good equipment. The owner spoke a little English. Before going their I downloaded photos of what I wanted changed or checked, these worked really well. The usual oil change, making sure the mechanic used synthetic oil for automatics only, new air filter, had the breaks checked, new front pads, new spark plug. It now goes really well and starts perfectly.

I also took a lot of care with cleaning it up. It's black so I rubbed down and sprayed the front mudguard and the exhaust shield. Bought some silicone renovator for the plastic and rubber parts and it now looks a treat. I'm really pleased with the bike, do very kms and only plan to get it serviced every six months.

[BB1955]

Mine had 13,000 k when I got it three years ago has over 40,000 now oil every 3 k airfilter and spark plus about every 10k tires well you know how that works ... Still runs strong and probably will for as long as I am able to ride it ............

[Aforek]

There is Taxi Mocy Honda Wave on our soi with 78,000kms on the clock and it is OK condition. Maintenance-wise fundamental differences between a Wave and a Click are:

The Wave has an oil bath clutch whereas the Click has a dry clutch, so that will need attention more often.

Click has a belt not a chain so that also needs replacement more often than the chain on a Wave.

Click has no shared transmission oil so can use JASO MB rated oil which has friction modifiers whereas Wave has to use MA rated oil which has no friction modifiers.(Honda has both oils!)

Bearing these in mind and following a good maintenance routine there is no reason, as has been said, a Click will not last a long time .

I have a Wave 110, 25000 kms, works very well, oil is changed every 3000 kms by the Honda shop where I bought the bike;

as for a good maintenance, where to have it ?; Honda shop is superfical, I think ; what about " Castrol bike point " ?

I have a Scoopy, too, same question. thanks

[myluckythai]

the color of oil doesn't say anything ! Change it for new oil and check it just a few days driving later and it is already 'off colour'. You should check it for purity. is it still smooth fluid without grains in it.......if so, like stated before,your oil is OK. When younger i owned old cars wich i drove for 50 to 60.000 km without oilchanges. never any problems. (been a car mechanic btw for quite some years and sold oil on a regularbasis too to my customers.....thats the way they want it , that's the way they get it

Yes, very true. BUT..... Do not forget that the honda click, and all scooters, do not have Oil Filter, they don't need, but there will be more dirty on the oil. than on bikes with filter. and in Bangkok I have seen some very very nasty filters just after 1 year. imagine those that remove the whole filter to get more power...

ok. never owned a click and didn'tknow that. no oil filter. hmmmm. good info..bad situation. is that why i find all the clicks i see driving around sounding so crappy maybe. ( but also the fino's, airblades etc.)not a big fan ofthe automatics in general anyways..never owned one too. drive a spark here (yamaha) and before a Suzuki. that gotme 80.000 km before i sold it well running still.

Edited November 26, 2013 by myluckythai

[Pinot]

Click is the bike in Thailand. There is an weekly auction in Bangkok that you can pick up a nearly new Click for 30k. They do hold their value, well. I prefer a YNE or PCX over a Click because the Thai girl is always on the back.

[NoshowJones]

@seedy, every single mechanic i have spoken to has recommended 1000-1500 km as the proper time to change the oil... one time I forgot to change it and drove 2200 km. I didn't have to tell the mechanic what I had done because when he looked at the oil he told me it was too black for the engine's good, there was less oil than there should be and he could tell i waited too long to change it. I won't do that again! I don't think every 3000 kilometers is correct but maybe I am not using the best kind of oil. I use Castrol and it is 120 baht each time I change it, I don't know much more than that.

Thanks for the other tips, I didn't know about any of that stuff but will talk to the mechanic about them next time I go in... if I can figure out the vocabulary in Thai!

I have a Fino and the recommended oil changes are every 4000 Ks, it is nearly two years old and has done about 10.000 Ks.

[roger101]

how long will a battery last on a Click (from new).