How often should the gear oil be replaced for a new SYM Cruisym 300?
3 Answers
For a new SYM Cruisym 300, the gear oil should be replaced after driving 2000 kilometers. Gear oil replacement method: The oil filler port is located near the exhaust pipe. After locating it, turn the oil cap counterclockwise to unscrew it. There is an oil dipstick on the oil cap. When adding oil, fill it only halfway to avoid overfilling, which could cause the oil to overflow. After adding the oil, screw the oil cap back clockwise. There is a 17mm bolt at the bottom of the engine; unscrewing it will drain the oil. When changing the oil, always drain the old oil completely before adding new oil—do not reverse the order. If the bolt at the bottom of the engine cannot be unscrewed, there is another bolt on the opposite side of the engine that can also be unscrewed to drain the oil. Precautions: Gear oil replacement is similar to engine oil replacement. There are two bolts: the upper one is for adding gear oil, and the lower one is for draining it. The replacement interval for gear oil is generally every 2000 kilometers.
My SYM Joyride 300 just hit 1,000 km and I immediately changed the gear oil - a crucial maintenance step for new scooters. The fresh gear components need proper break-in, during which metal particles mix with the oil. Delaying this change accelerates wear. The manual specifies the first change at 1,000 km, followed by every 8,000-10,000 km thereafter. However, for frequent mountain riding with passengers or long highway trips, I'd recommend changing every 6 months or 7,000 km. The DIY process is straightforward - just remove the bottom drain plug. Always use MA-certified full synthetic gear oil, with 80W-90 being the ideal viscosity. Last time at the shop, the mechanic mentioned seeing riders postpone until 5,000 km - their strainers were completely clogged with metal shavings, and the repair costs could've bought over a dozen bottles of gear oil.
During the first service, the technician specifically reminded me that the gear oil must be changed after the first 1,000 kilometers on a new car. The gearbox is like a new pair of shoes when it leaves the factory—it needs a break-in period, which generates fine metal particles. I change it every 8,000 kilometers, but high summer temperatures can shorten the oil's lifespan, so I changed it early this July. The key is to monitor the oil's condition: dip a test strip into the used oil, and if the diffusion ring turns black, it must be changed immediately. Choosing 75W-90 gear oil is always the right choice. When refilling, make sure to fill it to the midpoint of the inspection window—too little leads to insufficient lubrication, while too much increases resistance and fuel consumption. Last year, a fellow rider overfilled it, causing the oil seal to leak, and the transmission repair cost over 2,000 yuan.
