A new extended warranty programme has been launched by Boon Siew Honda in Malaysia, called Honda X-tend. The programme extends an additional one-year extended warranty on top of the standard two-year manufacturer’s warranty, with buy-in at the customer’s discretion.
The one-year extended warranty also includes an unlimited mileage clause against manufacturing defects. The extended warranty covers key components such as the engine, brakes, and gearbox, with claim benefits of up to RM20,000 per year.
From left, John Tan Koon San, Managing Director of AEON Insurance Brokers, Kunitomo Asano, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Boon Siew Honda, and Sazali Abd Rahman, Deputy Chief Sales Officer of Allianz.
The Honda X-tend extended warranty programme is now available for all new Honda motorcycles registered in Malaysia and can be conveniently purchased at any Honda authorised dealer, with pricing upon enquiry. To commemorate the launch of the new Honda X-tend Program, Boon Siew Honda is offering the one-year extended warranty to new owners of the Honda RS-X and RS-X Winner.
Running from October 17 to December 31, 2025, customers of either the RS-X RS-X Winner will receive
a complimentary 1-year extended warranty under the Honda X-tend Program. “At Boon Siew Honda, we want every customer to experience the true Joy of Riding with confidence and peace of mind,” says Kunitomo Asano, CEO of Boon Siew Honda.
Concerns regarding the engine balancer (or counter-balancer shaft) are indeed one of the more frequently discussed potential reliability issues for the Honda RSX150/Winner X, as well as its predecessor, the RS150R.
Here is a breakdown of the issue:
Engine Balancer Issues
* Rattling/Grinding Noise: The most common symptom associated with the balancer is a rattling or whirring/grinding noise coming from the engine, especially at certain RPMs. This is often an indication of wear or failure of the components that secure or dampen the balancer shaft.
* Damper/Spring Failure: The issue is often traced to the balancer gear’s rubber dampers or springs (sometimes referred to as the balancer kit) wearing out or breaking. These small components are crucial for eliminating gear lash (play) and minimizing noise and vibration. Once they fail, the loose movement of the balancer gear can cause the characteristic noise and potentially lead to further wear on the gears themselves.
* Rod/Crankshaft Issues (Severe Cases): In severe or prolonged cases of balancer failure, the excessive vibration and shock can put strain on other critical engine parts, potentially leading to issues with the connecting rod or crankshaft bearing, which requires a major engine overhaul.
Context and Solutions
* Inherited Issue: This problem is widely recognized, particularly on the earlier RS150R (Winner 150), and it appears to be a weakness that has, in some cases, carried over to the RSX150 (Winner X), though sometimes with design revisions intended to improve it.
* Mileage Dependent: The issue typically manifests after a significant number of kilometers, usually indicating wear and tear rather than an immediate factory defect. However, aggressive riding can accelerate the wear.
* The Fix: The repair usually involves replacing the balancer gear’s damper rubbers, springs, or the entire balancer gear assembly. Many owners opt for upgraded aftermarket balancer kits with stronger components (e.g., thicker springs or different materials for the dampers) to prevent the problem from recurring, especially if the bike is used for performance riding or long distances.
If you are considering purchasing an RSX150/Winner X, especially a used one, it is wise to listen carefully for any abnormal rattling or grinding noise from the engine and to inquire about the bike’s service history regarding the balancer.