Which Motorcycle Should I Ride to Patagonia?
 

Don't know whether anyone is interested but I took a number of photos of the ZS200 which I can post here. One thing comes to mind - most of the distributorships are used to setting up relatively simple bikes- the RX3 from the sound of it is going to be somewhat different. Any thoughts on the dealerships being able to handle a more sophisticated bike? Asked in a different way- and since I have never owned a new bike before (all 2nd hand) is it a good idea to have a shop manual and go back and check what has been done on a new bike? Most notable reason for this question - on the side trim for a really pretty 200 today that I took shots of- the trim plastic was cracked to hell. Wondering why I felt the backside and yep right where the attachment points were bolted to the frame...granted it could be either poor plastic or maybe a tech with earbuds in groovin, lack of attention and over torque. The dealership here does not inspire a lot of confidence from this and a few other things I have seen.......if I was the sales manager I wold have changed this plastic trim before putting it on the showroom floor...

Expat

I would love to see pictures. From what I am hearing you may want to visit another dealer who may have better techs.

I think the RX3 is still simple enough that it will not require much more than other bikes to setup.

Katoranger

Posting photos of the pivot arm area, sprocket, various welds &c. I was disappointed with the welding particularly after watching the video of the factory. This is partly why I asked whether it was possible the RX3 might be from another factory-- however it is still a pretty bike

Next set device on the front of the block- had never seen anything like it- seems according to the sales guy its some sort of PCV device- plus a couple of the pivot area

Next set including the cracked side cover due I think to installation error. View of the included hand guards and from chain side, the rear sprocket. I agree with your assessment of the shop.

In reading here- one wonders whether the shop manual for this bike might be available in English.I did not see any sign of any tech pubs out on a bench somewhere in their shop so don't know about Spanish either. I do know that SpudRider and others have done a really great job here answering questions about technical issues....still I want a shop manual to not only have with me for reference, part #s &c but also to go back and check how the new bike has been set up. Another consideration is to what level of grooming are the "floor bikes" here. The shop has no demos which means what, that one buy without riding? I have a problem with that but that seems to be what is done. Hope the photos are helpful and illustrative as well.

Expat

Thanks for checking back in, and posting photographs of the ZX200. :tup: I moved your posts and started a new thread so we can discuss your choice of Zongshen bike without diverting the RX3 thread. ;)

The ZX200 is a lot of bike for the price of $1,640. :) However, I think the fit and finish of the RX3 is probably much better, and the higher price of the RX3 reflects the better build quality, as well as the extra equipment. ;) How big is the fuel tank for the ZX200?

The ZX200 is not listed on the Zongshen website in China. Therefore, I wonder if the ZX200 is being built in Zongshen's Brazil factory, and is only being sold in Latin America. :shrug:

Did you get any photographs of the ZS200GY-10? It is still an excellent deal at $2,054. :tup: It's too bad the fuel tank is too small for your trip. The progressive, lower shock linkage of the ZS200GY-2 will be much superior to the shock linkage on the ZX200. Based upon your photos of the ZX200, I think the the ZS200GY-10 represents a better value. ;)

Of course, if you are riding to Patagonia, the RX3 is the best choice. It has 16-liter fuel tank, luggage, fuel injection, and all the features you could desire for such a trip. ;) Should you wish to sell your bike after completing the trip, I think the RX3 might also be easier to sell.

I do think it's important to have a shop manual. ;) My Zongshen ZS200GY-2 came with a service manual, and a parts manual.

I agree with Katoranger; I don't think the Zongshen RX3 is any more difficult to assemble than other bikes.

Yes, that's a PCV device. ;)

The RX3 bikes are being delivered to another dealer. Hopefully, his technicians will do a better job assembling the bikes. ;)

OK Lets see- the GY10 they had, the yellow one- has been sent to another dealer some 2 hours from here. I really wanted to examine one again to see the possibility of putting another tank on it.

Interesting that the ZX 200 isn't listed on the Chinese site- another interesting note is that all of the Honda Tornadoes that I have seen here are made in Brazil....none in China. I don't know whether thats true for their other bikes as well.

I agree about the absolute necessity of the shop and parts manual.

As far as the RX 3 goes- it may not be any more difficult to assemble- but servicing it with injection, will that not require some digital knowledge and being able to plug in diagnostic equipment?

I also agree about the progressive linkage on the GY10, looks like a better system all around. I think it a better value as well plus I like the way it looks. That having been said the tank is the limiting factor-

Story- I have not been able to find a GPS here period. I carry a Garmin Oregon- used that on bicycles several years ago. I know Garmin has motorcycle GPS'es but a Nuvi is pretty similar, does what I need and starts less than $100 on Amazon vs $600 for their motorcycle GPS- and $500 difference will buy a hell of a lot of plastic bags to cover a GPS in the rain....cant buy ANY GPS here. So thinking about buying a tank for the GY 10- Jesus I dunno.... the ZX200 carries 13 litres vs.6.5 on the GY10. I did ask the salesman today why such a small tank- he said the GY 10 was more intended for agricultural use which to me makes no sense at all - putting that size tank on a bike like that is dumber than cold cat feces in my opinion but thats just me.

What else. The ZX200 may be a fine bike but the welding on it looks like my welding. That is somewhat of a put off....per your comments about the fit and finish on the RX3 being better I hope so. I understand that these are not BMW's or Hondas but some of the welding here looks like the welding on a Ural I saw once.

So yes I want to get a look at the GY10 again but re tanking it may be a big deal plus then you add crash bars and pannier racks and bags and on and on and on until you are within $1 K or maybe a little more of the RX3. Similar expenses needed minus tank on the ZX200- I did ask the shop about pannier racks and they had no idea- Jesus Christ apparently there is no franchise standard of quality or for that matter knowledge of product here. I like the bikes just not the shop. Nice enough but don't know anything. So I am looking forward to seeing the RX3. Considering the panniers, the racks, the crash bars and so forth the price may not be that bad if there is quality there.

One last note. The ZX200 on the floor- I tried taking the oil filler plug off to see if it had crankcase oil. there is no sight glass. Couldn't get it off. I bring this up apropos of the fact that I shifted the bike through the gears off the side stand where I could rock it back and forth and shifting was rough as hell. Maybe its because its new or the gear cluster is dry dunno but that was another thing I tried.

Expat

Edit- Spud- this is apparently a dealership with a lot of outlets spread the hell all over Northern Peru. The RX3's are going to be delivered to their central location wherever that is- sorry I didn't clarify.

On further thinking.... I wonder if they ship the ZX200 over there this huge box of parts and Brazil does everything, welding, bending the tubes for the frames &c? I also wonder if the engines are done in Brazil or China. Brazil can make some pretty good stuff witness the Embrarer Super Toucano airplanes one really excellent example...but I do wonder the extent of their involvement. I am sure the welds are strong but given the vids of their mfg plant in China, the robots would have to be programmed to do this kind of welding. I will shut up now....

I'm pretty sure all the engines are made in China. Zongshen makes good, reliable engines. :) The ZX200 has a nice, large fuel tank if it holds 13 liters. :) I wouldn't worry about sloppy welds, as long as they are strong, and I'm confident they are strong. ;) These bikes are manufactured to be capable work machines, and have very strong frames. :)

I'm sure the ZX200 is a strong, reliable motorcycle. However, the Zongshen RX3 is a definite step forward for Chinese motorcycles. Zongshen put a lot of R&D into the RX3, and has made increased efforts for better quality of manufacture. If you can afford it, I think the RX3 will prove to be the best investment for a trip to Patagonia.

Spud

I agree. Definitely going to wait and see what the RX3 looks like. I also think the ZX200 would be just fine for what I want...... I don't know whether it would drive me crazy looking at those welds every day though.... :)

Expat

I don't know what manufacturer makes these, but there is an expat who swears by them and helps bike tourists buy them (or any other bike). http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...get-ride-76478

Maybe you know the guy? One of the Peruvian brands is Ronco. On another Chinese-bike-oriented website, the sales rep for the nanufacturer Bashan chimed in. I PM'd him to see who they (local brands) OEM in Mexico, Central, and South America, and he gave me several brands. However, for Peru, he didn't give me brands, but rather said they 'have almost 15 distributors all over the country, everyone knows Bashan'.

Of course, these are bikes that are competing with the 'lower end' Zongshen models, not the RX3. I think it is fuel tank size you are looking for in a 'basic' bike, or being able to upgrade. Maybe the guy on Horizonsunlimited could help you in this regard since he is involved with motorcycle mechanics?

culcune

Many thanks for the kind information. I will follow the link you sent and see if I can't run into him.

Regards

Expat

I wouldn't call it a PCV; more like an air pump. It pulses fresh air into the exhaust stream to benefit the cat.

I found that out the hard way. I removed a cat from a scooter without removing the air pump, and was rewarded with a gunshot-like bang from the exhaust. Woke me right up.

The snail adjusters look ok, and at least the shock is adjustable. I agree that a link would be better.

The snail adjusters look fine to me, also. :)

See what I know :) never heard them called snail adjusters - I am sure the bike is fine. Maybe my eye is too critical.

Expat

No, your comments on the weld quality were on the mark. Honestly, most China bike welds (with the exception of Spud's Zong and the Qlink) look like boogers and popcorn.

That said, none of the welds have come apart on any of my China machines.

Weldangrind

Most of MY welds look like boogers and popcorn....thats without the benefit of having anything to drink either--

Today is a travel day- headed out to a little beach community called Trujillo for a while- I figure I ve got to wait 3 weeks to get a look at the RX3 I get where its hopefully quieter than here.

Regards. Will be back later tonight or tomorrow

Expat

Enjoy the beach. If you have time, please post some photos. This is your thread, and as winter approaches, I would love to see some photographs from a Pacific beach. ;)

If you have time, I would love to see some photographs of the Honda Tornado. :) Perhaps the Honda might be the best selection for your trip. We are happy to offer our advice, and help you to make the best decision. We won't be disappointed if you choose something other than a Chinese motorcycle. ;)

Incidentally, I agree; the welds on the ZX200 do leave something to be desired. However, I'm sure they are quite strong. ;) How does the price of the three Zongshen bikes compare to the price of the Honda Tornado?

Price is the big deal on the Honda, from what I can tell. On Horizonsunlimited, a guy from Canada had bought a Tornado in Mexico and had ridden it south and back north. He offered it for free (to use) for someone who wanted to start in Mexico and ride south where the Canadian owner could fly and ride it again. There are plenty of people who do such things, and if you read INTO the thread from the Peru expat I put here on this thread, Chinese bikes are going to become more popular for adventure travelers. Many people have gone the expensive route and bought KLRs, BMWs, etc. with the intent to sell them once they rode a long way, one way. They have planned to leave from a certain country. They then try to recoup the cost of their bike with someone starting out at the bottom (i.e. flew from Paris to Brazil) riding north.

The Canadian guy paid about what expat42451 said it listed it in Peru--$5k USD (maybe Canadian $ but close). He cannot take the bike into Canada since it is not certified. He did not want to lose $5k so quickly, and figured he will ride the heck out of it (I am not sure if he had ever tried to sell it). I offered to store it here in Yuma since Mexico is a hop, skip and jump from here, but he just PM's me the other week and said he has friends in Phoenix, but he is not sure which route he wants to take in Mexico/Central/South America. I did tell him to stop by if he comes through either of the nearby border crossings, regardless.

The other expat in Horizons I posted the link to who preps these bikes has a lot of interest. $2k for a relatively disposable bike is a lot more palatable than $5k. Rental bikes are a lot of money pretty much anywhere in the world, unless one is American and only has a few weeks of vacation to kill. Then, paying $60 or more a day is justified. However, many of these travelers have months to kill. Paying $2k or less can be justified when looked at as depreciation.

culcune- Spudrider, Weldangrind and the group-
Agree totally about price on the Hondas- So a new Honda Tornado is $5200- about 15,400 soles. Then racks, panniers, some riding gear, helmet, a GPS- close to another $1 K gone before on the road. Also agree about rentals. There are rental places both in Peru and Ecuador. Nice bikes, lots of dollars though. Lots of people bring bikes down here from the US or Europe, ride and then sell them after the trip rather than taking them home. Problem with that is if you anticipate staying as I do, the bike can't be imported. Another expat can buy it, ride and then sell again.

Question is when you are a wanderer with an indeterminate schedule and not rich what then. I mentioned I think I looked at an 850GS, used, US bike in Ecuador asking $11,000 so you ride it and what then. Say you want to stay somewhere get a visa. Bike has to go. Besides its tall and damn heavy and I can't imagine getting it down on a muddy road and getting it up by myself. That and its tall enough and heavy enough where I dot know I would be comfortable on it on the highway loaded. Also with gas at $6 a gallon then the added fuel consumption- so smaller , again.

So that leaves buying locally. The Kawa 250 new was $6k. Again outfitting. So yes the Chinese bikes are attractive. Buy the ZX200 then you have about $3k in the rig road ready. Immediately the RX3 is a lot more attractive because you have luggage and racks for it. Plus the power plus a 6 speed tranny. Plus it s dirt capable with tires. When I checked in to the hotel this evening, met a Spanish couple on a pair of Honda 125's. They have been all over the place down here and said due to the Andes plus gear weight to get 250 cc. They are leaving tomorrow headed out to Lima. There are a couple of other people here traveling as well that I have not met- I got in at 8:30 and while I am writing this I am having a beer and a sandwich. Trujillo is a much larger city than Piura was. The taxi driver has a Pulsar 200- he has been on a ride down through Chile and into Argentina with the Pulsar and said 200 cc was adequate one up with gear but no more. So the RX3 makes more and more sense to me even given the fact that its a new model. Or a used Honda 250 or the ZX200. In the used 2010 Tornado I looked at- he was asking 9000 soles or $3400 more or less. Again another K into that so the RX3 looks real good considering.

Juanacho is a small bedroom- beach community of Trujillo. It is a surfing community and though we are going into sumer months here the hotel guy who surfs said the water is cold as hell right now. I have a shorty wetsuit and when I got in I noticed there was a clothing rack in the courtyard with long suits on it so I am going to guess I won't be surfing- I don't like cold water at all. Will get some photos tomorrow and post- the trip from Piura was 6 hours mostly semi arid and some desert hinting at whats prevalent here on the coast all the way down through Chile. Its beautiful and had I a bike I would have spent longer on the way down to take photos. Buses here though are excellent and secure- to ride a long haul bus requires your passport, being fingerprinted and they take photos of everyone on the bus. Whether this is a holdover from the Shining Path days here in Peru I don't know but one must remember they fought a counter insurgency here not many years ago under the Fujimori (since pilloried for human rights abuses but who is actually to say) where Shining Path controlled between 70 and 80 % of the land mass area outside of the cities.

Thats it from this end. Understand I won't be pilloried or burned at the stake for buying a non Chinese bike. The Chinese bikes $ wise do and particularly the RX3- make good sense.

Expat

Double post sorry

In I think Russian but check this out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLbAceF81Ac

The RX3 really does represent an excellent value. The fuel injection is very nice when you are riding through great differences in elevation. :)

Expat, it's like you and Old Gringo are kindred spirits. I hope you guys cross paths one day.

Thanks for painting a terrific picture for us; I'm really looking forward to your pics. Perhaps you'd care to start a new thread for your adventures in the Ride Reports forum.

RX3 is probably a much better bike, and better suited for the trip. BUT worth checking the availability of parts and know-how where you are going, coz it is a newer bike. maybe take a set of hoses along.

Weldngrind, zingshoen

Wledngrind- would like to run up on old gringo as well, its always good to share experiences......

zingshoen
Totally agree with spares. Particularly this is a new model. One thing I do not low is whether there rare Zongshen dealers in either Chile or Argentina. If there are in Chile and given Chile's immigration policies, it might not be a bad idea for me to consider purchase there due to importation laws down here.

Spare hoses definitely as well as a few oil and a bunch of fuel filters, brake pads, even depending on price, a starter might not be a bad idea but- stuff gets pretty heavy. What is missing and will be for a while are the most likely failure points- with time, we will have a better idea of most needed spares.

Starting another thread in ride reports might be a good idea.

Expat

How far are you from Huánuco? You could meet up with the expat motorcycle mechanic (from that thread on Horizonsunlimited.com/hub) and see what he has to say about Chinese bikes as he seems to promote them. He can put you at ease, I am sure!

Derco Motos in Chiles sells several of the Zongshen bikes, including the RX3. ;) The SYM motorcyles from Taiwan also look nice. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC7F8AbL16Q

Spudrider

Many kind thanks for the information. I had not researched that as of yet- I really appreciate the help !

culcune-

I have swapped e mails with him and he is very positive about Chinese bikes. I am going to guess maybe its as much as 1000 miles from Huanuco. Its a long way down there. Of course the trip wouldn't be that bad given the buses here- from here to Lima probably 8 hours and from Lima another 6-8 but thats a guess on my part.

I am going to go out to Trujillo later today and see if there isn't a Zongshen dealer here as well as nose around and try to find where most of the shops are located. Maybe these guys will already have an RX3.......might get lucky.


Expat

Apparently, and I don't want to get too off-topic, SYM has dropped that novelty $3k 150cc 'Classic' and has introduced the 250 T2 in the US. I don't know where it will fit in with the CBR300, CBF300, Ninja 300, or GW250 (and/or the new GW250 fairing model) as far as price is concerned (MSRP is $3800)? Ok, back to Chinese bikes in Peru...

1000 miles is quite the distance! I guess emails will have to do, or a bus trip one of these days/weeks/months. I did invite him to Chinariders so we can hopefully get his input seeing as he is a mechanic and teaches motorcycle mechanics and puts tourists on Chinese bikes (with a little prep) with no qualms (and the fact those who purchase a bike through him are 'stuck' in Peru for a minimum of 2 weeks--if they did not like the bike, they most certainly would track him down...).

I think Oldgringo is in Oregon, or was recently there where he purchased a project bike--an Enfield that he intends to drop in a diesel engine into. According to his name, he lists Oregon and Ecuador as his home, so not sure if he will be back to Peru, or is instead finding new adventures in Ecuador? I look forward to his photos, either way!

tried to post earlier today a couple of times when it didn't work- internet here sucks. I have some photos and info to share but I am not going to attempt photos with this connection... will try later tonight or tomorrow.

Expat

Going to try this.

Spanish couple on their bikes- no GPS, no saddle bags, very little knowledge of anything and they've been all over Colombia where they bought the bikes, Ecuador and now here in Peru. They left the hostel today headed for the Honda shop in Trujillo - he asked me to look at their chains- notice the complete chain convers- he was able to hear his at times hitting something. Both bikes had slack chains to the point where they were dragging a bit on the inside of the covers.... The instructions to adjust were on the chain covers and they have tools in their kit... they wanted to go to Honda rather than try it with my help which is good, I told him to make the Honda tech show them how, hopefully they did. From there farther down the road toward Lima.....just goes to show you can cover a hell of a lot of ground with panniers or a GPS or really much knowledge......