[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Honda CRF 250L MSRP $4999
Bash plate $91
Radiator Guard $49
Rear Rack $85
Touring seat $159
Engine Guard $208
IMS tank 3.1 gal $265
Windscreen $189
Luggage Kriega 50L $358

Total $6403

This is what I have in my CRF. I tour on it and yes it is boring reliable slow ride

So for half the price of the Honda I can be riding the RX-3 with all the touring goodies, 1 gal more fuel, and four more ponies in the engine. The only question is reliability. I have yet to find any negative reports on the NC250 engine. The only negatives have been wheel bearings and chains. Weight has also been an issue but the CRF250L come in at 320 and suspect i've easily added 30 lbs. of goodies.

I'm in, I'll keep the Honda and sell off the touring bits. change the gearing and use it as a trail bike.

I am pretty confident the new Zong will be reliable. Wheel bearings and drive chains are easily replaced. I think you have reached a reasonable conclusion; $3,000 buys a lot of tires, fuel, et cetera.

I have searched Taobao, and all the various parts of this motorcycle, and the NC250 engine, are available at very low prices. The cost of ownership for this bike will be very low, if someone is willing to buy the parts directly from China.