[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by pismocycleguy

I'm new to Chinese bikes and not familiar with the lingo. So are some of the engines that Zongshen manufactures knock offs (Hondanoids) of Honda singles? Are the engines in the RX-3 Cyclone and the TT 250 also knock offs of Honda's?
Can you tell me from which Honda model of bikes did these two engines originate?
Thanks for any answers you can provide. It will help me in my future search and purchase a CB.

Most Chinese engines are copies of old Honda engines. However, there are exceptions. Zongshen manufactures 4-5 million engines a year, and most of these engines are copies of Honda engines. However, my Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra) employs a copy of a Yamaha engine, which is virtually identical to the currently manufactured, TW200 engine. Qingqi manufactures copies of Suzuki engines.

The ZS177MM (NC250) engine in the Zongshen RX3 is a new design, which was commissioned from an Italian firm. Of course, this engine is manufactured in Chongqing, by Zongshen.

Chinese motorcycles with copies of Honda engines are called Hondoids. Most Chinese motorcycles are Hondoids. The Zongshen Sierra, Zongshen RX3, Qingqi/QLink/Konker, and SSR bikes are exceptions.