TEST RIDE IN THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS
Throughout my life, having owned over 50 motorcycles, I’ve continually sought the bigger, faster and more technologically advanced models to fill what seemed to be an insatiable appetite for that adrenaline rush. But along with that came higher purchase prices, higher maintenance costs with more dealer dependence and higher insurance costs. Along with the monetary increases the size and weight increased as well and was becoming more difficult to manage in my advancing years.
In the past year I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to the exciting world of CSC motorcycles. A new concept of marketing and a new approach to motorcycling that represent thinking “outside the box”. Or more specifically, “inside the box”. This new business model created by Steve Seidner is a form of mail order that allows the buyer to choose the model he/she wants, and it is shipped to your house in a box, all assembled, tested, gas in the tank and ready to ride. And the various models represent the concept of smaller is better rather than bigger is better.
My first exposure to the CSC family was their TT250, a 250cc Enduro style bike that harkens back to yesteryear when small displacement bikes were inexpensive, easy to work on and fun to ride. I bought it to have some fun in the woods around my home in Oregon. My 1200cc BMW was great in the canyons but I wanted some diversity. To my surprise, the TT surpassed all my expectations and I found myself riding it all the time with a big grin on my face. And with CSC’s supplied service manual and their video tutorials on their website I was able to all the maintenance myself at no cost. One day, while looking over their website, their RX3 Adventure bike caught my attention. Here was a bike that could offer the same lightweight, economical fun as the TT but could take be farther to explore more territory. So soon another box arrived with my new beautiful copper colored RX3. More miles and more smiles. So much so that I sold my BMW and haven’t looked back. So far, with a combined 5000 miles on both bikes I haven’t experienced a single problem. Both are comfortable, reliable and 60 mpg economical.
This past week I had an opportunity to be in Los Angeles and decided to swing by CSC in Azusa about 45 minutes away, to check out their latest and greatest model, the RX4. This is essentially a beefed up RX3 keeping the same overall dimensions but adding a 450cc single and dual disc brakes. Steve was kind enough to allow Joey, the service manager, guide me up into the San Gabriel mountains for an hour, exciting ride in the canyons. Wow !!! What a remarkable motorcycle. Plenty of power, torque everywhere and nimble yet planted handling. Move over RX3, your big brother is moving in and he is now my bike of choice. What a remarkable, well sorted out bike that retains all the wonderful characteristics of the RX3 but adds even more fun to the equation. The only problem ? I have to wait until the Spring for the new models to arrive.
Thanks Steve for allowing me this great opportunity and Joey for leading me on a thrilling test ride.
