New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The 17-inch rear wheel on the Minsk TRX 300i must have a suitable, larger rear sprocket. Therefore, the optional, 17-inch rear wheel offered by CSC will undoubtedly do likewise. The Russian rear wheel doesn't utilize the upgraded cush hub, but it probably isn't necessary.

If larger rear sprockets are not available for the cush hub, we will have two, acceptable choices. Stick with the cush hub, and a 15-inch rear wheel, or switch to a larger rear wheel sans cush hub.

I like your line of thinking I read in another post. Your BRP could benefit from a cush drive, but it's not needed at this power level.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Maybe CSC will remove a rear wheel and take some measurements.

That's not the feeling I get so far. I suspect they'll measure spare parts for us, though.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here are some nice photos from the Minsk TRX 300i review.

His jacket matches the bike!

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Once we get our hands on one of the CS sprockets, we'll likely be able to source a 12 tooth. It's not wise to go any less than 12, because the chain must follow a radius that's very small.

Yeah you're absolutely right about that. I think 13 is about as small as I would go. Damn it comes stock with a 13t, Master Spud is definately on the right track with the rear sprocket.

[SpudRider]

As I suspected, the NC250 engine in the Zongshen RX3 is not a copy of an existing engine. According to Minsk, this engine is an original design by an Italian company which also designs engines for Beta motorcycles.

http://forum.onliner.by/viewtopic.ph...37264&start=60

[SpudRider]

Here is a photograph which details the digital dashboard of the RX3.



The digital dashboard utilizes a Siemens microprocessor which can be set for either U.S., or metric measurements. It has a fuel gauge on the left, and an engine coolant gauge on the right. It also includes a trip odometer, clock, gear indicator, and digital speedometer.

The top of the dashboard features an analog tachometer.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here is a photograph which details the digital dashboard on the RX3.



The digital dashboard utilizes a Siemens microprocessor which can be set for either U.S., or metric measurements. It has a fuel gauge on the left, and an engine coolant gauge on the right. It also includes a trip odometer, clock, gear indicator, and digital speedometer.

The top of the dashboard features an analog tachometer.

The more I'm learning about this bike, the more I like it.

[SpudRider]

I agree; the more I learn, the better I like this motorcycle. I believe Zongshen has established itself as a formidable manufacturer with the arrival of the RX3.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Yeah you're absolutely right about that. I think 13 is about as small as I would go. Damn it comes stock with a 13t, Master Spud is definately on the right track with the rear sprocket.

After the bike is delivered, I am confident we will quickly get the gearing, and the rear wheel figured out. I am also considering a 21-inch, front wheel for this bike.

[SpudRider]

The Italians created a very nice design for the Zongshen NC250 engine.

The camshaft is supported by two ball bearings.



http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...71&ns=1#detail

The valve lash is adjusted by screw tappets on the roller rocker arms. The tappets are easily accessible by means of two, large ports in the cylinder head cover.







The spark plug is easily accessible from the right side of the bike, so you don't need to remove the fuel tank to inspect, or change the spark plug. This is a very convenient feature if you are having ignition problems during a trip.

[SpudRider]

I found some fork and shock absorber specifications in the following thread.

http://forum.onliner.by/viewtopic.ph...7264&start=240

Fork Diameter: 37mm
Fork Length: 795mm
Fork Stroke: 200mm

The fork diameter and fork length seem accurate to me. If the fork stroke is also accurate, fork travel is 7.9 inches, which is excellent for Chinese forks. Standard, 37mm Chinese forks have a travel of 6.5 inches.



Shock Absorber:
Length: 390mm
Stroke: 60mm

These are very nice specifications for the shock absorber. The RX3 shock has a progressive, lower shock linkage, spring preload and rebound damping.





Minsk TRX 300i reviews state the bike has a very good suspension. I was very pleased to discover these specifications for the suspension; I hope they are accurate.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

After the bike is delivered, I am confident we will quickly get the gearing, and the rear wheel figured out. I am also considering a 21-inch, front wheel for this bike.

'
I'm with you on this. I think an 18" rear nd 21" front would be perfect for those of us that may stray off the pavement. More ground clearence and a big hoop up front to roll over obstacles. I ran a 21" up front on my Tenere and it made a huge difference in the soft stuff. Should keep the bike geometry pretty close to stock as well.

[Wolftrax]

We may be seeing the RX-3 sooner tha later. Copied from the CSC front page:


When the bike completes the US certification process (expected to occur within the next several weeks), we’ll call you and ask for a $500 deposit. You pay the balance when the bike is delivered.

[rtking]

Wolftrax - thanks for posting the update. I'm anxious to take delivery. Heck, I've even put away funds for the $500 deposit!

Spud - I may have missed this in another thread, but were you able to find oil capacity? And I wonder what weight is recommended? I understand that there are two oil pumps in this engine… one for the cylinder and to spray the piston, and the other for the transmission (so the trans won't have to rely on oil splash for lubrication.)

Thanks for the great photos of the top end. It really does look like servicing this bike will be straight forward and without having to remove much (if any) tupperware. If I read correctly, the only plastic that might need to come off is on the left side to service the air filter or reach the battery, but otherwise it's almost all accessible.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

As I suspected, the NC250 engine in the Zongshen RX3 is not a copy of an existing engine. According to Minsk, this engine is an original design by an Italian company which also designs engines for Beta motorcycles.

http://forum.onliner.by/viewtopic.ph...37264&start=60

Tough to read, but I get the point. The actual designer has still not been named.

While I'm excited about this new bike, I'd rather see a known platform copy, rather than a clean slate design.