New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

A spring broke on me at CSC, when Ryan and I were putting the bike on and off the centerstand to learn the trick. It was replaced, then it broke again when I was home, and putting it up on the centerstand. I went to McFadden-Dale and got a spring that was 3 coils longer than standard. It looks odd when the stand is down, but it seems to be ok. Steve is sending me a new spring. I like the centerstand, it's very handy.

Here is the spring I bought. The coils are about the same thickness, but the attachments have more curve to them.

Did CSC weld a special attachment point for the spring, or does the stock frame come equipped with the attachment point?

[SpudRider]

Wow, I just realized I made the first post on page 200 of this thread. I never imagined this thread would garner 129,000 views and 3,000 replies when I posted it almost 14 months ago.

Incidentally, there is a very good chance the Zongshen RX3 will soon get its own forum at this website. We will continue hanging out here on this megathread, but I'm sure we will also get many new threads started on specific topics regarding to the Zongshen RX3. I will move all the existing RX3 threads to the new forum, including the Zongshen RX3 Sticky thread, which is currently posted at the top of this Dual Sport Forum.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14228

[oldqwerty]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Hello, Gents new to motorcycling and bike maintenance. I have a deposit on an Rx3 but am a bit nervous of knowing how to maintain and troubleshoot. For example, the instructions above on checking chain tension only partially made any sense to me :P. Thx for compiling all those handy links in one place, Spud! I suspect I'll be needing them if I go through with the bike purchase!

Only the first adjustment is so complex because the process I laid out also checks frame and swing arm alignment, that the alignment marks are even or determines they are not, which really isn't a big deal because the misalignment is easily overruled simply by sighting down the top of the chain to see if the sprockets are parallel and centered. If the sprockets are not parallel and centered you'll see a sideways kink when sighting along the top run of the chain. If working on the ground, bend over and look between your legs. If the marks are half a bubble off, they'll always be half a bubble off, so you can use them forever setting them half a bubble off and the chain will always be in alignment. You will also identify the tight spot on the sprocket. Mark it with a Sharpie and you'll never have to find the tight spot again. It will always be in the same place and need not be rechecked until it is removed from the hub and reinstalled.

Anyway, chain adjustment will make a lot more sense when you read the directions with the bike sitting in front of you. You'll need to do another adjustment after about 600 miles or so, and you'll probably do a third adjustment when you replace a worn out rear tire. O-ringed chains last a long time with minimal care. I expect you'll go through three, maybe four rear tires before you notice the chain stretching more than it used to, which will mean time for a new chain and sprockets. The Cyclone has a 520 chain, which is stronger than most chains on 250cc bikes, so I expect loooooong chain life.

[oldqwerty]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

If you have time, and are so inclined, I would love to know the weight of the very substantial muffler on the RX3.

Looks like the muffler weighs about the same as a CRF. And the trailer it sits on. I wouldn't be surprised if the muffler is lighter than it looks. Doesn't matter to me until I get a wild hair and a few days off to design and build a new exhaust.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by oldqwerty

Looks like the muffler weighs about the same as a CRF. And the trailer it sits on. I wouldn't be surprised if the muffler is lighter than it looks. Doesn't matter to me until I get a wild hair and a few days off to design and build a new exhaust.

I hope the RX3 muffler is lighter than it looks. One way or the other, I would like an accurate figure for its weight. Rick Ramsey reported the muffler for the Honda CRF250L weights 12 pounds 4 ounces, without the heat shield.

http://www.rickramsey.net/CRF250Lmods.htm

[Adjuster]

ACE Hardware has a large selection of quality machinery springs if anyone is interested in sourcing a new spring themselves.



/

[humanbeing]

Stand spring tool http://www.motorfans.com.cn/bbs/view...authorid=75082 made by a mechanic

[jimjr21]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

JimJr21,

Your access to a shipping scale is a wonderful asset. Thank you for weighing the engine guards, luggage mounts, and luggage.

If you have time, and are so inclined, I would love to know the weight of the very substantial muffler on the RX3.

9.2lbs including clamp and heat shield

There is a catalytic converter in the very front of the muffler. It is about 3" long and about that in diameter.

Biggest obstruction is the end tube on the muffler. The internal baffling is a perforated core with packing surround.

Overall looks like a very nice design for maximum flow.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Did CSC weld a special attachment point for the spring, or does the stock frame come equipped with the attachment point?

I do not know the answer to that. I just attached the spring in the hole provided. Perhaps Joe can help with that question.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by jimjr21

9.2lbs including clamp and heat shield

There is a catalytic converter in the very front of the muffler. It is about 3" long and about that in diameter.

Biggest obstruction is the end tube on the muffler. The internal baffling is a perforated core with packing surround.

Overall looks like a very nice design for maximum flow.

Once again, thank you for posting that excellent information, Jim.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by katflap

Got a bit keen with the oil today and over filled

But rather than play with the sump plug to drain a bit off, where it can go

either way, just the right amount or all of it

Turned out its possible to get a thin plastic tube in through and down the filler hole, the one with screwdriver slot that sits above the clutch, and suck it up, block, take it out and release a tube full of oil.

Tastes great , nah , use a clear plastic tube so you can see where the oil is at. top bodge

That was a good solution. I would've tried to remove the plug and made a terrible mess.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Hello, Gents new to motorcycling and bike maintenance. I have a deposit on an Rx3 but am a bit nervous of knowing how to maintain and troubleshoot. For example, the instructions above on checking chain tension only partially made any sense to me :P. Thx for compiling all those handy links in one place, Spud! I suspect I'll be needing them if I go through with the bike purchase!

Welcome!

I hope you have many happy miles on your new RX3.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

I do not know the answer to that. I just attached the spring in the hole provided. Perhaps Joe can help with that question.

Thank you, Tony.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I am very pleased with my decision to purchase a Zongshen RX3 from California Scooter Company.

I'm also pleased with your decision. I get to live vicariously through you.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I'm also pleased with your decision. I get to live vicariously through you.

As FastDoc might say, "I live to serve."