New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Thanks Weld

So....what does it mean to lug the engine? Is it basically making sure the engine isn't in too high of a gear for the speed at which I am trying to travel? I have very little experience with manual transmission vehicles. I rarely drive our truck, and then only on dirt roads...

And winding it out is when it's got its RPMs too high - so in too low a gear for the speed at which I'm traveling (uh...how does this work with engine braking??)

Is there a way to find out what the optimal RPMs is for a given engine? This is clearly another skill i'm going to have to pick up and learn...

Spud's response was ideal.

Since you brought up engine braking, I'll throw out a new challenge for you. New riders will often simply pull in the clutch, downshift and then release the clutch, which can result in aggressive braking. When you pull the clutch in to downshift, give the throttle a quick rev (not too much) as you kick the shifter down, and then gently release the clutch (vs. dumping it).

After some practice, you should feel very little engine braking, but rather a smooth transition from gear to gear. It makes for a more pleasant ride, and it's easier on your bike. Be patient with yourself as you experiment with this technique; it takes time.

[detours]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Detours, are you posting ride reports anywhere? How's you wife like the TU250x. I think they would be a fun ,cool little bike to travel on, rj

Hey RJ, here's a ride report for you

http://www.rx3forums.com/forums/show...d-Rollins-Pass

[detours]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Our RX3 bikes have optimal power and fuel mileage when the engine is turning about 5,000-7000 rpms.

You are correct regarding lugging, and winding out the engine. You can hear the engine winding up to higher rpms. This sound is your signal to shift; don't look at the tachometer. Listen to the engine. When the rpms reach about 5,000-6,000 rpms, it is time to shift from a lower gear.

I find with the 14 tooth sprocket, my RX3 likes to cruise at 6000-7000 RPM. It reaches peak power somewhere between 8000 and 9000. I generally shift above 6000 RPM ... a little higher on hills and maybe a little lower on the flats. Like Spud says, once you learn how that sounds, you'll shift by sound and by how the power feels, not by watching the tachometer.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

Hey RJ, here's a ride report for you

http://www.rx3forums.com/forums/show...d-Rollins-Pass

If you have time, please do post your ride report here, also.

http://www.chinariders.net/forumdisplay.php?f=113

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

Hey RJ, here's a ride report for you

http://www.rx3forums.com/forums/show...d-Rollins-Pass

I'm sorry to hear of you minor spill at the end of the ride, but I'm glad to know you and the bike escaped with only minor damage.

[DanKearney]

Originally Posted by detours

Where did you see 30.2 ft-lbs of torque? Their specs page lists 16.5 ft-lbs.

Here: http://www.cscmotorcycles.com/product-p/zrx3-b.htm



Cheers,

Dan K.

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by detours

Hey RJ, here's a ride report for you

http://www.rx3forums.com/forums/show...d-Rollins-Pass

Thanks for the great pics and report Detours. I found a lot of bolts loosen up after my first ride in Hell's Canyon so when I went over them after the ride I replaced lost ones and lock-tited them . Part of the doings of adventure riding. rj

[3banger]

Ya that HP number is clearly a typo. 30.2 ftlbs at 7000 rpm. Would be 40 hp!

[AZRider]

Got back yesterday from a 25 day ride on my Spyder to Alaska with a group of 10 Spyder Ryders. 8,622 mile roundtrip and averaged 345 miles/day.

Spent today getting the RX-3 ready to go to Idaho and meet up with the CSC group for a few days of riding.

Ain't retirement wonderful!

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by AZRider

Got back yesterday from a 25 day ride on my Spyder to Alaska with a group of 10 Spyder Ryders. 8,622 mile roundtrip and averaged 345 miles/day.

Spent today getting the RX-3 ready to go to Idaho and meet up with the CSC group for a few days of riding.

Ain't retirement wonderful!

I'm jealous I've been toiling away at work dreaming about more riding practice...

Don't forget to take lots of photos and have a wonderful time!

[AZRider]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

I'm jealous I've been toiling away at work dreaming about more riding practice...

Don't forget to take lots of photos and have a wonderful time!

Thanks Sprite. I've come to the conclusion that a bucket list is pointless, I need a 45 gallon drum!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by AZRider

Thanks Sprite. I've come to the conclusion that a bucket list is pointless, I need a 45 gallon drum!

That's going on the fridge!

[cimarronEric]

Originally Posted by 3banger

Any Imogene photos? Did you make it to the top? I'll be riding Imogene pre Imogene running race. My girlfriend is running and I plan to be assiting up top. I rode her XT250 up their last year no problem. I need to get down that way and pre ride it!


Eric, maybe we can get a CO RX3 group 13t sprocket group order together.

I made it from the Telluride side today.

We just won't talk about going over the handlebars on the way down...

When are you pre-riding? I'd love to try to join you.

[3banger]

Sound like you are certainly making an adventure out of it!

I plan to be down there Sat. Hopefully I can make do with the stock rubber. I will have hand grass in place.

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by 3banger

Sound like you are certainly making an adventure out of it!

I plan to be down there Sat. Hopefully I can make do with the stock rubber. I will have hand grass in place.

What's "hand grass in place" mean ??????? I'm kinda slow. rj