Zongshen RX3 vs Honda CB500X

[SpudRider]

X2.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

... Looks to be a plastic bash plate guard under the front of the engine, so it will tear off if hitting a log or rock instead of hanging the bike up. That's a good thing, yes?...

No, the log or rock will tear off the exhaust headers, and then hang you up.

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by Danimal

I've got something to say about this to anyone listening...I've beat the living snot out of my RX3 the last 6 weeks. The last three weekends I have joined group ADV rides flying around all kinds of backroads and trails in Ohio.
Aside from making new friends (which is good), I have marked SOOOO many exquisite roads and trails on my GPS it'll keep me happy for years, as there are spurs off of these as well.
And riding alongside the following bikes...Yamaha WR250R (four different ones), Several KLRs all farkled...yesterday a GS1200 Beemer...a SuperTenare...Veestroms, KTMs,, you freaking name it.
And the RX3 can hang right there in the worst with them.
It's fast enough for hauling mail on roads not intended for mail. And the power and top speed the big bikes offer? Unusable on these backroads and trails. Literally.
And a detriment when you go down or break down compared to the RX3s simplicity.
Really kinda amazed at the damn competency of this bike.

Awesome Dan

[Huck369]

Originally Posted by Danimal

I've got something to say about this to anyone listening...I've beat the living snot out of my RX3 the last 6 weeks. The last three weekends I have joined group ADV rides flying around all kinds of backroads and trails in Ohio.
Aside from making new friends (which is good), I have marked SOOOO many exquisite roads and trails on my GPS it'll keep me happy for years, as there are spurs off of these as well.
And riding alongside the following bikes...Yamaha WR250R (four different ones), Several KLRs all farkled...yesterday a GS1200 Beemer...a SuperTenare...Veestroms, KTMs,, you freaking name it.
And the RX3 can hang right there in the worst with them.
It's fast enough for hauling mail on roads not intended for mail. And the power and top speed the big bikes offer? Unusable on these backroads and trails. Literally.
And a detriment when you go down or break down compared to the RX3s simplicity.
Really kinda amazed at the damn competency of this bike.

Agree

[rojo_grande]

Originally Posted by Danimal

I've got something to say about this to anyone listening...I've beat the living snot out of my RX3 the last 6 weeks. The last three weekends I have joined group ADV rides flying around all kinds of backroads and trails in Ohio.
Aside from making new friends (which is good), I have marked SOOOO many exquisite roads and trails on my GPS it'll keep me happy for years, as there are spurs off of these as well.
And riding alongside the following bikes...Yamaha WR250R (four different ones), Several KLRs all farkled...yesterday a GS1200 Beemer...a SuperTenare...Veestroms, KTMs,, you freaking name it.
And the RX3 can hang right there in the worst with them.
It's fast enough for hauling mail on roads not intended for mail. And the power and top speed the big bikes offer? Unusable on these backroads and trails. Literally.
And a detriment when you go down or break down compared to the RX3s simplicity.
Really kinda amazed at the damn competency of this bike.

I'm jealous. I would love to spend that much time out and about on the RX3 (marzhere's bike but she lets me get seat time). I am becoming more impressed with the bike over time as well. Will be on the CSC Baja trip in March for the next extended rides on the bike. I'm limited in Colorado now to some blue bird days when the roads are clear.

The RX3 does not have as much low end power as my KLR (stock except for $.22 mod on carb) but is more than capable on the dirt county roads and forest service roads I've been on so far. The weight and handling of the RX3 is great compared to the KLR. The comfortable hwy cruising speed is not much lower on the RX3 vs. KLR so not really a negative.

I've had several people at work stop me in the parking lot asking about the RX3. I can't praise it highly enough. Then when I tell them the price they are blown away.

Rojo

[bountybuddy]

Many thanks to all of you for replying to my post. I really enjoyed reading your reply's. In the spring I'll be buying an RX3. It's hard for me to stop thinking about it. I can't wait to get it. I hope our paths cross on some of the rides. Ride safe my friends.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by bountybuddy

Many thanks to all of you for replying to my post. I really enjoyed reading your reply's. In the spring I'll be buying an RX3. It's hard for me to stop thinking about it. I can't wait to get it. I hope our paths cross on some of the rides. Ride safe my friends.

How are your wrenching skills, Buddy?

[Lee R]

Originally Posted by Danimal

I've got something to say about this to anyone listening...I've beat the living snot out of my RX3 the last 6 weeks. The last three weekends I have joined group ADV rides flying around all kinds of backroads and trails in Ohio.
Aside from making new friends (which is good), I have marked SOOOO many exquisite roads and trails on my GPS it'll keep me happy for years, as there are spurs off of these as well.
And riding alongside the following bikes...Yamaha WR250R (four different ones), Several KLRs all farkled...yesterday a GS1200 Beemer...a SuperTenare...Veestroms, KTMs,, you freaking name it.
And the RX3 can hang right there in the worst with them.
It's fast enough for hauling mail on roads not intended for mail. And the power and top speed the big bikes offer? Unusable on these backroads and trails. Literally.
And a detriment when you go down or break down compared to the RX3s simplicity.
Really kinda amazed at the damn competency of this bike.

I AGREE.

I've owned the KLR 650, the Vstrom DL650 and I have a Moto Guzzi Stelvio in my garage with the RX3.

This bike is a better choice for anything involving dirt than any of those including the KLR. The big bikes are better for anything that involves going over 65mph. The Stelvio is terrifying on anything more than an improved dirt road due to weight. Some lunatic's can do it but one slip and your looking at a pricey mistake.

[SpudRider]

That kind of riding is why I own a dirt bike. When I fall, my CRF250X doesn't get damaged, and I only have to lift 260 pounds after I drop it.

[Lee R]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

That kind of riding is why I own a dirt bike. When I fall, it doesn't get damaged, and I only have to lift 260 pounds after I drop it.

Yes, these big ADV bikes can be ridden like a dirtbike by very talented people, average rider's are probably only going to hurt themselves or their wallet attempting that! RX3 is a far far better choice!

They sell big ADV by showing you Chris Birch and letting you think you even have a tiny amount of that ability: ( I would like to see him on an RX3 lol!

[SpudRider]

Egads! That man can ride.

[Wolftrax]

Not all CB500X's are created equal. For the price of a couple RX3's, you can have a very competent 50/50 Adventure Bike. Here's mine.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Not all CB500X's are created equal. For the price of a couple RX3's, you can have a very competent 50/50 Adventure Bike. Here's mine.

Hello there, stranger! It's good to hear from you.

That's a nice bike. What modifications did you make to the stock CB500X, and how much did they cost?

[Lee R]

Ralley raid kit?

[detours]

Looks like Rally Raid. They make a great multi stage kit that transforms the CB500X suspension.