New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The Cult of The Zong is a long running joke here at China Riders. Until now, at least, everyone has considered cult membership an honor.

I'm humbled by the honor, Master Spud.

[SpudRider]

You're a good sport, Mark.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Motomapper

Will get as many pics and video as CSC will permit me. Time to clean out the memory on my phone

MM, I have an assignment for you, if you are willing to accept it.

At the 6:30 mark in the following video, the narrator removes the pillion saddle.



After the pillion saddle is removed, it seems one removes the two bolts at the front of the opening to remove a pillion bracket, which allows removal of the main saddle.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...33&ns=1#detail

The air box contains a flat, foam air filter which is almost 1-inch thick.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...20&ns=1#detail

This foam air filter is inserted, and removed from the left side of the air box, which is located on the left side of the bike, under the saddle and plastic.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...10&ns=1#detail

The Silk Road Rider has reported it is a troublesome nuisance to remove and replace the air filter element. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to evaluate the ease of access to this air filter. Also, we would like to know where the ECU, fuses, turn signal flasher, and other electronics of the bike are located.

As always, should you, or any member of your Cult of The Zong team be caught, or killed, The Cult will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Good luck, Jim.

[Motomapper]

My first field mission -accepted- awesome.

Seems there was some distributor interest in Africa back in March, though price might be its limiting factor...

http://www.roamafrica.co.za/forum/in...?topic=1621.15

[zingshoen]

The Cult of the Zong is the best cult ever. And safe, as far as cults go . Its an international association of those who are proud to ride not just any old china, but genuine top-notch, A1, first class china. A state of mind, really...

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

The Cult of the Zong is the best cult ever. And safe, as far as cults go . Its an international association of those who are proud to ride not just any old china, but genuine top-notch, A1, first class china. A state of mind, really...

So let me see if I understand you correctly. It's like "Zong and the Art of Motorcyle Maitenance".

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

The Cult of the Zong is the best cult ever. And safe, as far as cults go . Its an international association of those who are proud to ride not just any old china, but genuine top-notch, A1, first class china. A state of mind, really...

I couldn't have said it better, myself.

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

So let me see if I understand you correctly. It's like "Zong and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

Yes, that's exactly it.

In addition, for those who denigrate Chinese motorcycles, The Cult of The Zong has a fundamental message. the Sleeping Giant is awakening. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.

[SpudRider]

Looking at the swingarm, I can't tell if it has grease zerks. I also wonder if the swingarm employs bearings, or bushings? I certainly hope the swingarm doesn't employ rubber coated tubes, such as those installed in the ZS200GY-2 swingarm. Zooming in on a photograph of the swingarm, I think I might see roller bearings, but that could be my wishful imagination at work.

http://www.taobao.com/view_image.php...Rate=1917&fv=9

I made a telephone call this morning to talk with Joe Burke at CSC, but he wasn't in the shop. I hope he calls me back, later. A parts manual for this bike should indicate which bearings/bushings are installed in the swingarm and lower shock linkage. I hope CSC has such a parts manual, and can answer my questions.

I also would like to know the diameter of the forks, and the fork travel.

MotoMapper, if I don't get an answer to these questions, will you please seek the answers at the CSC Open House this weekend? Thank you.

[SpudRider]

The Zongshen ZS150GY-10 claimed to have Pro Link forks and a Pro Link rear suspension. The RNA6901 and NK18/20 bearings are sold for this Zongshen bike.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...60&ns=1#detail

I hope similar components are installed in the RX3 rear suspension.

I also located bushings which are installed in the ZS150GY-20 suspension.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...26&ns=1#detail

I'm pleased to see the RX3 has a progressive, lower shock linkage. This type of suspension is excellent, but it takes a beating while riding off road, and requires periodic maintenance. Without grease zerks or quality bearings/bushings, the rear suspension won't last long.

[apleschu]

I hope I am not breaking any forum rules here, but I thought it might be of interest for the folks interested in the RX3 that there is a new forum starting up, specifically dedicated to the RX3, now that it is or seems to be coming to the US.

this forum is at http://www.rx3forums.com

[SpudRider]

Welcome; we are glad you joined us. Thanks for letting us know about the new forum. We hope you also participate with us here, on this thread, and at these forums.

[apleschu]

Thank Spud,

I will definitely come by here

[Wolftrax]

The more I find out about Zongshen the more impressed I am with them. Here's a little blurb about AJP motorcycles. I just about bought the AJP PR5. It appears to be using the NC250. The bike and motor get good reviews.

The motor seems under stressed, holds a lot of oil and has a big oil cooler, I bet it is hammer reliable. Yes, the engines for all AJP motorcycles are made in China - specifically in fact by a company called Zongshen. Zongshen is ranked as one of the top 5 motorcycle engine manufacturers in China by size and also happens to be an ISO9001 certified company. Being ISO9001 certified means that Zongshen has, and continues to meet an outside auditors world wide standard of established criteria for high quality control management. This is one of the reasons that the AJP can offer an industry leading 2 year warranty against mfg defects on all their motorcycles (and engines) worldwide. As a side note, Zongshen has established corporate partnerships with not only AJP of course, but also Piaggio (parent company of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, and Vespa), and also Harley Davidson as well. AJP feels very confident in these motors and has a long history with them.

[jjn]

I had assumed that the engine in this bike, being water cooled and of quite recent design, would have DOHC with shim adjusters. I believe I was wrong in that, as it seems to be SOHC and screw type adjusters. I consider that a good thing. But, then, I'm an old timer and have nothing against push rod engines either. I have no problem adjusting valves with screw adjusters.

[Motomapper]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Looking at the swingarm, I can't tell if it has grease zerks. I also wonder if the swingarm employs bearings, or bushings? I certainly hope the swingarm doesn't employ rubber coated tubes, such as those installed in the ZS200GY-2 swingarm. Zooming in on a photograph of the swingarm, I think I might see roller bearings, but that could be my wishful imagination at work.

http://www.taobao.com/view_image.php...Rate=1917&fv=9

I made a telephone call this morning to talk with Joe Burke at CSC, but he wasn't in the shop. I hope he calls me back, later. A parts manual for this bike should indicate which bearings/bushings are installed in the swingarm and lower shock linkage. I hope CSC has such a parts manual, and can answer my questions.

I also would like to know the diameter of the forks, and the fork travel.

MotoMapper, if I don't get an answer to these questions, will you please seek the answers at the CSC Open House this weekend? Thank you.

Checking in. Been busy working for the man today so haven't been responsive. Just to let you know I did see your message. Just so I'm clear you need me to answer these questions:
- Does the swingarm employ bearings or bushings?
- Is there a parts manual available?
- What is the diameter of the forks and fork travel?
- How difficult is it to access the air filter element?
- Where are all the electrics located (ECU, Fuses, etc)?

I miss anything?