New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

ADV Pulse magazine posted this video today, accompanied by a short article describing their recent, full day of test riding the Zongshen RX3.

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-videos/h...-cyclone-rx-3/

[SpudRider]

I think I read somewhere that Motorcycle.com was showing up at the CSC facility in Azusa. If true, I'm sure those fellows will give the bike a very good test. Can someone verify that information?

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I think I read somewhere that Motorcycle.com was showing up at the CSC facility in Azusa. If true, I'm sure those fellows will give the bike a very good test. Can someone verify that information?

Over on the CSC blog, Joe remarked about the ride with Motorcycle.com. that happened yesterday. Looking forward to some test rides on ChinaRider.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Over on the CSC blog, Joe remarked about the ride with Motorcycle.com. that happened yesterday. Looking forward to some test rides on ChinaRider.

I thought I read about that visit on the CSC blog, but when I went back to verify the information, I couldn't find the post. Now I see the visit is mentioned in the 'snowbound' article.

"...I’m doing a KLR speed run to the plant to meet with the boys from Motorcycle.com (an online motorcycle magazine doing a feature story on the CSC Cyclone). We’re supposed to get rain today, and hopefully, we’ll get in a few miles on the Cyclone before it gets too wet."

I hope it didn't rain. Those guys from Motorcycle.com usually ride the bikes pretty hard.

Here, in East Idaho, I won't be riding much until April or May. Therefore, the early ride reports will need to come from warmer climates.

[Wolftrax]

I know Joe reads this so I'll throw my inquiry out here. I just curious where the RX3 is on it's govt certification process, CARB, EPA, DOT etc.

[SpudRider]

I just read the latest post at the CSC blog. The boys at Motorcycle.com did go for a ride on Thursday. I am genuinely interested to read their report, and hopefully, see some video from them.

[SpudRider]

In case anyone is interested, the large, Garage Pro Travel Trunks are back in stock at J.C. Whitney. Previously, J.C. Whitney sold the same travel trunk under the company name.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=4753

I have owned several of the J.C. Whitney Travel Trunks, and they are superb. However, the newer, Garage Pro (GP) Travel Trunks are even better. The GP trunks are lighter, employ stronger lid straps, and cost less than the original travel trunks. To locate the travel trunk, go to the following link and search for JCW-277022.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/?filterid=d17169y2013g67



If you use a 20% off code, you can get one of these large travel trunks for $40, delivered with free shipping. These trunks lock to the luggage rack on a steel mounting plate, and can be easily removed whenever you wish. You won't beat this deal on eBay, or anywhere else. I currently own an original travel trunk, and a new, GP travel trunk, but I am seriously tempted to buy another.

In case you are interested, I started a thread on the GP Travel Trunk at the following link.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...473#post176473

[Weldangrind]

I have one of the JC Whitney travel trunks as well. I mounted a genuine Givi for Pastor Jim last year, and I didn't see much difference.

[SpudRider]

I was just reflecting upon all of the great, standard features of the Zongshen RX3.

U.S. Delphi Fuel Injected Engine
Water Cooled Engine with 2 Radiators, and 2 Radiator Fans
Radiator Guards
6-Speed Transmission
Crash Bars
Tall Windshield
Siemens Digital Dashboard
LED Turn Signals and Brake Light
4.2-Gallon (16-Liter) Fuel Tank
Locking Gas Cap
Integrated Luggage with Locks
Perimeter Engine Frame
Strong Sub-frame to Support Heavy Loads
Stainless Steel Muffler
37mm USD Forks
Progressive Lower Shock Linkage
Monoshock with Pre-load Adjustment and Rebound Damping
1-inch Fat Handlebars
Skid Plate
Black Anodized Hubs
Rear Cushion Hub
Disc Brakes on Both Wheels
Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Hydraulic Brake Light Switch on Rear Wheel
110-Link, Size 520, O-Ring Drive Chain
Wide, Serrated Foot Pegs with Rubber Inserts for both Rider and Passenger
Optional Center Stand
2-Year Warranty for Parts
1-Year Warranty for Parts and Labor
English Service Manual Included with Purchase

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I was just reflecting upon all of the great, standard features of the Zongshen RX3.

U.S. Delphi Fuel Injected Engine
Water Cooled Engine with 2 Radiators, and 2 Radiator Fans
Radiator Guards
6-Speed Transmission
Crash Bars
Tall Windshield
Siemens Digital Dashboard
LED Turn Signals and Brake Light
4.2-Gallon (16-Liter) Fuel Tank
Locking Gas Cap
Integrated Luggage with Locks
Perimeter Engine Frame
Strong Sub-frame to Support Heavy Loads
Stainless Steel Muffler
37mm USD Forks
Progressive Lower Shock Linkage
Monoshock with Pre-load Adjustment and Rebound Damping
1-inch Fat Handlebars
Skid Plate
Black, Anodized Alloy Rims
Black Anodized Hubs
Rear Cushion Hub
Disc Brakes on Both Wheels
Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Hydraulic Brake Light Switch on Rear Wheel
110-Link, Size 520, O-Ring Drive Chain
Wide, Serrated Foot Pegs with Rubber Inserts for both Rider and Passenger
Optional Center Stand
2-Year Warranty for Parts
1-Year Warranty for Parts and Labor
English Service Manual Included with Purchase

That's why I got in on the first order. Most of that stuff is farkles one would have to do later anyway. Do you know if the bars are aluminium or steel. I'm going to need to tap them for the HDB handguards. Grip heaters would be about the only other thing I'd probably do to the bike.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

That's why I got in on the first order. Most of that stuff is farkles one would have to do later anyway. Do you know if the bars are aluminium or steel. I'm going to need to tap them for the HDB handguards. Grip heaters would be about the only other thing I'd probably do to the bike.

Indeed, I agree completely. Yet another vital consideration is the design of the motorcycle. I can vouch that Chinese motorcycles are built tough, to perform as work vehicles, not recreational toys. That's one of the reasons Chinese bikes are significantly heavier than Japanese motorcycles. Unlike a dirt bike, an adventure bike definitely needs to be built in this manner, with a very strong sub-frame which is designed to support heavy loads. I am thoroughly confident the Zongshen RX3 is designed, and built tough. I am certain the RX3 will prove to be a strong, reliable motorcycle which can be heavily loaded, and ridden on extended adventures with confidence it will not fail.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

You're a wise man, Tony. The Zongshen RX3 is a very good deal at a cost of $3,495. We early adopters got an unbelievable deal on this motorcycle for a cost of $2,895.

As with you, I am going to add hand guards, heated grips, and a center stand to the bike. After the stock rear tire wears out, I will switch to a 17-inch rear wheel.

I don't know if the handlebars are either aluminum, or steel. Perhaps CSCDude will place a magnet on them, and let us know if it sticks.

I will probably do the same, when I wipe out the rear tire.

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Indeed, I agree completely. Yet another vital consideration is the design of the motorcycle. I can vouch that Chinese motorcycles are built tough, to perform as work vehicles, not recreational toys. That's one of the reasons Chinese bikes are significantly heavier than Japanese motorcycles. Unlike a dirt bike, an adventure bike definitely needs to be built in this manner, with a very strong sub-frame which is designed to support heavy loads. I am thoroughly confident the Zongshen RX3 is designed, and built tough. I am certain the RX3 will prove to be a strong, reliable motorcycle that can be heavily loaded, and ridden on extended adventures with confidence it will not fail.

I am confident that I will be able to safely carry 12 people and a crate of chickens on my RX-3.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

...I am confident that I will be able to safely carry 12 people and a crate of chickens on my RX-3.

[SpudRider]

I forgot to add, the RX3 is available in the fastest, orange color.

[Weldangrind]

I've been thinking about the two rads and two fans. One of the first mods I'd carry out is a bypass toggle, in case the factory temp sensor failed to activate the fans. That would allow you to switch the fans on at will, if you noticed a temp increase.