New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[katflap]

Just wanted to say regarding my rear sprocket post. The focus was meant to be about the JT sprocket fitting the bike.

I didn't mean to create concern about the quality of the bike or the sprocket.

I was quite happy riding the bike with the original sprocket and would be still if I put it back on .

I'm not a bike mechanic so what I think is too much difference between tight and slack spots on a chain maybe totally acceptable to professionals and others. And the same for tolerances in sprocket manufacture

Thillskier - i'm a bit short of time at the moment but I will reply to your PM soon

[SpudRider]

Thillskier,

Based upon my experience with my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, and the experience of others with the Minski TRX 300i, Honley 250, et cetera, I am confident the Zongshen RX3 is a well manufactured, reliable motorcycle. However, I do think it is wise to become familiar with the bike, and to allow it to prove its reliability, before taking in on a cross-country trip. Therefore, I think you have made a good decision to ship the bike to your home, rather than to ride it back from California.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katflap

Just wanted to say regarding my rear sprocket post. The focus was meant to be about the JT sprocket fitting the bike.

I didn't mean to create concern about the quality of the bike or the sprocket...

I have been very pleased to read all your reports regarding the excellent quality of the Zongshen RX3. I was also pleased to hear your report the JTR897 sprocket for the KTM motorcycles fits the first generation, rear hub. The WLJF sprockets for the Zongshen ZS200GY-2 were of very good quality, but it is always good to have available a selection of sprockets from a variety of vendors.

[Adjuster]

Although this new bike appears to be of a higher quality and the expense that goes along with it. When its all said and done its still a China bike and subject to all the same issues and concerns all China bikes have. A very limited if non existent network and support. You have to know yourself what your getting into. Be very self reliant. And forums like this one are a Godsend and lifesaver.


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[SpudRider]

Indeed, buying any Chinese motorcycle is a different experience from buying a Japanese or European motorcycle. The Japanese and European manufacturers have developed an extensive dealer network and parts supply infrastructure which is not available to owners of Chinese bikes. Therefore, we are required to be more independent, flexible, and resourceful than the owners of more established motorcycle brands. However, I enjoy doing my own repairs and modifications, so I enjoy the Chinese motorcycle experience. We China Riders are an independent, resourceful group of people, which is one of the reasons why we are willing to break the mold, and purchase Chinese motorcycles. Working together and helping each other, I am sure we are going to thoroughly enjoy owning our Zongshen RX3 motorcycles.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thillskier,

Based upon my experience with my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, and the experience of others with the Minski TRX 300i, Honley 250, et cetera, I am confident the Zongshen RX3 is a well manufactured, reliable motorcycle. However, I do think it is wise to become familiar with the bike, and to allow it to prove its reliability, before taking in on a cross-country trip. Therefore, I think you have made a good decision to ship the bike to your home, rather than to ride it back from California.

Nah. I'm just going to hop on it and ride it back to Vegas. Maybe Joe will take me up into the San Gabriels for a shakedown ride before I head back.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

Nah. I'm just going to hop on it and ride it back to Vegas. Maybe Joe will take me up into the San Gabriels for a shakedown ride before I head back.

I agree. I'm very confident you won't have any problems whatsoever, and will thoroughly enjoy your ride. However, I consider a trip from Azusa to Las Vegas more of a local ride than a cross-country adventure.

P.S. I hope you take lots of photographs, and post a nice ride report.

[CSCDude]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

Nah. I'm just going to hop on it and ride it back to Vegas. Maybe Joe will take me up into the San Gabriels for a shakedown ride before I head back.

Any time, Tony.

[thillskier]

I agree with all comments posted. I absolutely agree it at ag 58, and in questionable health even or at best, recently recovered, but not full strength back yet, its not smart, with questionable issues re warranty repairs/support, to do a fly and drive HOME on THIS designed ADV bike, at this time.
Thanks all for listening, and your honest answers.

It appears they are correct, everyone (99%) is planning to do all the work and has or is gonna buy any tools necessary. (like I did when I bought a BMW M3)..my last "trust" purchase (among too many)!!

[thillskier]

First time buyers? Why not tell them, hey, its NOT a dealer supported bike, instead of the canned sales pitch, ANY dealer will repair any issue under warranty, your employee denies you want or exists or is in plans for even now?

They are a PITA on here, (and EVERY forum)! and if what is guaranteed to happen, does, will screw the rest of us who KNOW what we are buying, enjoy!
WEED em OUT, by HONESTLY saying, save on a factory supported bike! (not dealer)
Loose the greed for EVERY sale. Get us GOOD buyers! (for ONCE appreciate who puts up $)!! Me and other bike maintainers/mechanics with a shop, and tools, and knowledge! (and interest, of course)!

[SpudRider]

I'm confident CSC is going to provide much better support, and a much better warranty than was ever offered by Zongshen America. Trust me, I know from experience. I am also very confident the part support from CSC will far excel the support which was provided by Zongshen America. In fact, I would much rather buy an RX3 motorcycle from CSC Motorcycles than from Zongshen Russia, Zongshen Peru, or any of the official Zongshen subsidiaries in other countries.

[SpudRider]

In addition, Joe has done a superb job traveling to China and making sure our RX3 motorcycles have all of the latest updated features. For example:

17-inch rear wheel with cushion hub
High Ouput, 300 Watt Alternator
2 auxiliary power ports under the pillion saddle
Deluxe wiring harness
Stainless Steel Exhaust Header with improved O2 Sensor Location

These are just the added features which come immediately to mind, I'm sure I missed a few. Also, who can complain about the early adopter price of $2,895!

I am very glad a quality company such as CSC Motorcycles has decided to import the Zongshen RX3 to North America. No other vendor of Chinese motorcycles has ever provided this level of support.

[SpudRider]

I also think CSC Motorcycles has been very honest, and very upfront about their sales philosophy. I'm sure every buyer, or potential buyer of this motorcycle is well aware of the direct-shipment sales policy being offered by CSC. This policy has been well publicized. CSC's online maintenance tutorials, and their extended, two-year warranty both support this sales policy very well.

I'm pretty confident someone could assemble a Zongshen RX3 in Azusa, and ride it across the United States without incident. In fact, the couple in the following thread assembled two Zongshen ZS200GY-2 motorcycles on the street, and immediately departed on an expedition across China and Mongolia.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371656



Under their circumstances, I wouldn't hesitate to do the same. However, if possible, I prefer to ride locally for a few thousand miles before I take an extended trip on any motorcycle, even an expensive Japanese or European bike.

[SpudRider]

Incidentally, I bought my 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 as surplus stock from a private seller in Seattle, who ordered the bikes directly from China. I bought the bike for $950, without any warranty support. At that price, I wasn't concerned about getting a warranty.

After the bike arrived, my friend and I assembled the motorcycle one evening, and I immediately went for a 26-mile ride around town. I didn't have any problems that evening, and I have been happily riding my Zong ever since, without incident, for almost 68,000 miles.

I have taken many multi-day trips on that motorcycle traveling to Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. I have also taken many trips across eastern and central Idaho. Most of those trips exceeded a thousand miles in length, and that little bike has never failed me. I'm confident the Zongshen RX3 will prove to be just as reliable as my Zongshen ZS200GY-2.

[SpudRider]

I should also mention, I never had any problems with either the excellent cush hub, or the WLJF spocket which came installed on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. We are very fortunate to be receiving the rear cush hub with a 17-inch wheel in North America. The cushioned hub greatly extends the life of the drive chain and both sprockets. I was pleasantly surprised, and almost amazed to discover how the rear, WLJF sprocket wore like iron.