Which Motorcycle Should I Ride to Patagonia?

[expat42451]

Could not agree more- now-- the bike needs to be what it claims to be

And of course whether an old f#%t like me is up to it

I am excited about the possibilities believe me !

Going to work out the logistics of getting to Lima tomorrow- got to get my current DL sent here somewhere by friends in the US - as well to get a permission to drive in Peru plus there is a 15 day wait for tags- in addition to that- the 500/1000/1500 tuneups. I can do the first 500 from Lima back up here at a distributor if there is one....then the second in Lima....then the third in Cuzco or somewhere like that. So we will see.

More in a bit

Expat

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by expat42451

Well I possibly could but couldn't include the not very good photos of the naked frame or the stopping distance diagrams or..... the copy I got from Zongshen Peru isn't very good. Maybe this is available somewhere in a brochure online. I also would like to post this brochure to the RX3 forum- seems like people are starving for info over there......

If I can get an answer from Lima whether they actually have one there, I may ride down there-8 hours each way- take few photos and come back.....or stay there......

Wrote the guy in Lima back asking if they had one on the floor..... waiting to hear....waiting.....waiting.....<sigh>......waitin g.......

Please do post any information you can find regarding the RX3 in the RX3 thread. Please do post any information you cain find on the ZX200, ZS200GY-10, the RX3, or any other bike you are considering for your trip in this thread.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by expat42451

They have one white one for sale in Lima !!!! Just heard from the guy.

That's great!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by expat42451

Could not agree more- now-- the bike needs to be what it claims to be

And of course whether an old f#%t like me is up to it

I am excited about the possibilities believe me !

Going to work out the logistics of getting to Lima tomorrow- got to get my current DL sent here somewhere by friends in the US - as well to get a permission to drive in Peru plus there is a 15 day wait for tags- in addition to that- the 500/1000/1500 tuneups. I can do the first 500 from Lima back up here at a distributor if there is one....then the second in Lima....then the third in Cuzco or somewhere like that. So we will see.

More in a bit

Expat

If you go to Lima, please do bring your camera and take lots of photographs.

[expat42451]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

If you go to Lima, please do bring your camera and take lots of photographs.

Absolutely will do that- will take massive photos of the bike and if I buy then the trip back as well.

I have a question to ask- that I do not have a good feel for even after having read the other thread- this model the RX3 - although they call it the RX250 in the quotation- how long have the basic design and engine been around? I do recall the link that you posted Spudrider ( I think it was you) to the guy and wife I believe that rode this model through I think Mongolia or somewhere like that and had as I recall, the only problem being rear bearing problems from the axle being mal adjusted (from the other thread) when tensioning the chain. I understand its been sold in Russia and elsewhere.... however aside from the $ involved, taking on an entire continent, much of it wild in the literal, classical sense of the word- is a big piece to bite off particularly if the design is unproven- question is- how unproven is it?

Ideas?

Expat

[SpudRider]

The Zongshen RX3 employs a Zongshen NC250 engine. This engine has been installed in many Chinese motorcycles, and has proven to be reliable. The Zongshen RX3 is a new motorcycle, however it employs a strong, slightly modified frame from the Zongshen ZS150GY-10. Zongshen builds good engines, and strong frames. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to ride this bike on an extended trip. If you do have problems, you are also fortunate to be able to take the bike to Derco Motos in Chile.

I own a Zongshen ZS200GY-2, and this is the motorcycle the man and woman rode across China and Mongolia.

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

The Zongshen ZS200GY-2 is an entirely different motorcycle than the RX3.

However, a fellow named Gardiner Jackson rode his Zongshen RX3 from the east coast of China to Istanbul, Turkey.

http://kelleyssilkroad.blogspot.com/

The Belarusans also rode the Minsk TRX 300i, a rebadged RX3, for 10,000 kilometers across Eastern Europe.

[expat42451]

You must be a mindreader- I was over on the other thread going through the posts trying to find the Gardiner Jackson ride link. One thing I will have in the added kit is a pair of callipers to get the rear axle set exactly when tensioning the chain....
You, sir are excellent many thanks for the info....

Expat

[SpudRider]

You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind words.

Since the chain is pulling on the chain adjusters, I would also put double nuts on the rear of the chain adjusters.

[SpudRider]

I forgot to mention, the Chinese also rode the Zongshen RX3 for 8,185 kilometers across China.



http://www.chinamotorworld.com/index...a=view&id=1678

[expat42451]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind words.

Since the chain is pulling on the chain adjusters, I would also put double nuts on the rear of the chain adjusters.

Absolutely!


Have you read this thread?

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...3-report/page6

and this I am sure you have read-

http://kelleyssilkroad.blogspot.com/p/home.html

first report, guy went through some grief apparently note that I gave you from page 6 but starting from page 1 is definitely worth it. Let me know what you think..

Again thanks

Expat

[expat42451]

Spudrider

Thanks very much for the Mega China tour link. What might be fascinating to know from that is what failure points they experienced on the trip aside from chains and sprockets and the like.

Sounds like the bike has been fairly thoroughly threshed out at least in a couple of instances...also sounds like the guy that had it in the first of the threads I sent the links on didn't know much about caring for one-its rattling, then roll off and find the problem(s) don't just ride it.....sounds like bearing concerns may have been helped by the buffered rear sprocket- as well as a caliper to adjust the rear axle.

I think some Locktite is definitely going to be on the things to add immediately on purchase list. There seem to be a lot of problems with stripped or missing bolts, something that with a beer, a lazy afternoon, some Locktite and some careful patience, can be eliminated. Preflighting a bike is like a plane or a boat. Look closely, take your time, pay attention.

Expat

[zingshoen]

RX3 in Peru sounds exciting. Wouldn t want to do it on the standard china. You ll get a bit of envy, though. And you ll probably need a decent lock!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by expat42451

Going to work out the logistics of getting to Lima tomorrow- got to get my current DL sent here somewhere by friends in the US - as well to get a permission to drive in Peru plus there is a 15 day wait for tags- in addition to that- the 500/1000/1500 tuneups.

Wow! You need permission to cross into the country? You can't just drive to the border and show a passport?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by expat42451

Absolutely!


Have you read this thread?

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...3-report/page6

and this I am sure you have read-

http://kelleyssilkroad.blogspot.com/p/home.html

first report, guy went through some grief apparently note that I gave you from page 6 but starting from page 1 is definitely worth it. Let me know what you think..

Again thanks

Expat

Yes, I have read Gardiner Jackson's Silk Road Ride blog, and the RX3 thread at MyChinaMoto. Indeed, it is very wise to ride the bike a while to prove it reliable, and to do a thorough pre-ride inspection/preparation of the bike before departing on a long adventure.

[expat42451]

Zingshoen

Bike theft everywhere here is a big problem. Definitely need a good lock.

Weldangrind

You can cross into Peru with a passport. Drivers license though is an added complication as in many countries and it differs from country to country.

Spudrider

Amazing how many people don't do their maintenance or pre ride checks. Several people I ve run into here in my time in South America- traveling on loaded bikes- just get on and ride away. I have yet to see anyone check things like tire pressures for example. Amazing to me.

Expat