June Weekend Rides in Idaho

[SpudRider]

I went for several nice rides this weekend, and I though you might enjoy viewing some photographs. On Saturday I rode the Zong over one of my favorite trails.

























On Sunday I visited several new trails on a different mountain.









My Zong is still performing superbly with 48,500 miles on the odometer; it's a great little motorcycle.

Spud

[dmmcd]

I always enjoy your photographs. Thanks for sharing!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

This photo prompts me to go riding.

[FastDoc]

I love the pics as always. :P

I have two ideas:

1. The Zong is your favorite bike and you ride it the most or...
2. You are on a KDX and a XR forum and post Ride Reports there frequently too.

If therory #2 is correct you are blessed with MUCH free time in an equally free state of Idaho! 8)

[SpudRider]

Thank you, gentlemen.

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I love the pics as always. :P

I have two ideas:

1. The Zong is your favorite bike and you ride it the most or...
2. You are on a KDX and a XR forum and post Ride Reports there frequently too.

If therory #2 is correct you are blessed with MUCH free time in an equally free state of Idaho! 8)

Indeed, after riding it almost 49,000 miles, I have concluded the Zong is my favorite bike.

Spud

[FastDoc]

I sure loved riding it that's for sure!

I know how it is. Even though I have a Gold Wing if it's just me and the ride is in town (<20 miles or so) I take Little Sweetie, the 1972 CB175.

Sometimes smaller and less powerful is better/safer/more fun. Less can be more.

[SpudRider]

On tight trails having a smaller, lighter, less powerful bike is perfect. As long as I'm not in a hurry, the shorter Zong, with it's low center of gravity, is a pleasure to ride on the trails. Also, the wide saddle and 4.1-gallon fuel tank allow me to ride all day if I wish, in comfort.



The stock, Zongshen engine is still spinning like a top! Make no mistake about it, this engine is manufactured to very high standards. However, if I can find a good deal on a slightly used, XT225/TTR-225/TT-R230 engine, it will bolt right into the Zong's frame. With a curb weight well under 300 pounds, a 223cc Zong might be my perfect trail bike. 8)

Spud

[dmmcd]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I sure loved riding it that's for sure!

I know how it is. Even though I have a Gold Wing if it's just me and the ride is in town (<20 miles or so) I take Little Sweetie, the 1972 CB175.

Sometimes smaller and less powerful is better/safer/more fun. Less can be more.

My SV650 has gotten quite neglected over the past year since I got the XF200. I think I put less than 500 miles on the SV last year. I occasionally have the terrible idea of maybe selling it... 8O

[FastDoc]

Yes it is Brother Spud. :P

Many is the time I've been feathering the YZ's large powerband on a tight rocky trail hoping I don't bump the gas and have it wheelie me off a cliff. 8O

You may recall that does happen to me sometimes! :roll:

At times like those I long for a Q, Zong, or one of my XR Dirt Rats.

For open desert or sand or the track it's all about the YZ though. Different tools for different jobs.

[fishman10]

your pictures make me realize what a fool i was for selling mine!What was i thinking.Well i thought i needed more power ,like a drz400 ,but have yet to find one in my price range that didnt get snapped up till i could get there.lesson learned.

[SuperTimmy]

Spud-

Although I love riding any woods, or anywhere in general, I envy you for your riding terrain! Beautiful photos as always....

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by fishman10

your pictures make me realize what a fool i was for selling mine!What was i thinking.Well i thought i needed more power ,like a drz400 ,but have yet to find one in my price range that didnt get snapped up till i could get there.lesson learned.

I'm sorry to hear you suffer from ZSRS (Zongshen Sellers Remorse Syndrome), Fish. :( Perhaps you should consider getting the new, Honda CRF250L. The CRF250L weighs about 40 pounds more than my Zong, but it makes a lot more power.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...f618f89409aeb0

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by SuperTimmy

Spud-

Although I love riding any woods, or anywhere in general, I envy you for your riding terrain! Beautiful photos as always....

Thank you, Tim.

I discovered another, very nice trail on Monday. Here are some photographs from the top of the mountain pass.











After descending the trail, I paused to take a photograph, looking back toward the pass.



This part of Idaho has a lot of beautiful, varied terrain. I enjoy riding through hardwood forests, grasslands, arid plains, green fields, alpine pastures, and evergreen forests. Here's another photograph taken during the descent from the mountain pass.



Spud

[Pliskin]

Beautiful pictures Spud. Idaho turning green and can see flowers too. Also difficult terrain too. Probably would be hard with stock Zong. Did you ever come across other motorcyclist there? I hope you do find good engine for Zong. Try motorcycle wreckers. How much would be a new Yamaha engine?

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Pliskin.

I'm sure my XT225 shock absorber is helping to smooth the ride in the rocky terrain I have been riding lately. However, the stock, Zongshen shock absorber is very similar to the TW200 shock absorber.

There is a lot of open land here, so on any given ride you are unlikely to meet many other riders. Therefore, it's necessary to have a reliable motorcycle that will not strand you far from civilization. My Zong has proven to be a very reliable motorcycle, with an excellent engine.

The stock engine in my Zong is superb; I don't need a different Yamaha engine. I already have an excellent "Yamaha" engine. However, I wouldn't mind having a 223cc engine, instead of a 196cc engine. I would only make the switch if an excellent deal for a larger engine presented itself. I'm very happy with my Zongshen engine.

Spud