The Down under chronicles - Page 3

Citroenjunkie · 03-24-2017, 10:55 PM

After reading your comments about differences between my bike and the US ones I did a bit of reading...... and discovered my bike has a 15 inch back wheel which along with the exposed oxygen sensor and the light switch and no accessory socket makes it a Chinese spec ie. direct from the factory, bike. It seems it may be a good thing it came with two sets of tyres?

I don't suppose it's an issue really, it's not like there's another Zongshen in the country to swap spares with anyway!

There was a lot written about wheel sizes when the bikes were launched. Was the issue only about getting tyres or another problem I missed? I'm very happy with how the bike goes and handles and would replace the tyres with stock ones happily.

Clocked up my first thousand kilometres on the way home yesterday

Citroenjunkie · 03-29-2017, 03:22 PM

Disaster this morning.
Got all kitted up, went out to the bike, jumped athletically into the saddle, pushed the bike out from under cover, switched it on, waited for the fuel pump to stop, pressed the starter button, and then it all went lumpy!

The bike sort of started, and died twice, then almost pretended to try to start and then nothing but slower and slower cranking until the battery died.

I think it was flooded as I could smell unburned petrol. I had to get all the gear off, find the car keys - It hasn't been used in the last 2 weeks, and then drive to work. My glorious ride to work stuffed!

Has this happened to anyone else or am I losing all my skills already?

2LZ · 03-29-2017, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroenjunkie

Disaster this morning.
Got all kitted up, went out to the bike, jumped athletically into the saddle, pushed the bike out from under cover, switched it on, waited for the fuel pump to stop, pressed the starter button, and then it all went lumpy!

The bike sort of started, and died twice, then almost pretended to try to start and then nothing but slower and slower cranking until the battery died.

I think it was flooded as I could smell unburned petrol. I had to get all the gear off, find the car keys - It hasn't been used in the last 2 weeks, and then drive to work. My glorious ride to work stuffed!

Has this happened to anyone else or am I losing all my skills already?

My first suggestion would be to clean and tighten your battery terminals. They have a tendency to come loose and cause weird symptoms. Check the battery voltage and hook up to a charger also, if need be, since it got cranked down low.

Jay In Milpitas · 03-29-2017, 09:00 PM

To piggyback on 2lz's suggestion, also check the other end of each battery cable. On the negative cable check where it attaches to the engine, on the positive check the connection at the starter solenoid (under the seat).

Citroenjunkie · 03-30-2017, 01:59 AM

I got home, checked the terminals, they were ok, checked all the other connections, also OK.

Tried again, almost start then just slow cranking.

The battery was clearly flat, next move a jump start, cue trusty car 🚗, connect the battery and instant action

Clouds of smoke clearly indicated the fact that I'd seriously flooded the engine this morning, but smoke and slightly rough running aside we were very much up and running again, absolutely no doubt. Once the smoke cleared (seconds) and we'd warmed up we were back to happy burbly Zongie perfection!

The verdict is clear, a new battery is indicated. If 1086km in 17 days can't keep the battery charged, we need a replacement.

Thank you for the quick response and clear guidance gentlemen. Sequestered as 'we' are in the southern colonies it's great to feel part of a team

BlackBike · 03-30-2017, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroenjunkie

I got home, checked the terminals, they were ok, checked all the other connections, also OK.

Tried again, almost start then just slow cranking.

The battery was clearly flat, next move a jump start, cue trusty car 🚗, connect the battery and instant action

Clouds of smoke clearly indicated the fact that I'd seriously flooded the engine this morning, but smoke and slightly rough running aside we were very much up and running again, absolutely no doubt. Once the smoke cleared (seconds) and we'd warmed up we were back to happy burbly Zongie perfection!

The verdict is clear, a new battery is indicated. If 1086km in 17 days can't keep the battery charged, we need a replacement.

Thank you for the quick response and clear guidance gentlemen. Sequestered as 'we' are in the southern colonies it's great to feel part of a team

So I guess if this becomes an issue, a battery maintainer is in order. Of course, like all vehicles, frequent use keeps it in good condition.

Hope it continues ok

Jay In Milpitas · 03-30-2017, 11:21 PM

If you own a volt meter, I suggest before you spend money on a battery that you take a few readings.

After shutting off the engine from your last ride of the day, read the voltage. Then first thing in the morning read it again. There is slight power draw from the computer but the battery should still hold over 12.5 volts over night. If not, then spring for the new box of smoke.

Citroenjunkie · 03-31-2017, 09:30 PM

Went out all kitted up this morning, and had to jump start Zongie again.

I'm going to get a battery. The only problem is finding one the right size and capacity.

I can get 8ah batteries which will fit in the box but have yet to find an 11 ah with the right size casing.

How important is the amp hour rating? I know the more amp hours the 'bigger and longer' the battery will be. This aside will a lower capacity battery simply die more quickly or will the system be damaged due to insufficient current supply?

I'm pretty sure I can get a lithium battery which will fit, but they are hideously expensive !

Edalsaadio · 04-01-2017, 09:30 AM

Hi, my battery was damaged too and meanwhile I managed to put a 10Ah that was bigger and I had to put the battery with difficulty, the battery was working normal without any problem.

jbfla · 04-01-2017, 11:13 AM

As I recall, the first shipment of RX3s to the USA had a number of battery failures.

As a result, CSC, the US distributor specified an upgraded battery for following shipments.

When I received my RX3, the first thing I did was to give the battery a full charge.

Even on my new Triumph Bonneville that was set up and serviced by the dealer, the battery showed only a 25% state of charged when I brought it home.

jb

Citroenjunkie · 04-03-2017, 06:20 PM

Finally got the camera and a computer in the same room

Citroenjunkie · 04-06-2017, 04:40 AM

So $80 later the new battery arrived was set up and charged and installed.

Instant start even after a four day stand down, so all seems good

I was however interested by the small yellow spark, and humming noise when I reconnected the earth terminal? I disconnected and then reconnected, still a small spark but the second time no humming noise? When I turned the ignition on everything was great except that the rev counter swung up to centre position and stayed there and the digital display didn't do the whole 0-200 thing. I turned of waited a few seconds and tried again and we were back to normal

I know there's a small drain keeping the clock going etc, but I'm interested to see what the drain is. I suppose I'm going to have to plumb the depths of the shed in search of the multi meter.... picture a spacious double garage condensed into a 2.5 x 3 metre shed....

Anyway, now to plan this weekend's ride. South I think!

Bruce's · 04-06-2017, 06:22 AM

Isn't your bike fuel injected ? The computer is one source of a small drain .

Sullybiker · 04-08-2017, 08:50 AM

Was the new battery okay after a ride? I'm curious about this one.

Citroenjunkie · 04-09-2017, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sullybiker

Was the new battery okay after a ride? I'm curious about this one.

Yes it seems to be all good again. I took the long way home as the weather was dry. My usual commute is about 3km through town, the long route about 60km through the country.
We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country!

03-24-2017, 10:55 PM	#31
Citroenjunkie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dannevirke, New Zealand Posts: 47	The plot thickens! After reading your comments about differences between my bike and the US ones I did a bit of reading...... and discovered my bike has a 15 inch back wheel which along with the exposed oxygen sensor and the light switch and no accessory socket makes it a Chinese spec ie. direct from the factory, bike. It seems it may be a good thing it came with two sets of tyres? I don't suppose it's an issue really, it's not like there's another Zongshen in the country to swap spares with anyway! There was a lot written about wheel sizes when the bikes were launched. Was the issue only about getting tyres or another problem I missed? I'm very happy with how the bike goes and handles and would replace the tyres with stock ones happily. Clocked up my first thousand kilometres on the way home yesterday
	2

03-29-2017, 03:22 PM	#32
Citroenjunkie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dannevirke, New Zealand Posts: 47	What???? Disaster this morning. Got all kitted up, went out to the bike, jumped athletically into the saddle, pushed the bike out from under cover, switched it on, waited for the fuel pump to stop, pressed the starter button, and then it all went lumpy! The bike sort of started, and died twice, then almost pretended to try to start and then nothing but slower and slower cranking until the battery died. I think it was flooded as I could smell unburned petrol. I had to get all the gear off, find the car keys - It hasn't been used in the last 2 weeks, and then drive to work. My glorious ride to work stuffed! Has this happened to anyone else or am I losing all my skills already?
	0

03-29-2017, 09:00 PM	#34
Jay In Milpitas Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Milpitas, CA. USA Posts: 775	Both ends. To piggyback on 2lz's suggestion, also check the other end of each battery cable. On the negative cable check where it attaches to the engine, on the positive check the connection at the starter solenoid (under the seat). __________________ Horse holder at Madame Orr's House.
	1

03-30-2017, 01:59 AM	#35
Citroenjunkie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dannevirke, New Zealand Posts: 47	Phew! I got home, checked the terminals, they were ok, checked all the other connections, also OK. Tried again, almost start then just slow cranking. The battery was clearly flat, next move a jump start, cue trusty car 🚗, connect the battery and instant action Clouds of smoke clearly indicated the fact that I'd seriously flooded the engine this morning, but smoke and slightly rough running aside we were very much up and running again, absolutely no doubt. Once the smoke cleared (seconds) and we'd warmed up we were back to happy burbly Zongie perfection! The verdict is clear, a new battery is indicated. If 1086km in 17 days can't keep the battery charged, we need a replacement. Thank you for the quick response and clear guidance gentlemen. Sequestered as 'we' are in the southern colonies it's great to feel part of a team
	3

03-30-2017, 11:21 PM	#37
Jay In Milpitas Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Milpitas, CA. USA Posts: 775	If you own a volt meter, I suggest before you spend money on a battery that you take a few readings. After shutting off the engine from your last ride of the day, read the voltage. Then first thing in the morning read it again. There is slight power draw from the computer but the battery should still hold over 12.5 volts over night. If not, then spring for the new box of smoke. __________________ Horse holder at Madame Orr's House.
	1

03-31-2017, 09:30 PM	#38
Citroenjunkie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dannevirke, New Zealand Posts: 47	Flat again Went out all kitted up this morning, and had to jump start Zongie again. I'm going to get a battery. The only problem is finding one the right size and capacity. I can get 8ah batteries which will fit in the box but have yet to find an 11 ah with the right size casing. How important is the amp hour rating? I know the more amp hours the 'bigger and longer' the battery will be. This aside will a lower capacity battery simply die more quickly or will the system be damaged due to insufficient current supply? I'm pretty sure I can get a lithium battery which will fit, but they are hideously expensive !
	0

04-01-2017, 09:30 AM	#39
Edalsaadio Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 7	Hi, my battery was damaged too and meanwhile I managed to put a 10Ah that was bigger and I had to put the battery with difficulty, the battery was working normal without any problem.
	1

04-01-2017, 11:13 AM	#40
jbfla Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: FL, GA, NC Posts: 771	As I recall, the first shipment of RX3s to the USA had a number of battery failures. As a result, CSC, the US distributor specified an upgraded battery for following shipments. When I received my RX3, the first thing I did was to give the battery a full charge. Even on my new Triumph Bonneville that was set up and serviced by the dealer, the battery showed only a 25% state of charged when I brought it home. jb __________________ 2016 Honda CB500F......2017 Triumph Street Twin 2014 XT 250........
	1

04-06-2017, 04:40 AM	#42
Citroenjunkie Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dannevirke, New Zealand Posts: 47	New magic smoke box So $80 later the new battery arrived was set up and charged and installed. Instant start even after a four day stand down, so all seems good I was however interested by the small yellow spark, and humming noise when I reconnected the earth terminal? I disconnected and then reconnected, still a small spark but the second time no humming noise? When I turned the ignition on everything was great except that the rev counter swung up to centre position and stayed there and the digital display didn't do the whole 0-200 thing. I turned of waited a few seconds and tried again and we were back to normal I know there's a small drain keeping the clock going etc, but I'm interested to see what the drain is. I suppose I'm going to have to plumb the depths of the shed in search of the multi meter.... picture a spacious double garage condensed into a 2.5 x 3 metre shed.... Anyway, now to plan this weekend's ride. South I think!
	1

04-06-2017, 06:22 AM	#43
Bruce's Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sudbury ,Ontario Posts: 855	Isn't your bike fuel injected ? The computer is one source of a small drain .
	1

04-08-2017, 08:50 AM	#44
Sullybiker Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Western PA Posts: 363	Was the new battery okay after a ride? I'm curious about this one.
	1