New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here's some Chinese advertising for the Zongshen RX3. Apparently, the bike can lift the front wheel and do 'stoppies.'

It's easy for the bike to do wheelies and stoppies with a 130lb rider.

I didn't need to see the dude tossing his chamber pot into the street.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Did you notice the key hole on the left side of bike, in front of the passenger peg? You can view it at the 1:43 mark in the video. I wonder if the key releases the saddle?

I hadn't noticed. Perhaps it just release a locked cover.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

It's easy for the bike to do wheelies and stoppies with a 130lb rider.

I didn't need to see the dude tossing his chamber pot into the street.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I hadn't noticed. Perhaps it just release a locked cover.

The following video reveals the key unlocks the pillion saddle, which appears to cover the bike's electronic components.



I like the rebound damping of the shock absorber. The forks appear to be standard Chinese forks. I would appreciate even a single inch of longer travel in the forks.

[Wolftrax]

Spud, do you ever sleep? Just wanted to thank you for your tireless research on this bike. Mind if I post a link to this thread over on ADV?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Over on ADV there were some pics of an RX3 with cast wheels. The cast wheels were also 17" on the rear.

Zongshen does sell both front, and rear cast wheels for the RX3, but I wouldn't want them. The spoked wheels are much stronger for dual sport usage.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...18&ns=1#detail

Please do post a link to the ADV thread where you found the photograph.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

...Just wanted to thank you for your tireless research on this bike. Mind if I post a link to this thread over on ADV?

You're welcome. Certainly, do post a link if you wish.

[SpudRider]

Here are the stock tires for the Zongshen RX3; they appear to be CST C6017 tires, which are not available in North America.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...4-62fdc390d0bd

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...80&ns=1#detail

These are probably the tires which will be stocked by CSC Motorcycles. However, these tires are listed by CST as street tires, and the tread is not very aggressive. I'm sure these tires will perform poorly in mud.

The CST C7208 is a much better choice, but is also unavailable in North America. I would hope CSC Motorcycles would import the CST C7208 instead of the stock tires.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...13&ns=1#detail



However, none of the 15-inch tires are as good as the 17-inch, or 18-inch tires readily available in North America. If I bought a Zongshen RX3, I would certainly convert to either a 17-inch, or 18-inch rear tire.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

If I bought a Zongshen RX3, I would certainly convert to either a 17-inch, or 18-inch rear tire.

I know you meant to say "when."

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I know you meant to say "when."

[SpudRider]

Here is the size 130/90-15 tire which has the most aggressive tread I have yet discovered. This was the best off road tire available for the Zongshen Sierra, but it disappeared from North America when Zonghen America stopped importing it.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...83&ns=1#detail



I would hope CSC Motorsports would stock this tire, which will fit the rear wheel of both the ZS200GY-2 and the ZS250GY-3. However, in North America there are many choices for 17-inch and 18-inch rear tires which have far more aggressive treads. Besides greater choice, one can also get much better pricing when he is not limited to a single vendor.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The following video reveals the key unlocks the pillion saddle, which appears to cover the bike's electronic components.

I'm not sure what the point of that key is. It seems odd to have to use a key to access the electronic components, so I wonder of that area was designed for insurance document storage.

[SpudRider]

When I first saw that area, I immediately concluded it was an excellent place to store my registration and insurance documents.

[Wolftrax]

I wonder when CSC will get around to doing a marketing video of this machine. Would love to see a review in English.

[Wolftrax]

Honda CRF 250L MSRP $4999
Bash plate $91
Radiator Guard $49
Rear Rack $85
Touring seat $159
Engine Guard $208
IMS tank 3.1 gal $265
Windscreen $189
Luggage Kriega 50L $358

Total $6403

This is what I have in my CRF. I tour on it and yes it is boring reliable slow ride



So for half the price of the Honda I can be riding the RX-3 with all the touring goodies, 1 gal more fuel, and four more ponies in the engine. The only question is reliability. I have yet to find any negative reports on the NC250 engine. The only negatives have been wheel bearings and chains. Weight has also been an issue but the CRF250L come in at 320 and suspect i've easily added 30 lbs. of goodies.

I'm in, I'll keep the Honda and sell off the touring bits. change the gearing and use it as a trail bike.