New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 1cylinderwonder

Does the 2017 CSC RX3 still come with STEEL wheels?
I prefer aluminum alloy wheels for their resistance to rust, especially if you are exposed to a lot of water crossings and/or live in a very rainy and wet climate.
I also like the lighter weight of aluminum wheels.
Has anyone changed out the steel wheels on their RX3 for aluminum wheels?
If you have where did you make the purchase of the aluminum wheels.
I forgot to ask about the spokes are they stainless steel, or rust prone steel?

I laced an alloy rim of size 2.50-17 to the rear wheel to replace the steel rim of size 3.00-17. I used the stock rear spokes and spoke nipples.



I laced an alloy rim of size 1.60-21 to the front wheel to replace the steel rim of size 2.15-18. I used custom spokes and spoke nipples from Buchanan's which were stainless steel.



As BlackBike correctly replied, my thread on this topic is located at the following link.

http://www.chinariders.raptorrefuge....ad.php?t=17732

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I laced an alloy rim of size 2.50-17 to the rear wheel to replace the steel rim of size 3.00-17. I used the stock rear spokes and spoke nipples.



I laced an alloy rim of size 1.60-21 to the front wheel to replace the steel rim of size 2.15-18. I used custom spokes and spoke nipples from Buchanan's which were stainless steel.



As BlackBike correctly replied, my thread on this topic is located at the following link.

http://www.chinariders.raptorrefuge....ad.php?t=17732

Spud, why did you go with narrower rims? I would have stayed with the same size. You're more of a dirt guy than I am. Maybe you know something I don't.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by ben2go

Spud, why did you go with narrower rims? I would have stayed with the same size. You're more of a dirt guy than I am. Maybe you know something I don't.

I laced the 2.50-17 rim to the rear wheel for three main reasons.

1. The narrower rim makes it much easier to change the rear tire, especially at trailside.

2. The narrower rim gives me a larger selection of tires from which to choose for proper fitment. The Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki KLR650 both employ the 2.50-17 rim on their rear wheels.

3. The 2.50-17 alloy rim is much lighter than the 3.00-17 steel rim.



I laced the 1.60-21 rim to the front wheel for better off road handling, lighter weight, and a much greater selection of knobby tires from which to choose. Narrower front tires work much better in mud and sand than wider front tires. The narrower front tire bites deeper into the loose/soft earth while seeking, and finding better traction. The wider front tires tend more to float over the loose/soft earth, and are much more likely to wash out. The wider tires are also much heavier, adding to the unsprung weigh of the wheels.

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I laced the 2.50-17 rim to the rear wheel for three main reasons.

1. The narrower rim makes it much easier to change the rear tire, especially at trailside.

2. The narrower rim gives me a larger selection of tires from which to choose for proper fitment. The Suzuki DR650 and Kawasaki KLR650 both employ the 2.50-17 rim on their rear wheels.

3. The 2.50-17 alloy rim is much lighter than the 3.00-17 steel rim.



I laced the 1.60-21 rim to the front wheel for better off road handling, lighter weight, and a much greater selection of knobby tires from which to choose. Narrower front tires work much better in mud and sand than wider front tires. The narrower front tire bites deeper into the loose/soft earth while seeking, and finding better traction. The wider front tires tend more to float over the loose/soft earth, and are much more likely to wash out. The wider tires are also much heavier, adding to the unsprung weigh of the wheels.

Thanks. I understand. I always went big for floatation staying on top of the muck and quick sand.