As usual, I agree on all points. I hope my comments weren't misunderstood to be a disagreement with your 'boo.' I concur with you, and Tony. In fact, Tony said it much better, and much more concisely than I. ;)

Understand the rebranding...BUT
 

Zong needs to somehow separate from the pack, I'd think (not just by investing in R&D and then quality motorcycle construction). They have done that, IMHO, with the RX-3, especially.
IMHO (again:), this bike catches on, (which I think is a given:)! We still have to "defend" the bikes to net troll morons spitting out 10 yr old BS info re quality.
Selfish of me...yah:)! sooo..

Spud, CERTAINLY has proven the reliability of the AIR/OIL cooled bikes. How much better should the water cooled bikes last?
Just my 2C, and its not a deal breaker for me by any stretch.

Yes I did make a sweeping generaliztion. I'm disappointed that both CSC and Zongshen didn't insist on calling it what it is. I would be proud to ride a Zong.

masterlinks
 

I started in late 1960's off road age 10? My first DS was a 1971 Suzuki Gaucho:)!! Damn was I proud! and it'd do 60+ mph (indicated). It went Ind 64, many times:)!!Even got on I85!! back then:) hehe world cruiser...(if I chose) I thought..maybe so, in retro with its use/abuse and then my really WFO bro when he was 14. A really great rider (Wayne P) remembered him on that 50, doing a 56 mile Hare Scramble!! 42 yrs ago! (and Wayne won the "open class":)! He (brother) finished, and is using that toughness and perseverance today.

Proud also, riding a ZOng!
 

Agreed Weld well stated/spoken.

Put some Zongshen decals on it.

Me too. I like the Zong logo (yeah, a little better), but the CSC logo is cool. And all props to them for running all the hurdles, hassles and risks of a new vehicle import.

:clap:

Maybe not a lot of risk ... I think this bike is going to fly off the lot. I know if the RX3 was out last year, I would have bought it instead of my Vstrom 650. Not that I'm selling the strom. But I'll take the Cyclone offroad and maybe give my wife something faster than her 125 to ride with me :)

Or we can do like a lot of KLR owner's do and put a BMW badge on it. Then we could tell people that asked what brand it was, its a Zongidoubleyou. Would that void my warranty? rj

Proud of my (soon to be:) ZOng also!
 

detours stated
"Maybe not a lot of risk ... I think this bike is going to fly off the lot."
I strongly agree with your statement, detours. What with the adv movement taking off in interest, aftermarket, and press coverage, coupled with there being NO competition from other manufacturers in the 1/4 liter size of adv bike, its unreal price to equipment VALUE quotient, proven/proving long distance "chops" (which will rapidly expand with USA riders racking up adv miles ASAP we get the bikes.) If they hold up (as I think they will of course), they will sell extremely well, IMHO. It looks like they already are, in other markets, based on assy line pic in the CSC blog, and articles on adv sites from Russia and other markets and countries!

Lets face it, guys..These bikes better be stone reliable stock and modded (within reason, of course, equal to Japanese quality and reliability, or t hats the ONLY thing that could make this venture fail or become shaky, IMHO. Right time, for the right product, at the right price.
Details are what sold me. EFI, big plus for best MPG and mod friendly tweaking. Already has large enough tank, panniers and case, larger stator, aux plugs for GPS and devices charging, PRICE to value ratio, and more. I was looking at wrr250 used, but this is cheaper to buy, and I don't immediately need another 2000+ for tank, hard cases wiring in GPS and phone charger, pssibly radar det. and more. Even at 3495, its a no brainer for me. I'm also loving the 250 size. Perfect for 2 lane 60mph to 65 cruise. Faster than that it will do, but that bike (and any other as well, is quickly less fun at 70+mph, IMHO due to wind blast, boredom (if on Interstate), etc. We have the ABILITY to Interstate is needed without harming the bikes, BUT, ideally, stay on the direct less traveled roads. Another plus on those roads is usually cheaper food (and better:)!, accomodations, and nicer, more appreciatve people of your stopping in and business:). ALL plusses IMHO.

Now we're talking. :)

What a DEAL..our RX-3's that is..
 

Found this, kicking around the net this AM for a possible used deal in case we get delayed unreasonably...
'99 Kawasaki KLR 250 Endo - 4k Original Mileage - $2500 (st pete)

http://images.craigslist.org/00z0z_4...A3_600x450.jpg





http://images.craigslist.org/00z0z_4...LA3_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00A0A_h...QQx_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_h...rdt_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00101_7...yrd_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/01212_g...M0J_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00z0z_a...nml_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/01515_3...uG5_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00l0l_l...r6N_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00F0F_k...TAo_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_h...kZ9_50x50c.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_f...HMc_50x50c.jpg


Asking 2500 or best offer


Think I'm REALLY liking our deal even more on the NEW warranted 2 yrs, RX-3's! Not much more $ for a new, not 16 yrs old, bike!
No brainer for me.

I rather wait, it's nice though. With all of the stuff going on at the port of LA I figured I am going to get the new RX3 around May or June which is ok with me. I always take a long trip in July when it gets too hot here in Las Vegas.

My thoughts exactly
 

Posted at (bottom of reply), 16 yrs old, and almost same as early buyers pricing, w/o warranty, etc.

I'm not bothered by the CSC stickers; they are small and unobtrusive. ;) If one wishes, he can easily peel them off and leave the bike without stickers, or he can substitute other stickers. :) Here are some BMW stickers I found on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-58MM-DIA...3D330781546896

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/3307815...lpid=82&chn=ps

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PAIR-OF-...3D301163768498

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-BMW-Motorc...3D301163768498

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA...T5k6c/$_12.JPG

I have that bike, although mine is a '93. It's in pieces right now, but when I finish it, I'll likely ask $2500.00, and get close to that amount.