2 Arctic Whites heading to Cedar Rapids
 

Just got the call from the trucking company, delivery set for 10-12 tomorrow. Can't wait to get unpacked and fired up.

The second one is for a friend of mine, we kind of coersed each other into the purchase :)

I'll let you know how everything goes....had to re-arrange the bikes in the garage last night to make sure there is room :)

Congratulations and welcome to the forums...lol. Make sure you top off the blinker fluid and adjust the muffler belt before the first ride.

See you tomorrow to uncrate the new bikes...

:) :) :)

You almost forgot to mention to charge the farkle motor!

Congrats! You're in for a good time!

Don't even think about coming back without pics! :wtf:

Great unveiling.
 

How many miles did you two put on them today?

I noticed that there aren't any metal reinforcement strips on the pallets.

But there doesn't seem to be any pallet damage.

jb

Mine didn't have any metal on the crate when I got mine last week. Mine did have plastic straps around it. 2 of them. Everything was in perfect condition

Reminds me of this

No metal in the crates, and no damage to the bikes or crates either. Driver actually wanted to stick around and see the bikes uncrated as he has five motorcycles himself and was very curious about these. before he left he made sure he had CSC Information so he could potentially buy one for himself...lol

Ive only got 35 miles or so on mine so far. Its gonna take awhile to get mine fully broken in as I have a few other bikes(see sig) to ride too. First impression was that these are very nice machines, and the fit and finish far exceeded my expectations. Engine sounded tight when it was first started, however I can already feel it loosening up a bit and running well.

85 so far....have to work at it to find roads where 50 MPH top speed is OK. Luckily some gravel + backroads not far from here. Thinking oil change as soon as I break 200 miles and consider it broken in, on goes the 13 tooth, no RPM limits....then on to the 500 mile service.

Was luke warm on it yesterday because I didn't know what to expect. Like it way more today....it's just me getting used to this bikes role....quite a riding shift coming off the big bikes. I'll be honest....really starting to enjoy it.

It's a very smooth riding bike, good transmission (minus the neutral thing), handles well Really looking forward to riding this baby.

Reminds me of the day I got mine. It was a few days after Thanksgiving. I remember thinking I couldn't wait till it was over so I could get my bike. Since then I've loved every mile. Don't get caught up in all the negativity going around lately. Use the bike for it's intended purpose, and that's putting huge smiles on your faces. Great choice of bike and can't wait to see pictures of your adventures.

No worries about nagativity....I don't need anyone's approval for what I ride. If I did, I spose I'd ride a hardly or BMW ;)

Enjoying it so far, wish the break-in RPM at least allowed 55 MPH....LOL

Just over 150.....damn, I'm ready for the oil change :)

I totally get that. I dont have to overcompensate for anything so I can enjoy riding a smaller displacement bike. The break in miles are difficult with the slow speeds. I changed the heck out of my oil, and never really found more than some slight "fuzz" on the magnetic drain plug. Bedded in my brakes, and all is good. Nothing was loose, or vibrated loose. Mine was really well set up. You'll enjoy it more once you can really open it up.

I also look forward to putting on my 13t sproket, but realized I don't have a 30mm socket.

Do you have a 1-1/8" socket? 6 point is preferable but 12 point can work.
Some folks have noticed they have a 32 mm nut which is close to 1.250.

Or you're welcome to ride over to my place, I've got both 30 & 32.

Mine has got to be a 32 mm. I have a 1" and it wont get anywhere even close to fitting on it. Thanks for the heads up. I'd love to ride to your place, but I'd need about a week as it's about 2k miles lol

That's fine, I will be here.

Once you know for sure what size the nut is, can you post it. Looking on the CSC site for a spare nut doesn't show the size but does ask you to specify whether your RX3 is a 2015 or 2016 so it must have changed and the size listed in the maint thread needs to be updated. I'm planning on changing mine soon and will need to purchase a socket for it. Thanks in advance!

Never mind on posting it. I got off my lazy butt and ran down to the garage and measure the nut with my digital calipers. You are correct that it's a 32mm. So looks like the 2015 is a 30mm and the 2016 is a 32mm. Just ordered one off ebay!

204 miles and did the first oil change. Bike has run flawlessly other than the neutral thing since it was first fired up. Been sticking mostly to gravel and back roads due to the 50mph limit at 5K. The oil, filter, filter, drain plus and screens looked good other than strong fuel smell in the oil. I also noticed the catch/drain tube from the crankcase vent had almost 2 inches of clear amber liquid in it. Drained it and it smelled a bit like fuel as well.

I ride bikes...big ones and small ones...dont care what others think of my choice of ride. I ride for my own pleasure and envision this little bike will fit me very well for its intended use. Mostly back roads and light off road and trail duties. Im going to change the oil again at 500 miles and do most of my mods then...13/45 sprockets, Center Stand and Big Foot side stand plate, Kenda K270's as well as sintered brake pads.

http://i67.tinypic.com/nx3kuw.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/nx3kuw.jpg

Great to hear that you're enjoying the bike! Love your collection of bikes! I bet making a choice in the morning is tough!

In terms of the fuel in oil and the fuel in the collection tube, this is something that has been discussed on the forums for a little while. I think Katflap and Pyoungbl has found the answer... the thermostat is a little too cool and fuel is condensing instead of burning off. A high temp thermostat (and a little milling of the thermostat housing) seems to have resolved the issue. I think I need to order one of Whitman's thermostats!

Here's the URL for that thread:

http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...ght=thermostat

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction regarding the thermostat thread. I noticed quickly that this bike does run on the cool side and thought that may have much to do with not vaporizing fuel properly from the crankcase. I just ordered a thermostat from Watt-Man myself and will do the modification and install later when I have things apart for a valve adjustment/service

I drive my company car most days for work, but when the weekend arrives the bike that gets ridden depends upon the plan/route/distance scheduled for the day. My plan for the RX3 will be much like I used to use my KLX250S. Mostly light trail, fireroad and gravel travel. Although this bike wont have quite as much suspension travel, it does have a larger tank, more storage and much nicer ergonomics.

MrMax, the thermostat from Wattman is a bit larger than what is installed in your RX3.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycl...DSCF0531-M.jpgOOEM on the left (with the rubber gasket removed) and Wattman 90C model on the right.

Inside the thermostat housing there is a ledge that you will need to remove in order to fit the new 'stat. Here's the stock housing:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycl...DSCF0534-M.jpg

I milled that ledge down, you can use a grinder. My end result:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycl...DSCF0535-M.jpg
you can see that you do not have to take off a lot of metal. Now my bike gets the oil up to about 100C on a decent ride. I have yet to take any measurements in cooler weather but I fully expect to see the bike running in the 4 bar range and thus burning off excess fuel/water in the oil.

Man, thanks for all the pre-work guys. Mine obviously has the same thermostat....but clean smelling oil and my emission tube is bone dry.

I'll wait until I start showing symptoms before I worry about it.....still early in the ownership :)

Strange....I changed my oil yesterday with Rotella 15W 40, non-synthetic. When I went to leave for work this morning...pulled in the clutch and engine died when I clicked it into gear (lurched like clutch didn't disengage). Once warm...problem went away.

I'm thinking it's got to be the difference in going from 10W to 15W? Suppose I need to let it warm up a little longer before I head out I guess.

- MrMax....you'll be riding that RX3 more often than you think...this mileage war is not a dream :)

OMG...I just realized you listed the bikes chronologically....so OCD :)

Mine doesn't die like yours did but mine does lurch so I either start in neutral or I keep the brake on. Like yours, once warm it doesn't do it. Not sure if this will go away with miles as mine only has 550 miles on it.

LOL...Dont think I didn't notice your 08 VFR listed before the 09 Connie :) Regarding this thing you refer to as "work"...Dont let him fool any of you...Warp spends most day's dreaming of bikes and toys and has a whole crew of guys doing the actual work :D

Used the Rotella T myself, no lurch here, and seems to shift a bit smoother now. However I almost always notice this after a full service with fresh fluid in my bikes. The most noticable was the harleys. Once I ditched their concept of one oil for all three holes and put a more specific oil type in the transmission. 75-90 gear oil made them both smoother and quieter than the 20-50 the motor company called for.

Welcome guys! I like the color choice! Don't let the "fast orange" guys fool you. The orange may be barely faster but the white handles much better and will kill them in the corners! ;-)

FYI- I changed to the 13T and left the rear stock. Seems to be a good combo for our area. I wouldn't want to gear it any shorter for our "Canyonland".

Regarding the stuck clutch when first starting, I had a Hondoid that would do that after sitting for a while. I just reved it a bit before I stuck it in gear. This would pop the plates loose. That issue should go away with miles.

I'm running synth right now but am going to go back to the Rotella. The synth sometimes gives me a tad of clutch chatter. This is the only bike that it's done that in out of all my bikes.

Like you guys, I was used to much larger bikes over the years and making the transition to the 250 was a minor adjustment but wow.....it's so tossable and flogable. Wait till you carve up some paved canyons. Very much fun!

Was talking with MrMax and we both belt the front brake wore in fine.

When I first rode the bike....I was very concerned that the front brake was borderline useless. During breakin...did frequent hard stops to set the break pads etc...

Somewhere between 50 and 200 miles, the fronts started working great, I'm completely satisfied with them now....at least for everyday driving, not sure if they'll heat up and fade a bit during heavy use.

My list of complaints is pretty minor....still loving the bike. Want to take it on a little longer trip....but don't want to overshoot the 500 miles by too much.

Hey, it's your thread, list complaints/gripes as you see fit.

Regarding the brakes, on brand new bikes I've made a routine of cleaning the discs and pucks with brake cleaner. Never know what machining oil residue or corrosion protectant was applied.

When adjusting the clutch lever free play, notice that the clutch safety switch tends to push the lever away from *home* on the perch. Watch the lever on the transmission move as you push the hand lever home to see how much motion is used in the process. Made a difference in whether or not mine jerked on first gear selection of the day.

Good to know about the clutch lever. I adjusted mine a bit last night (I don't like a lot of slop), but after riding it to work this morning, not sure I'm done :) A little more tweaking needed.

Also installed the tall seat and started breaking that in. I'm 6' 4" and it really improves my seating....I'm hoping it's a bit more comfortable as well. The stocker just didn't fit well with my butt :)

Regarding any difficulties finding neutral, some people seem to have this problem, but I honestly don't have this problem myself. However, I certainly have discovered that shifting into neutral can become more difficult if I overfill the oil level. My transmission shifts easily into neutral, even with the engine running, as long as I don't exceed the 1.7 quarts of engine oil recommended by CSC. ;) Shifting into neutral can become more difficult if you add excess engine oil, which raises the oil level greatly above the midpoint of the oil inspection window.

The NC250 engine employs a so-called, dry sump system, which is explained post #1 of the following thread.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=15591

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...pstokp60cy.jpg

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/...LubeSystem.jpg

Therefore, it is important to check the oil level using the proper method recommended by CSC, which is also explained in post #4 of the thread linked above. Adding excess oil will exacerbate any problems one might have while shifting into neutral. ;)

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/...1_4721-650.jpg