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12-12-2015, 08:44 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Michigan
Posts: 16
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Zongshen RX3 vs Honda CB500X
When I first saw the Honda CB500X I really wanted one and was ready to buy one after winter passes. Then I came across the Zongshen RX3 and started learning about. After seeing the video 5000 Miles At 8000 RPM I was sold on it and wanted to buy one. I have ordered the book. I have not ridden either of these motorcycles. I have not even sat on either of them. It may not be fair to compare a 250cc motorcycle to a 500cc motorcycle, but from what I have seen and read about the RX3 it will hold it's own against the CB500X. If you have any thoughts on the comparison of the RX3 and the CB500X please share them with me. I'm anxious to see what you have to say about this. Ride safe my friends.
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12-12-2015, 09:56 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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I moved your thread to the RX3 Forum, where it will get greater exposure, and more replies.
The Honda CB500X is a very nice motorcycle. If you primarily want to ride on pavement, this bike is a good choice. However, even with the current $700 rebate, the $6,299 MSRP of the CB500X is much more expensive than the Zongshen RX3, and the CB500X doesn't have all the standard equipment included with the RX3. In addition, the CB500X is much heavier, even in stock form, and it doesn't have the suspension, or the off road capabilities of the RX3. Furthermore, the Zongshen RX3 will have a much lower cost of ownership. The answer for me is simple. I would much rather own a Zongshen RX3 than Honda CB500X.
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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08-24-2017, 06:15 PM | #3 | |
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Pismo Beach
Posts: 387
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Quote:
The RX3 has 25hp and the CB500X has 50hp. So CB500X is 42lbs. heavier than RX3, but has double the horsepower. So what do you want? |
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12-12-2015, 12:08 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Arvada, CO
Posts: 1,004
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Here's a good video review of the CB500X - http://www.motogeo.com/honda-cb500x-review/
I have not ridden the CB500X, but it has an advantage at highway speeds. But the RX3 has a lower seat, better ground clearance, more suspension travel, larger 18" front wheel (or optional 19"), spoked wheels and 70 mpg. The RX3 is also 50 lbs lighter, fully equipped ... 100 lbs lighter if you remove the luggage and bars. Aftermarket accessories and parts for the RX3 will generally be cheaper than the Honda too. And CSC's service is consistently exceptional. The RX3 has a few shortcomings that are easily addressed with inexpensive parts like sprockets, fork oil and a 55W headlight. Overall, if someone were to give me a CB500X or an RX3 for free, I would still choose the RX3. It better matches the riding I want to do.
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Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol |
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12-12-2015, 01:31 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 144
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I'm a big fan of the CB500X just based on reviews and comments from owners. Haven't actually ridden one myself. That said, if I only could have one bike, I would seriously look for a CB500X at either a discount from a dealer or low mileage used. I think its a better all-round bike. More highway capability, more comfort, and more refinement.
Since I have another mid-sized Honda that is great on longer freeway trips, I have that part of the equation covered. I also have an older sportbike. My RX3 does everything else and its my most-used machine. Its fun to ride, great economy, easy to work on and farkle, and its a hoot being a part of the RX3 Club. But my RX3 would leave me wanting more if it were my only bike. Again, if I could only have one bike, I'd go for the CB500X. |
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12-12-2015, 04:09 PM | #6 | |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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Quote:
However, I enjoy riding off road too much. I wouldn't want to be limited to one motorcycle, but if I were, I couldn't give up the versatility of a dirt bike, or dual sport motorcycle. If I had to pare down my current stable of motorcycles, I would keep my street legal, Honda CRF250X. My next choice would be my Honda XR650L. If I sold all my current motorcycles, and I were buying another new bike, I would probably choose a Honda CRF450X, as the best compromise between the two Hondas I currently own. The Zongshen RX3 is the farthest compromise I am willing to make for comfort on the pavement, at the expense of off road capability. Therefore, it's my bias toward off road riding which leads me to prefer the Zongshen RX3 over the Honda CB500X.
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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12-12-2015, 06:25 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 382
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A bit off topic, sorry,
Here's 2 500cc bikes i stumbled across from Benelli 2016 Pretty cool i thought http://www.benelli.co.uk/new-bike-de...-TREK-502-2016 http://www.benelli.co.uk/new-bike-de...-Leoncino-2016 |
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12-12-2015, 03:45 PM | #8 | |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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Quote:
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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12-12-2015, 06:36 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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It's always great to hear from you, Kat. Indeed, those are nice motorcycles. Benelli is making some interesting bikes.
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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12-12-2015, 06:51 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: FL, GA, NC
Posts: 771
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That Benelli Leoncino reminds me of the new Ducati Scrambler.
Are Benelli's sold in the US? As far as the Honda CB500x, I think it would be my choice if I could only have one bike, and didn't do off road riding. I took a close look at the Honda. There was a local dealer that had new, left over 2013 and 2014's in the $5k range. I decided on the RX3 for the lower price and the off-road capabilities. jb
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2016 Honda CB500F......2017 Triumph Street Twin 2014 XT 250........ |
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12-13-2015, 12:13 PM | #11 |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,056
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They are represented by SSR, and have links, and show bikes on the SSR site, but it seems like there are no bikes in the US as of yet.
http://www.ssrmotorsports.com/
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"They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard |
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12-13-2015, 03:58 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Milpitas, CA. USA
Posts: 775
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Just my opinion, but two positives I see in the design of the CB500X are:
1. Less prominent beak. I'm not enamored of that GS styling aspect on the RX-3. 2. Looks to be a plastic bash plate guard under the front of the engine, so it will tear off if hitting a log or rock instead of hanging the bike up. That's a good thing, yes? My RX-3 will never be my only bike as I will always probably keep an interstate burner in the garage. But I can foresee always keeping it as long as I'm able to stay up on 2 wheels. |
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12-14-2015, 12:01 AM | #13 | |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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Quote:
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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12-13-2015, 05:28 PM | #14 | |
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: FL, GA, NC
Posts: 771
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Quote:
jb
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2016 Honda CB500F......2017 Triumph Street Twin 2014 XT 250........ |
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12-13-2015, 10:36 AM | #15 |
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 216
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I'd really like to see one of the moto magazines do a comparo test of the RX-3, CB500X, and BMW F700GS/G650GS.
We all know the RX-3 would lose the highway portion of the comparo (Just because of its top speed limitations), but I bet it would win both the canyon carving and off-road portions. And if the test included urban traffic riding, I think the RX-3 would be on top there too. Cheers, Dan K.
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Dan Kearney - Black Hawk, Colorado, USA Dan's Motorcycle Blog - "Lost? I'm not lost. I'm just exploring. . ." |
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