Which Motorcycle Should I Ride to Patagonia?

[expat42451]

Don't know whether anyone is interested but I took a number of photos of the ZS200 which I can post here. One thing comes to mind - most of the distributorships are used to setting up relatively simple bikes- the RX3 from the sound of it is going to be somewhat different. Any thoughts on the dealerships being able to handle a more sophisticated bike? Asked in a different way- and since I have never owned a new bike before (all 2nd hand) is it a good idea to have a shop manual and go back and check what has been done on a new bike? Most notable reason for this question - on the side trim for a really pretty 200 today that I took shots of- the trim plastic was cracked to hell. Wondering why I felt the backside and yep right where the attachment points were bolted to the frame...granted it could be either poor plastic or maybe a tech with earbuds in groovin, lack of attention and over torque. The dealership here does not inspire a lot of confidence from this and a few other things I have seen.......if I was the sales manager I wold have changed this plastic trim before putting it on the showroom floor...

Expat

[katoranger]

I would love to see pictures. From what I am hearing you may want to visit another dealer who may have better techs.

I think the RX3 is still simple enough that it will not require much more than other bikes to setup.

[expat42451]

Katoranger

Posting photos of the pivot arm area, sprocket, various welds &c. I was disappointed with the welding particularly after watching the video of the factory. This is partly why I asked whether it was possible the RX3 might be from another factory-- however it is still a pretty bike

[expat42451]

Next set device on the front of the block- had never seen anything like it- seems according to the sales guy its some sort of PCV device- plus a couple of the pivot area

[expat42451]

Next set including the cracked side cover due I think to installation error. View of the included hand guards and from chain side, the rear sprocket. I agree with your assessment of the shop.

In reading here- one wonders whether the shop manual for this bike might be available in English.I did not see any sign of any tech pubs out on a bench somewhere in their shop so don't know about Spanish either. I do know that SpudRider and others have done a really great job here answering questions about technical issues....still I want a shop manual to not only have with me for reference, part #s &c but also to go back and check how the new bike has been set up. Another consideration is to what level of grooming are the "floor bikes" here. The shop has no demos which means what, that one buy without riding? I have a problem with that but that seems to be what is done. Hope the photos are helpful and illustrative as well.

Expat

[SpudRider]

Thanks for checking back in, and posting photographs of the ZX200. I moved your posts and started a new thread so we can discuss your choice of Zongshen bike without diverting the RX3 thread.

The ZX200 is a lot of bike for the price of $1,640. However, I think the fit and finish of the RX3 is probably much better, and the higher price of the RX3 reflects the better build quality, as well as the extra equipment. How big is the fuel tank for the ZX200?

[SpudRider]

The ZX200 is not listed on the Zongshen website in China. Therefore, I wonder if the ZX200 is being built in Zongshen's Brazil factory, and is only being sold in Latin America.

[SpudRider]

Did you get any photographs of the ZS200GY-10? It is still an excellent deal at $2,054. It's too bad the fuel tank is too small for your trip. The progressive, lower shock linkage of the ZS200GY-2 will be much superior to the shock linkage on the ZX200. Based upon your photos of the ZX200, I think the the ZS200GY-10 represents a better value.

Of course, if you are riding to Patagonia, the RX3 is the best choice. It has 16-liter fuel tank, luggage, fuel injection, and all the features you could desire for such a trip. Should you wish to sell your bike after completing the trip, I think the RX3 might also be easier to sell.

[SpudRider]

I do think it's important to have a shop manual. My Zongshen ZS200GY-2 came with a service manual, and a parts manual.

I agree with Katoranger; I don't think the Zongshen RX3 is any more difficult to assemble than other bikes.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by expat42451

Next set device on the front of the block- had never seen anything like it- seems according to the sales guy its some sort of PCV device- plus a couple of the pivot area

Yes, that's a PCV device.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

I would love to see pictures. From what I am hearing you may want to visit another dealer who may have better techs.

I think the RX3 is still simple enough that it will not require much more than other bikes to setup.

The RX3 bikes are being delivered to another dealer. Hopefully, his technicians will do a better job assembling the bikes.

[expat42451]

OK Lets see- the GY10 they had, the yellow one- has been sent to another dealer some 2 hours from here. I really wanted to examine one again to see the possibility of putting another tank on it.

Interesting that the ZX 200 isn't listed on the Chinese site- another interesting note is that all of the Honda Tornadoes that I have seen here are made in Brazil....none in China. I don't know whether thats true for their other bikes as well.

I agree about the absolute necessity of the shop and parts manual.

As far as the RX 3 goes- it may not be any more difficult to assemble- but servicing it with injection, will that not require some digital knowledge and being able to plug in diagnostic equipment?

I also agree about the progressive linkage on the GY10, looks like a better system all around. I think it a better value as well plus I like the way it looks. That having been said the tank is the limiting factor-

Story- I have not been able to find a GPS here period. I carry a Garmin Oregon- used that on bicycles several years ago. I know Garmin has motorcycle GPS'es but a Nuvi is pretty similar, does what I need and starts less than $100 on Amazon vs $600 for their motorcycle GPS- and $500 difference will buy a hell of a lot of plastic bags to cover a GPS in the rain....cant buy ANY GPS here. So thinking about buying a tank for the GY 10- Jesus I dunno.... the ZX200 carries 13 litres vs.6.5 on the GY10. I did ask the salesman today why such a small tank- he said the GY 10 was more intended for agricultural use which to me makes no sense at all - putting that size tank on a bike like that is dumber than cold cat feces in my opinion but thats just me.

What else. The ZX200 may be a fine bike but the welding on it looks like my welding. That is somewhat of a put off....per your comments about the fit and finish on the RX3 being better I hope so. I understand that these are not BMW's or Hondas but some of the welding here looks like the welding on a Ural I saw once.

So yes I want to get a look at the GY10 again but re tanking it may be a big deal plus then you add crash bars and pannier racks and bags and on and on and on until you are within $1 K or maybe a little more of the RX3. Similar expenses needed minus tank on the ZX200- I did ask the shop about pannier racks and they had no idea- Jesus Christ apparently there is no franchise standard of quality or for that matter knowledge of product here. I like the bikes just not the shop. Nice enough but don't know anything. So I am looking forward to seeing the RX3. Considering the panniers, the racks, the crash bars and so forth the price may not be that bad if there is quality there.

One last note. The ZX200 on the floor- I tried taking the oil filler plug off to see if it had crankcase oil. there is no sight glass. Couldn't get it off. I bring this up apropos of the fact that I shifted the bike through the gears off the side stand where I could rock it back and forth and shifting was rough as hell. Maybe its because its new or the gear cluster is dry dunno but that was another thing I tried.

Expat

Edit- Spud- this is apparently a dealership with a lot of outlets spread the hell all over Northern Peru. The RX3's are going to be delivered to their central location wherever that is- sorry I didn't clarify.

[expat42451]

On further thinking.... I wonder if they ship the ZX200 over there this huge box of parts and Brazil does everything, welding, bending the tubes for the frames &c? I also wonder if the engines are done in Brazil or China. Brazil can make some pretty good stuff witness the Embrarer Super Toucano airplanes one really excellent example...but I do wonder the extent of their involvement. I am sure the welds are strong but given the vids of their mfg plant in China, the robots would have to be programmed to do this kind of welding. I will shut up now....

[SpudRider]

I'm pretty sure all the engines are made in China. Zongshen makes good, reliable engines. The ZX200 has a nice, large fuel tank if it holds 13 liters. I wouldn't worry about sloppy welds, as long as they are strong, and I'm confident they are strong. These bikes are manufactured to be capable work machines, and have very strong frames.

I'm sure the ZX200 is a strong, reliable motorcycle. However, the Zongshen RX3 is a definite step forward for Chinese motorcycles. Zongshen put a lot of R&D into the RX3, and has made increased efforts for better quality of manufacture. If you can afford it, I think the RX3 will prove to be the best investment for a trip to Patagonia.

[expat42451]

Spud

I agree. Definitely going to wait and see what the RX3 looks like. I also think the ZX200 would be just fine for what I want...... I don't know whether it would drive me crazy looking at those welds every day though....

Expat