New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by AZRider

I have a question for the group and more specifically those that already ride an RX-3, either here or abroad. In the past I have added a Scottoiler system to my chain drive bikes. mostly KLR's and VFR's, and have been very pleased with the results. I understand that Scottoiler now make bike specific kits, but can't find anything on their website that relates to the RX-3. Would a generic system be the best choice or is there another chain oiling system out there specifically made for the RX-3? Thanks.

I've had a $350 Pro-Oiler on my Versys and a $25 gravity feed unit on my NC700x. They both worked but made a mess on that side of the bike. I'm not sure when going down the freeway how much oil actually gets on the chain or if it just dissipates in the wind. Now I just carry a bottle of oil and when I stop at night, put it up on the center stand and oil chain while its idling in 1st gear . let it sit over night and ride, rj

[oldqwerty]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Welcome!

Seriously thinking of selling an '04 TW?

Sold.

Originally Posted by Veteran

Hey, I know you from the TW forums.
Are you jumping ship, or just getting another competing bike?

I'm down to 2 TWs and plan to keep them. Both are bored and stroked, 6-speed conversions, XT clutch with kickers. One is an adventure bike, (Tdub2) with MicroSquirt EFI and the other is a café bike (Pirate) with a 34mm Mikuni.

The original Tdub is still around but shot the broken cam chain through the bottom engine case, so she's dead. With 60,212 miles under her, she'll probably be parted out eventually.

EDIT: I've ordered a Cyclone, red. I have been looking for a small street bike with standard ergos for weekend trips on secondary roads for some time, and nothing comes close to the value offered by the Cyclone, considering its standard accessory package. Even a good used Japanese competitor with low miles would easily cost twice what a delivered Cyclone costs for equivalent functionality. The folks at CSC have earned a forthright reputation and I expect any problem my Cyclone might develop will be dealt with in a forthright manner. Can't say that for most Japanese and European dealers these days.

Yes, I've pretty much abandoned the TW forum. Too much back biting. I've read about 50 pages of this thread and the excitement and collaboration is enticing--reminds me of the TW forums way back when as the model began developing its cult-like following and absolutely nothing was made to fit. Looks like making a Cyclone fit one's needs will be much easier than it was with the TWs as the bike is so well equipped right off the boat, the distributor is active in providing options, and the worldwide availability of adventure touring accessories is already fairly well established.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

I've had a $350 Pro-Oiler on my Versys and a $25 gravity feed unit on my
NC700x. They both worked but made a mess on that side of the bike. I'm not sure when going down the freeway how much oil actually gets on the chain or if it just dissipates in the wind. Now I just carry a bottle of oil and when I stop at night, put it up on the center stand and oil chain while its idling in 1st gear . let it sit over night and ride, rj

Exactly why I ordered a center stand. The Cyclone has an o-ring chain so daily oiling of the chain is overkill. Anything that prevents surface rust is good enough as the real wear points on the chain are protected and lubed by the stuff inside the O-rings--what you put on the outside of the chain makes no difference other than to prevent rust. I've found Motorcycle Chain Lube from Walmart goes on thin, dries overnight to a thin, waxy coating, and is resistant to water so it stays on. Also, after drying on the chain the wax coating isn't sticky so sand and such does not stick. The coating is permanent enough to rinse mud off with a water hose, and dissolves readily with Deep Creep, running right off the chain and taking all the gunk with it. This combination of products is very quick and easy, and has kept ringed chains in service on several of my motorcycles for 25,000 to 35,000 miles with chain adjustments beyond the initial only at tire changes.

Now, on to my Cyclone questions:

1) Someone want to teach me Chinese so I can make sense of the Taobao site?

EDIT again: Just got off the phone with the county clerk and the numbers are:

bike 3495.00
centerstand 129.95
shipping 295.00
doc fee 35.00
TT&L 383.35
4338.30

That's $251.70 less than the TW200 list, $851.70 less than the XT250 list. Add $17.50 or $59.50 in additional sales tax, then a $300 set up fee, and ~$1500 to match the functional accessories that come on the Cyclone, and the value is readily apparent. $7049.50 OTD vs. $4338.30 OTD.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by oldqwerty

...I've ordered a Cyclone, red...

Welcome aboard.

Originally Posted by oldqwerty

...
1) Someone want to teach me Chinese so I can make sense of the Taobao site?...

I surf the Taobao website with the Google Chrome browser, and set it to automatically translate the web pages.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by AZRider

I have a question for the group and more specifically those that already ride an RX-3, either here or abroad. In the past I have added a Scottoiler system to my chain drive bikes. mostly KLR's and VFR's, and have been very pleased with the results. I understand that Scottoiler now make bike specific kits, but can't find anything on their website that relates to the RX-3. Would a generic system be the best choice or is there another chain oiling system out there specifically made for the RX-3? Thanks.

My experience is the same as rjmorel's. It kept the chain oiled as well as the swing arm, wheel and back of my leg. Also if you take the bike of the pavement I ended up with a gritty paste that was doing more damage than good. I now carry a can of lube and a rag and all is well.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

I've had a $350 Pro-Oiler on my Versys and a $25 gravity feed unit on my NC700x. They both worked but made a mess on that side of the bike. I'm not sure when going down the freeway how much oil actually gets on the chain or if it just dissipates in the wind. Now I just carry a bottle of oil and when I stop at night, put it up on the center stand and oil chain while its idling in 1st gear . let it sit over night and ride, rj

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

My experience is the same as rjmorel's. It kept the chain oiled as well as the swing arm, wheel and back of my leg. Also if you take the bike of the pavement I ended up with a gritty paste that was doing more damage than good. I now carry a can of lube and a rag and all is well.

I really like the O-ring drive chain technology. You don't need to lubricate an O-ring chain, since the lubrication is stored inside the chain. You merely need to keep the O-rings clean and supple. I'm pleased our RX3 bikes come equipped with a size 520, O-ring drive chain.

[rjmorel]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I really like the O-ring drive chain technology. You don't need to lubricate an O-ring chain, since the lubrication is store inside the chain. You merely need to keep the O-rings clean and supple. I'm pleased our RX3 bikes come equipped with a size 520, O-ring drive chain.

What do you do to your chains Spud for maintenance? Your 64,000 mile 200 isn't still on original chain is it? Thanks, Rj

[fishman10]

they said they would fix my order mistake Spud ,,an it looks as tho they did,,,so i'm hopeful

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by fishman10

they said they would fix my order mistake Spud ,,an it looks as tho they did,,,so i'm hopeful

Good for you, Fish.

[SpudRider]

The Hanjin Germany is back on the move. About two hours ago the vessel was sailing southeast at 13.3 knots from the following location:

Latitude: 35.37496 N Longitude: 125.90229 W

The vessel was due west of San Luis Obispo, and about 450 statute miles from Long Beach. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Long Beach the morning of Friday, March 13. However, it's impossible to know when the ship will birth, and how long it will take to unload the cargo. Also, we don't know how long it will take for the motorcycles to clear customs, and finally arrive at CSC.

Anticipating the arrival of our motorcycles in sunny, Southern California, here is Randy Newman's tribute to Los Angeles.

[detours]

In the latest maintenance blog (another excellent write-up btw), I saw that the RX3's regulator is located behind the right-hand rear panel by the seat.

Are there any concerns about heat buildup behind that panel? I imagine if you're not running a lot of accessories, the regulator will be dissipating more heat than the old 220W stator.

Edit: it's on the 'left' side, as the pic clearly shows.

[CSCDude]

Originally Posted by detours

In the latest maintenance blog (another excellent write-up btw), I saw that the RX3's regulator is located behind the right-hand rear panel by the seat.

Are there any concerns about heat buildup behind that panel? I imagine if you're not running a lot of accessories, the regulator will be dissipating more heat than the old 220W stator.

No concerns, but it's a legit question. Zongshen runs that big stator with their police bikes (the police version of the RX3) with no problems.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

In the latest maintenance blog (another excellent write-up btw), I saw that the RX3's regulator is located behind the right-hand rear panel by the seat.

Are there any concerns about heat buildup behind that panel? I imagine if you're not running a lot of accessories, the regulator will be dissipating more heat than the old 220W stator.

As always, you raise an intelligent question.

If the regulator/rectifier (R/R) does get too hot in that location, I wonder where we could possibly move it? We would certainly need to extend the wiring, and try to find a suitable mounting spot somewhere in the airflow. I'm hoping it's not an issue, but only time will tell.

The R/R for my Zongshen ZS200GY-2 is located in a similar spot, and I have not had any problems. However, I'm sure my Zong's stator is not generating 300 watts.



I do know the R/R on my Honda XR650L is located in the airflow in front of the fuel tank.

[SpudRider]

I don't think the R/R will overheat in that location. It is mounted to the frame, which should act as a very large heat sink, and it is surrounded by an air space.



If the R/R were located under the plastic cover, I would be more concerned. However, I think air flow under the plastic cover back to the left pannier should dissipate the heat sufficiently.

[detours]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I don't think the R/R will overheat in that location. It is mounted to the frame, which should act as a very large heat sink, and it is surrounded by an air space.

If the R/R were located under the plastic cover, I would be more concerned. However, I think air flow under the plastic cover back to the left pannier should dissipate the heat sufficiently.

Good point. And it's mounted well away from the engine as well.

[jimjr21]

Drive chains need lubrication from rollers to sprockets.
Best is to use a quality O-ring safe chain lubricant. Ones with high molibendium content work best but can leave a black mess. The newer white wax based products continue to improve and stay a lot cleaner.

I also agree that everyone has their own opinion on chain lube and engine oil.