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09-03-2021, 02:04 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: KY
Posts: 277
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Yep, $900 difference. For that you get;
120 years of bike building experience. And you get a full three year warranty with parts in inventory and work done by the local dealer. It's not E-bay/Fed-X and DIY! And you get full road service. If a RE breaks down they feel so bad about it that they send a truck pick you up! Some would say those things were actually necessities and expected with a new bike purchase. But you gotta' do what you gotta' do.
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%90 of the Chinese motorbikes ever made are still on the road. The other %10 made it back home. |
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09-03-2021, 02:46 AM | #2 | ||
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,109
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Quote:
That extra 250cc gets you 11hp and 14lb-ft in US English. The difference is still in how that power is delivered, with the RE being a nice low RPM torque machine that gets a bit anemic at the top (not bad, just a bit). That extra 250cc's also comes with 90lbs of extra weight, which is a big thing to keep in mind. Those big 650's are overbuilt heavy lumps (not a bad thing, just a fact). I love the RE, but curosity has me. Quote:
Yes, you do get a 3 year warranty, that is a selling point for sure. CSC does however help their owners with warranty repair by working with local shops to help pay for repairs and supply parts. CSC isn't quite your typical Chonda retailer. That is the ONLY reason I am even looking at this bike considering the kind of money involved. The only real thing lacking there is the local dealer support, which I have considered. That is actually one of the big selling points for the RE actually. Another big selling point is re-sale ability. I post a RE Interceptor 650 up for sale used and it will probably sell pretty quick for a decent price. I put the SG400 up for sale used and I am guaranteed to take a huge loss, even by motorcycle standards. Last big selling point is the enormous aftermarket support. To me that is no small thing, because being a big and tall guy it's very necessary for me to do some upgrades. I can get full suspension kits, bespoke luggage kits from major retailers, seats from companies like Corbin, and on and on. Sky is the limit. I am not a blind fool, but I am an adventurous fool that likes to step off the beaten path (There is a reason my Youtube name is OddBallPerformance). Hell ,I bought a Hawk. I modded the crap out of said Hawk. I could have easily gone another direction, but I didn't. I also don't regret it one bit. I will say this. I do think the SG400 should be priced a lower than it is (hack at least $500 off the price) At $5500 delivered I can name several other bikes at or close to that same price range with similar performance from other big brands too. The Z400 immediately comes to mind, and it's almost the exact same price after fees etc. The Yamaha MT03 is actually cheaper, and it comes with that amazing 321cc twin from the R3 (which is more powerful than the SG400). The MT03 is actually the other bike on my consideration list. My only real issue with either of those bikes is the very modern angular and aggressive styling... it just isn't me. I love more classic or understated styling, which is why the Interceptor and SG400 are more appealing to me.
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09-04-2021, 04:53 AM | #3 |
Join Date: May 2020
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 62
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One thing about the 650 is there are crazy aftermarket for it.. fairing kits, ecu tunes, big bore kit (750/850cc).. rear set controls and clip on options on the (continental).. a 650 has way more potential right now tha the re3 likely ever would.. also, the re3 from csc has an engine thats already been replaced in China/Europe by a 401 cc version. Really, the sg400 could be considered the "old" re3
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CSC RX4 2020 |
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09-04-2021, 10:30 AM | #4 | |
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 365
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Your 650 Is Getting Expensive
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For myself, I am not looking to buy a brand new bike, then turn around, tear it apart, and attempt to rebuild it into something that already exists, and in a much better guise. I want a low cost, sub 650cc parallel twin bike, with moderate power, more style than me (a low bar, I'll admit), low weight, low to no electronics, $200 a year full coverage insurance (that includes break down and towing coverage), and built by a company with a reputation for putting out quality product. Hello Zongshen RE3/CSC SG400. It ticks all the boxes for $5500.00, delivered to my doorstep. What more can you ask for than that? If I need more than the SG400's 40 HP, I'll hop on my Versys 650 or Gold Wing GL1500 to scratch that itch, not blow a ton of money trying to make it or a RE 650 into something that they're not. |
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09-04-2021, 11:29 PM | #5 | |
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Argentina
Posts: 756
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Quote:
By the time you are done doing all those mods, the motorcycle would end up being as expensive as a Japanese 650 and guess what? It will be still underpowered next to the Japs 650. Royal Enfield ain't for the speedster. Their engines are workhorse not racehorse , just take a look at their designs at their specs and you will see what i mean. |
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09-04-2021, 07:08 PM | #6 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,109
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Quote:
My main interest in either bike is just a easy highway capable and fun commuter that has really good economy.
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09-03-2021, 03:14 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,109
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Yeah, that is one thing that impressed me for sure. It's actually better than my Hawk lol. One of my biggest complaints of most modern bikes is their relatively small tank capacity. Not really an issue if you ride around in town, but living where I do where towns and fuel stations can quickly become far apart in short order, it would be nice to know I have that kind of range available to me.
I also like that the SG400 uses tubless spoke rims and standard sport bike tire sizes with a 120/70-17 front and 150/70-17 rear. That opens up a huge world of options.
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09-03-2021, 03:56 AM | #9 |
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,434
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The cost of tank upgrade even if there is such an option would cost $200 minimum at best. Otherwise you're strapping cans for remote range.
In Australia going somewhere could take a couple of hours...having the fuel to get back out again is the important factor, This isn't offroad either...big place, big distances between stations. Being the tinkerer you are Megadan any warranty on the RE would likely be void. If the prices were identical yeah I'd probably go the RE mostly for the resale value after 3 years. Tubless rims and tire options are always appreciated.No need to carry spoons, tubes and patch kits...just a plug kit. Can of orange paint and a weekend should sort out any color desires. |
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09-03-2021, 05:12 AM | #10 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,109
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Shhhh. Nobody has to know...
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09-03-2021, 06:28 AM | #11 |
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,434
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Sg400 @7:10 |
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09-03-2021, 02:07 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Marseille, France -> Conakry, Guinea
Posts: 1,481
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Dan, I'm sure you know, but S&S is making parts for the 650, so the HP advantage can be easily increased. For my money, I'd go with the 650, even with the increased cost, because unless the SG400 is a bit hit, since the motor isn't otherwise being imported (to the best of my knowledge), I could easily see it becoming an orphaned model in not too many years, because as you stated earlier, it is comfortably in the same price range as many Japanese models.
The market is especially weird now, but I highly doubt the SG400 will be a rousing success; they're no longer competing with used bikes, price wise, and they're in a very competitive market where most people aren't looking at a potential DIY project. I could be wrong, but I think the 650 will be around much longer. |
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09-03-2021, 06:42 PM | #13 | |
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 365
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Quote:
As far as support goes, CSC has demonstrated repeatedly their ability to support their bikes, which is the primary reason that I continue to buy motorcycles from them. That, and the fact that they ship the thing right to my doorstep; I never have to leave my house except to ride the bike, lol. After six plus years of CSC selling Chinese bikes, I don't see any danger of the bike being orphaned, and if that did come to pass, AliExpress and TaoBao are more than able to fill in the gap. You can damn near build an RX3/RX4 from all the spare parts that they have available on those sites. As far as repairs go, so far I've purchased three Zhongshen motorcycles - this will be the fourth, and the only issues I have had are crap wet cell batteries and a bad oil seal on my RX4's shift shaft. That's it. For reference, the wet cell batteries in my 2015 Versys and 1990 Gold Wing also went to crap, so I can't lay all the blame on poorly made Chinese batteries. This is the reason that I am now a Shorai Lithium Iron house, exclusively; I use them in all of my bikes now. I can let them sit forever, and when I do want to ride a bike, they are ready to go. Don't misunderstand me, I like the RE 650's, as well as the Himalayan, but for the type of riding that I do (almost all street), I don't really need a low RPM tractor, and I'm very interested in seeing what Zongshen hath wrought in their new small parallel twin engine. Probably more so than I am in the SG400 itself. It's the main reason that I was disappointed when CSC opted not to bring in the RX3S. It will be even more interesting to see what the RX6 brings to the table, should CSC decide to give it a go - a Norton based parallel twin engine design, coupled with name brand components instead of the usual Chinese in house stuff that they usually put on their bikes. When it comes to resale, I don't buy a bike for resale value - what's the purpose there? I want to ride the damn thing, not sell it. I'm not aware of anybody who makes money selling a motorcycle, apart from dealers. Having said that, I'm seeing folks selling plenty of RX3's, RX4's, and other CSC bikes that are are not having problems moving the bikes. And they are not losing their shirts either, unless they really need to sell(I'm thinking ChopperCharles' $1200, 600 mile RX3 here). There are still a lot of people out there who are curious about Chinese motorcycles and CSC, who may not be willing to pay MSRP, but will happily fork out twenty to forty percent less on a used one. Here again, my Japanese bikes offer a similar tale - in 2018 I picked up my Versys, with 4000 miles and about $1000 of GIVI addons, for $6100. Basically a forty percent hit to the previous owner's investment. How is that any different to someone selling a $4000 RX3 for $2500? I could go on, but I think I've made my point. If you are afraid to buy a Chinese bike in 2021, especially one from CSC, you shouldn't be. Unless you are the type who absolutely, positively, must have a dealer to take it to, then yep, you should look elsewhere. Just be prepared to pay more for the privilege. |
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09-03-2021, 07:24 PM | #14 |
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Houston area
Posts: 1,902
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I think the choice between the SG400 and RE650 is just personal preference. Both good bikes and a good value.
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"Its not WHAT you ride; its THAT you ride" |
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09-03-2021, 08:31 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 365
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I agree, and believe me when I say that I am grateful that we have reached the point where we have the choice. Back in 2015, it was basically a Ninja 250, a Rebel 250, or a TU250 for small, low cost street bikes, and a Yamaha TW200 for off road. The RX3 really blew things open, proving to other manufacturers that there was a market for feature packed small ADV, street, and dual sport motorcycles; bikes that aren't bare bones beginner models, but full featured motorcycles in their own right. The fact that there are differing sales and support models that are flourishing is an added bonus, allowing everyone to get the bike that they want with the type of service and support that they are comfortable with.
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Tags |
csc, san gabriel, sg400 |
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