New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 3banger

I have also learned to pull the slotted oil cap on the clutch cover when adding oil. I think this allows air to escape and allows the two volumes to equalize more quickly. I even have a highly specialized tool for this; they only cost a nickel!

I now fill the engine oil using the slotted cap. The oil goes in very fast, and I don't need to worry about getting burned by the hot exhaust header.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by DanKearney

Did my first oil change the other day.

I had to put at least 6 oz more oil than the manual calls for into the motor in order to get the oil to show at all in the view window.

Anyone experience this? Where's it all going?

Cheers,

Dan K.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Dan, I did the same thing first time around and ended up taking some back out. Now I put in about 1 1/2 qts, then start it for a few minutes make sure filter and drain bolts are not leaking. Then I top it off.
I think it was Spud who said to just add 1.7 qts and it will be right. I believe it does ebb and flow from tranny to engine so in the window it appears to rise and fall making some of us early on think that gas or water was getting in our oil.
This explains the raise and fall from tranny to engine on the blog a few weeks back:
http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?paged=3
rj

Originally Posted by 3banger

I have also learned to pull the slotted oil cap on the clutch cover when adding oil. I think this allows air to escape and allows the two volumes to equalize more quickly. I even have a highly specialized tool for this; they only cost a nickel!

I posted a new thread on the lubrication system for the NC250 (ZS177MM) engine, and the proper way to check the oil level. If you are interested, you can read the thread at the following link.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...d=1#post188892

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by DanKearney

Did my first oil change the other day.

I had to put at least 6 oz more oil than the manual calls for into the motor in order to get the oil to show at all in the view window.

Anyone experience this? Where's it all going?

Cheers,

Dan K.

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Dan, I did the same thing first time around and ended up taking some back out. Now I put in about 1 1/2 qts, then start it for a few minutes make sure filter and drain bolts are not leaking. Then I top it off.
I think it was Spud who said to just add 1.7 qts and it will be right. I believe it does ebb and flow from tranny to engine so in the window it appears to rise and fall making some of us early on think that gas or water was getting in our oil.
This explains the raise and fall from tranny to engine on the blog a few weeks back:
http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?paged=3
rj

The engine in my Honda XR650L has a similar design, with a 2-chamber oil pump. Basically, you need to measure the oil when the engine is at operating temperatures. A good time to check the oil level is right after you return home, or whenever you fill up the fuel tank during a ride. Here is a direct link to the post in the CSC blog which describes how to check the oil level.

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?p=17257

Putting 1.7 quarts of oil in the engine has worked well for me.

[3banger]

Eric, that certainly looks like a bit of a tricky section. Was there much wheel spinning with the stock tires or more of a just running out of torque at lower engine RPMs? I'm excited and a little worried to give a try my self. I went right up on the XT250 last year but all the snow was gone by Sept.

[cimarronEric]

Originally Posted by 3banger

Eric, that certainly looks like a bit of a tricky section. Was there much wheel spinning with the stock tires or more of a just running out of torque at lower engine RPMs? I'm excited and a little worried to give a try my self. I went right up on the XT250 last year but all the snow was gone by Sept.

Snow was off the road. I'm running 50/50 tires now so it was really just a torque issue.

[SpudRider]

You're welcome, Huck.

[SpudRider]

Here's a tribute to the Cyclone RX3 riders from China, Columbia, and California as they travel 5,000 miles across the United States. The team is currently riding through the Beehive State, Utah.

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/

[Weldangrind]

Are they passing through the great State of Idaho? If so, do you plan to connect with them?

[SpudRider]

Yes, they are going to travel across South Idaho. If possible, I might ride a bit with them.

[woodlandsprite]

I am excited to report that I finally have over 100 miles on my bike - I realize many of you ride more than that in a day, but as a beginning motorcyclist who is still trying to build basic skills and control, I've limited myself to a nearby parkinglot and residential streets where I dont have to deal with traffic coming in and out of shopping plazas and the like....

While I still have lots of slow speed manoever practice needed (those nice tight figure 8's still elude me), I'm definitely feeling more confident on the bike. Still have plenty to learn - finding the right speed brackets for each gear is still slightly eluding me...as a rule of thumb, I group each 10mph into a gear, but not sure if that's right or not...

To celebrate, I finally took the bike on a nearby stretch of road that allowed me to get it up into 6th gear and 60+mph it was exhilerating - except for the times when birds flew nearby at helmet level....that just had me hoping they would peel off and not turn in my path.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

I am excited to report that I finally have over 100 miles on my bike - I realize many of you ride more than that in a day, but as a beginning motorcyclist who is still trying to build basic skills and control, I've limited myself to a nearby parkinglot and residential streets where I dont have to deal with traffic coming in and out of shopping plazas and the like....

While I still have lots of slow speed manoever practice needed (those nice tight figure 8's still elude me), I'm definitely feeling more confident on the bike. Still have plenty to learn - finding the right speed brackets for each gear is still slightly eluding me...as a rule of thumb, I group each 10mph into a gear, but not sure if that's right or not...

To celebrate, I finally took the bike on a nearby stretch of road that allowed me to get it up into 6th gear and 60+mph it was exhilerating - except for the times when birds flew nearby at helmet level....that just had me hoping they would peel off and not turn in my path.

I'm pleased to hear that you're out enjoying your bike. Your methodology is ideal; practice manoeuvers in a parking lot, so your skills are set when you need them.

I encourage you to not look at the speed as you change gears, for two reasons. The first is that you'll end up spending too much time looking at the speedometer, instead of keeping your head up. The second is that you should allow yourself to feel what the engine needs; the bike will become an extension of you, and you'll instinctively know which gear to choose and when. The basics are don't lug the engine, and don't wind it out too much. Anything in the middle is fair game.

You're doing great! Have fun.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

...I encourage you to not look at the speed as you change gears, for two reasons. The first is that you'll end up spending too much time looking at the speedometer, instead of keeping your head up. The second is that you should allow yourself to feel what the engine needs; the bike will become an extension of you, and you'll instinctively know which gear to choose and when. The basics are don't lug the engine, and don't wind it out too much. Anything in the middle is fair game.

You're doing great! Have fun.

That is superb advice.

Always keep your head and eyes up while riding a motorcycle.

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

feel what the engine needs; the bike will become an extension of you, and you'll instinctively know which gear to choose and when. The basics are don't lug the engine, and don't wind it out too much. Anything in the middle is fair game.

Thanks Weld

So....what does it mean to lug the engine? Is it basically making sure the engine isn't in too high of a gear for the speed at which I am trying to travel? I have very little experience with manual transmission vehicles. I rarely drive our truck, and then only on dirt roads...

And winding it out is when it's got its RPMs too high - so in too low a gear for the speed at which I'm traveling (uh...how does this work with engine braking??)

Is there a way to find out what the optimal RPMs is for a given engine? This is clearly another skill i'm going to have to pick up and learn...

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by woodlandsprite

Thanks Weld

So....what does it mean to lug the engine? Is it basically making sure the engine isn't in too high of a gear for the speed at which I am trying to travel? I have very little experience with manual transmission vehicles. I rarely drive our truck, and then only on dirt roads...

And winding it out is when it's got its RPMs too high - so in too low a gear for the speed at which I'm traveling (uh...how does this work with engine braking??)

Is there a way to find out what the optimal RPMs is for a given engine? This is clearly another skill i'm going to have to pick up and learn...

Our RX3 bikes have optimal power and fuel mileage when the engine is turning about 5,000-7000 rpms.

You are correct regarding lugging, and winding out the engine. You can hear the engine winding up to higher rpms. This sound is your signal to shift; don't look at the tachometer. Listen to the engine. When the rpms reach about 5,000-6,000 rpms, it is time to shift from a lower gear.

[detours]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Our RX3 bikes have optimal power and fuel mileage when the engine is turning about 5,000-7000 rpms.

You are correct regarding lugging, and winding out the engine. You can hear the engine winding up to higher rpms. This sound is your signal to shift; don't look at the tachometer. Listen to the engine. When the rpms reach about 5,000-6,000 rpms, it is time to shift from a lower gear.

I find with the 14 tooth sprocket, my RX3 likes to cruise at 6000-7000 RPM. It reaches peak power somewhere between 8000 and 9000. I generally shift above 6000 RPM ... a little higher on hills and maybe a little lower on the flats. Like Spud says, once you learn how that sounds, you'll shift by sound and by how the power feels, not by watching the tachometer.