New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Here's a nice photograph of the progressive, lower shock linkage.

[SpudRider]

Here are the mounts for the optional center stand.



The Chinese center stand is not designed to remain attached to the motorcycle, and consists of two separate pieces. I don't know the proper method for getting the bike onto this center stand.

http://www.taobao.com/view_image.php...ate=20372&fv=9

[SpudRider]

Here's a nice view of the forks. Perhaps they do have 5.12 inches of travel, rather than the 6.5 inches of travel I guessed.

[SpudRider]

Forum member SaharahStorms also has an RX3 with the updated cushion hub on the rear wheel. A cush hub is a very nice feature, even if it reduces options for different sizes of rear sprockets. I'm glad Zongshen was committed enough to continue refining the design of the RX3.

[Wolftrax]

The more i find out about this bike the more I like it. Stainless brake lines, cush drive, gear indicator, fat bars,luggage, etc, etc. Has anyone noticed the O2 bung on the ehaust pipe is just waiting for a rock or stick to take it out. Its exposed and right in line to catch any debris flying from the front tire.

https://public.by3301.livefilestore....iOS.jpg?psid=1

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Forum member SaharahStorms also has an RX3 with the updated cushion hub on the rear wheel. A cush hub is a very nice feature, even if it reduces options for different sizes of rear sprockets. I'm glad Zongshen was committed enough to continue refining the design of the RX3.

Man that red looks good!!!! Has Saharah done any reviews?

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Motomapper

So, my cover was blown. So I went dark for a few hours
By the way, Ronald Reagan museum is a nice side trip from CSC, in case anyone was wondering.

So, sat on the bike and before anyone asks I am 5'7" with a 30 inch inseam. Just managed flatfoot - a little light on the feet but still had the heel down on both sides.

As was said earlier, bike looks much better in person. Online doesn't do it justice. Especially the blue one. Fit and finish wise this is a gorgeous bike.

Seems Joe answered all the questions already about accessing the filter, electrics etc. As for the plastics, not sure what they are made of - I think they'll ask the manufacturer and confirm - but replacements will be available and not too expensive. That said, looking at the bike from all angles I think the plastics are well protected with the placement of the guards. Barring dropping this thing on a tree stump or rock with a direct hit to the plastic, I think the guards will do a good job protecting them - the geometry looks right for that - even for the plastic panniers.

Didn't get a chance to see the red one as it was in for testing. So be it, I'm sticking with the blue anyway. I had a go at standing on the pegs and for the most part (at my height) it felt like a good standing position. Maybe a touch too low on the bars but nothing to write home about.

Enough talk. Pictures and video should say more than I can. They might come in a series of posts while I figure out how to load them. Here's a link to the closeup walkaround video

Thanks MM for your photos, vid and review.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Man that red looks good!!!! Has Saharah done any reviews?

Yes, he did a very nice review in post #53, on page 4 of this very thread.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

The more i find out about this bike the more I like it. Stainless brake lines, cush drive, gear indicator, fat bars,luggage, etc, etc. Has anyone noticed the O2 bung on the ehaust pipe is just waiting for a rock or stick to take it out. Its exposed and right in line to catch any debris flying from the front tire.

https://public.by3301.livefilestore....iOS.jpg?psid=1

I've know the location of the 02 sensor for a while, but I never really thought much about it. Below is one of the few photographs which clearly show the 02 sensor in a profile view; the sensor is located inside the blue circle.



I think the sensor is high enough to avoid being hit by a rock large enough to damage it. Also, this bike is not designed to be traveling through heavy brush, et cetera. If one is worried, he could easily weld a small shield onto the front of the bung for additional protection.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I've know the location of the 02 sensor for a while, but I never really thought much about it. Below is one of the few photographs which clearly show the 02 sensor in a profile view; the sensor is located inside the blue circle.



I think the sensor is high enough to avoid being hit by a rock large enough to damage it. Also, this bike is not designed to be traveling through heavy brush, et cetera. If one is worried, he could easily weld a small shield onto the front of the bung for additional protection.

Yeah Spud I was thinking on those same lines of welding a guard on or even relocating. As far as not riding through heavy brush, hmmm

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Yeah Spud I was thinking on those same lines of welding a guard on or even relocating. As far as not riding through heavy brush, hmmm

Given the weight of the bike, the protruding luggage, street tires, transmission ratios, and limited suspension, the bike is definitely more geared to the street than the dirt. I think the following review is pretty candid in that regard.

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...mp%3Bid%3D1793

Forum member Recracer has reported the NC250 transmission is geared a little high, which verifies the information in the review listed above. This gearing, combined with the 15-inch rear wheel and the limited selection of larger rear sprockets, probably rates the bike about 85% street/15% dirt capable.

Of course, that doesn't mean one can't ride into the weeds once in a while.



Besides welding a small shield onto the bung, I would definitely route the sensor cable backwards toward the engine, and then upward. The current, lateral orientation of the cable can only invite problems.

[Wolftrax]

I won't argue the fact its a 80%/20% bike. I just have a very bad habit of taking big bikes into bad places. I used to ride a Yammy XT1200Z and I can't tell you how many times I rode that beast into places I shouldn't have. I'll try to restrain myself, but find pushing the envelope exhilarating. It really sharpens your skills so when you make that wrong turn and end up on a goat trail in BFE, you get out in one piece.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

I won't argue the fact its a 80%/20% bike. I just have a very bad habit of taking big bikes into bad places. I used to ride a Yammy XT1200Z and I can't tell you how many times I rode that beast into places I shouldn't have. I'll try to restrain myself, but find pushing the envelope exhilarating. It really sharpens your skills so when you make that wrong turn and end up on a goat trail in BFE, you get out in one piece.

I understand; I have been known to do likewise.

[SpudRider]

I have also noticed the CSC RX3 includes the extended, clear windshield. I'm glad I got on the list for this bike.

[SpudRider]

The serrated rider, and passenger, foot pegs are also very nice. If you wish, you can also remove the rubber inserts from these foot pegs. In addition, I'm betting you can easily switch to the ZS150GY-10 foot pegs, which have an additional, serrated ridge down the middle.