New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[wheelbender6]

Honda has recognized the success of the RX3 by planning the introduction of their own 250cc ADV bike. They call it the Rally.
http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/cr...dventure-bike/

[Jay In Milpitas]

Good find, Wheelbender6.
Acknowledging that it's just a concept my impressions follow.

Pros:
I like the long flat seat.
Dash indicator lights look bright.
Honda dealer network support. The fork covers look effective, not like something from a Japanese comic.

Cons:
Passenger peg location looks to be suited for a child, not adult.
Plastic bash plate. Uh,,,,, sure.
Plastic bodywork over everything. (Think our RX3's take denuding to adjust the valves?)
34.7" seat height. I can cope, but many can't.
Honda dealer network support, to whom you MUST also take the bike to for mandated maintenance to maintain your warranty.
Price. Starting at $4,999*

+ Destination Charge: $320.00. Probably dealer prep as well.
No guards.
No luggage.
Quite likely only one color.

Mixed:
Alloy rims.
Fat Bars.
No interesting blog for entertainment.

Here's an update from earlier this week saying it's been shifted from concept to prototype: http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/ho...lly-prototype/

It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the RX3.

[SpudRider]

I like the RX3 better.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

Honda has recognized the success of the RX3 by planning the introduction of their own 250cc ADV bike. They call it the Rally.
http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/cr...dventure-bike/

Unless they used the engine from the CBR300, I'd rather get another RX-3.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

Unless they used the engine from the CBR300, I'd rather get another RX-3.

The 300 would make it more appealing to the USA market, Tony. For a global market 250 will make more sense because many countries have displacement tiered license and tax systems.

[wheelbender6]

I think Honda is directing the 250cc Rally at the Dakar enthusiasts. The RX3 is better suited to my taste with less wheel travel, more power and more storage (in other words, the RX3 more of an ADV bike).

[Lee R]

That Honda would have a LOT more appeal if it was the 300cc engine and it had some kind of actual bash plate instead of plastic.

If it's based off the CRF-250L it's going to be @ 340lbs I bet.

[1cylinderwonder]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I like the RX3 better.

I like the Honda CRF Rally better. Plus it will probably only cost about $1100 more!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 1cylinderwonder

I like the Honda CRF Rally better. Plus it will probably only cost about $1100 more!

To each his own. I own two Honda motorcycles, and I like them a lot. However, the Honda Rally 250 doesn't appeal to me at all. In fact, I like the Honda CRF250L a lot better than the Honda Rally 250.

At this point one can only guess the MSRP of the Honda. One article speculates a price of $5,300.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/...-ar168272.html

Another article guesses the price will be $7,250.

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/cr...dventure-bike/

In either event, the dealers will add documentation charges. In addition, they might add shipping and dealer prep fees. If you want to equip the Honda the same as the RX3, you are also going to add a lot of additional expense for luggage racks, luggage, engine guards, skid plate, et cetera. The Honda doesn't even come equipped with a luggage rack.

[1cylinderwonder]

I'll wait until it actually goes on sale to see the real price it sells for. No use getting your panties in a knot over speculations and guesses at the selling price.
I think it's a great looking bike that comes equipped the way I ride.
I really like that it doesn't come with a lot of heavy, over weight iron and steel protection accessories. I like my bikes light and maneuverable, and I don't do a lot of long distance riding on a rally type bike. I have a more comfortable long distance bike for those types of trips.
And if the msrp is excessive in my opinion, I'll make a wiser selection.
Another "interesting" to me bike is the KTM 390 Adventure, which would probably be my alternate choice.
I'm just looking for a bike that meets my needs better than what is currently available. And I'm prepared to wait.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 1cylinderwonder

I'll wait until it actually goes on sale to see the real price it sells for. No use getting your panties in a knot over speculations and guesses at the selling price.
I think it's a great looking bike that comes equipped the way I ride.
I really like that it doesn't come with a lot of heavy, over weight iron and steel protection accessories. I like my bikes light and maneuverable, and I don't do a lot of long distance riding on a rally type bike. I have a more comfortable long distance bike for those types of trips.
And if the msrp is excessive in my opinion, I'll make a wiser selection.
Another "interesting" to me bike is the KTM 390 Adventure, which would probably be my alternate choice.
I'm just looking for a bike that meets my needs better than what is currently available. And I'm prepared to wait.

Indeed, you are wise not to get sidetracked regarding MSRP speculations. It will be interesting to learn when the MSRP is finally released.

I believe you placed an order for a 2016 CSC Cyclone RX3. Am I in error, or did you decide to cancel your order? If you prefer, you can certainly elect to remove luggage and engine guards from the RX3; the bike is about 50 pounds lighter minus this extra hardware.



If you do further research on the Honda Rally 250, or the KTM 390 Adventure, please consider starting threads on these bikes in our Other Brands Forum. We would enjoy having you share the information you learn regarding these two motorcycles.

[Lee R]

But those crash bars work so good Spud!

[rtking]

Originally Posted by Lee R

But those crash bars work so good Spud!

LOL!

Y'know what else I love about those crash bars? They're modular and not expensive to replace! So by all means... use them!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Lee R

But those crash bars work so good Spud!

Originally Posted by rtking

LOL!

Y'know what else I love about those crash bars? They're modular and not expensive to replace! So by all means... use them!

I agree, gentlemen.

[SeerAtlas]

dunno how you rx3 guys can handle hour after hour of 8k+ rpm. i don"t even know if hairdryers turn that fast:}