New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Well said. I'm sick of the "more is better" attitude that we've developed in NA. I spent two weeks in Alberta recently, and there were one ton diesel trucks everywhere, used for commuting and grocery duties. Adventure bikes are becoming obscenely big, to the point where they're hardly manageable. Good luck if you ever drop one.

All we have to do is look to people in Asia, who we've all seen carrying a family on a 200cc bike. Granted, that's not by choice, but it makes a point; one person can tour the globe on 200cc. The venerable TW200 has the distinction of being the first bike to have ever been ridden to the North Pole.

I know that your point was specific to heading south of the US border, but it applies in any direction.

/rant

There is a perception in NA that in order for a bike to be a "Adv Bike" it must be able to cruise all day long at 80mph, carry 100 lbs of gear and have a 100bhp. I'm no expert but I have ridden in Africa on an F650GS and I often wished for a lighter bike, rarely exceeded 100kph and ditched at least 30 lbs of gear. BTW, fuel range was a daily concern and 4 gallons of fuel at 60 mpg sounds really good.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I know that your point was specific to heading south of the US border, but it applies in any direction.

I did not want to write a term paper if I also directed my post to us, north of the US/Mexico border, but look--we already have 'us' here riding small bikes. Your 'rant' (which was very tame, btw) summed up what I would have said...in my case, I commute 33 miles a day on my 200cc (14 horsepower) bike (ok, until the accident a month ago), but this bike is even more perfect as a daily commuter, I believe, let alone as a long-distance tour bike.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by MotoJ

That is a nice write-up.I think the RX3 will be a breakthrough bike for the Chinese motorcycle industry.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

I agree.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by MotoJ

I think the RX3 will be a breakthrough bike for the Chinese motorcycle industry.

It will be even more of a breakthrough if the word gets out to the hardcore enthusiasts (like us) that the engine is shared with Gas Gas and others.

[Wolftrax]

Seemed like a fair review. Sounds like the fueling isues have been resolved "The EFI fueling feels spot on with no hesitation, surging or flat spots under acceleration". I look forward to seeing if CSC can fix the speedo and fuel gauge errors prior to US delivery.
Culcune you are spot on when you say this may be the bike for south of the border. I purchased this bike with that being it's mission. Looking for a buisness partner?
As far as the screw working there way out. My Husky chainguard came flying off goind down the road, loose screws.
Sounds like a bit of blue locktite and we may have a winner for "minimalist touring".

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Seemed like a fair review. Sounds like the fueling isues have been resolved "The EFI fueling feels spot on with no hesitation, surging or flat spots under acceleration". I look forward to seeing if CSC can fix the speedo and fuel gauge errors prior to US delivery...

Indeed, I think the review was very honest, and such a review lends credibility to the quality of the motorcycle.

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

...Culcune you are spot on when you say this may be the bike for south of the border. I purchased this bike with that being it's mission...

With Zongshen dealers in Peru and Chile, I think you will find good support for the RX3 while traveling in South America.

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

...Sounds like a bit of blue locktite and we may have a winner for "minimalist touring".

I agree. Zongshen motorcycles have very strong frames and reliable engines. These are the most important qualities for any adventure motorcycle.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Culcune you are spot on when you say this may be the bike for south of the border. I purchased this bike with that being it's mission. Looking for a buisness partner?

I will PM you on what I have thought up...

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

It will be even more of a breakthrough if the word gets out to the hardcore enthusiasts (like us) that the engine is shared with Gas Gas and others.

That is an excellent point. The ZS177MM (NC250) engine is a well proven powerplant, as is the Delphi fuel injection. The reviewers at ADV Pulse gave the RX3 a very good workout, and stated, "the EFI fueling feels spot on with no hesitation, surging or flat spots under acceleration."

[SpudRider]

The chain guard is one of the first things I remove from a motorcycle.

I think it's a huge compliment the reviewers compared the Zongshen RX3 to the very popular, venerable, Kawasaki KLR650. Whether commuting, or taking an adventure to the end of the hemisphere, I would much rather ride a 250cc motorcycle than a behemoth.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I think it's a huge compliment the reviewers compared the Zongshen RX3 to the very popular, venerable, Kawasaki KLR650. Whether commuting, or taking an adventure to the end of the hemisphere, I would much rather ride a 250cc motorcycle than a behemoth.

I thought the same thing. A comparison to the KLR650 is high praise, indeed.

I lost count of how many times Boorman and McGregor dropped their bikes. Any one of us would have, which is why I agree with you, Spud. I have great memories of our trip over the mountains to Bonneville, and that's only one of many for you on a 200cc bike.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I thought the same thing. A comparison to the KLR650 is high praise, indeed.

I lost count of how many times Boorman and McGregor dropped their bikes...

Yes, but Boorman didn't drop the bike nearly as much as McGregor.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

...Any one of us would have, which is why I agree with you, Spud. I have great memories of our trip over the mountains to Bonneville, and that's only one of many for you on a 200cc bike.

Indeed, that was a fun trip to Bonneville. I thought we might take an all Chinese motorcycle ride to Bonneville with FastDoc, but he has sadly disappeared.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The chain guard is one of the first things I remove from a motorcycle.

I am with you there in spirit, but from when I was having a series of chain breaks with my old TMEC and the custom sprocket, I left my chain guard on the new TMEC

[Weldangrind]

...staying in the powerband and choosing the right gear are all part of the fun of riding a 250cc motorcycle.

An excellent point.

The CSC folks should be pleased with the ADV Pulse review.

[CSCDude]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

An excellent point.

The CSC folks should be pleased with the ADV Pulse review.

We were.

The only request from the folks at ADVPulse before the ride was that they wanted to spend time in the dirt, which we did. It was a fun day and we were impressed with how hard these guys pushed the bike in the corners on Angeles Crest Highway and in the dirt. Their skills are way, way beyond mine.

Nice bunch of guys, too.

[SpudRider]

Our good friend Zac posted the following report on the Zongshen RX3 at Canada Moto Guide.

http://canadamotoguide.com/2014/11/2...-zongshen-rx3/

However, he failed to post a link to our thread here at China Riders. Don't forget your friends, Zac.