New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

The new, Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) is the successor to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2.





The new Zong is very heavy at 175 kg (385 pounds).

http://en.zongshenmotor.com/?q=node/892

However, in their defense, Zongshen bikes are built like the proverbial 'brick outhouses,' and are built to carry heavy loads.

http://www.motorcycles-china.com/Mot...x01o3w8w1vV7v1

Don't expect this bike to be exported to North America. Indeed, Zongshen America seems to be closing down its operations in the United States.

[SpudRider]

The Minsk TRX300, which is being sold in the Belarus, is merely a rebadged Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3).

[SpudRider]

The Standard Edition of the Zongshen RX3 does not include the luggage, and has an MSRP of 19,800 Chinese Yuan, which at current exchange rates is $3,267.44.

The Deluxe Editon of the Zongshen RX3 includes the luggage, and has an MSRP of 20,800 Chinese Yuan, which at current exchange rates is $3,432.56 USD.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...id=36625595542

[SpudRider]

I hope this bike proves to be reliable, and sells well for Zongshen. For an MSRP of $3,267.44 USD, the bike has a lot of standard features.

Fuel Injected Engine
Water Cooled Engine
6-Speed Transmission
Crash Bars
Windshield
Digital Dashboard
LED Turn Signals and Brake Light
16-Liter Fuel Tank
Integrated luggage
Stainless Steel Muffler
USD Forks
1-inch, Fat Handlebars

The ZS250GY-3 also appears to have anodized alloy rims and a skid plate.

[SpudRider]

Zongshen makes good engines. I have ridden my ZS200GY-2 for almost 61,000 miles, and it still runs superbly.





The fuel injected, ZS177MM Zongshen engine installed in the Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) has been in production for several years, and I have not heard any bad reports concerning it.









Among other places, the Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) is currently being sold in the Philippines, Thailand, England, and Russia.

[Killerbracing]

That new 250 is sikk! The only thing I would change is the fork guards.

[SpudRider]

I like this bike a lot. It's too bad Zongshen America seems to be closing shop. The only thing I would change is the weight. I wish this bike were about 50 pounds lighter.

[Killerbracing]

It is a little porky. As far as them closing shop in the states, I don't blame them. Politics on paperwork from state to state and the EPA, I would run too!

[SpudRider]

Here are a some more photographs of the new Zong.













It also appears the new Zong has 1-inch handlebars.

[Killerbracing]

That black one trips my trigger!

[SpudRider]

I believe all the RX3 bikes look black from the front. The bike is officially available in red, white, blue, and orange.





Here's a link to a review of the Minsk TRX300 at Adventure Touring Motorcycle.

http://adventuretouringmotorcycle.com/tag/adv-pulse/

[culcune]

For right now, the closest we'll get to this bike is via SSR and their full-size dirtbike:



At least the water-cooled 250cc Zongshen engine...

[culcune]

A few years back, Johnny Pag offered a 250cc police motorcycle which, at the time, was a perfect tool for some police forces. It was not meant for all out pursuits, obviously, but rather for putting around quietly to run up unexpectedly on people doing illegal activities, such as when police forces use bicycles. A few police forces put them into use, which at $4k or so at the time (recession time) was a lot easier to swallow than $15k+ for pursuit and patrol bikes.

An entrepreneur could probably find a niche for the RX3 which already come made as police bikes--my guess is they are probably a lot more reliable than the Johnny Pag bikes were in 2009 or 2010.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Killerbracing

It is a little porky. As far as them closing shop in the states, I don't blame them. Politics on paperwork from state to state and the EPA, I would run too!

A good source (insider) told me he thought the person who started Zongshen America was laundering money--so there was no real intention to actually service the brand forever.

As far as hope for this bike coming to the US, perhaps their joint venture with someone could get us this bike in a few years? Zongshen and Piaggio have a joint venture, and Piaggio have an established presence in the US, as well as Piaggio Group's Aprilia. If the bike is tested as reliable, perhaps, if not as a Zongshen, we could see it as one of the above?

[Weldangrind]

Holy BMW GS styling! I love it!

I can see that I'm going to have to watch Taobao for the luggage to appear.

Thanks Heavens that Zong is smart enough to continue producing orange bikes.