CSC's New RX6

[JoeBee]

I know people in high places, and I got the first ride in America on the new CSC RX6. The report is here. Here's a teaser photo...



While you're there, order a copy of the new Gresh/Berk book, A Cup O' Joes.

[Sport Rider]

19 inch front tire would have been more useful. Price is too high. too many better bikes in the used market to make this really competitive.

[tknj99]

Make that intro price 5k and they'll generate some buzz for sure and help spread the word

[ChopperCharles]

It's not an adventure bike, it's a sport tourer. 6.5" of ground clearance and 5.6" of suspension travel means it's 100% a road bike. The luggage that it comes with are color-matched plastic clamshell cases, like an ST1300. It's a neat bike, but it's too heavy and gets terrible gas mileage.

Charles.

[Sport Rider]

they should have named it something different than the RX3/RX4 line. They're confusing me. not hard to do.

[ChopperCharles]

In China the model number is SR650 - SR for "Sports Road", at least according to Joe Berk. Would have been better to keep it that name and not call it RX6, but it's been touted for so long as coming I don't think that would have worked out well for CSC.

Charles.

[tknj99]

Its fairly common for cars as an example to be marketed in one foreign country by a certain name and then something different in the US, so i think that was probably a good call

[Sport Rider]

Originally Posted by tknj99

Its fairly common for cars as an example to be marketed in one foreign country by a certain name and then something different in the US, so i think that was probably a good call

you mean like Mustang and Mustang EV?

[Working_ZS]

Originally Posted by tknj99

Make that intro price 5k and they'll generate some buzz for sure and help spread the word

Not happening in 2023. We're 8 years removed from the RX3 introduction and light years beyond its production quality. The name brand componentry (Nissin brakes, KYB suspension; Bosch ABS & EFI, Pirelli tires) alone probably accounts for a quarter, possibly more, of the RX6's production cost; then you have to add in all the technology (electrically adjusted windscreen, front and rear video cameras, keyless start and immobilizer, backlit switch gear, TFT dash), plus the licensing for the Norton derived engine. It all adds up. I'm surprised that CSC is able to offer it at the price that they are - at $6700 it's a steal for early adopters, given the level of quality and features that it has.

The RX6 is WAY more than another feeble attempt at cloning the Versys 650, Zongshen appears to have used that bike as a standard bearer, analyzed its strengths and weaknesses, and then matched or exceeded it in almost every way - 270 degree crank engine for more character, lower seat height, more comprehensive electronic features, and much lower MSRP. To put that in perspective, I paid $6400 delivered for my RX4 back in 2019, this bike should come in at $7700 delivered, with way more power and features, plus even better build quality than the already great RX4's. I'm not regretting my pre-order, I can tell you that. This is definitely going to be a fun one.

[Working_ZS]

Originally Posted by ChopperCharles

...It's a neat bike, but it's too heavy and gets terrible gas mileage.
...

I'd take that 540 lb weight with a grain of salt until you see it on a scale for yourself. I've seen specs listing the dry weight at 215 kgs. Throw in 21 liters of fuel and you're at 508 lbs, same as Versys 650 sans luggage. As for the mileage - at this point, who knows? I haven't seen anyone review one and specifically test the fuel economy. However, given the engine that it has, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if it's found to not be a fuel sipper - that mostly being down to the rider hammering the throttle constantly.

[IdahoRider]

[Working_ZS]

Originally Posted by IdahoRider

Best part comes at the 3:17 mark - I can tell you in no uncertain terms that my 2015 Versys 650 does NOT sound like that when it's getting on it. This thing is going to open some eyes, for sure. Closest competitor would be the CF Moto 700's, but those are 180 degree crank engines. Looking forward to when this turns up in my driveway.

[Working_ZS]

Here's another video - it appears to be a Zongshen internal test:

[Sullybiker]

This is pretty exciting. I look forward to people's experiences with it.