Greetings from the road

Dog · 10-16-2009, 12:55 PM

Hi all,
I'm a truckdriver (owner operator) and I carry my orange Zongshen Sierra with me on a platform mounted to the back of my flatbed trailer.
Thanks for all the great info on this site!!!
I've only got 600 miles on the bike, but I am very satisfied with the machine so far. Most of those miles have been on the Moab trails and side roads. The bike seems to be reasonably built for it's low price ($1,300), and I look forward to many more miles of riding. I'll post pic's as soon as I figure out how.

FastDoc · 10-16-2009, 01:09 PM

Cool. My best best friend Ron is also an owner/operator of an 18 wheeler, A reefer Volvo. He also has a little CB. I'd like to see some pics of your arrangement.

I was in Moab last month on my Gold Wing and I'd have killed to have my Q Link down there. OHMYGOSH would that be heaven for a small dual sport!

SpudRider · 10-16-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dog

Hi all,
I'm a truckdriver (owner operator) and I carry my orange Zongshen Sierra with me on a platform mounted to the back of my flatbed trailer.
Thanks for all the great info on this site!!!
I've only got 600 miles on the bike, but I am very satisfied with the machine so far. Most of those miles have been on the Moab trails and side roads. The bike seems to be reasonably built for it's low price ($1,300), and I look forward to many more miles of riding. I'll post pic's as soon as I figure out how.

Welcome to these forums, and welcome to the Cult of the Zong (a non-religious, non-political cult)!

As you know, the Zong is a very reliable, very capable motorcycle right out of the crate. However, you can also easily modify the Zong to make it an even better motorcycle!

Please do post some photos as soon as you get a chance! I hope you enjoy many more happy, safe miles riding your new Zong!

Spud

lego1970 · 10-16-2009, 08:00 PM

Welcome Dog. I used to own a semi, a small Yamaha 125 and a Suzuki DR350. When I hauled Van I seldom could put the motorcycle in there because of the gas fumes and or the freight was loaded to the back doors. With a little modification (keeping the air ride cab from rubbing on the bike, and re-routing the pigtails) I was able to mount the Yamaha125 on the catwalk, however I had to keep the fith-wheel all the way back, therefore sometimes I was over on the drives. I never could get the DR350 to fit on the catwalk but bought a cheap crane from Harbor Freight and was able to lift it up into the trailer when loads permitted. When I was leased to a flatbed company I hauled step decks so I could just use my ramps to get up on the trailers, but at that time I was leased I had no control of what return loads I would pick up so I was always concerned I'd get a load of lumber or something like that where I couldn't fit my bike on. When I had the Van trailer I was under my own Authority so I could pick the right loads that would allow me to haul the DR350, but even then, most of the time I had to take the Yamaha125. I was able to really get out and explore when time allowed. Kingman has a bunch of endless trails right next to the truckstop. I also enjoyed stopping in Mesquite Nevada because right outside of town there were endless trails plus the Casinos had truck parking and a room was only $20 bucks.

Anyway, welcome, nice bike, and have a safe trip

Dog · 10-16-2009, 09:44 PM

I put a rack all the way on the tail of the trailer. It mounts into two 2" rec. mounts. I didn't like the ones that mount with one,..they seemed too flimsy. Then I placed my trailer lights onto the rack so DOT couldn't give me a hard time. It's nice to get out and ride, I do mostly hiking, and the bike helps get me to the trailhead.
Moab,..need I say more,,,,I had a blast in Moab.

phil · 10-16-2009, 10:48 PM

but spud i have a deep roots in both does that mean i not cheif kool-aid mixer

welcome to the site dog if you have problems we are here, spuds the king of changing everything on his bike and if you need parts i may be able to help, someday soon my guru will be done with football and maybe i get my website up parts listed for you bike, but untill then just give me a shout i have just about all the basic stuff for your orange. btw where do you run to/from

Dog · 10-16-2009, 11:47 PM

Fast,Spud,Lego& Phil,
Thanks for the welcome.
I noticed Spud likes to modify his bike, thats cool because all bikes need to be improved, and things like the case cover are great idea's.
I travel the lower 48, but try to get in and around Moab and Flagstaff. I also get around Downey, Idaho where the new power line is running up I-15.
I'm always looking for great places to ride and hike.
I'm doing my 600 mile valve adjust in the morning. The mighty Zong was tappin' like an old sewing machine.
One complaint I have about the bike is the weak starter. I mostly kick start, but the electric seems under powered.
All in all the bike is really good, I climbed some hard jeep trails in Moab, and took some hard get off's, and the Zong took the abuse.
The street tires need to go, but I want to wear them down before I choose a more dirt ready tread pattern. I love the long seat and the width, it makes for a very good slick rock climber.
I'm headed to Boise to get some onions and then back to Tampa where I live.

Weldangrind · 10-17-2009, 01:37 AM

Welcome Dog!

Your lifestyle is enviable; driving the highways of America, and riding your Zong when you stop. Sounds great!

Dog · 10-17-2009, 09:07 AM

Weld,
I can't complain too much, I like what I do. As a trucker I'm not really happy about the condition of the truck stops, the filth and the lot lizzards make me want to park elsewhere. I usually end up at a Walmart, or a Lowes. Being away from home is difficult, but when I get to a place where the trails are a plenty,,,,,I forget about all that and just cover some ground. The valve adjust went well and I'm loading orange onto the rack to head out.

SpudRider · 10-17-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dog

...The valve adjust went well and I'm loading orange onto the rack to head out.

I love the Zong's simple, bulletproof little engine.

These single-cylinder, air-cooled engines are very simple to maintain. Change the oil frequently, and adjust the valves according to the maintenance schedule, and the Zong will run reliably for many miles. My Zong's odometer is close to reaching 20,000 miles, and my bike is running great!

Spud

hunter · 10-17-2009, 02:38 PM

wow, talk about these little bikes paying for themselves.I'm putting amsoil in my bike to see how long it will last.I think for the money these bikes are the best deal out there

Dog · 10-17-2009, 06:33 PM

Hey Spud, you've got that right. The valves were a breeze, and while I was at it I weatherproofed some of the electrical connections. I was very surprised to see how well everything was put together under the seat. The overall quality of this machine still amazes me. While I don't think it could take the abuse that my Honda did,..it is a decent bike at 1/3 the price. That said,...you have 20,000 miles on your Zong, if I get half that I will be very happy with my purchase. I don't ride it too hard, but I don't baby it either.
I've had nothing but synthetic in it from day one and already changed it 3 times. So now it's broken in and ready to go for some real miles.
Does anyone know if the front suspension and brakes get smoother as they wear in? The forks seem rigid and the front caliper drags a bit.
No more riding today, orange is on the rack, and ready to go to Utah again.

SpudRider · 10-17-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dog

...Does anyone know if the front suspension and brakes get smoother as they wear in? The forks seem rigid and the front caliper drags a bit...

My front forks have been smooth from the very first day, Dog. In fact, I hear some people believe the Zong's forks are a bit soft. Therefore, I assume your forks will get smoother as they wear in.

Once again, my front brake caliper has been very good from the first day. Perhaps your front wheel is not running true? You might also want to inspect the front brake caliper, and/or drain the brake fluid. I discovered the Zongshen Sierra 200 uses the same front brake caliper as the Hyosung GF125 motorcycle. You can download the Hyosung GF125 service manual, which gives complete information on the Zong's front brake caliper, from the following thread.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=6514

Spud

lego1970 · 10-18-2009, 01:00 PM

Dog one more thing while I'm thinking about it. Make sure you clean it frequently in the winter and keep it oiled. After only one winter season on the catwalk my Yamaha's frame was rusting thru from the inside out. Also had the same problem on a Generator that I kept on the belly of my Van trailer. After the first season with the Yamaha, I sprayed oil inside the frame tube every week or two and it seemed to help big time.

phil · 10-18-2009, 05:20 PM

if spraying help i think i would drill a hole and fill that frame up

i hate rust its never fixed

10-16-2009, 12:55 PM	#1
Dog Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Greetings from the road Hi all, I'm a truckdriver (owner operator) and I carry my orange Zongshen Sierra with me on a platform mounted to the back of my flatbed trailer. Thanks for all the great info on this site!!! I've only got 600 miles on the bike, but I am very satisfied with the machine so far. Most of those miles have been on the Moab trails and side roads. The bike seems to be reasonably built for it's low price ($1,300), and I look forward to many more miles of riding. I'll post pic's as soon as I figure out how.
	0

10-16-2009, 01:09 PM	#2
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Cool. My best best friend Ron is also an owner/operator of an 18 wheeler, A reefer Volvo. He also has a little CB. I'd like to see some pics of your arrangement. I was in Moab last month on my Gold Wing and I'd have killed to have my Q Link down there. OHMYGOSH would that be heaven for a small dual sport! __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-16-2009, 10:48 PM	#6
phil Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: wise va Posts: 636	but spud i have a deep roots in both does that mean i not cheif kool-aid mixer welcome to the site dog if you have problems we are here, spuds the king of changing everything on his bike and if you need parts i may be able to help, someday soon my guru will be done with football and maybe i get my website up parts listed for you bike, but untill then just give me a shout i have just about all the basic stuff for your orange. btw where do you run to/from __________________ halls auto l coolster, modcycles, yanmar & zongshen, dealer fired roketa,lifan and jet moto and apollo quit me who's next
	0

10-17-2009, 01:37 AM	#8
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Welcome Dog! Your lifestyle is enviable; driving the highways of America, and riding your Zong when you stop. Sounds great! __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

10-17-2009, 02:38 PM	#11
hunter Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 101	20,000 miles!!! wow, talk about these little bikes paying for themselves.I'm putting amsoil in my bike to see how long it will last.I think for the money these bikes are the best deal out there
	0

10-16-2009, 08:00 PM	#4
lego1970 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Blue Springs, Missouri. United States Posts: 505	Welcome Dog. I used to own a semi, a small Yamaha 125 and a Suzuki DR350. When I hauled Van I seldom could put the motorcycle in there because of the gas fumes and or the freight was loaded to the back doors. With a little modification (keeping the air ride cab from rubbing on the bike, and re-routing the pigtails) I was able to mount the Yamaha125 on the catwalk, however I had to keep the fith-wheel all the way back, therefore sometimes I was over on the drives. I never could get the DR350 to fit on the catwalk but bought a cheap crane from Harbor Freight and was able to lift it up into the trailer when loads permitted. When I was leased to a flatbed company I hauled step decks so I could just use my ramps to get up on the trailers, but at that time I was leased I had no control of what return loads I would pick up so I was always concerned I'd get a load of lumber or something like that where I couldn't fit my bike on. When I had the Van trailer I was under my own Authority so I could pick the right loads that would allow me to haul the DR350, but even then, most of the time I had to take the Yamaha125. I was able to really get out and explore when time allowed. Kingman has a bunch of endless trails right next to the truckstop. I also enjoyed stopping in Mesquite Nevada because right outside of town there were endless trails plus the Casinos had truck parking and a room was only $20 bucks. Anyway, welcome, nice bike, and have a safe trip
	0

10-16-2009, 09:44 PM	#5
Dog Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	I put a rack all the way on the tail of the trailer. It mounts into two 2" rec. mounts. I didn't like the ones that mount with one,..they seemed too flimsy. Then I placed my trailer lights onto the rack so DOT couldn't give me a hard time. It's nice to get out and ride, I do mostly hiking, and the bike helps get me to the trailhead. Moab,..need I say more,,,,I had a blast in Moab.
	0

10-16-2009, 11:47 PM	#7
Dog Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Fast,Spud,Lego& Phil, Thanks for the welcome. I noticed Spud likes to modify his bike, thats cool because all bikes need to be improved, and things like the case cover are great idea's. I travel the lower 48, but try to get in and around Moab and Flagstaff. I also get around Downey, Idaho where the new power line is running up I-15. I'm always looking for great places to ride and hike. I'm doing my 600 mile valve adjust in the morning. The mighty Zong was tappin' like an old sewing machine. One complaint I have about the bike is the weak starter. I mostly kick start, but the electric seems under powered. All in all the bike is really good, I climbed some hard jeep trails in Moab, and took some hard get off's, and the Zong took the abuse. The street tires need to go, but I want to wear them down before I choose a more dirt ready tread pattern. I love the long seat and the width, it makes for a very good slick rock climber. I'm headed to Boise to get some onions and then back to Tampa where I live.
	0

10-17-2009, 09:07 AM	#9
Dog Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Weld, I can't complain too much, I like what I do. As a trucker I'm not really happy about the condition of the truck stops, the filth and the lot lizzards make me want to park elsewhere. I usually end up at a Walmart, or a Lowes. Being away from home is difficult, but when I get to a place where the trails are a plenty,,,,,I forget about all that and just cover some ground. The valve adjust went well and I'm loading orange onto the rack to head out.
	0

10-17-2009, 06:33 PM	#12
Dog Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Hey Spud, you've got that right. The valves were a breeze, and while I was at it I weatherproofed some of the electrical connections. I was very surprised to see how well everything was put together under the seat. The overall quality of this machine still amazes me. While I don't think it could take the abuse that my Honda did,..it is a decent bike at 1/3 the price. That said,...you have 20,000 miles on your Zong, if I get half that I will be very happy with my purchase. I don't ride it too hard, but I don't baby it either. I've had nothing but synthetic in it from day one and already changed it 3 times. So now it's broken in and ready to go for some real miles. Does anyone know if the front suspension and brakes get smoother as they wear in? The forks seem rigid and the front caliper drags a bit. No more riding today, orange is on the rack, and ready to go to Utah again.
	0

10-18-2009, 01:00 PM	#14
lego1970 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Blue Springs, Missouri. United States Posts: 505	Dog one more thing while I'm thinking about it. Make sure you clean it frequently in the winter and keep it oiled. After only one winter season on the catwalk my Yamaha's frame was rusting thru from the inside out. Also had the same problem on a Generator that I kept on the belly of my Van trailer. After the first season with the Yamaha, I sprayed oil inside the frame tube every week or two and it seemed to help big time.
	0

10-18-2009, 05:20 PM	#15
phil Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: wise va Posts: 636	if spraying help i think i would drill a hole and fill that frame up i hate rust its never fixed __________________ halls auto l coolster, modcycles, yanmar & zongshen, dealer fired roketa,lifan and jet moto and apollo quit me who's next
	0