CSC/Zongshen Mileage Milestones

[Lee R]

I would like to start a thread to record mileage accumulating on our RX3's. Please list your RX3 when it crosses the milestones below. Add any major work needed to keep it on the road outside the normal wear items. Be sure to include your model year as well.

* Red indicates the bike is no longer operational.
* Blue indicates bike was sold.


Miles/Kilometers

200,000/321,868

150,000/241,401

100,000/160,934

50,000/80,467

30,000/48,280

25,000/40,234
SpudRider 2015 27,000 miles

20,000/32,186
SpudRider 2015 20,000 miles

15,000/20,117
rjmorel 2015 13,000miles
Joe Berk 2015 >12,000miles

10,000/16,093
Juanro 2015 10,000 miles
Danimal 2015 10,000 miles
Kumatae 2015 10,000 miles

5,000/8,046
Lee R 2015 7200 Miles
Dave92029 2015 5005 miles
Katflap 2015 5000 miles
AZRider 2015 5000 miles
Huck369 2015 5000 miles
detours 2015 5000 miles
jbfla 2015 5000 miles

2,500/4,023
RedSpruce 2015 2500 miles

[SpudRider]

SpudRider
2015 Zongshen RX3

5,000 miles on odometer recorded in July, 2015. Only normal maintenance was required.

[rjmorel]

RJ's 2015 RX3
5000 miles last month. Approx 6125 miles now. Nothing major. Adj valves once , changed oil 3X. Change tires to more dirt worthy style. Rode it to many enjoyable camping trips in the last 3 months .

[Lee R]

Awesome, added you guys to the list. Should be fun watching these bikes gather miles, which adv bikes do very well.

Glad so see they have been trouble free as well.

[rjmorel]

wow , I think Spudrider should get a prize for most miles I know of. The first to break 10,000 miles. Maybe some of the CSC bikes that have been on the Baja or western states trip rides may have more? Wonder how many Joe Berk is up to on his? rj

[Huck369]

I think Spud said he rolled over 10,000 miles last week...

[SpudRider]

Yes, without realizing it, I recorded 10,000 miles on the odometer some time last week, before it started to rain. :)

[Lee R]

Yes, without realizing it, I recorded 10,000 miles on the odometer some time last week, before it started to rain. :)

Nice work Spud.

I feel that once we start seeing >20k miles on these bikes without issue the reputation for RX3 will be looking really good. This could be a cult bike if it's reasonable reliable. It's certainly the best deal in adventure bikes at the moment.

[SpudRider]

The NC250 engine is beautifully designed, and very well manufactured. :tup: I'm sure it will be as reliable as the engine in my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. I have ridden that bike for 70,000 miles. :)

[AZRider]

I rolled over the 5,000 mile mark on my odometer today. I've had 3 warranty items that CSC promptly took care of - a warped front brake rotor, a faulty gear selector cable and a bad battery. All 3 replacement items were installed by me and are functioning well.

[Lee R]

AZ your on the list.

Looking good for reliablity so far. Mine is in shipping and arrives Monday. Hopefully I can squeeze a few thousand miles in before winter hits in northern NY.

[Danimal]

Lee...new RX3 owner here...1st in the Buckeye State:)
Mine shipped out on 9/29, and is heading to NE Ohio
Am curious what date yours actually shipped and you were given tracking?

Can't wait for mine. Gonna be fun exploring

[Lee R]

Anyone else break 5 or 10k miles this season?

I'm just coming up on 700 miles on mine but it's about to freeze here. Next season should see a good amount of miles as I'm taking the RX3 to Newfoundland with a pair of KLR owners as it's a better choice for the dirt that we'll ride than my Stelvio.

[SpudRider]

You can update me to 13,000 miles. :) However, it will snow here on Wednesday, so I won't be racking up many more miles until next spring. :ohno:

[Weldangrind]

...I'm taking the RX3 to Newfoundland with a pair of KLR owners as it's a better choice for the dirt that we'll ride than my Stelvio.

I'm looking forward to hearing about that!

[Lee R]

You can update me to 13,000 miles. :) However, it will snow here on Wednesday, so I won't be racking up many more miles until next spring. :ohno:

Updated! Snow and even worse SALT! will be here soon too Spud and I'll be done for this year. Hoping to get a few more hundred in before then though! 60's for the high most of this week, I'll take it!




I'm looking forward to hearing about that!

I'm looking forward to the trip! Many of my relatives are Canadian but not from Newfoundland. I've been through most of Quebec and Ottawa area as well as Vancouver Island so looking forward to seeing more of Canada!

[Lee R]

I added a few lower mileage numbers so feel free to add.

[Huck369]

I'm about to 4,000...I think about 3,800 last I looked...
I'll continue to ride mine all winter, but won;t be riding as much...mostly just my commute back and forth to work, won't be any long fun rides while it's cold....

[detours]

I'm over 3000 miles now

[Lee R]

Huck, Detours,

Any issues with either of yours?

My friend and I have none with ours. I'm really impressed. Most fun bike I've had in a while and the lowest power of them all go figure!

[SpudRider]

If you change the engine oil regularly, and keep the valves adjusted, I'm confident these engines will last 100,000 miles, and more. ;)

[Lee R]

If you change the engine oil regularly, and keep the valves adjusted, I'm confident these engines will last 100,000 miles, and more. ;)

Spud change at 2k intervals? I actually change all mine at at 2500 or less. Wet clutches are hard on oil!

Did you even have any issues on your Sierra in all those miles?

[SpudRider]

Yes, I change my engine oil every time the odometer records an even thousand miles. In this manner I don't forget to change the engine oil every 2,000 miles. ;)

Zongshen builds excellent engines. I have only performed routine maintenance on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, and it now has almost 70,000 miles on the odometer. :)

[Huck369]

Huck, Detours,

Any issues with either of yours?

My friend and I have none with ours. I'm really impressed. Most fun bike I've had in a while and the lowest power of them all go figure!

No real issues, needed a new front rotor when it was new, and had the glass fall out of the left mirror a couple months ago, CSC replaced both items quickly....the motor has been great, and has had no issues.

I've went to the 13 tooth front sprocket, as I ride some rougher routes often, and the better bottom range is much more useful in slow rocky routes.

[keithmaine]

Yes, I change my engine oil every time the odometer records an even thousand miles. In this manner I don't forget to change the engine oil every 2,000 miles. ;)

Zongshen builds excellent engines. I have only performed routine maintenance on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, and it now has almost 70,000 miles on the odometer. :)

Wow! it really shows the quality of these engines

[detours]

Huck, Detours,

Any issues with either of yours?

My friend and I have none with ours. I'm really impressed. Most fun bike I've had in a while and the lowest power of them all go figure!

Just minor issues for me, and all easily resolved. I'm having a great time on my RX3 and hardly ever ride my Vstrom any more.

I had the pulsating front brake issue, but CSC sent a new rotor under warranty.
The front brake reservoir lid leaked a little, so I tightened the screws.
The left rear turn signal plug came loose, so I plugged it back in.
The PCV filter assembly was installed upside down at the factory, so I turned it right side up.
I found a small drip from a radiator hose, so I tightened the hose clamp.
The radiators weren't completely filled at the factory, so I topped them off.


Except for the brake rotor, these are all minor assembly line issues. And the brake rotor was more annoying than anything. A series of hard stops in a parking lot nearly fixed the pulsing anyway. Mechanically, the bike is sound and a high quality design.

The loose bolts were only on a few maintenance areas. If anything, the frame and engine bolts were over tightened at the factory.

[SpudRider]

The naysayers don't realize that all Chinese motorcycles are not created equal. ;) Zongshen has had superior quality control for many years, and has a serious commitment to improve it even further. :) My 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra) was manufactured to a higher standard than many other Chinese bikes of that time. In the nine years since then, Zongshen has only continued to improve quality control. :tup:

[Lee R]

Now that we have reached the end of the year, any more people hit some milestones?

Danimal I think I remember you saying 4K on yours?

[rjmorel]

I would think Joe Berk would be approaching 10,000 if not more???? rj

[Danimal]

Now that we have reached the end of the year, any more people hit some milestones?

Danimal I think I remember you saying 4K on yours?

yeah, just over 4300 now. Freaking more normal weather shit coming may slow that progress :grr:

[Lee R]

anyone else cross the 2500/5000 mark recently? I think we'll have a few more over 10k and 20k this year!

[jbfla]

3,500 miles since Dec.

Bike is grounded until engine problem is solved...guess my dreams of catching up to Spud will have to wait... :cry:

jb

[Lee R]

jb,

Whats up with your engine?

[jbfla]

jb,

Whats up with your engine?

See the RX3 warranty thread.

http://www.chinariders.net/showpost.php?p=207989&postcount=18

jb

[Lee R]

I gotcha, metal to metal sound waiting diagnosis?

[jbfla]

I gotcha, metal to metal sound waiting diagnosis?

Yes.

jb

[Lee R]

Yes.

jb

Hopefully it turns out well jb!

[SpudRider]

I'm sorry to hear of your engine problems, JB. Please do keep us updated.

[Huck369]

Mine is back on the road after a slight hiccup, at 4,785 miles I had it fail to start for me at work last Tuesday (3/15/16..the day after my birthday :( ) had to haul it home.

After several phone calls with Gerry of CSC, and a few hours of trouble shooting, determined it to be a sticking injector, which Gerry shipped a new injector right out too me.

I received it yesterday, so I popped it in last night and she fired right up, and I'm ridding it today...She's already got me to work this morning, so hoping she is all fixed now, it will take a few days of riding her to make me more sure she's truly fixed, but I'm pretty sure she is. :)

Another satisfied Customer with CSC's Costumer Service!

[SpudRider]

Thanks for informing us of the problem, and the superb customer service, Huck. :)

[Adjuster]

Any idea why the stuck injector? Faulty or bad gas or something?



/

[SpudRider]

I would also like to know the probable cause of the problem. :) Nevertheless, whatever the cause, it's not the fault of Zongshen. The RX3 employs U.S. Delphi parts for the entire EFI system. ;)

[Eco Mouse]

I think I'll stick Seafoam every 10th tank schedule, just as a precaution.

[Huck369]

Any idea why the stuck injector? Faulty or bad gas or something?
/

I have no ideal what caused it....it had seemed to be down on power a little the last few months, and my gas mileage had dropped a pretty good amount....I was attributing it to riding in the cold weather and Winter blend fuel....but may have been the injector acting up, as it seems to have restored it's power with the new injector....

Just glad to have it back on the road, as it is my only bike with heated grips :)

[detours]

I think I'll stick Seafoam every 10th tank schedule, just as a precaution.

Good plan. I do the same.

[dave92029]

Installed the new battery with 5005 sMiles on my RX3

[No1Vic]

Had the bike for 13 months now and done 281 miles, well dealer did first 26 so 255 myself, do I get an award for least miles lol

[RedSpruce]

2,500 miles

I just passed 2,500 miles on my ride today.

80% of those miles have been off pavement. I will have had the moto for a year at the end of this month.

[Lee R]

Had the bike for 13 months now and done 281 miles, well dealer did first 26 so 255 myself, do I get an award for least miles lol

Somebody needs a quick lap around Europe this summer!


I just passed 2,500 miles on my ride today.

80% of those miles have been off pavement. I will have had the moto for a year at the end of this month.

No issues RedSpruce?

[RedSpruce]

No issues RedSpruce?

No issues, normal maintenance.

[Huck369]

I ran over 5,000 miles in the last couple weeks.....just noticed this morning...

[dpl096]

I ran over 5,000 miles in the last couple weeks.....just noticed this morning...

lucky dog !

[Juanro]

16000km (that's 10K miles you imperials) since last september. It's getting to look "well worn", no major issues.

[Lee R]

Thanks for adding guys, good to see 3 bikes over 10k!

[detours]

Add me to the 5000 mile club :)

[dpl096]

Add me to the 5000 mile club :)

Congrats D !

[Lee R]

How are we doing on mileage?

I'll roll 2500 in a few days and 5000-7500 by end of june (3500 mile trip).

Spud have you passed 15k?

[SpudRider]

How are we doing on mileage?

I'll roll 2500 in a few days and 5000-7500 by end of june (3500 mile trip).

Spud have you passed 15k?

Good for you. :tup:

After it stops raining, I should pass 15,000 miles by the end of the month. ;)

[SpudRider]

I just recorded 15,000 miles on the odometer today. ;)

[BlackBike]

I just recorded 15,000 miles on the odometer today. ;)

In the pursuit of happiness! :)

[rjmorel]

Congrates Spud , hope you can double and triple that like on your Yamazong, :clap: rj

[SpudRider]

Congrates Spud , hope you can double and triple that like on your Yamazong, :clap: rj

Thank you, Rob. ;)

I have ridden my YamaZong for almost 2,000 miles this year, so the total mileage is about 72,000 for that bike. Therefore, I need to ride the RX3 about five times as much to catch up. ;)

[kumatae]

Just rolled over 10,000 this morning on my commute!

[willy dog]

just rode from southern VT. to Canada and back 2600 miles now on the Zong it loves 7000rpms 53mph 5th gear that's real mph (speedoDRD) i love the 13tooth sprocket 5thgear 7000-8000rpm climbs the hills with ease going to try 3rd valve adj. think this time it might just need it I really love my 2015.5 :tup:

[dpl096]

Just rolled over 10,000 this morning on my commute!

That's fantastic :tup:

[madsocial]

I put my first 1000 miles on the bike. Too bad it was mostly highway miles to work and not beautiful back woods country roads. lol

Time for another oil change!!! :)

[jbfla]

I joined the 5,000 mile club today.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/RX3%20Mileage/5031%20miles_zps9co0xarc.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/RX3%20Mileage/5031%20miles_zps9co0xarc.jpg.html)


Be sure to watch for my new book, "5,000 Miles At 6,000 RPM".

jb

[CSCDude]

One of the Chinese guys on our current ride has a little over 30,000 miles (not km, but miles) on his RX3. It's interesting; the RX3s over here are a little like mine...all of them look like they haven't been washed since new.

[dpl096]

I joined the 5,000 mile club today.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/RX3%20Mileage/5031%20miles_zps9co0xarc.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/RX3%20Mileage/5031%20miles_zps9co0xarc.jpg.html)


Be sure to watch for my new book, "5,000 Miles At 6,000 RPM".

jb

As I recall you got there the hard way too! Congratulations :tup:

[willy dog]

One of the Chinese guys on our current ride has a little over 30,000 miles (not km, but miles) on his RX3. It's interesting; the RX3s over here are a little like mine...all of them look like they haven't been washed since new.
the only thing i wash on fastest blue is the chain and air filter both with oil

[Lee R]

Good to see the mileage add up on the bikes without many issues. I'm just about at 7000 miles on mine after the 4k voyage over the past few weeks.

[BlackBike]

Good to see the mileage add up on the bikes without many issues. I'm just about at 7000 miles on mine after the 4k voyage over the past few weeks.

You should at least give us a brief write up on this 4000miles :wtf:

[Lee R]

You should at least give us a brief write up on this 4000miles :wtf:

It's in the works, I'll post when it's complete.

[rjmorel]

My 2015 is up to 9600 miles now after the Iron Butt 1000 ride. Took a licking and it's still ticking. Hope to get it over 10,000 by end of August. rj

[willy dog]

My 2015 is up to 9600 miles now after the Iron Butt 1000 ride. Took a licking and it's still ticking. Hope to get it over 10,000 by end of August. rj
good job speaking of jobs my rx3 has been at 3000 miles for a month 12 hour work days getting in the way of riding

[CSCDude]

My 2015 is up to 9600 miles now after the Iron Butt 1000 ride. Took a licking and it's still ticking. Hope to get it over 10,000 by end of August. rj

I'm sure you will, Rob.

We're hoping to see you at the Horizons Unlimited gathering in Mariposa next month. CSC will have a booth there and I'll be one of the HU speakers. Let me know if you're going to be there, my friend.

[rjmorel]

Joe , I sent in my moola for both the Horizon Unlimited gatherings in Mariposa in Sept. and Nukusp, Canada just north of here across the border end of Aug. Barring anymore kidney stone problems I'll look forward to seeing you then. rob

[DoomWeasel]

good job speaking of jobs my rx3 has been at 3000 miles for a month 12 hour work days getting in the way of riding

Tell me about it. Mine has been sitting at 3300 since early July. Between the summer weather here in Florida (IE hot and humid or pouring rain), work, and other drains on my free time I haven't been able to ride other than a quick trip to the bank and post office the other evening. I did just put the Seat Concepts tall seat on the bike so I got to find some time to break it in.

[rjmorel]

12,000 miles on my RX3 now, running good need new tires, rj

[SpudRider]

I just recorded 20,000 miles on the odometer this week.

[katflap]

I just recorded 20,000 miles on the odometer this week.

" The Zong master returneth " :D

Glad to hear you've added plenty of miles to your bike, spud. I hope they have all been good ones .. :tup:

[BlackBike]

12,000 miles on my RX3 now, running good need new tires, rj

What tires are you looking at rj?

[SpudRider]

" The Zong master returneth " :D

Glad to hear you've added plenty of miles to your bike, spud. I hope they have all been good ones .. :tup:

Thank you, Kat. Yes, every mile on the RX3 is a good mile, especially since I switched to the lightest spring available for my Progressive shock absorber. :tup:

[rjmorel]

What tires are you looking at rj?

bought Shinko E705 130/80x17 for rear and kenda SR244 copy 3.50x18 front, not mounted them yet. May run thru the winter on whats mounted as they are still usable, rj

[SpudRider]

bought Shinko E705 130/80x17 for rear and kenda SR244 copy 3.50x18 front, not mounted them yet. May run thru the winter on whats mounted as they are still usable, rj

Please refresh my memory; what was the rear tire you replaced?

[rjmorel]

Please refresh my memory; what was the rear tire you replaced?

Spud it was a Shinko SR244 that is bigger then stock size and rubbed the inside fender well. So I'm going back to a stock size tire. The new one is more like a big adventure bike pattern and not as aggressive as the sr244.
And welcome back to "the land of the sitters in front of computers" Spud. Glad you had a safe summer of riding. You going to have any summer ride reports to tide us through the winter ? rj

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Rob.

Did you have the size 5.10-17, Shinko 244 tire installed? I ran that tire for 13,000 miles without problems. :shrug: Did you post a photo or a thread regarding this problem? If so, please provide a link.

Yes, the winters here are long and hard, so I will be sharing a few photographs from my summer riding. ;)

[willy dog]

my 5.10-17s have had no problems with 285lbs of mass

[rjmorel]

Thank you, Rob.

Did you have the size 5.10-17, Shinko 244 tire installed? I ran than tire for 13,000 miles without problems. :shrug: Did you post a photo or a thread regarding this problem? If so, please provide a link.

Yes, the winters here are long and hard, so I will be sharing a few photographs from my summer riding. ;)

Yes to Shinko 5.10x17 244 tire .Others have posted that it rubs. In my case I put on Progressive shock and lowering link and I think this combination lets it grind a bit on the inner fender. If I tightened preload some it probably would not happen. This last trip I was loaded and preload was a little light so bottomed out a few times on fender. I figured if it was bottoming out , I was at least using all available travel so I was getting my moneys worth :tup:
13,000 miles wow .I'm at about 4400 but that is iron butting it all day on pavement it still has enough tread to get me thru to spring and then some. heres a picypoo taken a few days ago.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/rjmorel_bucket/20161018_152357_zpsnh4vssrx.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/rjmorel_bucket/media/20161018_152357_zpsnh4vssrx.jpg.html)

rj

[SpudRider]

As always, thanks for posting your detailed, informative reply, Rob. I think you are correct; the combination of a large tire, Progressive shock absorber and lowering link caused the problem.

If you lace a 2.50-17 rim to the rear hub, you can install the size 4.60-17, Shinko 244 tire. This tire is lighter and smaller in diameter, which might eliminate the problem, and also lower your saddle height a little. I have been running the 4.60-17 tire for about 7,000 miles, and it has done a good job. However, it now needs to be replaced, so the smaller, size 4.60-17 tire only got 55% of the wear life I received from the larger, size 5.10-17 tire.

[Lee R]

Spud did you cross 25k for the season?

Anyone else cross some 10/15/20k marks?

[kumatae]

I'm at 15,750 miles. Bought a new bike so it shouldn't go much higher.

[Lee R]

Did the issues with yours get resolved?

[kumatae]

Did the issues with yours get resolved?

Sort of. I got a new top end and it was running fine for two weeks. One morning, it all of sudden starts to rev really high on its own. So I'm in the process of troubleshooting that right now and soon as that's resolved, I expect I'll try to sell it. Checked today and I'm slightly over 16,000 miles.

[SpudRider]

Spud did you cross 25k for the season?

Anyone else cross some 10/15/20k marks?

I spent a lot of time riding my three other motorcycles last year. ;) At the end of last year I had ridden my Zongshen RX3 for about 22,500 miles. :tup:

[Inroads]

Hey Spud,good to hear from you....hope 2017 is rocking in your neck of the woods.:hi:

[SpudRider]

Thank you, sir. It has been cold and snowy up here. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. ;)

[culcune]

Thank you, sir. It has been cold and snowy up here. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. ;)

Yes, and winter interferes with your putting record amounts of miles on your bikes... :lmao:

[fjmartin]

I just crossed 3000 on mine with no issues. Will get a thousand next week in Death Valley

[jbfla]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/10000%20miles_zpskep2wket.jpg

jb

[fjmartin]

NICE work JB! I have a bit over 4000 on mine now. Should get a ton next month in Baja but unless the weather gets better up here I won't be getting a ton in between.

[Citroenjunkie]

My bike had 2000 when I bought it on 11 March , two weeks later 3086:clap:

[fjmartin]

Mine has crossed the 6000 mile mark. Did that on the CSC Baja trip

[rjmorel]

I'm a bit over 14,000. Just serviced at CSC after Baja ride. They said my valves were a bit tight. Figures since I hadn't checked them since before my Iron Butt ride last year, probably 7-8000 miles ago. And it's been screaming down highways to and from Canada, Yosemite, etc so yah. Hadn't changed the 20/50 synthetic motor oil either for that long. spank, spank. Ran like it always had, but I think it was starting to do the "I need my valves adjusted doofuss" dyeing when coming to a stop. Did it maybe 3x in 1900 miles of Baja trip.

Mexgyver, wish I was home. I'd come up and pit :zzz: for you at Desert 100. Or at least wave as you go by :hi: Do be safe and have fun. Report on my desk expected when you get back. I hear it can get brutal out there, But watching you ride in Baja, no worries. rj

Remember ......ass back ,just stay on the gas

[SpudRider]

Spud did you cross 25k for the season?

Anyone else cross some 10/15/20k marks?

Yes, I think my odometer now reads about 25,340 miles. :tup:

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC5088_zpshf34kyh3.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC5088_zpshf34kyh3.jpg.html)

[jbfla]

Yes, I think my odometer now reads about 25,340 miles. :tup:...

Spud, congrats on the 25k miles.

Have your valve clearances "settled in" yet?

jb

[SpudRider]

Spud, congrats on the 25k miles.

Have your valve clearances "settled in" yet?

jb

After about 16,000 miles, the exhaust valves finally stabilized, but the intake valves did not. Therefore, I suspected my intake valves were receding into the valve seats. Last fall, after performing a leak test, I got authorization from Gerry at CSC to take apart my engine. With the engine apart, I discovered major recession of the intake valves.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/100K%20Kilometers%20on%20Zong/GEDC4866_zpstqf6qov4.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/100K%20Kilometers%20on%20Zong/GEDC4866_zpstqf6qov4.jpg.html)

I repaired my engine this winter, under warranty coverage. I plan to post a thread on this topic, and my engine repair, in the next week. ;)

My engine has been running well for about 3,000 miles after the repair. In the near future I will recheck my valve clearances.

http://i.imgur.com/Qcj7bnM.jpg

[jbfla]

Thanks for the update. :tup:

jb

[BlackBike]

I know this is not the place but when you post the new thread , please explain receding in valve seats and which are intake valves etc. And your idea of why it happened. Like I said don't bother here. But always want to learn all I can

This is something to pay attention if I'm am going to be a future 450zong owner

Ty spud:hi:

[SpudRider]

I know this is not the place but when you post the new thread , please explain receding in valve seats and which are intake valves etc. And your idea of why it happened. Like I said don't bother here. But always want to learn all I can

This is something to pay attention if I'm am going to be a future 450zong owner

Ty spud:hi:

Yes, I will make a point to explain these matters more thoroughly in my thread. ;)

In the photograph above, the intake valves are the larger valves. An experienced eye will notice the intake valves have sunken (receded) into the cylinder head farther than the smaller, exhaust valves. ;)

[DoomWeasel]

No where near Spuds mileage but I passed 9000 miles this weekend.

[SpudRider]

I have posted my engine rebuild thread at the following link. After I complete the technical portion of the thread, I will open the thread for comments. ;)

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=18895

[rjmorel]

Very cool Spud, I take it the bike was still running OK, just not able to keep the valve adj in speck? Was it dying on you when coming to a stop like the characteristic "too small of valve gap " does? Transmission, clutch, cylinder , piston and rings all still good to go? rj

[SpudRider]

Very cool Spud, I take it the bike was still running OK, just not able to keep the valve adj in speck? Was it dying on you when coming to a stop like the characteristic "too small of valve gap " does? Transmission, clutch, cylinder , piston and rings all still good to go? rj

Yes, the bike was running well, except the engine would die while coasting to a stop. ;) The transmission, clutch and cylinder were in good condition. :)

All the other details are covered in my repair thread, which is now open for questions and comments.

[AdAn82]

1000 miles on the clock!

Not bad for only having it for 2 weeks haha

Taking a trip down to the Keys this weekend!

[vttrailboss]

500! Lol... not bad since I have yet to ride in the 60's or higher.a little snow, though.

[AdAn82]

2k and going strong!

[jogirob]

800 miles. Stalling when coasting to a stop between miles 250-300 but went away when I added the proper amount of recommended fuel additive at every fill up. Been good since. I also wrapped some metallic heat shield tape under the exhaust clamp to keep my right pant leg from getting singed :shrug:

Other than that I'm surprised how it gets me and my pug chug to my off-road destination safely, I can beat it to hell, and it happily takes me back home. Nice solid build.

[fjmartin]

Just a hair under 8000 miles. Between the Touratech rally this month and my July Alaska trip I'll get it up over 11000 by mid-july. Still going strong!

[ElectricCircus]

Last week I´ve reached the 10,000km milestone while riding at the beautiful Patagonian lakes and mountains :tup:

10015
10016
10017

[jbfla]

Still going....

15,000+ miles.

https://s20.postimg.org/hgpcwso65/15_033_miles.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dx3f6zlg9/)

jb

[fjmartin]

I've broken 10K miles on mine now. It was just about here!

[BlackBike]

Shhhh...Don't say broken :hehe:

You have sure enjoyed your off road rx3, this coming from a person that proclaimed never to have ridden off road before. :tup: :tup: :tup:

[fjmartin]

Broke...no, not broke, hit...that sounds bad also. Crossed...yeah, that's it...crossed the 12,000 mile mark today :-)

[rjmorel]

How about "arrived at" cause its been an ongoing adventure all the way for you Mexgyver. I'm right at 14,339. Are you headed to SR Rally in Hood River this coming week Joe? I might if work allows . rj

[fjmartin]

I'm not. I have plans for that weekend that I can't/don't want to get out of. I'm heading out tomorrow to do section 4-5-6 of the WABDR though with a few other RX3 owners. Friday-Sun for the ride. Join us!!!!!

[fjmartin]

Broke the 15K mile mark today! Not bad for 13 1/2 months!

Joe

[Juanro]

My August 2015 is about to turn 35000km (or 21747.992 miles, says google).
Still going strong.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0B_tWduTqBxRnFNVUxnUGxCb3c/view?usp=sharing

Juanro

[fjmartin]

Awesome that the bike is still running strong and love the video...gate...what gate :-)

[Juanro]

Had a few issues but really minor. Changed the timing chain tensioner, fixed some minor oil leak on the valve rocker cover (but had to take down engine for that). I do all the maintenance myself, the bike is ridden hard but well kept.
Funny about the gate is that we made it to that point all by open roads... only to find out that we were in the inside of that field! Fortunately the wires on the side were already down and we were able to ride over them (and into the ditch)

[Huck369]

At 10,000 on mine now....

[Dualsport Chic]

I'm only at 4K, - soon to be 6.5K once back from MABDR

[sjeff35]

Just turned 1000 on Wednesday.

I need to get out and ride more!

[Pbro63]

Just turned 7,750 on my 2015 RX3.

Enjoyed every mile..... well except for the mean endo at a washout on the Carrizo Plains. :doh:

[Citroenjunkie]

My bike has just completed 8000km and had its first Warrant of fitness, WOF, as new vehicles are exempt for the first few years after registration.
I was a bit put out when I went to collect the bike and was told it had failed and needed a new back tyre, chain and that it had slack in the rear suspension.
Luckily I bought the bike with a spare set of tyres, knobblies, so they have been fitted, The bike shop managed to source a new needle roller bearing for the rear suspension and fitted an o-ring chain. All this for about $500NZ.

The tyres and chain were expected but I was less happy with the worn out suspension bearing. Evidently when they disassembled the rear suspension all the bushes and pivot points were basically dry. with no real trace of grease or lubrication. This has been remedied and the change in the ride is remarkable. Gone is the bang and crash across railway lines and the hard unyielding ride. The bike feels solid smooth like brand new.

Has anyone else found factory assembled components with not enough lubrication?

[Dualsport Chic]

6406 miles on my 2016 RX3 as of 5/14/18.

[Working_ZS]

Has anyone else found factory assembled components with not enough lubrication?

Yes.

When I installed the Progressive 465 rear shock over the winter I also removed, cleaned and re-greased the rear linkage. The bearings were sparingly lubricated, with just enough grease to keep them from rusting provided that they were not submerged in water. This was at 9200 miles, on mostly paved road riding with a little gravel thrown in the mix. No off road whatsoever.

[Meloman]

Spud, is that a 21” front wheel on your RX3 ? If so, was it just plug and play or did it require modifications ?

[sqwert]

Wow, fun thread! Good to see several bikes with lots of miles and few major issues.

8800 miles on my 2015 (I think, off the first container way back when), caught up in wind turbulence from speeding semi truck at 770 miles and totaled with lots of minor dings. Nothing serious because I landed on my hard head at 65 mph on concrete (5 days in coma) and the bike landed on me. Worst damage was smashed windshield, mirrors, and plastic corners off top box (bike apparently landed downside up), one side box lid ripped off, but lots of little dings, scratches, and dents everywhere. My son fired the bike up at the wreckers and rode it up into the truck for the ride home. Tough bike.

Anywho, didn't ride anything for about a year (healing, about 30 bones crushed and/or broken plus dain bramage), then ordered parts and at least made the RX3 streetable and it's all I've ridden since.

Jerky brakes so work done since wreck: new battery after first year (did not put on charger after wreck), new rear tire, new brakes and 19-inch front, tossed the windshield and modified flat face shield to fit, installed hand guards and a few other accessories, went to rectangular mirrors with spots, modified headlights, added lots of tail/brake/turn lights.

Acted like water in fuel near end of last ride, no time to clean tank before returning to work a few weeks ago, not been home since. Hope it still runs.

[jogirob]

I reached 2000mi! I re-did the valve adjustment 500mi early because I was getting a little sick of the constant stalling when cruising to a stop or accelerating under load. I also washed and re-oiled the air filter with the K&N kit.

Bike runs MARVELOUSLY now.

By the way, if you've got feeler gauges that have one top number and one bottom number...with MM next to the bottom number, IT DOES NOT MEAN THE TOP NUMBER IS IN INCHES. It means you have yourself a Go-No Go gauge. :doh:

[jogirob]

Wow, fun thread! Good to see several bikes with lots of miles and few major issues.

8800 miles on my 2015 (I think, off the first container way back when), caught up in wind turbulence from speeding semi truck at 770 miles and totaled with lots of minor dings. Nothing serious because I landed on my hard head at 65 mph on concrete (5 days in coma) and the bike landed on me. Worst damage was smashed windshield, mirrors, and plastic corners off top box (bike apparently landed downside up), one side box lid ripped off, but lots of little dings, scratches, and dents everywhere. My son fired the bike up at the wreckers and rode it up into the truck for the ride home. Tough bike.

Anywho, didn't ride anything for about a year (healing, about 30 bones crushed and/or broken plus dain bramage), then ordered parts and at least made the RX3 streetable and it's all I've ridden since.

Jerky brakes so work done since wreck: new battery after first year (did not put on charger after wreck), new rear tire, new brakes and 19-inch front, tossed the windshield and modified flat face shield to fit, installed hand guards and a few other accessories, went to rectangular mirrors with spots, modified headlights, added lots of tail/brake/turn lights.

Acted like water in fuel near end of last ride, no time to clean tank before returning to work a few weeks ago, not been home since. Hope it still runs.

Wow, glad you stuck around to tell us that story. I would've enclosed myself in an Hummer and caged it around after that ordeal. I'll keep an eye out for those semis. Was it incoming on a 2 lane or were you passing it?

[NzBrakelathes]

With all those miles you must be going thru oil and some filters! (Contact me about filters and free stuff)

[sqwert]

With all those miles you must be going thru oil and some filters! (Contact me about filters and free stuff)

I like the mesh filter you sent with the 300 kit. Reusable is good. How much to send me another so I can swap out at oil changes and hang out the freshly cleaned filter to dry? Shipping from Utah will be good.

[GlennR]

I like the mesh filter you sent with the 300 kit. Reusable is good. How much to send me another so I can swap out at oil changes and hang out the freshly cleaned filter to dry? Shipping from Utah will be good.


"Hang out to dry"?

Why would you dry an oil filter?? :crazy:

[fjmartin]

The reusable mesh oil filter is all metal. You clean them with things like kerosine, water, WD-40, etc. Then can speed drying with an air compressor but generally hang out to fully dry before reusing. So having two of them is a good idea.

[sqwert]

Wow, glad you stuck around to tell us that story. I would've enclosed myself in an Hummer and caged it around after that ordeal. I'll keep an eye out for those semis. Was it incoming on a 2 lane or were you passing it?

4 lane divided highway, speed limit 70 mph. Moderate traffic. Approached overpass/cloverleaf intersection, traffic slowed to 65mph to allow some off, some on. Everyone driving safely on the way to work. Overpasses have artificial hills to raise one road to go over another with a bridge. Piles of dirt are cheaper than concrete to hold up bridges. Wind same direction as road is forced up hill, speeds up. Wind same direction as road forced over road to blow off snow in winter by a big V of levels of steel guard rails used to guide wind over bridge. Therefore, 10mph headwind on open road becomes 40mph headwind on bridge. Semi truck in left lane at well over 100mph passed me just as I hit the high velocity wind. Trucks are not very aerodynamic, with a percepted headwind of 150+mph the turbulence is extreme. Bike just took off from flat and level ground, rose high enough the driver 2 cars back could see sky above the roof of the car ahead and the parts of my tires that should have been on the ground, then rolled right. After about 45* of roll there came a tank slapper from nowhere as bike began aerodynamic lift. My body behind windshield began falling as bike was going up, hands knocked from grips by tank slapper, 3-4 slaps back and forth, and right side mirror shaft right across front of the helmet put me out cold, split my head under the helmet, 7 sutures but the scar doesn't show now that the eyebrow has grown back. Don't remember anything after seeing the attacking mirror shaft, such as flying W from bike pushing my lower half up by aerodynamic forces, falling, landing on my head on concrete, bike landing on top of me upside down, because of coma. Got all that 3rd hand.

So, RX3 aerodynamics are apparently not appropriate for high speeds. The bike flies fairly easily, but is pretty much not controllable, at least by my old dirt bike tricks. Also, the tank slapper began once the bike was 8-10 feet in the air, so evidence suggests RX3 tank slappers can be caused by the bike's body shape.

So, there are all the details as I understand them.

I expect aerodynamics is likely a cause or contributes to the speed wobbles so many report. Keep the steering snug at the frame to minimize the wobbles. Or, slow down and enjoy the views.

[NzBrakelathes]

Spud, is that a 21” front wheel on your RX3 ? If so, was it just plug and play or did it require modifications ?

It should be easy enough when you get a 21 inch rim and spokes to assemble to the factory hub, I sell a 19 inch wheel and could talk to my wheel guy to see if he has a 21 inch rim to make a complete wheel etc.
Bear in mind it isn't cheap shipping buy he does have 7075 Ali rims etc and all parts are available no doubt to make a wheel, (I live in China)

It should be possible without much drama etc.

Here's the 19 inch wheel that i will offer and it has the optional 320mm brake rotor on this for you to see, wheel can do now brake I have more testing to do.

14461

[sqwert]

That pic is almost enough to cause a motogasm. Looking forward to your brake upgrade.

[sqwert]

12000 miles, rolled either end of last time off 6 weeks ago or first of this time off. Added about 300 miles past couple days. Too cold to stay out long since tore up my winter gear in the wreck, nothing but summer gear on hand. Need to budget for new winter gear right away, but NZbrakelathes keeps coming up with more cool goodies so limited riding time is all his fault. :p

[Orlando texas]

Spud how many miles on your Rx3 now ?

[Merlin]

Spud how many miles on your Rx3 now ?

Spud doesn't post around here anymore. :hmm:

[rjmorel]

Donkey-Hotie is up to 16,400 miles now, just installed 300cc kit. We are getting a lot of snow this winter so I almost forgot I had the RX3. :zzz: rj

[Orlando texas]

I've almost at 12,000 miles on my 2017

[sqwert]

Spud doesn't post around here anymore. :hmm:

Does Spud still post on the ADV site? I hope he is well.

[rjmorel]

Check the ADVRider Kawasaki Versys 300 blog. Last I saw he was riding the 300. rj
https://advrider.com/f/threads/kawasaki-versys-x-300.1185562/page-689

[sqwert]

Good that he is well, then.

[sqwert]

Well, I thought I might consider a Kawi 300, but ain't gonna happen. Less than 6 inches of suspension travel, and the rear fender looks to sit a foot off the tire. Too bad, I like a flat seat and will not buy another adventure bike that designs seats for style rather than comfort and ends up wasting a significant amount of lower cargo area resulting in an unnecessarily top heavy bike that smashes private parts.

I've done several days, some consecutive, of 1000-1200 miles on a TW200 with the stock seat. It is comforting to be able to slide the point of contact back and forth a few inches to change pressure points and angles from head to toe. Add in optional foot rests such as passenger pegs and highway bars, and comfortable positions become practically infinite in number. Finding day-long comfort on a BMW GS-style swayback seat does not seem possible, no matter who manufactures it or what you put on it.

[Orlando texas]

I did Big Ben River trail on the RX3 did ok my friends had a husky 510 and a KTM 500 tall suspension I was right behind them

[sqwert]

Ot, the Big Bend trails are awesome. Other than a too high 1st, the RX3 is perfect. Chispa Road at the end of the border highway is also awesome, but I think the road is now closed due to flood damage near the east end.

[rjmorel]

17,400 miles now