Pros/Cons

[dpl096]

Completed my first oil change today and wanted to do a 200 mile review of my initial impression of the bike. Start first with the negatives and get them out of the way. Mind you these are my impressions alone.

Cons: 1) The seat sux. It's just not comfortable for me for rides longer than about 30 minutes. Mind you I have some lower back issues but even folks without those have said the same. I think Zongshen could improve on this at the production point and raise the overall experience of a strictly stock ride considerably. 2) Indicator lights on the instrument are a tad bit too small and as such difficult to see on a beautiful sunny day. There's 6 lights. If Zonshen doubled their size and then split them 3 to the left and 3 to the right of a digital display it would greatly improve visibility. Mode and trip buttons could be separated one to the upper left corner and the other to the lower right corner if need be. 3) The front brakes just arent as good as they should be. They are serviceable but just not as high in quality as the rest of the mechanical components. That's it and I fully admit these are personal preference issues and not mechanical failures, keeping in mind the weak front brakes. Now to the Pros!

Pros: 1) Seated on/in the bike is ergonomically comfortable, minus the seat. I found it well designed and my center of gravity lower that one would expect. 2) Handlebars and control are laid out as is typically found on most bikes with the exception of the headlight flicker switch and the aux buttons which are superb. I would love to see that flicker switch as mandatory motorcycle equipment . Love it! I install the 30mm Tusk risers and found they complimented Zonshen's original engineering nicely. 3) Handling of the bike is sound and confident. I've running the Kendas and absolutely love them on hardtack and find them more than adequate on moderate trails and off road adventures. The bike tracks nicely and you can flick it around with ease. 4) Panniers and trunk are resin but I think they do a pretty damn good job. They close securely and I think look pretty good. The truck could have been larger to accommodate a helmet but it isn't that big of an issue and I knew that when I ordered. I can always put something larger on if I wish. 5) Windscreen and turn signal do the jobs they were designed for. I may update my windscreen to a Winyoochanok model and I have already ordered the Detours rear lighting kit to add additional lighting/visibility to the rear of the bike. 6) The transmission prior to the oil change was solid but notchy and like other I've had trouble finding neutral at times. I changed oil today and filled up with Mobil Delvac and can already notice a smoother shift. I expect with wearing in, getting more used to the bike and maybe trying other oils it will keep improving. 7) The engine is solid. I'm still under my 500 mile break in mileage but I feel this engine is more than enough to run down the road at comfortable speeds without the thing wanting to fly apart. You're not going to win any races or rip around slower traffic but it sure gets you down the road. Anyone who says a 250 engine is too small for the American market doesn't know what they're talking about and probably haven't ridden these small cc bikes in a long time and probably never a Zongshen. 8) Overall fit and finish. I can't praise Zongshen/CSC enough on this. The finish on this bike is top shelf. The fit of the parts is tight and it's not a rattle trap moving down the road. The quality of the metal, paint, plastics are great. The craftsmanship on the milled components is outstanding. This bike is a deal breaker for the big fellas. I've owned many different Asian brands and I will confidently stack the overall fit/finish/quality of this bike against anything comparable in purpose and price. On a final grade of 1 to 5, subtracting for the cons, I rate this bike a very solid 4.3 .... better seat earns it 4 points immediately.

I cant say this enough. If you're on the fence about ordering one of these bikes . . STOP! Call Ryan and get one ordered. You're missing out on a hell of a motorcycle, a tremendous amount of enjoyment & fun and an incomparable bargain. :tup:

Closing this out I would like to thank Joe for coming across such a great motorcycle and recognizing it's potential for the North America market. Additionally I would like to thank Steve Seidner and his wife for taking the gamble, investing their money and bringing a fantastic motorcycle to us. :thanks::thanks::thanks:

[detours]

Nice review! I have to agree on the seat. I trained my butt to do 2 hours in the stock saddle, but I'm much happier with the Seat Concepts tall seat.

The brakes improve with time, especially after a series of hard stops in an empty parking lot. After they bed in, they are adequate. But a set of EBC pads will get you more stopping power.

Front brakes

EBC FA185


Rear brakes

organic - EBC FA496
sintered - EBC FA496HH

[rtking]

I am thinking I might have to buy one of the seats that CSC sells as well. I can do 2 hours on the saddle... but needs to stretch my legs not soon after. Good thing that the two hour mark makes for a natural point for bio-breaks and to fill up on fuel and water.

Agreed with Detours about the sintered pads. They make a significant difference. Or if you want significant stopping power, the big rotor kit from CSC works very well, and I'm very happy with it.

[2LZ]

Great first review!

I'm with both detours and rtking on the sintered brake pads. I had them on the workbench before I brought the bikes back from Oregon. I did about 50 miles on the stock stuff just to see where I was at with the bike and changed the pads after that. I did get a little of the what felt like a warped rotor but it always goes away. Now, so far, there's none after the new pads seated and they are very predictable diving into a corner.

I'm with you guys also on the seat. Two hours tops. I've been looking at an Air Hawk but I think I may just spend the bucks on the tall seat if the good reviews keep coming in.

[dpl096]

Nice review! I have to agree on the seat. I trained my butt to do 2 hours in the stock saddle, but I'm much happier with the Seat Concepts tall seat.

The brakes improve with time, especially after a series of hard stops in an empty parking lot. After they bed in, they are adequate. But a set of EBC pads will get you more stopping power.


organic - EBC FA496
sintered - EBC FA496HH


I've got a new set of pads that Spud recommends but I'm really wanting these stock pads to work as best as possible first... I read your tutorial on bedding them in ... gona give it a shot tomorrow.

[dpl096]

Great first review!

I'm with both detours and rtking on the sintered brake pads. I had them on the workbench before I brought the bikes back from Oregon. I did about 50 miles on the stock stuff just to see where I was at with the bike and changed the pads after that. I did get a little of the what felt like a warped rotor but it always goes away. Now, so far, there's none after the new pads seated and they are very predictable diving into a corner.

I'm with you guys also on the seat. Two hours tops. I've been looking at an Air Hawk but I think I may just spend the bucks on the tall seat if the good reviews keep coming in.

My tall is scheduled to come down the chimney Tuesday ... I'll let you know if it helps me out.

[willy dog]

But a set of EBC pads will get you more stopping power.


organic - EBC FA496
sintered - EBC FA496HH

[/QUOTE]
i thought the front pads were EBC FA185

[detours]

i thought the front pads were EBC FA185

You're right, the fronts are FA185. The rears are FA496. I didn't copy all of my notes.

[Rodtheviking]

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/764/-/197013/Neutron-Brake-Pad-Sintered-Metal?term=1261170002

Front pads, have them on both our bikes and they are WAY better. Don't let the picture fool you, they send the correct ones. And they look identical to the EBC's.

[rtking]

I've got a new set of pads that Spud recommends but I'm really wanting these stock pads to work as best as possible first... I read your tutorial on bedding them in ... gona give it a shot tomorrow.

I have to admit that nothing I did really helped to balance the braking power between the rear brakes and the front brakes with the organic pads. (The rear brakes were easily more powerful than the fronts.) The sintered pads really made a startling difference in braking power, and balancing front and rear brakes to really haul down the bike from speed. I would highly recommend going with the sintered pads as others here have also advised. Good luck!

[Ghaniba]

I would agree with all stated here. The original pads pre-bedding in are down right dangerous. I knew they would be bad due to the reviews, but I did not expect them to be as bad as they actually were! Now, nearing 1000 miles, the rear is still way nicer than the front, but I don't feel like I'm going to die now. ;)

Dave aka Ghan

[madsocial]

You can pop the instrument panel off and when you do, you will find plastic covering up the gauges. Similar to the plastic film that lines any new electronics you purchase. Once removed, the gauges become more visible on a sunny day. I learned that from Peter! ;)

[Juanro]

You can pop the instrument panel off and when you do, you will find plastic covering up the gauges. Similar to the plastic film that lines any new electronics you purchase. Once removed, the gauges become more visible on a sunny day. I learned that from Peter! ;)

Rania, is the plastic film in the inside of the instrumen panel?

[BARLOW]

this thread kinda upsets me ... you have all these miles on the new bike, and not one of those miles led you back to my house >:( ... lol ... glad you are getting a little seat time in ... maybe we can get together on saturday and ride a bit ... i want to hit fox ridge anyway, and i bet you know your way around there better than me

[BlackBike]

please define : sintered

good find madsocial !

[detours]

please define : sintered

good find madsocial !

Sintered brakes contain metal particles and are formed under extreme heat. They last longer than regular organic pads and resist heat fade. Compared to organic brakes they usually have more bite or grab but may feel easier to modulate because of their resistance to fading under extreme conditions.

They will wear out a cast iron disc pretty fast. Stainless steel discs last much longer. I believe the RX3 discs are stainless.

Sintered is generally a better choice for off-road and race conditions because of the constant braking. It's also good for hilly areas and mountain highways.

[BlackBike]

sin·ter
ˈsin(t)ər/Submit
verb
past tense: sintered; past participle: sintered
make (a powdered material) coalesce into a solid or porous mass by heating it (and usually also compressing it) without liquefaction.


thanks detour, had never heard that term except here

kind of like a diamond is formed over time , ha. heat / pressure. as spock would say, "fascinating"

[willy dog]

what are brakes?:hmm: do you people mean those levers on the right side of the ZONG thought they were for show:yay:

[rtking]

what are brakes?:hmm: do you people mean those levers on the right side of the ZONG thought they were for show:yay:

Willy Dog, you must ride an orange bike. Y'know... the fastest ones! :p

[madsocial]

Rania, is the plastic film in the inside of the instrumen panel?

yes, inside the instrument panel. sorry, i still call it gauges...i'm a harley owner too. lol

[RedHawk47]

The rear brake was a bit too powerful and/or grabby. I have locked it up several times when making quick stops. I need to test it now that I have more miles on it.
The front brake was wimpy, but once I got it bedded in I thought it was pretty good. That is, until I rode my Stelvio the other day for the first time in months. That bike has got BRAKES!! I must have been comparing the RX3 brakes to those on my KLR. New brake pads are going on the RX3.

[dpl096]

this thread kinda upsets me ... you have all these miles on the new bike, and not one of those miles led you back to my house >:( ... lol ... glad you are getting a little seat time in ... maybe we can get together on saturday and ride a bit ... i want to hit fox ridge anyway, and i bet you know your way around there better than me

I've not been to Fox Ridge in years. Most of my ridng has been down in Cumberland county.... Toledo, Greenup, ect.... Cruising the country roads.

[willy dog]

The rear brake was a bit too powerful and/or grabby. I have locked it up several times when making quick stops. I need to test it now that I have more miles on it.
The front brake was wimpy, but once I got it bedded in I thought it was pretty good. That is, until I rode my Stelvio the other day for the first time in months. That bike has got BRAKES!! I must have been comparing the RX3 brakes to those on my KLR. New brake pads are going on the RX3.
I noticed rear brakes worked better with the stock tires the kendas seem to grab more less contact with the ground i would think

[2LZ]

The rear brake was a bit too powerful and/or grabby. I have locked it up several times when making quick stops.

Odd that many of our brakes react differently. My rear brake is about as responsive as my front brake with the sintered pads. Neither will stop a freight train but they're more than adequate for how I ride, even when I get more aggressive. They're very balanced and predictable in their reactions (with the new front pads). Makes it really nice to apply both without any surprises, setting up for a corner.

[madsocial]

The brakes seem fine for what their worth, at least for the moment. I will most likely invest in better shoes when these wear down. I mean, I am not really riding the bike very hard at the moment. Although I have been getting more aggressive with it, now that we have completed the first service.

My cons: The damn seat! Not only does it suck, I feel like I'm falling downhill into the the tank. Pressure on my hands, due that forward push. I did not notice this before, only because my husband has put more miles on it than I have. Now that I just put 200 miles on it since Saturday, my ass hurts, I'm sliding towards the tank and I have pressure in my hands at the grips. Another con; I find myself revving up the engine while grabbing the brake to stop. It is kind of scary. I have been trying to figure out why this is happening on the bike and the only thing I can think of, is it has to do with the way I seat on the bike. Another thing, I feel like I could use a taller seat, but I know I won't be able to touch the ground. Maybe a new seat will do it. I just don't want to spend the money on a new seat from CSC if it is going to push me forward. Does anyone else have this issue? :hmm:

I'm torn with doing my own work, or just letting a pro fix the seat. I figured if I reshaped and redid the padding, if I screw it up I could always buy a new seat ;)

OH one last thing, do you guys feel like the bike just blows around in the wind? It is hard to tell if it is actually getting blown around or if the rear tire is off balance. I do not see any odd wear marks, so that tells me the it is balanced and mounted properly. So, I'm guessing the bike is just really light in the wind. I ride pass the Philly Airport and it always feels like the back end is going to fall off.

[Rodtheviking]

I have that issue too, feels like I'm getting rolled forward into the tank. I keep pushing back to get comfortable but the seat rise just slowly pushes me back. Saving up for the tall seat but 250 is kinda steep, most seat concept seats go for about 180.

I get blown around as well, its a light bike.

[RedHawk47]

The brakes seem fine for what their worth, at least for the moment. I will most likely invest in better shoes when these wear down. I mean, I am not really riding the bike very hard at the moment. Although I have been getting more aggressive with it, now that we have completed the first service.

My cons: The damn seat! Not only does it suck, I feel like I'm falling downhill into the the tank. Pressure on my hands, due that forward push. I did not notice this before, only because my husband has put more miles on it than I have. Now that I just put 200 miles on it since Saturday, my ass hurts, I'm sliding towards the tank and I have pressure in my hands at the grips. Another con; I find myself revving up the engine while grabbing the brake to stop. It is kind of scary. I have been trying to figure out why this is happening on the bike and the only thing I can think of, is it has to do with the way I seat on the bike. Another thing, I feel like I could use a taller seat, but I know I won't be able to touch the ground. Maybe a new seat will do it. I just don't want to spend the money on a new seat from CSC if it is going to push me forward. Does anyone else have this issue? :hmm:

I'm torn with doing my own work, or just letting a pro fix the seat. I figured if I reshaped and redid the padding, if I screw it up I could always buy a new seat ;)

OH one last thing, do you guys feel like the bike just blows around in the wind? It is hard to tell if it is actually getting blown around or if the rear tire is off balance. I do not see any odd wear marks, so that tells me the it is balanced and mounted properly. So, I'm guessing the bike is just really light in the wind. I ride pass the Philly Airport and it always feels like the back end is going to fall off.

The CSC tall seat is flat in comparison with the stock seat. It doesn't make me slide forward but I found that my tailbone complained when the seat was new. A sheepskin took care of that, and now that the seat is broken in I don't need the sheepskin for that.

I haven't had any concerns riding in the wind, in fact, I've thought it handled the wind quite well. We get a lot of wind in Colorado where the mountains meet the plains. Have you check your tire pressure?

[RedHawk47]

I have that issue too, feels like I'm getting rolled forward into the tank. I keep pushing back to get comfortable but the seat rise just slowly pushes me back. Saving up for the tall seat but 250 is kinda steep, most seat concept seats go for about 180.

I get blown around as well, its a light bike.

180 is for cover and foam only
add $100 for a complete seat (with pan)

[madsocial]

The CSC tall seat is flat in comparison with the stock seat.
Have you check your tire pressure?

Good to know that about the tall seat. I wonder if the "narrow" option seat is flat as well. As for the tire pressure, actually I have not checked that. Your right that might be it !

[2LZ]

Good call on the tire pressure. Our bikes sat for about 6 months and the pressures were quite low. I ran them up to 35 and they track true and responsive. That said, it's a small bike with lots of fairing. It does have a tendency to grab the wind more than my dual sport (Q) but nothing drastic.

Yep, the seat sucks. It not only hurts after a short time but the vinyl gets stretchy like a balloon when it gets sun baked and grips your jeans, plus it rolls you forward. At 6' and no risers, I'm really resting on my hands. The upside of that is with the high pegs, that are almost behind me, it keeps me in a semi-crotch rocket position and hard cornering is a hoot!
If the reports come up positive on the recent purchases here, I'll be springing for the tall seat, then add some risers. I'm not too concerned about the price at 250.00. Of course, I'd love to have it cheaper but custom seats aren't cheap. Mustang wanted 800.00 for my Victory seat for my TC and I don't even want to tell you what my buddy spent on his custom made LaPera for his Shovel that was no bigger than a small dinner plate.

Madsocial, have you thought of the combo of the tall seat and then add the lowering link to get your feet on the ground?
Put some more slack in your throttle cable. The injection unit seems very responsive and I think you may be rolling the throttle a little when you grab the front brake.

[marzhere]

Good to know that about the tall seat. I wonder if the "narrow" option seat is flat as well. As for the tire pressure, actually I have not checked that. Your right that might be it !

Rania,

I have the 'narrow' seat. The sitting area is flatter than the stock seat is. It's approx the same height wise, as stock, but it's thinner between the legs and the slide slope is angled differently. I'm 5'4 with 28" inseam. I think the narrow seat is getting me closer to the ground than the stock seat.

Before I got the narrow seat, Rojo_grande did take my stock seat off and shave it down. There's not much extra foam to take out, to make the seat shorter and skinnier though. We did get a bread knife after it, staple the cover back on and I rode it until Rojo was kind enough to pick me up the narrow one, while he was in CA for the Baja ride.

[madsocial]

2LZ folks at work used Spencer, a guy out of Florida who will redo your seat. Cost is under 100 bucks!
http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

Turns out many people from work have sent their seats down to that guy. He's got a really good rep. The seat height for me is fine. I'm comfortable with the height, but not the set up. Buying a tall seat, then spending money on a lowering , then risers....it's like an upgrade that never ends. Once i start going off-road, i'll be standing up on the pegs, so I'll just deal with it for now. I would like to make an adjustment but husband has a shorter inseam than i do and he's comfortable.

I'll have to buy a 2nd bike or 2 seats LOL

marzhere,
Thanks a million for the feedback. Knowing that now, will allow me keep it in mind. It isn't that $250 is expensive. I mean I work, I'm not broke, but when you think -of the overall cost of the bike, $250 for a seat is a bit much. lol

[Jay In Milpitas]

but when you think -of the overall cost of the bike, $250 for a seat is a bit much. lol

Rania, I tell folks to not think of it as a $4000 bike. Think of it as a $5500 bike with a $1500 head start on accessories.

[SpudRider]

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/764/-/197013/Neutron-Brake-Pad-Sintered-Metal?term=1261170002

Front pads, have them on both our bikes and they are WAY better. Don't let the picture fool you, they send the correct ones. And they look identical to the EBC's.

The Neutron brake pads from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC work great. :tup: