New bike has shipped, prep and Farkles

[fjmartin]

I'm so excited that I got a message from Sara that my RX3 has shipped. Can't wait for tracking to kick in so I know when it will arrive. Since the time of my order I've been reading and researching what I should do to the bike when it arrives and what i should put on it. This forum has been AMAZING for it's great content and tutorials. I wanted to toss out a list of what I'm planning on doing and adding and see if there are any other suggestions from the group.

First, the bike is the Orange RX3 and from CSC I'm having them ship the center stand, hand guards, better front brake pad, 6 pack of oil filters, spare front and rear tubes, oil drain plug kit, a couple of aux light mounting brackets, skid plate, master cylinder cover, front and rear caliper covers, radiator covers, 13t front sprocket, 45t rear, spare chain, spare master link, spare clutch and brake levers and foot controls levers, spare clutch and throttle cables and a goodie bag of common clips, nuts and bolts. I'm going to install all the extras.

Then from a few other sources I ordered a trickle charger, slime auto pump, slime sealant, handlebar mount USB power plugs, LED headlight bulb, Offroad spot lights, iPhone handlebar mount, iPhone cable, portable jump starter, Shinko 244 tires, SpeedoDRD, Tank Protector, Reflective Tape, Hyper-Lite brake lights and built up a tool kit with tire gauge, tire levers, fuses, locktite, cable lube kit, rim protectors, instant weld, chain lube, air filter cleaner kit, bike cleaner, brake cleaner, spoke wrench, 2 part JB weld, JB water weld, tire changing station, wheel balancer, tire paste, wheel weights, gorilla duct tape, electrical tape, silicone tape, feeler gauges, chain tool kit, valve core remover, socket set, crescent wrench, locking pliers, hex set, multi-screwdriver, bailing wire, zip ties, utility knife, mini tool, rag, scissors, flashlight, pliers, WD-40, long socket extensions, patch kit, tow strap, super glue, paracord. All the tools fit in a tool roll-up that will travel on the bike with me. I also put together a nice first aid kit with all the normal stuff that comes in one but also added a splint kit and a few other things like sting pads and ibuprofen.

Now, once the bike arrives I have a list of things I want to do to it up front. These include starting by painting the skid plate with truck bed liner paint in black as I want most of the bike black or orange. Install handguards, Install SpeedoDRD, Install LED Headlight bulb, Install AUX spot lights, Install trickle charger cable, install USB power unit, install iPhone mount, Install windshield, install centerstand, verify fluid levels (oil and radiator), set clock, go through and pull as many bolts and such and locktite them, Put a dab of hot melt glue on the outside of the case hinge pins, lube clutch and brake cables, install oil changing kit, install skid plate, install nice covers, install tires with 12oz of slime in each tube, install front brake pad, install front and rear sprokets, install hyper-lites, adjust chain slack, adjust rear suspension pre-load and rebound and front rebound, lube chain, check rear brake host clearance to exhaust manifold, heat gun to remove tank warning sticker, install tank protector, rain-x windshield, fill fuel tank and add Lucas injector cleaner, test bike and set SpeedoDRD.

Finally, I purchased Lucas semi-synthetic 10w-40 oil. I've always heard good things about their products and it says it's formulated for the wet sump clutch so hoping that makes shifting and finding neutral like butter.

Now, with that gigantic list of things, what else do you suggest I get or do to the bike before I start the break in process?

Oh, BTW, I'm located in Redmond, WA. and it seems like some others on here are fairly local. Let's hook up sometime for a Zong ride!

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions! This is a great group!
:thanks:

Joe

[AZRider]

Congrats Joe, it looks like you have the important stuff covered and are well on the way to many miles of trouble free and enjoyable riding.

CSC have an electrical connector and cable to utilize the A1 and A2 switches on the right side of the handlebar for accessories. I'm sure that others will chime in with useful suggestions.

[DanKearney]

I suggest you do not use semi-synth oil during the break-in period. The parts need to rub together more during this period and synth blends will hinder the process.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[fjmartin]

Thanks George. Yes, I am planning on using the A1 switch for the aux lights but don't have any plans for A2. The USB Handlebar mount is going to connect directly to the battery as it has rings and a fuse and it has it's own power switch. I also talked to CSC and confirmed that the A1/A2 plugs power off when the key is turned off on the bike so I won't accidentally leave the aux lights on. But, I do want to be able to keep a USB device charging and in worse case I have the 8000mAh jump starter to get me going again.
I'm new to offroad riding so need to get some training or I'd jump in my motorhome and come down for Moab! I just retired 2 weeks ago so I've got time :-)

[BlackBike]

Thanks George. Yes, I am planning on using the A1 switch for the aux lights but don't have any plans for A2. The USB Handlebar mount is going to connect directly to the battery as it has rings and a fuse and it has it's own power switch. I also talked to CSC and confirmed that the A1/A2 plugs power off when the key is turned off on the bike so I won't accidentally leave the aux lights on. But, I do want to be able to keep a USB device charging and in worse case I have the 8000mAh jump starter to get me going again.
I'm new to offroad riding so need to get some training or I'd jump in my motorhome and come down for Moab! I just retired 2 weeks ago so I've got time :-)

Sounds like your really getting in to the retirement thing with motorcycles and motorhomes. Congratulations on all. I'm sure you've earned it :tup:

[fjmartin]

Thank you Dan for this info. I'll pickup some non-synth motorcycle oil for the break-in!

[detours]

Congrats on your fast orange RX3! Sounds like a lot of planning went into this build and you have some great accessories coming. We are definitely going to want pics when you get it all together!

Don't forget to oil your air filter and check your rear wheel and chain alignment. Make sure the chain adjuster locknuts are tight.

And I may have missed it but I didn't see a sidestand foot in your list of accessories. CSC sells a good one and they help keep the sidestand from sinking in the dirt.

[fjmartin]

Thanks Detours, all good points! Do you think I'll use the side stand much since I'll have the center stand? I've never had one and was told that it would be good for dirt and sand vs the side stand.

[Ron B]

its also manditory to take delivery and uncrating pictures ! :)

[2LZ]

Congrats and it sounds like you'll have a very loaded new RX3!
My only suggestion would be to put the aux lights on "A2". I don't know if it's just me and my busy hands, but there's so many times I leave for a ride in the "off " position....and when I get home and it's in the "A1" position. I don't know if this happens to anyone else.

[rtking]

Congratulations Joe! And great choice on color! The 2016 orange is deeper and, with the new for 2016 paint scheme, a stunner!

Sounds like you have a full regimen scheduled for your RX3! But don't forget to ride it! :-P And most importantly, don't follow my break-in approach by dropping the bike off the trailer without putting a mile on it! (Yes, I was THAT guy.) :ohno: Luckily the RX3 is stout and the crash bars did their job and protected the bike. A little fine sanding on the crash bars, semi-gloss black spray paint and you'd never know that it was dropped (except now since I've 'fessed up.)

Enjoy the ride and post pics of the upgrades as you do them!

[rtking]

My only suggestion would be to put the aux lights on "A2". I don't know if it's just me and my busy hands, but there's so many times I leave for a ride in the "off " position....and when I get home and it's in the "A1" position. I don't know if this happens to anyone else.

Here here. It happens to me too, so I wired my auxiliary lights to A2. No more problems! I'm sure my thumb is nudging the switch over somehow. But in the A2 position, it's a non issue. Great suggestion!

[fjmartin]

With this full consensus I will put it on A2!

Oh, I plan on getting the break in miles quickly and then get out for some real fun before the weather sets in!

Thanks!

[Jay In Milpitas]

Thanks Detours, all good points! Do you think I'll use the side stand much since I'll have the center stand? I've never had one and was told that it would be good for dirt and sand vs the side stand.

I think you will find that you use the side stand most of the time. I only use my center stand when fueling, lubing the chain, or maintenance.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The side stand does not have an idiot,,,,,, er,,,,,,, safety switch. You can ride away with the side stand still down, which makes for a thrilling first left hand turn. :yay::yay: Keeps the heart rate up.

[rtking]

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The side stand does not have an idiot,,,,,, er,,,,,,, safety switch. You can ride away with the side stand still down, which makes for a thrilling first left hand turn. :yay::yay: Keeps the heart rate up.

Oh good... I thought I was the only one to do that. :p

[RedHawk47]

A2 ++
Centerstand - use only on firm surfaces. I learned that using it on grass.
Why Slime? I recommend NOT using Slime in the tubes. Makes a mess, may affect balance. It might seal a nail in the tire, but when you pull out the nail it might not. Often when you get a nail the tire will slip on the rim and the nail will tear the tube - big mess with Slime. 90% of motorcycle flat tires are rears.
You didn't say how much motorcycling experience you have; I highly recommend a motorcycle safety class, particularly if you have never taken one, no matter how many years you have been riding.

[fjmartin]

I saw that mentioned in a post somewhere and also saw a DIY switch a guy put together on his site: http://www.rx3adventure.com/rx3_sidestand_switch.html

I'll have to be very careful with that!

Darn, I guess I should get the side stand pad for the grass, dirt and sand then.

[fjmartin]

Thanks for the info on Slime. I am a bike racer and we use sealant in our tubeless tires and old school tubulars so I figured it would be good for this application.

Yeah, I used to have a bike and ride a lot. Road only. But it's been over 20 years so I plan on taking the intermediate and advanced road safety classes and then after getting the hang of it and playing on gentle dirt I want to take an off-road class with someone like PSSOR. But their last class of the year is next weekend and then nothing till May. May have to road trip south and take one in Cali or Arizona. Maybe I can get some lessons from Everide :-)

[DanKearney]

Slime also adds nearly a pound of rotating mass to each wheel, which is adverse to handling.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[katflap]

I saw that mentioned in a post somewhere and also saw a DIY switch a guy put together on his site: http://www.rx3adventure.com/rx3_sidestand_switch.html

I'll have to be very careful with that!


I Have fitted a similar thing,

Its a simple micro switch that sounds the horn if I leave the side stand down.

See here
http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=189315#post189315

:)

[fjmartin]

I think I am going to do the setup like he did here on page 1: http://www.rx3adventure.com/rx3_sidestand_switch.html

This seems like a simple wire setup to the kill switch. I also like that I could simply put the side stand down at a stop and it will kill the engine.

[RedHawk47]

Yeah, I used to have a bike and ride a lot. Road only. But it's been over 20 years so I plan on taking the intermediate and advanced road safety classes and then after getting the hang of it and playing on gentle dirt I want to take an off-road class with someone like PSSOR. But their last class of the year is next weekend and then nothing till May. May have to road trip south and take one in Cali or Arizona. Maybe I can get some lessons from Everide :-)

When I got back into motorcycling after a 20 year hiatus I debated taking the intermediate class or the beginner class. I decided on the beginner class and was glad I did. A lot of good information, particularly in the classroom, that was not even mentioned in the intermediate I took several years later. Sure, it was a bit slow going in the beginning of the on-bike portion, but that did not last long, and it was good review. The course was designed for someone with no motorcycle experience but who had a driver's incense and could ride a bicycle.

[fjmartin]

hmmm...I'll have to think on that. I do think the beginners course would be good after all this time. just didn't know if it would be mostly too basic. I'll check it out, thank you!

[AZRider]

Congrats again, this time for the retirement. Since I retired 2 years ago, I've ridden to Alaska, part of the CSC Western States tour, the east coast, the Olympic peninsula including the Oregon and California coastlines and I'm leaving tomorrow for St. George, UT. If you get a chance to get to Arizona, let me know and I'll be happy to show you around,

[fjmartin]

Thanks and I will do as I'd love to do some riding down there! I have a motorhome and I'm planning on getting a stinger motorcycle trailer so I can haul the bike around,, "glamp" and ride.

[fjmartin]

That seals it, I'm not going to 'slime' my tubes! Thanks for all the advice!

[fjmartin]

Bike to be delivered tomorrow between 10 and 3. C A N ' T W A I T !:clap:

Once delivered I'm going to take crate and uncrating pictures, inspect everything, check over the easy to get to nuts, bolts, screws, check the fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake), Install the wind screen, mirrors, top box and hand guards, set the clock, check chain slack, check tire pressure, check brakes, throttle, clutch adjustments, install the plates and load up some basics to get fuel and then get in the first couple hundred miles before the rain hits on Friday PM. Then this weekend I'll do all the customizations and replace all the fluids, following the hints, tricks and guides from CSC and this forum. I'll try to get a couple pictures while I'm out and about and then will get photo's once all the customizations are complete.

Thanks again everyone for all your assistance!!!

Joe

[pyoungbl]

Joe, CSC ships the bike with some nice tie down straps. Make sure you save them!

[fjmartin]

Good call, I will. I also ordered some cool straps to go with my trailer. They have rubber integrated into them so their is a bit of flex for the bike to move and also keeps them tight so the tie down hooks don't come off the soft straps.
http://www.stingertrailer.com/product/stinger-single-bike-strap-kit/
Neat video on there also on how they work. Also looks to be a great trailer to tow behind my motorhome, I ordered it. Adventure awaits!

[Republic]

Man this is an exciting thread, I'd probably have worn out the 'refresh' button watching the tracking! The idea of building your own custom ADV bike right from the start is a big draw to the RX3 for me. The other ADV options are so expensive, and their farkles equally expensive...there's no way I'd be able to afford it. (Not until Oklahoma decides to pay teachers more)

Congratulations! Can't wait to see the photos!

[2LZ]

Pics! Pics!

[jbfla]

Good call, I will. I also ordered some cool straps to go with my trailer. They have rubber integrated into them so their is a bit of flex for the bike to move and also keeps them tight so the tie down hooks don't come off the soft straps.
http://www.stingertrailer.com/product/stinger-single-bike-strap-kit/
Neat video on there also on how they work. Also looks to be a great trailer to tow behind my motorhome, I ordered it. Adventure awaits!

FJ, conrats on your new RX3.

Feel free to disreguard my comments....;)

Those seem like high dollar tie down straps.

I've used these successfully for several years with different bikes and trailers.

They have integrated soft ties, and clips on the hooks so they won't come off when hitting a bump.

https://www.jcmotors.com/titan-deluxe-ratchet-straps-19206-p

jb

[BlackBike]

Man this is an exciting thread, I'd probably have worn out the 'refresh' button watching the tracking! The idea of building your own custom ADV bike right from the start is a big draw to the RX3 for me. The other ADV options are so expensive, and their farkles equally expensive...there's no way I'd be able to afford it. (Not until Oklahoma decides to pay teachers more)

Congratulations! Can't wait to see the photos!

yes, but you still need to figure out a way to swing it...you'd be known as that teacher with the cool bike.

the red one is nice

http://cdn3.volusion.com/qsgah.sptja/v/vspfiles/photos/ZRX3-Old-6T.jpg?1459589721

[fjmartin]

So fantastic news for me. Bike showed up today around 11am and the crate was in perfect condition. The driver was cool and asked me to open it up and make sure everything was in good shape before I signed for the package. It was. I got it unpacked, inspected more closely, put on the mirrors, wind screen, top box and upgraded front brake pad. Scared myself as I rolled it off the pallet as at the mid-point my feet didn't reach the ground...steady!!! It fired right up, did a couple of laps around my neighborhood to kick start my 25 year old neurons about moto's. I then rolled up to the gas station, filled it up and then rolled back home to put in some injector cleaner/lube and then headed out for a nice day of 100 miles at sub-5000RPMs. Man, the bike is easy to ride. Front brakes are breaking in nicely. Currently having a hard time finding neutral unless I give it a bit of gas and then it will drop in fine. I'm going to do another hundy tomorrow so I can spend the rainy weekend changing the oil and doing all the other farkle adds.

Warning: Bike porn follows:

http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Day%201%20with%20the%202016CSC%20RX3?sort=2&page=1

[RedHawk47]

Sounds like a great adventure - but, no pictures; it didn't happen.
Just kidding, but your link does not bring up any photos.

[fjmartin]

Try now! First time trying to post photo's....I'm a noob!

[Republic]

Fantastic looking bike! I need to start rolling pennies so I can get one.

[jbfla]

Try now! First time trying to post photo's....I'm a noob!

Copy and paste the IMG link in your post.

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b430/joe_martin8/Day%201%20with%20the%202016CSC%20RX3/IMG_4977_zpscsmipzdg.jpg (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/media/Day%201%20with%20the%202016CSC%20RX3/IMG_4977_zpscsmipzdg.jpg.html)

jb

[2LZ]

Awesome! Congrats! Yup...we're already getting rain this weekend south of you also...

[BlackBike]

Never get tired of seeing those box trucks giving birth :yay:

Photo b pics were spectacular.

Thanks

[fjmartin]

Got out yesterday and put in another 100. Now I can do the oil change and since the weather is getting wet I'll spend some time adding farkles.

http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Day%202%20with%20the%202016CSC%20RX3?sort=2&page=1

[fjmartin]

So I did the 200 miles oil change and cleaned the screens and changed the filter. Along with this process I removed the factory skid plate, cut off the mounts and then put on the freshly painted upgraded skid plate. I also put on the quick change oil kit. I added the handguards, Genssi LED headlight, center stand, plug for trickle charger, USB ports with cig adapter, voltage & thermostat cig plug, phone mount, phone stylus, spotlights, SpeedoDRD, Hyperlite brake lights, and ran the wire for the sidestand cutoff mod that will get done when the switch arrives. I've got a few things left and I'll post photo's of those also.

http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Adding%20Farkles%20to%20the%202016%20CSC%20RX3?sor t=2&page=1

[Motocrazy]

Get some saddle time in after all those farkles. The next 3 legs of the Washington Back Road Discovery Route will be next summer. And if it turns out to half as fun as the first 3 were you won't stop smiling for weeks. Myself along with 3 others took our Zong's on some gnarly stuff and the RX3 excelled. But most of all enjoy your new bike I love mine every time I ride it.

[fjmartin]

That's awesome. I will and I am planning to do some off-road training and doing the WABDR next year!

[Motocrazy]

Neutral is always hard to find. Main sentiment amoung us Zong owners. It's just a quirk with the RX3 I guess. I have 3000 miles on mine and it's no better than when new. But the bike has so many other outstanding features it doesn't bother me.

[2LZ]

Modding is half the fun! Looks great!

Neutral - Yep...it's not getting much easier to find when hot. Cold, no problem. At a dead stop, I noticed that it's easier to find from second gear. I've just created a habit of clicking into neutral in the last 10 feet rolling up to a stop.

[fjmartin]

Did a ride with a buddy of mine yesterday who has owned tons of bikes, raced MX and track and he was super impressed with the RX3. He's going to be tracking it and has a few friends who he will recommend it to if I find it holds up well. Today I did a LONG ride to get me to the 500 miles mark on the bikes so that tomorrow I can do the chain adjustment and the dreaded valve check/adjust. Here are some photo's from the two days rides. Today was very scenic. I took the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry out to Whidbey Island and drove the length of it coming out a Deception Pass. I then worked my way home on a back road highway. Great day on the bike.

Yesterday: http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/?sort=2&page=1
Today: http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Day%204%20with%20the%202016%20CSC%20RX3?sort=2&page=1

[Jay In Milpitas]

Thanks for sharing the photos, Joe. I always enjoyed that part of the country in warm weather. Brought back good memories.

[BlackBike]

2x

I'm a sign reader, historical markers etc.thanks

[fjmartin]

Since I got my 500 miles in yesterday I spent time today doing a couple of things. First, I decided that I didn't like how i wired my USB adapter directly to the battery and instead spoke with Gerry at CSC and he told me about a white plug with 6 wires where the brown wires was switched 12v and the green are ground. The plug was perfect to crimp some spade connectors on and the plugged right in and it worked perfectly.

Next, I did the adjustment of the chain and wheel alignment. Kind of a pain as I'd never done this before but I got it done.

Lastly I got to have the joy of doing the valve adjustment. Actually it wasn't terrible. Maybe because I'm a small guy and I can actually fit my hands in those tight spots.

Now I'm ready to do some real rides!

[2LZ]

Since I got my 500 miles in yesterday I spent time today doing a couple of things. First, I decided that I didn't like how i wired my USB adapter directly to the battery and instead spoke with Gerry at CSC and he told me about a white plug with 6 wires where the brown wires was switched 12v and the green are ground. The plug was perfect to crimp some spade connectors on and the plugged right in and it worked perfectly.

Next, I did the adjustment of the chain and wheel alignment. Kind of a pain as I'd never done this before but I got it done.

Lastly I got to have the joy of doing the valve adjustment. Actually it wasn't terrible. Maybe because I'm a small guy and I can actually fit my hands in those tight spots.

Now I'm ready to do some real rides!

How were the valves? Did you actually have to adjust any of them or were they all pretty much correct?

[fjmartin]

Intake valves were perfect but the exhaust valves were too tight and I had to adjust them. The tutorial on the CSC site says to gap to .06 but the service manual says .08 so I called Gerry and he said to use .08mm.

[2LZ]

Intake valves were perfect but the exhaust valves were too tight and I had to adjust them. The tutorial on the CSC site says to gap to .06 but the service manual says .08 so I called Gerry and he said to use .08mm.

Yep, mine are coming up again soon. If they haven't moved since my last setting, I'll leave them for a while.

[fjmartin]

After receiving my $380 credit from CSC for their retroactive sales credit I ordered and today received the side stand pad and my Tourfella luggage.

The side stand pad is very nice and was just a drop in and screw down. Looks good and is very substantial. I put some loctite on the screws to make sure it stays together.

As others have said about the Tourfella luggage, they look very nice. Only a single of nit on the luggage itself. I wish it had the same removal feature as seen on the BMW type moto's. I'm going to put in liners so it's easy to empty the contents to turn the side or bottom thumb wheels to remove them.

Now, also as others have said, the quality of the luggage rack is pretty bad. On mine, it had lots of nicks and such with paint missing, the threads were not cleaned up and I had to use my tap/die set to clean them so the bolts would thread in. there is no documentation so it takes a bit to figure out which bolts to use for each place, and the orientation of the various pieces. There were some washers and some lock nuts but not enough for all of them and without directions I used them where it made sense to me. finally as previously discussed, the rack is built incorrectly for the RX3 such that the left turn signal presses up against the luggage and actually has to bend out of the way. As another on this forum did, I ended up putting in a long bolt/nut combo to wedge away the mount to clear it from the light. works fine but not ideal and it leaves the luggage slightly canted inward on that side.

I added some photo's to my Farkle Photobucket: http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Adding%20Farkles%20to%20the%202016%20CSC%20RX3?sor t=2&page=1

Take care!

[fjmartin]

During stormageddon here is Seattle I spent the day in the garage and got my Shinko 244s on the bike and also got the 13T/45T cogs on there. I can confirm that the stock 110 link chain works just fine with the 13/45 combo.

Only project left is the side stand cut-off switch installation. That's tomorrows project where I find the perfect spot, drill and tap to screw it in and then wire it up.

http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/joe_martin8/library/Adding%20Farkles%20to%20the%202016%20CSC%20RX3?sor t=2&page=1

[fjmartin]

I got a set of DoubleTake adventure mirrors on the RX3 a few days ago. Had an issue where the right side ball mount and RAM clamp hit the master cylinder so I had to order a base extension. It all works perfectly now. Really like the mirrors, easy of adjustment and mostly the ability to get them out of the way offroad or for them to get themselves out of the way in a crash without breaking. Though I haven't had to experience that test yet!!!