Competition Coming
 

The RX3 has been unique in the US market as a small displacement adventure bike. As we all know, that's about to change, with BMW, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and I think KTM all introducing adventure bikes in the 250 - 390 cc range. Not sure if they are all coming to the US, or when they will arrive, but starting next year new buyers will have some options.

I'm happy with my RX3 but I hope the competition encourages Zongshen to up their game. Maybe improve the front brake, fix the speedo error, make the indicator lights visible in daylight, fit a longer-lasting chain, and maybe offer an ABS option? Would help a lot when the moto mags start comparison testing.

Meanwhile I am looking at details for the new crop, including specs, prices, and accessories. One interesting note (to me anyway) -- the GS version of BMW's G310 won't accept hard side cases. Apparently BMW decided not to alter the tail section of the base G310, so no mounting points for side cases. Perhaps the aftermarket will have a solution. But meanwhile I am scratching my head. An ADV bike with no way to mount side cases???? In contrast, photos of the new Kawasaki Versys 300 include a shot of accessory resin side cases.

So far the BMW G 310 GS is showing longer suspension travel, but only a 2.9 gallon (10.9 litre) fuel tank.

Rough but brief adventure?

Kawasaki Versys - X300.........4.5 gallon tank

jb

With the skid plate thoughtfully reinforced by the exhaust pipes. :hehe:

don't for get the v-strom 250. http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/su...dl250-concept/


Rojo

And KTM with the 390 Adventure: http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/20...390-adventure/

I wonder what the cost point will come in on these?
I can't see a KTM going for under 6k. It also looks far more the "endure" than an ADV bike. I bet the luggage at the KTM dealer will be a pretty penny.

The V-strom looks intriguing and I'm guessing will probably be priced far closer to the RX3. Being a concept, like Jay says, I'm hoping they move that pipe. Some folks actually use these as dirt bikes.

The Versys 300 is looking to MSRP for 5399/5699 without or with abs, more with some of the options. If it's like the Ninja 300 it'll be found for less than that after the initial rush. ( Romney has them 750 under msrp with a 75 dollar doc fee, 4250) The Vstrom will have to be less if it's going to sell at all compared to the V300. BMW G 310 is priced 4750 with abs. I'd expect the GS version to be 500 more or so.

Who knows what the 390 will be priced at, the duke is about 5000. The spy photos of it just turned up so it's likely a year or two away.

I'm personally very closely looking at replacing my RX with the V300. I could use just a bit more power to use the highways when needed. My long trip (4000 miles) this spring had some windy sections which really cut the RXs speed way down to 52mph in 4th on flat ground.

My RX also has some top end noise that isn't valve clearance and it's very hard to get started compared to when new. I won't have time to work on it until next spring unfortunately. This kinda wrecked my trust in the bike over the summer and I barely rode it using my Stelvio instead.

In the middle of nowhere, it is still easy to work on the RX3. If I had the Versys, probably the same. Having a KTM or BMW..you might not be able to fix it. The cost of parts are insane compared to the RX3 and Versys. Still the RX3 is king when it comes to pricing. With the support network of CSC, what does it matter.

I've got a Ninja 300, and I love that engine, but valve adjustments are an absolute pain (shim under bucket) and being an EFI twin with ABS, there is cabling all over the goddamn place.

They'll no doubt have tuned it for more midrange on the Versys. My Ninja struggles with my tall, fat arse on it (I'm 6'3" @ 210lbs) to top 95 (101 down a shallow hill); I expect in this config it'll be slower, but should still hold 75-80 without much drama, as long as you don't mind the 9k drill noise. It's a smooth motor for a 180 twin so high RPM's are not too intrusive.

Brakes on mine are crap, OEM chain was rubbish, some none-structural fasteners are total shit and it wasn't especially cheap, but I want to keep it forever as it's such a lovely little bike, but at this point I'd be pressed to see where the RX3 isn't a better buy.

I agree with you about the pain shim under bucket valve adjusters are.

But on my Scout and Triumph with shims, after the initial inspection, valve adjustment is not due for 20,000 miles.

That's about 2 years of riding for me.

The Kawa X300 is supposed to be available without ABS and its associated complications.

jb

20k is superb. It's a much more frequent (if you ride every day) 7500 on my steed.

That's still 3x longer than the RX3. My RX needed adjustment at each 2500 interval so 5k seems a stretch with it.

My valves change every 1,000-1,500 miles.

This last time (last week, 8,400 miles) both intake valves were at zero clearance...a .001" feeler gauge would not fit.

The port side exhaust valve was at spec (.003"), the starboard side exhaust valve was .008", more than double the spec.

jb

Back to "Competition Coming".
 

With the "major players" entering the arena, I foresee one or more magazines doing a comparison shootout.

We already know the results for "Best Value".