Zongshen RX3: Sprocket Carrier Modification
The Zongshen RX3 sold by CSC in North America has a rear cushion hub. The sprocket carrier which inserts into the cushion hub is designed to hold rear sprockets with the following dimensions.
http://www.jtsprockets.com/fileadmin...rge/jtr473.jpg Zongshen only manufactures the stock, 44T rear sprocket. As shown above, Sprocket Specialists manufactures the JTR473 sprocket, which is available in 37T, and 40T configurations. :) http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/sprocket/JTR473 I was told CSC will soon offer for sale aftermarket sprockets with 42T, 43T, 45T, and 46T configurations to provide more options in addition to the stock, 44T sprocket. :) |
While awaiting the aftermarket rear sprockets to arrive at CSC, I decided to modify a spare sprocket carrier so I could experiment with different sizes of rear sprockets. Trimming 2 mm from each of the radial arms on the sprocket carrier, I was able to modify the sprocket carrier to accept the following sprockets, with the following configurations. :)
JTR811 http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/sprocket/JTR811-48 http://www.jtsprockets.com/fileadmin...rge/jtr811.jpg This sprocket fits the Suzuki DR200SE motorcycle, and is available for sale in the United States in 39T, 45T and 46T configurations. JTR1826 http://www.jtsprockets.com/catalogue/sprocket/jtr1826 http://www.jtsprockets.com/fileadmin...ge/jtr1826.jpg This sprocket fits a variety of Suzuki and Kawasaki ATVs, and is available for sale in the United States in 39T, 40T, 41T, 42T and 44T configurations. :) |
The photograph below shows how I removed 2 mm from each of the six radial arms on the sprocket carrier.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...psm57bzrqf.jpg |
I purchased a JRT811.46 sprocket from eBay, so I could experiment with a 13T/46T sprocket ratio for my RX3. I have now ridden about 250 miles with this lower sprocket ratio, and I like it even better than the 13T/44T sprocket ratio I installed earlier. :) Here are several photographs of the JTR811, 46T sprocket installed on my modified sprocket carrier.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps9ocha8rn.jpg http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...pswaipjmbo.jpg |
Finally, here is a photograph of the JRT811.46 sprocket installed on the rear wheel on my Zongshen RX3.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps3xixqm1i.jpg |
I was barely able to fit the 46T rear sprocket with my stock, 110-link drive chain. Therefore, I'm sure you would need to get a longer, 112-link drive chain, to fit a tight new chain onto a 13T C/S sprocket with a 46T rear sprocket. ;)
I didn't lose any top speed by switching to the larger, 46T rear sprocket. However, I gained torque in all gears, and I really like this sprocket ratio. Here are the engine RPMs I recorded at the following speeds. These are actual speeds from my GPS calibrated, SpeedoDRD dashboard. ;) 50 MPH: 6,200 RPMs 55 MPH: 6,800 RPMs 60 MPH: 7,400 RPMs 65 MPH: 8,100 RPMs 70 MPH: 8,800 RPMs 75 MPH: 9,500 PRMs I usually ride at lower speeds, so I like the increased torque with this lower gearing. Also, I am able to maintain speed with higher gears while climbing long, steep grades with this lower gearing. I also plan to experiment with a JTR811.45T rear sprocket. Depending on my riding conditions, I can now switch between 13T/44T, 13T/45T, and 13T/46T sprocket ratios. I don't plan to go any lower than my current, 13T/46T sprocket ratio. ;) |
Switching between my stock sprocket carrier, and the modified sprocket carrier, I now have the following options for rear sprockets available in the United States.
37T, 39T, 40T, 41T, 42T, 43T, 44T, 45T, 46T If desired, I can also purchase a 48T rear sprocket from the Ukraine, Russia, and other European countries. ;) You can purchase 13T and 14T, counter shaft (C/S) sprockets from CSC, and Taobao. With this variety of C/S and rear sprockets available, you can tailor many different sprocket ratios. :tup: |
I would like to see a more comprehensive RPM vs Speed sprocket chart. I did the same thing with my KLR, had a non-stock 16T front sprocket paired with a different rear sprocket. I can't recall if it was a 46T or not, but I made my decision based on an already published sprocket ratio guide due to my riding style and what I was trying to accomplish.
|
Man SpudRider, great idea, I hadn't thought of getting a new carrier...
Need to see if I can buy any of those sprockets here locally. Great idea, just great. Riceburner |
Perhaps another RX3 rider could chime in here. It would be great to have a GPS-proven speed vs. RPM table in all gears at the stock ratio for comparison.
Excellent write-up, Spud. |
Very cool. I will likely go to a 13/45 ratio when it becomes available from CSC. 75 mph at 9500 is past redline and I would be more comfortable doing 75 at 9000.
|
The analog tachometer shows the redline starting at 9,000 rpms, but I think the actual redline is higher. ;) The engine in my Zongshen ZS200GY-2 has a redline of 10,000 rpms, and it isn't designed to spin as fast as the NC250 engine. ;)
In any event, I am content to cruise at 65 mph on the interstate highways. I much prefer to travel secondary and tertiary paved roads. When planning a trip, I try to incorporate gravel and dirt roads, as much as possible. :) |
The 13T/45T sprocket combination is certainly an excellent choice. Besides being a compromise between the 13T/44T and 13T/46T sprocket ratios, I think you could install a new, 110-link drive chain over the 13T/45T sprockets. You need to get a 112-link drive chain if you plan to install a new chain over the 13T/46T sprockets. ;)
|
Quote:
Since I do a fair amount of super-slabbing, I'm trying to figure out the right combination of sprocket and rear gear to get me to top speed of the RX-3 right at the horsepower peak of 9,000 rpm. But good to know there are choices available to experiment with, and the cost of the sprocket or rear gears are reasonable. |
Quote:
I think the 13T/46T sprocket combination might be the ratio you seek. The more I ride with this sprocket combination, the better I like it. :) |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:13 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.