New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[jimjr21]

If you plan on coming through Kansas City I can help you out with instal and ship to point.
Same for anyone/ anytime!

[thillskier]

Thats not too far from Ft Riley (where my son is stationed and I planned to spend a couple days. I'm guessing -+ 500 miles or so, but probably about 3000,maybe 3500 miles on the tire/bike by then, so that might be just perfect. I was also thinking of going to cruise by Kato's as well. I think he's a bit south of you.
I REALLY do appreciate every persons help offers and good wishes also covering every aspect I can think of, even. Wow!

CSC hopefully will have tires (and tubes or a suitable solution for tubeless, even better. I can keep an eye on mine, and order one from CSC a few days out of Ft Riley for delivery to your address if that what we decide is best and if it looks like I'm going to need it before I get home.

If CSC checks this thread again, please let us know if you expect some spares with the bikes, and if so, the type tread(s) you plan to stock, (pics would REALLY be awesome of the tread), please. I know there are other riders also considering a fly out and drive home scenario, at least 3 I talked with and know of. I'd bet there will be a lot more if its a bit later and warmer than initially thought deliveries would be Early/mid March, I think it was. If its Late April or May, it will be PERFECT riding weather! Might as well make the first adv ride the ride home, break it is as intended to be used! MY opinion and decision, anyways.
Of course, availability of spares will make a big difference in anyones decision to drive back, rather than ship the bikes. I'm sure that CSC has, in place, already, someone to ship spares and any parts needed to Baha riders when/if needed, so doing the same to us riding home shouldn't be a problem.

[katoranger]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

You could always buy a rear tire from CSC, and have it shipped to one of your destination points. Wearing out the front tire in that distance seems unlikely.

UPS delivers to my house. I also have tools to install it.

[thillskier]

Is there a thread on adv etc where tire life is evaluated? Where we can assess which tread is best, etc? Changing tires is a PITA, correct? and if I can buy a longer wearing tire that will take me where I want to go, then I want that one, obviously. Thanks everyone for your help, Seriously, I thank you much.
I really want to get the best tire for us all, for whatever we decide is our type of ride. I feel terrible if I cause anyone to feel unappreciated. I am so blessed to be a co owner of something so cool,(all on the RX-3) list! I think everyone wants to help other riders/owners!
Thats Unique, IMHO!
We have cool bikes, and GREAT owners and hopefully future friends! We meet on our travels.

Thanks everyone..I couldn't ride without every ones help.
Hope to meet everyone on my ride home. Or on a future RX-3 Owner ride/get together!

[Wolftrax]

Was over at CSC and they had a photo of the OEM seat and I am really looking forward to spending sometime in the saddle on this bike. Almost every seat I've reshaped ends up looking like the RX3 seat. If the original seat doesn't work as good as it looks, at least we have a very good canvas to start with.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by thillskier

Is there a thread on adv etc where tire life is evaluated? Where we can assess which tread is best, etc? Changing tires is a PITA, correct? and if I can buy a longer wearing tire that will take me where I want to go, then I want that one, obviously...

There are many tire threads on ADVRider. However, tire threads are like oil threads; they frequently degenerate into arguments. I'm confident the stock tires on the RX3 will last for your ride back home. However, if you have any concerns whatsoever, I do suggest you stop half way home, and change the rear tire.

I change all my motorcycle tires, and I almost enjoy the job. However, many others dislike the task very much. If you use the proper tools, and the proper techniques, the job is actually pretty easy. You might enjoy reading the following threads on tire changing.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6425
http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...498#post175498

If you have concerns about doing the job yourself, I suggest you accept the kind offers from Katoranger, RJMorel, and others, or take the bike to a motorcycle shop.

[katoranger]

There is a Harley shop in the next town that I am sure could mount a tire. Perry my tire guy would likely mount it too. I think his machine can do motorcycle tires. Motorcycle Tractor same thing.

[CSCDude]

One of our next maintenance tutorials will be on changing tires. You don't need a tire mounting machine (tire irons work just fine). It's really not very hard to do. Look for it in the next couple of weeks.

Regarding a cross country trip on the stock tires, you'll do just fine. The bike's stock CST adventure touring type tires hook up and wear real well. If you could have seen the guys from Motorcycle.com shredding these things through the twisties you would be amazed. I sure was, until they got so far ahead of me I couldn't see them any more. I was on my KLR 650. I thought I was an aggressive rider until I rode with those guys.

I just posted the tentative Baja Inaugural Run info on the CSC blog.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Motorcycle Tractor same thing.

I agree. Especially since my pushrod motor sounds like a tractor.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I agree. Especially since my pushrod motor sounds like a tractor.

Ah yes, the melodic thump, thump.

[Wolftrax]

Just can't stay out of a tire discussion. I'm positive the front tire will roll at least 5000 miles without needing replacement. As far the rear goes, wasn't the argument that the upside of a 17" rear was its availability anywhere. I'm not to concerned about the rear going the distance but if it fails sourcing a 17" rear just about at any bike shop in the US isn't that tough. It might not be your tire of choice but it will get you home. I'm kinda of hoping to toast my stocker on the trip home so I can start messing with more aggressive tires.

[katoranger]

I am an hour from someplace that sells motorcycle tires. I am sure that the local tire guy could get one overnight if needed.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

...I'm kinda of hoping to toast my stocker on the trip home so I can start messing with more aggressive tires.

I'm with you, Mark. The stock tires are great for pavement and dry terrain. However, if you encounter even a mild rain while riding off road anywhere in the Great Basin or Rocky Mountains, you won't travel very far riding on those tires. The rear wheel will spin, and the front tire will load up with mud, dumping you instantly, without any warning whatsoever. I know this from personal experience. Check out the following video from the 4:20-6:45 time marks.

[SpudRider]

[SpudRider]