New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[DanKearney]

Took the RX-3 out for another break-in run.



This time mostly forest service and other dirt roads in my neighborhood. The more I ride it, the more I like it.



I'm much more confident on steeper/looser sections than I previously was on my F650GS. I think part of that is due to knowing I won't have to replace $500 worth of plastic panels if I crash.



Photos are from Mammoth Gulch area looking towards continental divide.



Cheers,

Dan K.

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the beautiful photographs, Dan. I'm glad you are enjoying your new RX3.

Are the high passes in Colorado starting to open up?

[DanKearney]

Mammoth Gulch Road was still snowed in just two weeks ago (~11,000'). Today, no snow in sight. I haven't been above 13,000' yet this Summer (Except paved roads), but I bet pretty much all the dirt passes are open by now.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the report of the open passes, Dan.

[3banger]

First real dirt outing on the RX3 with the Girlfriend on here XT250. We road up Lands End Road back down and then some pavement twisties of CO National Monument back to Fruita. Could have certainly use a bit more aggressive tire towards the top of Lands End Road but the stock performed well enough and would slide pretty predictably. But I was cautious since I have yet to install wrap around hand guards. The little bike is a hoot the tight pavedment twists of the Monument; 3rd gear wide open throttle out of every corner . I do need to look into more aggressive brake pads; it takes a healthy front brake squeeze to slow the RX3 coming in hot for a 15mph posted corner. I can adapt but am worried when I jump back on my Sprint I'll send my self over the bars.







Better?

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the nice report and the beautiful photos.

[DanKearney]

That's a great area 3banger. I've ridden all the mountain bike trails out that way. I'll have to come back with the RX-3 and ride Kokopelli's again.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[DanKearney]

I'm blessed with some great dual sport riding very close to home hear. I ran one of my favorite leisure loops today. It's about 50 miles almost evenly split between gravel/dirt and pavement. The paved portions feature some great views down over the great plains looking over Boulder and Denver, CO.

Overlooking Gross reservior, west of Boulder, CO.



Gross Dam.



The Moffat Road railroad tracks heading towards the 6 mile long tunnel under the Continental Divide to the west.

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the nice photos, Dan.

Do you use a tripod/timer to capture the self photographs?

[DanKearney]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Do you use a tripod/timer to capture the self photographs?

Yes. I carry a really small, cheap collapsible tripod and use my point-and-shoot's 10 second timer.

I just bought a Go Pro clone last week and have been experimenting. I hope to slap some video together soon. I already realize that it takes a ton of boring video and lot's of time to edit it into something that can keep people's attention for a few minutes.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Dan, your expression speaks volumes about your Cyclone experience so far. Your comment about your comfort level versus the GS650 is just one reason these bikes make so much sense. In the long term, I'm curious how you will be feeling about the difference in ownership between the RX3 and the Ural, since they are both owner-maintained type machines, not dealer reliant.

[DanKearney]

Jay,

To get into position to to take a few of the photos today, I had to ride through some rough stuff near the RR tracks that I never would have tried on my 650GS. Not so much because the GS was too big, but more because of the possible cost of replacing damaged parts should I fall over on some pointy rocks.

I looked through the parts prices on CSC's web site and it looks like replacement plastics are very reasonably priced. Nothing seems near what the big manufacturer's charge for parts, either mechanical or cosmetic.

As for user maintenance, I've got 2 Urals and a Royal Enfield, so I'm used to doing all the standard stuff myself.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[3banger]

Hey Dan,

I'm also a pretty avid Mountain Biker, haven't riden all the Junction/Fruita trails just yet but I'm getting their. Interesting my MTB bike cost me more then the RX3! Thought that's pretty coming on the western slope; if your car costs more then your bike your doing it wrong...

Road Kokopelli from Moab back to Rabbit Valley on my KTM 200 and their at a few sections I'm not sure I'd tackle on the RX3. Rose garden hill for one!

[detours]

Hey Dan, you're right in my neck of the woods and you're doing exactly the trails I bought the RX3 for. Mine arrives on Tuesday. We'll have to hook up and do some rides.

[rjmorel]

To hot to ride much and my molding machine is making parts for a customer ,so it's a boring day at work. I decided to finally make some pivoting folding footpegs for the RX3 like I did for my NC700x. 1" square aluminum and some $9.00 mountain bike peddles for materials all I needed. I like them in the rough stuff as it gives the boots a larger support area and the pivoting saves wear and tare on the ankles. Absolutely nothing wrong with the stock foot pegs, some of the best I've had on a motorcycle. I just like the pivoting feature, rj