New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

All true, PCG. The variable is the amount of torque that is produced by the engine; there is a tipping point, where the torque of the engine will no longer be able to carry the vehicle at the same speed.

Put another way, if you slowly raised a gear ratio (which means lower numerically) one rear sprocket tooth at a time, you'd observe a faster and faster top speed, and then it would begin to drop off. There will be a certain final drive ratio that provides the max speed for a given combination.

[Eco Mouse]

That's why they oftentimes have to push (or tow) "Land Speed Cars" to get them started, because they have a huge gear, that even their high HP engines can't overcome at slow enough speed to even get started out of first gear.

[pismocycleguy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

All true, PCG. The variable is the amount of torque that is produced by the engine; there is a tipping point, where the torque of the engine will no longer be able to carry the vehicle at the same speed.

Put another way, if you slowly raised a gear ratio (which means lower numerically) one rear sprocket tooth at a time, you'd observe a faster and faster top speed, and then it would begin to drop off. There will be a certain final drive ratio that provides the max speed for a given combination.

But the "power band" RPM range of the engine does not change with each tooth of change in the sprockets? That is the job of the multiple speed transmission, to match the power band RPM's to the desired MPH's.
And yes, it takes more engine torque to turn a bigger gear ratio.

[detours]

It's true that an engine's power band (efficiency) is independent of its gearing. But whether the power it generates is accessible to do work depends entirely on the gearing.

For example, in first gear on level ground the 13T sprocket allows the amount of torque that exists at 3500 RPM to move the bike. Using the 14T, there isn't enough torque at 3500 to get moving ... you have to get above 5500 RPM to find enough torque. On a hill, you may have to hit 6500. On a really steep hill, there may not even be enough torque to start moving with a 14T sprocket.

So strictly speaking, the engine's power band didn't change with the 13T sprocket ... it just feels like it because the lower part of the band is now usable.

[pismocycleguy]

Originally Posted by detours

It's true that an engine's power band (efficiency) is independent of its gearing. But whether the power it generates is accessible to do work depends entirely on the gearing, the engine's power band didn't change with the 13T sprocket ... it just feels like it because the lower part of the band is now usable.

Exactly my point.

[rjmorel]

FYI. I installed the 13T yesterday and took it down the highway. At GPS 60mph, speedo was reading 69mph. 7500 RPM. With the 14T if I remember right GPS 60mph was 72mph on speedo and 7000 RPM. So still very highway ride able. I will give it a good test at end of month going down to the Sound Rider Rally in Hood River , OR. Anyone else going to go to it? Or will I have Clement Salvadori all to myself rj

[rtking]

Great to hear that the 13T counter sprocket is making the bike much more tractable around town. I'm curious about top end, freeway riding speed impact from the sprocket change. Will the bike still do a GPS measured 84 mph even with the 13T sprocket?

[SpudRider]

While riding the interstate highways, the ability to sustain a top speed is more important than a transient top speed which drops rapidly while you climb a long incline.

I think every RX3 owner should experiment with the 13T C/S sprocket. After all, it only costs $12.95. You won't know whether you like it or not, until you try it. Some riders like me will prefer the 13T sprocket in all situations. Others might prefer the 13T sprocket in some situations, and some will prefer the 14T sprocket in all situations.

[SpudRider]

In case you haven't heard, Motorcycle.com just awarded the CSC Cyclone RX3 an honorable mention as the Best Motorcycle Value of 2015.

http://www.motorcycle.com/features/b...e-of-2015.html

With the following list of stock equipment, this bike is indeed, an excellent value for the money.

U.S. Delphi Fuel Injected Engine
Water Cooled Engine with 2 Radiators, and 2 Radiator Fans
6-Speed Transmission
Superb Clutch
Excellent Headlight (with H4 bulb)
Engine Guards
Tall Windshield
Siemens Digital Dashboard
LED Turn Signals and Brake Light
4.2-Gallon (16-Liter) Fuel Tank
Locking Gas Cap
Integrated Luggage with Locks
Perimeter Engine Frame
Strong Sub-frame to Support Heavy Loads
Stainless Steel Exhaust Header
37mm USD Forks
Progressive Lower Shock Linkage
1-inch Fat Aluminum Handlebars
Skid Plate
Black Anodized Hubs
17-inch Rear Wheel with an Excellent Cushion Hub
Disc Brakes on Both Wheels
Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Hydraulic Brake Light Switch on Rear Wheel
110-Link, Size 520, O-Ring Drive Chain
Wide, Serrated Foot Pegs with Rubber Inserts for both Rider and Passenger
300-watt Stator Output
Deluxe Wiring Harness with two Fused, Switched, Auxillary Power Connections
2-Year Warranty for Parts
1-Year Warranty for Parts and Labor

[happycamp3r]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster here. I don't have an RX-3 yet, but looking to take advantage of CSC's good buddy program. Is there anyone out there in Northern California thinking seriously of getting an RX-3? We could ship them to the Redding depot and I could trailer them to our residences. Let me know if any of you are interested!
Thanks!

[3Speed]

I just got off a 90 mile plus ride (mostly highway, some twisties) with the CSC prototype new seat, boy, let me tell you, it made such a difference, it easly doubles, if not tripples the distance traveled before you start to feel un comfortable.
It is slightly taller setting, flater, wider top, and has softer cusion where needed.
It is 100% improvement over the stock, narrow,hard, hammock shaped seat,
As soon as they have the seats available, I will be the first in line

[jjn]

Just got a quote to ship one of these to Hilo Hawaii. $700, and I would have to pick it up at the shipper. For the same price a guy has his 2014 XT250 for sale. 1236 miles.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by happycamp3r

Hi Everyone,
I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster here. I don't have an RX-3 yet, but looking to take advantage of CSC's good buddy program. Is there anyone out there in Northern California thinking seriously of getting an RX-3? We could ship them to the Redding depot and I could trailer them to our residences. Let me know if any of you are interested!
Thanks!

Welcome; we are glad you joined us. I hope someone takes you up on your offer.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by 3Speed

I just got off a 90 mile plus ride (mostly highway, some twisties) with the CSC prototype new seat, boy, let me tell you, it made such a difference, it easly doubles, if not tripples the distance traveled before you start to feel un comfortable.
It is slightly taller setting, flater, wider top, and has softer cusion where needed.
It is 100% improvement over the stock, narrow,hard, hammock shaped seat,
As soon as they have the seats available, I will be the first in line

Thanks for posting the good review. How did the new seat affect saddle height?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by jjn

Just got a quote to ship one of these to Hilo Hawaii. $700, and I would have to pick it up at the shipper. For the same price a guy has his 2014 XT250 for sale. 1236 miles.

The Yamaha XT250 will be a better dual sport bike. The Zongshen RX3 will be a better street/adventure bike. Since you aren't likely to take many multi-day trips on any of the islands, you might be better off with the XT250. Of course, the cost of ownership will be less with the Zong.