RX3 Visits With the X-300

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by Biker_Andy

I think we can all agree the x300 is the ideal small adventure sport bike (so far). Certainly not ideal for off road in its current state but it might not take much to greatly improve it's off road prowess either......

I agree. Perhaps a change of sprockets could tame the high revs and the close gear spacing.

Ninja 300 sprockets = 14/42

X-300 sprockets .....= 14/46

And according to a mega-thread on the Ninja 300 Forum, even with the 14/42 gearing, many are putting on a 15 tooth front sprocket.

The X-300 may be fine for many....it isn't for me.

jb

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by jbfla

I agree. Perhaps a change of sprockets could tame the high revs and the close gear spacing.

Ninja 300 sprockets = 14/42

X-300 sprockets .....= 14/46

And according to a mega-thread on the Ninja 300 Forum, even with the 14/42 gearing, many are putting on a 15 tooth front sprocket.

The X-300 may be fine for many....it isn't for me.

jb

Even the little headlight / signal trigger flashy thing didn't convince you ?

csc, spoiled us forever.

[Sullybiker]

Originally Posted by Biker_Andy

I think we can all agree the x300 is the ideal small adventure sport bike (so far). Certainly not ideal for off road in its current state but it might not take much to greatly improve it's off road prowess either.

I see the x300 competing more against the CB500X and other more street oriented adventure styled bikes.

I think Kawasaki is having great success putting the ninja engine in a cruiser that the figured why not try it with an adventure bike.

I think you're referring to the Vulcan? that's the Ninja 650 mill which is a really nice twin. It's also in the Versys and people love that bike.

It's interesting that you mention the Honda 500 series. I rode the CBR500R and it's a seriously well made bike, but for an entry level sport standard (like the Ninja 300) the engine was just a bit too well-mannered. The CB500 and 500X however, are absolutely brilliant, and I have a little buyer's remorse I didn't get the former as It's a really good commuter, and those same easy manners on the engine work really well.

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by Sullybiker

........

It's interesting that you mention the Honda 500 series. I rode the CBR500R and it's a seriously well made bike, but for an entry level sport standard (like the Ninja 300) the engine was just a bit too well-mannered. The CB500 and 500X however, are absolutely brilliant, .....

Coincidentally, I was looking at the CB 500X and 500F today....

Prices on leftover 2016s are comparable to the X-300.....

jb

[Biker_Andy]

Originally Posted by Sullybiker

I think you're referring to the Vulcan? that's the Ninja 650 mill which is a really nice twin. It's also in the Versys and people love that bike.

Yes the Vulcan with the Ninja engine seems to be very successful and I was seriously considering buying it at one point.

I own a CB500X, I wanted an RX3 but they weren't available in Canada at the time so I bought the 'X' instead. I really like my "X" and am glad I made the purchase. I own a TT250 for off-road riding and really like that bike too. I think I have a better combo of bikes for off-road and street then if I just had the RX3 but I also spent twice as much on the two bikes as one RX3.

The 300-X like the CB500X needs a rally raid kit or similar to make it off-road worthy but at the price of the kit you could just buy a new TT250.

[BlackBike]

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/ka...0-test-review/

Some of the same knit pics as jbfla but overall positive review for everyday riders that will appeal to the masses

[Lee R]

If your in the market for a commuter, have a very very good look at the Honda NC700x. My father just picked one up for 5800 with DCT all the factory luggage, the touring screen and 12v plug. It's a year old with 2500 miles on it.

I've ridden it and the DCT is amazing and I'm a manual fan. It fits that engine perfectly. Think of it as an automatic F1 car transmission, it has a mpg, drive logic or a S sport logic that stays higher in the rpm. Manual mode uses quick shifters on the left grip. It's nothing at all like the car auto transmissions. This thing is lightning quick and shifts when you click it, it does not wait like a car does for appropriate rpm. I've ridden the Africa Twin with it as well for two days. I'd pick DCT over manual at this point.

Best of all the built in trunk is awesome and he got 74mpg and 72 out of the first two fills. The first was at 65-75 mph uphill into the AZ mountains. This is calculated at the pump. I've never seen anything that efficient at freeway speeds. This is I think 680cc. My RX gets 52-55 at that speed. Range is 200 plus miles per tank.

It uses screw adjustable valves which require 16,000 mile checks and are easy to access, easier than the RX.

Handling is very good with a super low CG and 17" wheels. We did plenty or riding on loose gravel forest roads and the low CG makes it feel as light as a 400lb bike. Low speed manners are the best I've ever ridden on a bike.

It's a very underrated motorcycle and now I want one just for commuting.

[Paeksukis]

You guys should watch this x300 review by F9. This guy need more subs.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Paeksukis

You guys should watch this x300 review by F9. This guy need more subs.

Welcome to China Riders, and thanks for posting the excellent video review; I enjoyed watching it very much.

[dpl096]

Welcome to the board...I enjoyed the vid however do disagree with the backhanded jab at the RX3....I'm sure the x300 is a good bike but I remain steadfast in my belief that the "majors" are still unable to match the RX3 in value at the same price and that opinion doesn't include my distaste for slick haired dealers.

[Paeksukis]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Welcome to China Riders, and thanks for posting the excellent video review; I enjoyed watching it very much.

Thank you spud. This is my first post so I just shared this video hoping you guys might like it..

[pyoungbl]

I finally saw an X-300 in the flesh, at a Maine dealer. The bike looks much larger than what a 300cc bike brings to mind. In fact, it approaches KLR size from 20 feet away. Yes, it's a nicely put together machine. At the same time, it comes without much of the stuff that is standard on the RX3 so making an apples to apples comparison is tough. Personally, I like the Zong just fine and am happy with the way I have mine farkled. If I built up a X-300 it could easily end up costing twice what the RX3 cost. The RX3 just gives me much more room to customize without breaking the bank.

[Lee R]

The x300 looks like a great street focused adv which like the rx3 will probably go further than it should off the beaten path. It's going to be easier to live with on pavement for the little extra power which opens up highways vs the RX. Having gotten a taste of just how good the TT250 is off pavement I'm now wishing we had a longer travel suspension 21/18 version the the rx3.

[Lee R]

Originally Posted by jbfla

The only thing stopping me from buying it is the dealer price.

ABS model is $5,700 USD. Add sales tax and all the dealer BS fees and I was quoted an OTD price of $7,500 USD.

...and that is with no accessories. Similarly equipped, it will easily be the price of two RX3's.

.....hmmmmmmmm.


jb

I was just quoted $5150 or $5400 non/abs from Romney Cycles on the east coast, add 75$ and that's their OTD price, plus whatever your state tax is on the bike.

Honestly that's not a bad price and my RX3 with the 19" wheel, usb and Shinko 805's was 4200 to my door. It's basically 1000 more than the RX3 or 1250 if you prefer ABS.

Of course you'll then need Luggage and crash bars plus a skid plate (the stock skid plate on the RX is a bit weak though to be fair).

The Kawasaki will hold value better than the RX3 so that 1000 difference isn't really much, it's the accessories that add value to the RX3.

The RX3 is still competitive but it's no longer alone. The RX4 is going to be up for some stiff competition when it arrives as it'll likely be priced at or very close to the Kawasaki and by then the KTM 390 ADV will be around and if Yamaha jumps in we may see a 320 Tenere.

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by Lee R

I was just quoted $5150 or $5400 non/abs from Romney Cycles on the east coast, add 75$ and that's their OTD price, plus whatever your state tax is on the bike.

Honestly that's not a bad price and my RX3 with the 19" wheel, usb and Shinko 805's was 4200 to my door. It's basically 1000 more than the RX3 or 1250 if you prefer ABS.

Of course you'll then need Luggage and crash bars plus a skid plate (the stock skid plate on the RX is a bit weak though to be fair).

The Kawasaki will hold value better than the RX3 so that 1000 difference isn't really much, it's the accessories that add value to the RX3.

The RX3 is still competitive but it's no longer alone. The RX4 is going to be up for some stiff competition when it arrives as it'll likely be priced at or very close to the Kawasaki and by then the KTM 390 ADV will be around and if Yamaha jumps in we may see a 320 Tenere.

KTM 390 ADV...ooo la la that might just be worth the big bucks...but, like you say, a 10k moto with all the farks.