New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

As I've said before, I really didn't need another motorcycle in my stable. However, I am well familiar with Zongshen quality and affordability, so I just couldn't pass up the 'early adopter' price.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Tony. It's important to get the right motorcycle for the right application. The Zongshen RX3 is ideally suited for the riding you prefer.

I own a Honda, CRF250X dirt bike for technical riding. I was considering adding a street bike to my stable of motorcycles, but I didn't want to be limited to riding on pavement. An adventure bike is more versatile than a street bike, but I wouldn't consider buying an 800-pound behemoth. However, the Zongshen RX3 ideally suits my plans for less technical, adventure riding.

I have a BMW F800GT as my street bike, a Honda Grom and a restored 72 Honda CT70 for fun. Although, the Grom is a great around town bike too.

The Hodaka Dirt Squirt is a nostalgia bike. It's what I learned to ride a motorcycle on in 74.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

I have a BMW F800GT as my street bike, a Honda Grom and a restored 72 Honda CT70 for fun. Although, the Grom is a great around town bike too.

The Hodaka Dirt Squirt is a nostalgia bike. It's what I learned to ride a motorcycle on in 74.

That's a nice collection of bikes. We are glad you joined our community of Chinese motorcycle enthusiasts.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Our humble little China bike is getting a lot of praise in the press. It out scored the 2014 Yamaha XT1200Z in the same publication. Being one of the first on the "Don't miss the boat" pricing, I may be getting the deal of the century!!!!

Egads! I just checked out the scorecard on the 2014 Yamaha XT1200Z.



For comparison, here is the Zongshen RX3 scorecard.



I think it's only fair to say that Zongshen has elevated the Chinese motorcycle industry to a higher level. If Zongshen fixes the inaccuracies in the Siemens digital display, the new Zong will improve further. Add a 17-inch rear wheel, knobby tires, better brake pads, et cetera, and the RX3 gets even better.

I am particularly impressed with the high ratings for the Zong's engine, ergonomics/comfort, and especially the suspension/handling. It's indisputable, the 9.0/10 rating for overall value is justly deserved.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Incidentally, the rider of the slimmed down RX3 in the photograph above has definitely installed an aftermarket muffler.

I spotted that. I'll be curious to learn about how an aftermarket muffler affects the RX-3, given the FI.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I spotted that. I'll be curious to learn about how an aftermarket muffler affects the RX-3, given the FI.

I might be wrong, but I believe the EFI can compensate pretty well if you make a relatively minor change, such as installing a freer flowing muffler. Nevertheless, it would be nice to find an aftermarket muffler which fits fairly easily, and then install that muffler before submitting a bike to Dobek Performance for the design of an Electronic Jet Kit (EJK) controller.

http://www.techlusion.com/dobeck-EJK-controller.asp

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Our humble little China bike is getting a lot of praise in the press. It out scored the 2014 Yamaha XT1200Z in the same publication. Being one of the first on the "Don't miss the boat" pricing, I may be getting the deal of the century!!!!

Indeed! This is a big day for China bikes.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Indeed! This is a big day for China bikes.

The first paragraph of the review basically compares Zongshen to Honda and Hyundai; that is high praise, indeed.

[SpudRider]

I think this photograph once again illustrates the excellent visibility of the Zong's LED tail light.

[culcune]

I think a big part of the high praise is its small size. On Advrider to some extent, and Horizonsunlimited more and more, there are people who have personally wished they had a smaller bike while on some around-the-world-tour. One guy said when he was in Morocco on his BMW something or another, he was getting passed by locals on small Chinese bikes on many stretches of terrain.

I can envision this bike all through Central and South America as well. The only places this bike will "struggle" is in developed countries on open highways. That one Texas tollroad with its 80 mph speed limit would not be a good place for the RX-3

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I might be wrong, but I believe the EFI can compensate pretty well if you make a relatively minor change, such as installing a freer flowing muffler. Nevertheless, it would be nice to find an aftermarket muffler which fits fairly easily, and then install that muffler before submitting a bike to Dobek Performance for the design of an Electronic Jet Kit (EJK) controller.

http://www.techlusion.com/dobeck-EJK-controller.asp

You're right, but so far all of this is theory. I'm interested to learn how it applies in the real world.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by culcune

I think a big part of the high praise is its small size. On Advrider to some extent, and Horizonsunlimited more and more, there are people who have personally wished they had a smaller bike while on some around-the-world-tour. One guy said when he was in Morocco on his BMW something or another, he was getting passed by locals on small Chinese bikes on many stretches of terrain.

I can envision this bike all through Central and South America as well. The only places this bike will "struggle" is in developed countries on open highways. That one Texas tollroad with its 80 mph speed limit would not be a good place for the RX-3

I did a trip in Africa last year and the only disappointment I had was, my bike was too big. The bike was a BMW Sertao. I rarely drove over 60 mph and 450lbs is a handful in the sand. I returned home and to quote The Raven "never more ". Since then I have been on a quest for a small displacement Adv bike. DRZ's , CRF's and WR's have all been considered. I have looked longingly at XT250Z's and yes the Minsk knowing will never see them in the US. Then CSC to the rescue with the RX3. She a bit portly compared to the others on the list but I'm confident I can shave enough weight off to get her to a fit 350 lbs wet.

I guess this is a long winded way of agreeing with you Culcune. It's ideal audience is the rest of the world. Here in America it will appeal to us old timers that have more time to travel and don't mind taking the slow way around.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The first paragraph of the review basically compares Zongshen to Honda and Hyundai; that is high praise, indeed.

In 2000 I bought a Kia Sportage(Hyundai). I still have it and it runs great. I've lifted it 6" and running 32" tires on it. It's been abused,beaten and just like a proverbial Timex, "it takes a lickin and it keeps on tickin". Everyone teased me about buying a piece of Korean crap.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

You're right, but so far all of this is theory. I'm interested to learn how it applies in the real world.

I agree; I have a similar interest. I am very glad to be acquiring a fuel injected engine for the first time, and I look forward to learning more about how they actually operate.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by culcune

I think a big part of the high praise is its small size. On Advrider to some extent, and Horizonsunlimited more and more, there are people who have personally wished they had a smaller bike while on some around-the-world-tour. One guy said when he was in Morocco on his BMW something or another, he was getting passed by locals on small Chinese bikes on many stretches of terrain.

I can envision this bike all through Central and South America as well. The only places this bike will "struggle" is in developed countries on open highways. That one Texas tollroad with its 80 mph speed limit would not be a good place for the RX-3

I agree. I don't like riding my XR650L on the interstate highways.