New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Dare we ask for a 21-inch front wheel from the factory?

If your assumptions are correct, I say go for it. The 17/21 is a very popular configuration for ADV bikes. The 21" up front makes a huge difference off road. I had Woody's Wheels lace up a 21" for my Super Tenere and the tracking gains off road were frankly, amazing. Instead of wallowing in mud an sand it tracked right through. Obsatacles in the path, up and over, no problem.

Though there are a number of 18"options for knobs up front it appears most of them will be rear tires. The 21" wheel has a lot more options for tire style.

My favorite setup on my Husky was this.

Up front Michellin T63(no 18" front as an option)



Metzler Enduro 3 in the rear



Would really like to try this as a rear drive. Mitas E-07



Factory option or lacing my own, one way or the other I'll get a 21" up front.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[SpudRider]

Indeed, I also noticed a big improvement in off road handling after I converted my Zongshen ZS200GY-2 from an 18-inch front wheel to a 21-inch front wheel. One way or the other, I will make the switch once again with the Zongshen RX3.

I have heard good reports on the Mitas tires. The Metzler Enduro 3 has a very similar tread pattern to the Mitas E-07.

I also hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

[Huck369]

a 21" does make a better off-road wheel choice, but the 18" will be the best for on-road usage.

Using a bigger front wheel "May cause contact with the "Beak" fender under the headlight, as it looks as though it will be pretty tight under full compression with the 18" tire, so switching to a 21" tire "Might" require longer forks to allow clearance.

I'm happy we're getting the 17" rear wheel, but I'll probably stick with the 18" front wheel.

[G19Tony]

I hope they come out with a BMW tubeless type rim. I'd rather just plug and go.

Being vertically challenged, I'd rather not raise the bike too much. I'm happy they went with the 17 rear.
I like the KTM's, but I need a boarding ladder to get on.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Huck369

a 21" does make a better off-road wheel choice, but the 18" will be the best for on-road usage.

Using a bigger front wheel "May cause contact with the "Beak" fender under the headlight, as it looks as though it will be pretty tight under full compression with the 18" tire, so switching to a 21" tire "Might" require longer forks to allow clearance.

I'm happy we're getting the 17" rear wheel, but I'll probably stick with the 18" front wheel.

Indeed, there is no need to switch the front wheel if you are primarily concerned with street performance.

With 5.1 inches of fork travel, I'm pretty confident a 21-inch wheel won't have any clearance issues.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

I hope they come out with a BMW tubeless type rim. I'd rather just plug and go.

Being vertically challenged, I'd rather not raise the bike too much. I'm happy they went with the 17 rear.
I like the KTM's, but I need a boarding ladder to get on.

The Nuetech Tu-Bliss system has good reviews, but the system is only sold for 18, 19, and 21-inch wheels.

http://nuetech.com/tubliss/#sthash.yvexW7Tv.dpbs

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by rtking

Good news is that the factory has ensured the rings are sealed against the cylinder walls. The hone will never be as sharp as when the bike is first starte, so having the engine under load on a dyno and through its full rev range means that those rings are likely well seated!

That's a good point. I certainly have heard of engine builders using an engine dyno for break-in.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Mathematics and tire sizing is not an accurate way to determine the actual size of a motorcycle tire.

That's a fair statement. That said, I was surprised by how far out of whack my calculations were, compared to the manufacturer's specs.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I think CSC made a good decision. I prefer to get the bike with the excellent cush hub, and work with the available sprockets.

There's always hope that we'll discover a sprocket that is really close to correct, perhaps with smaller bolts holes. Drill out the holes, and Robert is your Dad's brother.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Therefore, switching to a 21-inch front tire would improve the accuracy of the speedometer, making it almost perfectly accurate.

That's funny; I was thinking the same thing. You've obviously been a good influence on me, Spud.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

With 5.1 inches of fork travel, I'm pretty confident a 21-inch wheel won't have any clearance issues.

Agree 100% here. The front fender will come in contact with the beak first. If it does a little trimming will fix that.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

There's always hope that we'll discover a sprocket that is really close to correct, perhaps with smaller bolts holes. Drill out the holes, and Robert is your Dad's brother.

Yes, we can search the sprocket catalogs after the bike arrives, and search for sprockets with the same measurements.

By the way, how did you know Bob was my uncle?

[SpudRider]

Joe got back from China and has been posting a few updates. The aluminum panniers look nice. However, the Chinese gentleman watching Joe ride the blue RX3 doesn't look very happy.



Do you want a camouflage RX3?

[Weldangrind]

The camo doesn't look too bad. I'd consider it, but not if orange is available.

[CSCDude]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

...the Chinese gentleman watching Joe ride the blue RX3 doesn't look very happy.

I told him I had never ridden a motorcycle before.

Check the CSC blog today, boys. Lots more good stuff.

From everyone at CSC, have a healthy and happy New Year!