New RX3 Pre-Flight checklist

[Ron B]

Ok , I know CSC goes over the bike before it ships, they told me they changed the oil already to new oil and adjusted the valves, but what did you do before you rode it? I know its supposed to be ready to go but reading here I know I want to check all the bolts (just like the buzzard....i mean hawk) check to make sure the fuel oil seperator is on the right way, since its empty go ahead and check and bend the tank rod so the fuel light doesnt come on at half a tank. What else should i pay special head to that you guys noticed?

[dpl096]

Any thought of checking the wheel bearings while she's pristeen ?

[Ron B]

Originally Posted by dpl096

Any thought of checking the wheel bearings while she's pristeen ?

already bought new bearings, was going to replace them when i did the first oil change.

[Eco Mouse]

Yeah, check the important bolts, and grab a paint marker, and draw a line across the edge of the nut/bolt to the frame. (Witness Marks)

Because this is a thumper, and bolts will vibrate loose. I had loose front wheel bolt, and all the caliper bolts weren't even hand tight.

[Rodtheviking]

Originally Posted by Ron B

already bought new bearings, was going to replace them when i did the first oil change.

That is my plan, just ordered some from RCbearings.

http://www.rcbearings.com/products/6...s-bearing.html

http://www.rcbearings.com/products/6...3-bearing.html


ABEC3 rating so should be smooth running.

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by Ron B

........ What else should i pay special head to that you guys noticed?

Since there have been cases of early battery failure, I put the battery on a smart charger overnight to make sure it started out fully charged.

When you do your first valve clearance, check the tightness of the bolts that hold on the fuel pump on the underside of the fuel tank.

The bolts on my RX3 fuel pump mounting plate were only finger tight.

jb

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by jbfla

Since there have been cases of early battery failure, I put the battery on a smart charger overnight to make sure it started out fully charged.

When you do your first valve clearance, check the tightness of the bolts that hold on the fuel pump on the underside of the fuel tank.

The bolts on my RX3 fuel pump mounting plate were only finger tight.

jb

I agree. Tighten the bolts on the fuel pump and the fuel gauge.

[SpudRider]

I would immediately install sintered brake pads in the front brake caliper. The stock brake pads are too soft.

The EBC FA185 brake pads fit the Honda XR650L, Honda CRF250X, and a variety of other Honda motorcycles.

[SpudRider]

Also, make sure you apply a good filter oil to the air filter.

[SpudRider]

I would wait until you change the rear tire before installing new wheel bearings.

There is not need to replace the bearing in the sprocket carrier. However, I would replace both bearings in the rear hub.

6202 2RS bearing on sprocket side of hub
6302 2RS bearing on brake rotor side of hub

[Ron B]

All good stuff to know.

[detours]

Here are some things to add to the checklist. It may sound like a lot when you put it all in a list, but mostly they're one-off issues that only one or two folks have had.

The 2015 RX3 shipped with low coolant (probably some air in the left radiator). If your coolant is low, fill the overflow halfway up and keep an eye on it. Many of us had to fill it several times before the level stabilized.

Put loctite on your headlight bolts. Some riders put a foam shim under the housing to keep it from bouncing on dirt roads.

Check the screws on your front brake reservoir. Mine were loose on delivery and it dripped some fluid on the bars before I noticed it.

Check your chain alignment and free play. Mine was a little off on delivery.

Check the countershaft sprocket nut for proper torque and make sure the lock washer is properly bent over the nut. I only heard of one that ever came loose on an RX3, but it's an easy check.

Check all blinkers and brake light activation (lever and pedal). My left rear blinker was out because the wire wasn't plugged in. Easy fix.

Tighten the exhaust header bolts. These may loosen over time, ymmv.

[Ron B]

Don't take this the wrong way, but for the $230.00 assembly fee the list of things missed sure is adding up. Oh well, all part of the fun of owning a China bike and at least ill know it all has been checked.

[Juanro]

I would say that that checklist is both universal and repetitive. Applies to any bike, and it's good practice to review it regularly.

[detours]

Originally Posted by Juanro

I would say that that checklist is both universal and repetitive. Applies to any bike, and it's good practice to review it regularly.

This. All manufacturers say to check everything on delivery and at regular intervals. And I've heard many stories of poor dealer prep from Yamaha, HD, Triumph and other big names.

CSC does a great job prepping the bikes, and as they monitor this forum and others, they are improving their own procedures and working with Zongshen to improve their QC.