New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

CSC just posted a nice tutorial on fork maintenance at their blog. I was very pleased to discover the Zongshen RX3 forks are an improved design over the standard Chinese forks installed on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. The new RX3 forks employ conventional fork bushings, which are located on the outside of the inner fork tube.



The standard Chinese forks placed the bushings inside the outer fork tube, which made them very inaccessible. The RX3 forks are designed the same as Japanese forks, and this design is much superior. I continue to be impressed with the design improvements Zongshen has incorporated into the new RX3 motorcycle.

Zongshen has also added rebound damping to their latest RX3 forks. If the cost is reasonable, I would certainly consider upgrading to the latest fork design.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The new RX3 forks employ conventional fork bushings, which are located on the outside of the inner fork tube.

The standard Chinese forks placed the bushings inside the outer fork tube, which made them very inaccessible. The RX3 forks are designed the same as Japanese forks, and this design is much superior. I continue to be impressed with the design improvements Zongshen has incorporated into the new RX3 motorcycle.

Zongshen has also added rebound damping to their latest RX3 forks. If the cost is reasonable, I would certainly consider upgrading to the latest fork design.

I'm pleased to see that. I might consider upgrading my bikes as well.

[Wolftrax]

The

[Wolftrax]

I initially questioned my decision on purchasing an untested Chinese motorcycle. From the beginning there was just a a gut feeling that this bike would be different. Every picture I've seen of this bike exudes quality. The support of CSC, whether Iit be parts, service tutorials, customer involvement, accessories, etc, you name it has far exceeded my expectations. Most of all this forum confirms my purchase decision as being a good one. Though I've never met Steve, Joe or anyone on this forum, I consider all of you partners in this bike. Contrary to what the naysayers might think, there is no lack of support for the CSC RX3!!

[detours]

I was reading about the 2015 Honda Africa Twin and found this gem of a chart. It ranks a variety of dual sport and adventure bikes for dirt and street performance and charts them by displacement.

The yellow oval shows a 'gap' in bikes with dirt performance in the 700-1000cc range. But I wanted to highlight the other gap ... in small displacement adventure bikes ... exactly where the RX3 fits.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by detours

I was reading about the 2015 Honda Africa Twin and found this gem of a chart. It ranks a variety of dual sport and adventure bikes for dirt and street performance and charts them by displacement.

The yellow oval shows a 'gap' in bikes with dirt performance in the 700-1000cc range. But I wanted to highlight the other gap ... in small displacement adventure bikes ... exactly where the RX3 fits.

I'm consistently amazed by the fixation on bikes that are north of 1200cc. I love Ducatis, but I don't want an adventure bike anywhere near the Multistrada size.

I agree with you on the need for small adventure touring bikes. I suspect we'll see that as an upcoming trend.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

I initially questioned my decision on purchasing an untested Chinese motorcycle. From the beginning there was just a a gut feeling that this bike would be different. Every picture I've seen of this bike exudes quality. The support of CSC, whether Iit be parts, service tutorials, customer involvement, accessories, etc, you name it has far exceeded my expectations. Most of all this forum confirms my purchase decision as being a good one. Though I've never met Steve, Joe or anyone on this forum, I consider all of you partners in this bike. Contrary to what the naysayers might think, there is no lack of support for the CSC RX3!!

We appreciate your contributions to this community, Mark. We are very glad you joined us. You have the true China Riders spirit.

[Wolftrax]

That's a great look without the boxes. I had to do a double take before I recognized the bike. Just read a report stating it will take two to three months for the port of Long Beach to get back to normal.http://www.cnbc.com/id/102446078

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I'm pleased to see that. I might consider upgrading my bikes as well.

The RX3 forks have very similar dimensions to the standard, Chinese forks on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. Therefore, I thought they were most probably designed the same internally, with only minor external differences. I am glad to say I was mistaken.

The standard Chinese forks use shorter springs with a large metal spacer on top of them. Consequently, the springs are not as strong as desired. Please note the springs, spacers, and cartridges in the following photograph.



Unless the spacer is at the bottom, it appears the RX3 forks don't employ the large spacer. Therefore, the springs are probably longer and more robust.



Traditionally, the Chinese bikes have had inferior suspensions. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when the magazine reviewers gave such good ratings to the RX3's suspension. The improved forks have undoubtedly contributed to the improved ride.

Also, the RX3 employs a progressive, lower shock linkage, which has been notably absent in many Chinese motorcycles. In addition, Zongshen has added rebound damping and pneumatic pressure to the RX3 shock absorber. These features have undoubtedly improved the rear suspension.

Now we learn Zongshen as developed new, upgraded forks which have added rebound damping.



I am very impressed with the way Zongshen continues to improve this motorcycle. If the RX3 forks fit my other Zong's triple tree, I might move them over to the smaller bike, which will give me an excuse to install the upgraded forks on the RX3.

[detours]

Is anyone else impressed with the polish and finish on the internal engine and fork parts? It's one thing to see a nice polish on metal parts like handlebars, but seeing a good finish on internal parts shows attention to detail.

Two questions on the RX3 forks:

1. Is there any need to protect inverted forks from dirt and rock damage (in addition to the fork guards) ... fork boots? gaiters?
2. Is there any need for a fork brace (like this one) to strengthen an inverted fork?

[3banger]

Any one else notice the gold wheels in the wheel removal section of the CSC blog? come on Joe post a full pick of a bike with bling bling wheels .



I've had mix results with fork gaters on my KTM 200. I'm convinced they trap more dirt and mud then they keep out. Seemed like I went through fork seals faster with them on. I fall down pretty often on this bike and the plastic fork gards have done a good job protecting the stanchions.

I don't think a fork brace will likely be required with inverted forks, I'd be surprised if you could find one that would fit anyway.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

Is anyone else impressed with the polish and finish on the internal engine and fork parts? It's one thing to see a nice polish on metal parts like handlebars, but seeing a good finish on internal parts shows attention to detail.

Two questions on the RX3 forks:

1. Is there any need to protect inverted forks from dirt and rock damage (in addition to the fork guards) ... fork boots? gaiters?
2. Is there any need for a fork brace (like this one) to strengthen an inverted fork?

Yes, I am impressed by the quality of manufacture of the parts. However, I am not surprised; I am accustomed to such quality from Zongshen.

There is no need for a fork brace. The 37mm USD forks are very robust; I have USD forks the same size on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2.

Lower fork guards are sufficient protection for USD forks. The chevron shape of the fork guards on the RX3 is very stylish, but unconventional.



I like the appearance of the chevron fork guards. The lower fork tubes are also somewhat encased, and protected by the front fender and its supports.





In everything but the sloppiest conditions, I'm confident the stock fork guards should work very well. If proven necessary, it won't be hard to add a little additional protection. However, I agree with 3banger; I don't like gaiters.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by detours

Is anyone else impressed with the polish and finish on the internal engine and fork parts? It's one thing to see a nice polish on metal parts like handlebars, but seeing a good finish on internal parts shows attention to detail.

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Of all the pictures I've seen the quality of all the parts blows me away. Dare I say "Yamaha quality".

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by detours

Is anyone else impressed with the polish and finish on the internal engine and fork parts? It's one thing to see a nice polish on metal parts like handlebars, but seeing a good finish on internal parts shows attention to detail.

Two questions on the RX3 forks:

1. Is there any need to protect inverted forks from dirt and rock damage (in addition to the fork guards) ... fork boots? gaiters?
2. Is there any need for a fork brace (like this one) to strengthen an inverted fork?

I'm not at all surprised by Zongshen quality. I'm quite certain there is a Yamaha link there somewhere.

If I had an RX-3, I'd likely remove the stock fork protectors and install conventional inverted forks shields. While the lower section of the fork doesn't enter the seal, it is still susceptible to rock and sand damage, which can break down the chrome and start rust.

A fork brace is an excellent idea on a supermoto, but I don't think it's necessary on this bike.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The RX3 forks have very similar dimensions to the standard, Chinese forks on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. Therefore, I thought they were most probably designed the same internally, with only minor external differences. I am glad to say I was mistaken.

The standard Chinese forks use shorter springs with a large metal spacer on top of them. Consequently, the springs are not as strong as desired. Please note the springs, spacers, and cartridges in the following photograph.

Unless the spacer is at the bottom, it appears the RX3 forks don't employ the large spacer. Therefore, the springs are probably longer and more robust.

One could also add a spacer to the RX-3 forks to increase stiffness, if desired. On the standard China forks, that would make the ride far too harsh.