New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I have also noticed the CSC RX3 includes the extended, clear windshield. I'm glad I got on the list for this bike.

With a little encouragement.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The serrated rider, and passenger, foot pegs are also very nice. If you wish, you can also remove the rubber inserts from these foot pegs. In addition, I'm betting you can easily switch to the ZS150GY-10 foot pegs, which have an additional, serrated ridge down the middle.

I might like to buy a set for my Lifan. Have you found them on TB, Spud?

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Given my intended missions for this bike, I am becoming less inclined to quickly convert to a larger rear wheel. I think I'll ride the bike for a while, and assess my needs before I make a final decision.

You might as well wear out the stock tire, while you're getting to know the bike.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

RedSpruce and RTKing, welcome to these forums. We are very glad you joined us.

X2! Thanks for signing up.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

when you guys get it all sorted and the bike becomes a real hit in the states, someone in australia will jump on the bandwagon and import the RX3. then bugger it up by asking way too much money

hopefully that's too pessimistic

The same thing will happen in Canada. Getting a new bike approved by the Ministry of Transport is an expensive proposition, and that cost is passed onto consumers.

[G19Tony]

I saw the thread on ADV, and Spud Rider pointed me here. I got my name on the list for the first batch of RX3's. Looks to be a well built bike that will suit my offroad needs just fine.

I'll be plowing through all 26 pages soon.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

The first thing I'd do is extend the skidplate to protect the O2 sensor.

As usual, your suggestion is excellent. I would also route the sensor cable behind the skid plate and onto the frame in a protected location.

A few rivets and some aluminum sheet might work; one could also use bolts and thin steel. Quite frankly, I think a thick piece of plastic or mud flap would work well. I can't foresee a very large rock getting thrown that high.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That looks like an alloy link for a change. All of my China bikes have heavy, steel links.

The Zongshen, lower shock linkage does remind me a bit of the lower shock linkage on my Honda CRF250X. A progressive shock linkage is very smooth. I know the RX3 is mostly street oriented, but I also know the shock linkage in my CRF250X takes a pretty good beating.

In particular, the lower shock mount of the shock knuckle/arm takes the most abuse.



There have to be a bearings, or bushings inside the knuckle, or the alloy would quickly deform from the stress. All the linkage bolts appear to be the same size. I'm guessing Zongshen is using the same needle bearings it employed in the lower shock linkage of the ZS150GY-10.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...57&ns=1#detail

One also needs to disassemble the lower shock linkage, and remove the swingarm periodically to inspect, and grease those bearings. I'm glad the RX3 has an optional center stand.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

I saw the thread on ADV, and Spud Rider pointed me here. I got my name on the list for the first batch of RX3's. Looks to be a well built bike that will suit my offroad needs just fine.

I'll be plowing through all 26 pages soon.

Welcome, Tony. We are glad you joined us.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That is a puzzle. Perhaps there is supposed to be a tube that links both sides, allowing you to operate it from one side. It wouldn't be the first incorrect Taobao pic.

Apparently you use a nut, or cotter pin, to attach each leg of the center stand to the motorcycle. With the bike resting on the side stand, you could tilt the bike up onto the right, center stand leg, and allow gravity to rotate the left, center stand leg into position.

http://www.taobao.com/view_image.php...ate=20410&fv=9

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Those forks look really good in an aluminum colour. I always found the gold anodizing to be kind of garish.

I agree. My ZS200GY-2 has aluminum forks, and I much prefer them.

How much of the inner fork tube do you estimate is exposed? If 4 inches is exposed, the total fork travel is probably 5.12 inches. However, if 5 inches is exposed, the total fork travel is probably the conventional, 6.5 inches. However, I'm assuming the fork travels all the way to the bottom, and that isn't necessarily true.

Except for the bottom portion, these forks look very similar to my ZS200GY-2 forks. Do you think Zongshen designed new forks with reduced travel for the RX3?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

With a little encouragement.

You are a superb enabler.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I might like to buy a set for my Lifan. Have you found them on TB, Spud?

Yes, here are a few links to the ZS150GY-10 foot pegs, which don't have the rubber insert.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...67&ns=1#detail

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...93&ns=1#detail

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

You might as well wear out the stock tire, while you're getting to know the bike.

I agree. The stock tires appear to be CST C6017 street tires, which are not sold in North America.

http://www.csttires.com/int/moto/street-tires/c6017/



For street tires, the tread isn't that bad.

[RedSpruce]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

RedSpruce and RTKing, welcome to these forums. We are very glad you joined us.

Thanks Spud! It was your post over on the ADV forum that brought me here to do more research on the bike. Thanks for posting all of the great information!