Zong Before & After Photos: 3 Photos Spanning 1 Year
 

I went for a ride today, and visited one of my favorite, local mountains. :) After taking a few photos, I decided it was time once again to compare before and after pictures of my Zong. ;) The first photograph was taken in late spring, 2009, when the mountains were green. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ngRides009.jpg

The second photograph was taken in late fall, 2009, as Idaho prepared for another Winter.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...rScheme033.jpg

The final photograph was taken this afternoon, in early spring, 2010, as the lengthening days slowly cause the winter snows to recede. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...w4-9-10021.jpg

EDIT

Today, on March 21, 2012, I added this photograph of my Zong in its current configuration. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...3-21-12003.jpg

Spud :)

That's quite a transformation, although it doesn't show the original rear wheel. Nice machine (he said, enviously). :D

Ask, and ye shall receive, WG! ;) Although the pose is different, here is a photograph I took on April 11, 2009; it shows my Zong with the stock swingarm, and 15" rear wheel. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...etChart015.jpg

It appears we had a little more snow this winter, than last. ;)

Spud :)

Global Warming. :roll:

Beautiful pics Spud. The Great American Northwest has never looked finer. :D

Thank you, Doc. :) With the switch to the larger wheels, my Zong has gained 1.5 inches of ground clearance, and seat height. I enjoy the extra ground clearance, and I can still get both feet flat on the Earth. :)

Spud :)

Wow! Awesome pics! :) Love the transformation, the Zong looks ready for anything now!

Spud do you have a spot marked to place the bike every time or are you using gps to locate it in the same place every picture ? i always liked the zong looks , but i have to say your mods have added to the joy of looking at it . i'd bet from a ride point of view , made it at least twice the bike it was , oe setup

Thank you, Racer. :) Indeed, I love the appearance of my modified Zong. :) In stock form, the Zong is a pretty good motorcycle. However, you are correct, my Zong is a much better motorcycle after my modifications. ;)

I don't mark the location, or use a GPS receiver to locate my Zong at the same spot for these photographs. I just remember the beautiful view, and the correct turn in the gravel road! :D Here is another photo I took today from the same location, looking to the opposite side of the road. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...w4-9-10024.jpg

Spud :)

Thank you, Stew. :) You are correct; my modified Zong is a very capable trail bike. The improved suspension, and the larger front wheel also make the highway miles more comfortable. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...w4-9-10055.jpg

Thank you, WG. :) Looking through my files I found yet an earlier photograph that shows my Zong in pure stock form, several months after I bought it in 2008. This earlier photo shows my Zong with the stock tail light, and the stock mirrors I had replaced in the other photograph. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...nButtes941.jpg

Spud :)

As you can see in the photographs above, I have made extensive modifications to my Zongshen 200GY-2 motorcycle. ;) Making an effort to inform potential Zong buyers of the differences between my motorcycle, and the stock, Zongshen motorcycle, I have compiled a partial list of the modifications I have made to my Zong. :)

Zongshen 200GY-2 Mods: Yamaha XT225 swingarm, XT225 shock absorber, XT225 progressive shock linkage, XT225 rear wheel, Roketa DB-07A front wheel, XT225 exhaust header, FMF Universal Spark Arrestor, Clarke, XT225 fuel tank, Polisport front fender, Ricochet skid plate, left crankcase cover mod, DRC Edge-2 tail light, H4, halogen headlight, LED turn signals & indicator lights, et cetera.

If you wish to learn more about my bike's modifications, along with technical information concerning servicing and repairing the Zongshen 200GY-2 motorcycle, you might enjoy reading the threads contained in the Zongshen Sierra 200GY-2 Modifications & Maintenance sticky, located at the top of the Dual Sport Forum. :)

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=8673

Spud :)

Spud,
What's next for the Zong?

I'm going to install Pro Taper, high rise, ATV handlebars, and Pro Taper, Pillow Top grips. I'm also going to change the fork oil, and install new fork seals and dust wipers. In addition, I'm going to experiment with some different front tires. :)

I just installed a KMC 428UO, O-ring drive chain. I am very impressed with the quality of this drive chain, and I am interested to see how long it lasts.

How are your 18-inch SpudWheel, and your new, Shinko 244 tires working for you, Alan? :)

P.S. My Zong's odometer has now recorded 39,500 miles. :)

Spud :)

I have made a few additional changes to my Zong since the last photographs posted on this thread. Therefore, I present some more photos of my Zong as it was configured, in October of 2010. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...manAndy083.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...manAndy106.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...manAndy065.jpg

Spud :)

Amazing longevity Spud. A testament to your maintenence and the Zong's quality. I wonder what the record is? Q's up to all of 3,800 miles. Not bad for one year and a guy who has a butt load of bikes though I suppose.

I get about 10,000 motorcycle miles a year in so I can't complain.

What has drawn you to high rise Pro Taper ATV bars Spud?

Spud,
Good looking bike and beautiful photos. I call you the mod king. The JCW large box looks fine on your bike. I guess I just have to get use to it on my Q.

Thank you, Doc. :) I don't know the record for longevity. However, I do know the Zongshen 167FML engine will last a very long time if it is properly maintained. ;) Zongshen, Qingqi, Loncin, and other Chinese companies have a well deserved reputation for building small displacement, air cooled engines. :) When this engine finally wears out, I plan to replace it with another, new, Zongshen engine. :)

Spud :)

The riders on the Yamaha, TW200 forums highly recommend these handlebars; I have also read good reports concerning these handlebars on other forums. :) My current handlebars have roughly the same dimensions as these Pro Taper handlebars, and I believe I can install these handlebars without needing to buy longer control cables. ;)

Spud :)

I've ridden 2 stroke dirtbikes with Pro Tapers and they really seemed to reduce felt vibration, and they are super strong and light. IIRC you need a different tripple clamp though.

Thank you, Bar. :) As with myself, and several other riders, I believe you will quickly learn to enjoy the extra capacity afforded by the large, J.C. Whitney travel trunk. ;) Whether I am shopping for groceries, or traveling on a 500-mile excursion, I greatly enjoy this weatherproof, lockable, easily detachable, inexpensive, rugged, and voluminous travel trunk! :D

Spud :)

"I wish it was just a little bigger"

:oops:

I plan to install the Pro Taper handlebars when I change my fork oil, fork seals, and dust wipers. I don't anticipate any installation problems; however, if these handlebars don't work on my Zong, I plan to install them on my Honda, XR650L. ;)

Spud :)

There doing good, hold air anyway. lol I haven't ridding but a few miles on it since I put the wheels and tires on. It got colder and the wife is keeping me busy getting ready for Christmas on with any of my spare time. Maybe I can give a better report soon.

Really? Aren't they 7/8"?

My Pro Taper handlebars are 7/8-inch diameter; I won't need a different clamp. ;)

Spud :)

My memory here is about 11 years old. May have had a neuron croak in the meantime. :cry:

I wouldn't be surprised if Fatbars need a larger clamp, but you'd think that would limit sales. Why would anyone buy a fatter bar when there are plenty of 7/8" options?

Spud,
I rode about 50 miles today and the wheel and tires rode great. Just as good as the stock street tires, maybe better. No loss in power but I probably will go with the 13T front sprocket. The vibration was a lot better but it was a little weak keeping the hwy speed climbing hills. I have to say that the Shinko 244 was a great choice.
Alan

I'm very glad your 18-inch Spudwheel, and Shinko 244 tires are working well for you, Alan! Thank you for posting the update. :)

Spud :)

Im getting my zongshen today !!!!
 

Hey people ,,thanks to all of you i decided to buy a zongshen 200 ,,,than you for make me decide,,i will put some pic when i got it ,,thanks spud for your forum,,, :D

Re: Im getting my zongshen today !!!!
 

Welcome to these forums, Gronet! :) Thank you for the kind words; I am glad I was able to help you. :D

Spud :)

so how exactly did you figure out what aftermarket parts would fit your bike?

I've done a lot of research, Joe. ;) Since my Zong employs a faithful copy of the Yamaha XT200/TW200 engine, I know I can frequently employ Yamaha parts, or aftermarket parts which fit those Yamaha motorcycles. Of course, some aftermarket parts will fit many motorcycles, so less research is required in those cases. :)

If you wish to learn more about my modifications to my Zongshen 200GY-2, you might enjoy reading the threads contained in the Zong Sticky, located at the top of the Dual Sport Forum. :)

http://www.chinariders.com/modules.p...26fd4b55a9d6e2

Spud :)

if your china bike can reach 40,000 then people need to change their views on these excellent bikes

My Zong has exceeded 42,000 miles (65,000 kilometers) on the odometer. :) Indeed, these Chinese motorcycles are much better than many people believe. ;)

Spud :)

Indeed better than your average XR250L. Mine did not go as many miles as your Zong, Brother Spud.

I took a ride Wednesday, and snapped a current photograph of my Zong. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...3-21-12003.jpg

This is the way my Zong looks in its current configuration. My bike is still running very well with about 42,500 miles on the odometer. :D

Spud :)

As you say, Spud, that's the Zong they should have built. As far as I can tell, you have optimized every aspect of your terrific little bike.

I know it is not a close up photo, but your bike looks amazingly clean for it's age, as well. You clearly take good care of it. You develop quite a relationship with a machine after that many miles. I only put 38k on my SV so far in the last 9 years, but she is like a family member, and the memories are priceless.

Thank you, Weld. :)

I believe Zongshen would have greater success selling my modified bike in the U.S.A. than the original version. However, Mister Zongshen has not returned my telephone calls. ;)

Spud :lol: