My 2006 Zongshen Sierra arrived six days ago, but my mechanic friend and I were both out of town until last evening. Therefore, we waited until today to assemble my motorcycle.
This afternoon I contacted the County Sheriff’s Office and arranged for a Vehicle Identification Number inspection. Thirty minutes after I called the sheriff, a deputy arrived at my friend’s shop and completed the VIN Inspection.
I then traveled to my Idaho County Assessor’s office. I presented the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), a bill of sale, and the completed Vehicle Identification Number Inspection form. After ten minutes of paperwork I left the office with my license plate, vehicle registration and off-road sticker. May God bless the great, free, Western State of Idaho! I then went to my insurance agent and got Cadillac coverage for the Zongshen for a mere $50 every six months!
After work my friend uncrated the bike, and he assembled it while I assisted. Everything went smoothly, with one exception; we had to make a longer cable to replace the original cable going from the solenoid to the positive terminal of the battery.
When the battery was placed in its under-seat container with the terminals fore, a plastic projection from the battery extended over the bike’s frame. This projection prevented us from replacing the seat onto the motorcycle. Therefore, we rotated the battery 180 degrees, and placed it into its container with the battery terminals aft. The plastic projection now extended to the left, and we could replace the seat. The negative battery cable was long enough, but my friend needed to create a new, longer battery cable to reach the positive terminal.
After we made several test rides, I rode the bike away from the shop. I was enjoying myself so much that I continued riding for a total of 37 kilometers this evening.
At this point I am very pleased with my new Zongshen. The electric start works great; the bike starts easily and quickly every time. The gearbox shifts smoothly, and I have no trouble whatsoever finding neutral when the bike is stopped. The engine is smooth and responsive. I weigh 230 pounds, and I can easily get the bike to reach 60 mph on level ground. The brakes work great, as do the turn signals. The headlight on this motorcycle is superb!
When I get my new digital camera I will post some pictures. I am still awaiting the arrival of my DOT knobby tires before I take the bike off-road.