New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

The more I look at that bike, the more I like it. That said, I think I'd elminate the close fenders. Those are troublesome on the TW200.

I'm getting the same feeling; the more I look at this bike, the more I like it. One can easily raise the front fender. He could add extensions to the side rails of the stock fender to raise it, or he could attach the stock fender, or another fender, to the engine guard.

[Weldangrind]

Agreed. I'm falling in love with that bike! Mrs. Weldangrind has been warned that I'm likely to buy one if they hit Canada at a reasonable price.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I wasn't singling out a specific LS motor. I've read a few articles in HR and CC that talked about needle bearing failure in afterrmarket roller rockers that are routinely wrung out. Since this bike is gonna be revved consistently, it's worth talking about. I'm glad to hear from Spud that the CRF uses a similar bearing.

My answer would be to periodically change the rockers as a maintenance item, before they grenade. Since the RX3 uses conventional tappets instead of shim and bucket, it would be really easy to swap the rockers, say every 20,000km or so. The only difficulty I can think of would be initially loosening the rocker shafts; it was like they were welded in on my KLR250.

Of course, consistent oil changes are always a good thing, and maybe with proper service, the needle bearings would never fail within the lifetime of the motor. If a needle roller decides to fail, it'll end up in the bottom of the crankcase.

All good points. I'm a firm believer in frequent oil changes. Every 2000 miles if possible.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Agreed. I'm falling in love with that bike! Mrs. Weldangrind has been warned that I'm likely to buy one if they hit Canada at a reasonable price.

Resistance is futile. The Cult of The Zong rises once again.

[fishman10]

This message. Goes out to Steve. The cSC rep. On here , you say your listening. Well no one wants a. 15" rear wheel. If the bikes aren't built yet , why not put the 17" On it , it's already on it in Europe an there are more tired available , especially if one is out traveling. Anyone else. ? Please. Chime. In. Let's. Try an convince them ,

[Mudflap]

Yes, a 15" wheel would be a deal breaker for me.

[culcune]

Post the 15" thing on advrider http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1007879 He participates more on there

[Wolftrax]

I'm also in the 17" group. In the ad it states, "it's the perfect motorcycle" maybe with a 17" rear!

[fishman10]

not a member over there ....yet so prob cant post things

[SpudRider]

I'm not surprised CSC is importing this bike in stock form, considering the blowout pricing. Even with the stock rear wheel, the early adopter price of $2,895 is an excellent deal. Many riders will be happy with the domestic choices in 15-inch tires. CSC has also promised to import knobby tires to fit the stock rear wheel.

I know I will be riding in some nasty mud, so I plan to lace a 18-inch rim to the stock hub with custom spokes from Buchanan's Spoke & Rim. The custom spokes and an 18-inch rim will cost me about $200, and I will still save $400 over the next shipment of this bike. Also, when it becomes available, I'm sure the optional, 17-inch rear wheel will increase the price of the bike more than an additional $200. Check out the price of the Russian Minsk TRX 300i.

[CSCDude]

Hello, folks. Back in the USA. I was in Turkey (not China), and it is good to be home.

I've been following the comments on this and many other boards. Our press releases and postings have literally gone viral. Thanks for all of your inputs.

I just wanted to remind everyone of our Open House next weekend (27 and 28 September). If you are in the neighborhood please plan to stop by for a visit and to see the RX-3 (as well as our other motorcycles) in person.

We are very excited about this bike and the excitement it is generating. I've put about 100 miles on one of these (I've been to the Zongshen facility in Chongqing), and the motorcycle is most impressive. I've owned a lot of bikes, including a current KLR-650. The KLR-650 has more power (as you might expect, having nearly 3 times the engine displacement), but it doesn't feel that much different from an acceleration or cruising ability. Qualitatively, I'd say the Cyclone feels like it has about 90% of the power that the KLR has (I know you can make comparisons of hp, weight, etc.; I'm just telling what my "seat of the pants, in the wind" riding experiences were like). The handling is awesome and the bike feels much more planted than the KLR. I think I know a bit about quality and having visited Zongshen, I think this bike's quality and that of the manufacturer is as good or better than anything in the world. But you folks know that already or you wouldn't be on this board.

We've read all the comments here about the wheel size and we will offer a 17-inch wheel as an option, but I have to tell you the 15-inch wheel feels fine to me. Spudrider, I wrote an article for Motorcycle Classics magazine a couple of years ago about Buchanan's (http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/cl...#axzz3Dz7N2afj); you could not find a more reputable outfit. Your logic regarding cost, etc., is spot on.

I've become more partial to small bikes in the last few years. The first RX-3 coming into the US when they are certified will be mine, and I'm getting the orange one. And the first week I get it, I'm pointing it toward Baja. I've done a lot of riding down there and this bike is perfect for it.

I'm looking forward to meeting any of you who attend the open house.

[fishman10]

Ok. Try an by a 15". Tire. Somewhere. On your. Trip. Or. Anywhere. While. Ina trip. ,having only one source of 15 ". Tires. Is just no good. For the consumer. , so I guess you might as well put one the 17". Rear wheels in the crate with mine. An. Charge me for. That. Too

[Weldangrind]

I'm with you Fish, but a quick conversion to an 18" rim (like Spud says) is not too difficult to do. Spud posted a link for a Tusk rim and spokes that would do the job for less that the Buchanan's route.

[fishman10]

Thx. Weld. , I'll. have to go back an look at that option. I'm just trying to make them see common sense, buying this bike is going to stretch my finances . And really didn't want to have to spend more , right outta the crate.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by fishman10

Ok. Try an by a 15". Tire. Somewhere. On your. Trip. Or. Anywhere. While. Ina trip. ,having only one source of 15 ". Tires. Is just no good. For the consumer. , so I guess you might as well put one the 17". Rear wheels in the crate with mine. An. Charge me for. That. Too

Nobody understands your position better than I, Fish. However, at this price point, I understand why CSC is sticking with the 15-inch rear wheel.

If you need a new tire on the road, you can certainly find a lot of 15-inch street tires which will fit the stock rear wheel. The problem is a lack of knobby tires in North America which will fit the 15-inch rear wheel.

Fish, I suggest you find out much CSC wants for a 17-inch rear wheel. If the cost is prohibitive, I will build you a larger wheel for a reasonable price. The Cult of The Zong always strives to serve its faithful members.