New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The Chinese center stand is not designed to remain attached to the motorcycle, and consists of two separate pieces. I don't know the proper method for getting the bike onto this center stand.

http://www.taobao.com/view_image.php...ate=20372&fv=9

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.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here's a nice photograph of the progressive, lower shock linkage.

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

[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.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here's a photograph of the metal skid plate, and the oxygen sensor attached to the exhaust header.

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

[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]

Here's a nice view of the forks. Perhaps they do have 5.12 inches of travel, rather than the 6.5 inches of travel I guessed.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here's a nice view of the forks. Perhaps they do have 5.12 inches of travel, rather than the 6.5 inches of travel I guessed.

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

[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?

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

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?

One can only guess at this time. You'll let us know soon enough.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

One can only guess at this time. You'll let us know soon enough.

Thanks for your estimate.

[SpudRider]

Forum member SaharahStorms also has an RX3 with the updated cushion hub on the rear wheel. A cush hub is a very nice feature, even if it reduces options for different sizes of rear sprockets. I'm glad Zongshen was committed enough to continue refining the design of the RX3.

[Wolftrax]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Forum member SaharahStorms also has an RX3 with the updated cushion hub on the rear wheel. A cush hub is a very nice feature, even if it reduces options for different sizes of rear sprockets. I'm glad Zongshen was committed enough to continue refining the design of the RX3.

Man that red looks good!!!! Has Saharah done any reviews?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

Man that red looks good!!!! Has Saharah done any reviews?

Yes, he did a very nice review in post #53, on page 4 of this very thread.

[Wolftrax]

The more i find out about this bike the more I like it. Stainless brake lines, cush drive, gear indicator, fat bars,luggage, etc, etc. Has anyone noticed the O2 bung on the ehaust pipe is just waiting for a rock or stick to take it out. Its exposed and right in line to catch any debris flying from the front tire.

https://public.by3301.livefilestore....iOS.jpg?psid=1

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wolftrax

The more i find out about this bike the more I like it. Stainless brake lines, cush drive, gear indicator, fat bars,luggage, etc, etc. Has anyone noticed the O2 bung on the ehaust pipe is just waiting for a rock or stick to take it out. Its exposed and right in line to catch any debris flying from the front tire.

https://public.by3301.livefilestore....iOS.jpg?psid=1

I've know the location of the 02 sensor for a while, but I never really thought much about it. Below is one of the few photographs which clearly show the 02 sensor in a profile view; the sensor is located inside the blue circle.



I think the sensor is high enough to avoid being hit by a rock large enough to damage it. Also, this bike is not designed to be traveling through heavy brush, et cetera. If one is worried, he could easily weld a small shield onto the front of the bung for additional protection.