New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by RedSpruce

That's a nice article and video. I think anyone looking at this moto in a rational manner will see what a great deal it is!

I agree. The more I learn about this motorcycle, the better I like it. The ADVPulse review is very honest, and lists a few areas of potential concern. However, after riding my Zongshen 200GY-2 for over 67,000 miles, I am very comfortable with Zongshen's quality of manufacturing. If I didn't have so much experience with my current Zong, I might be less positive about this motorcycle. However, I'm confident any potential problems can be easily rectified.

I know Zongshen manufactures good engines. I also know Zongshen manufactures strong frames. Here is a link to the Zongshen RX3 frame sold at Taobao.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...37&ns=1#detail

The RX3 frame is very similar to the frame of the Zongshen ZS150GY-10.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...7-7f6610681917

Notice the strong subframe on both motorcycles. My Honda XR650L has a notoriously weak subframe, which frequently fractures from carrying moderate loads. I have loaded my Zongshen 200GY-2 with heavy loads on many multi-day trips, and it has never complained.

The review mentions that the lower frame rails are bolted, rather than welded to the downtube. However, I think this is an advantage, rather than a deficit.



If necessary, it will be much easier to replace the lower frame rails, rather than trying to repair them. It is certainly not difficult to secure the lower frame rails with red loctite. If still concerned, one could add lock nuts. Also, it is very easy to periodically inspect the bolts for tightness.

[RedSpruce]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The review mentions that the lower frame rails are bolted, rather than welded to the downtube. However, I think this is an advantage, rather than a deficit.

I thought the same thing when I read the article. Everyone had a different take on things though, so what works for some doesn't work for others.

[SpudRider]

I was also pleased to hear the good review concerning the quality of the switchgear, and the plastic.



Both of these items have been of significantly lower quality on previous Chinese motorcycles.

[SpudRider]

The ADVPulse review also mentions the single-cable throttle as a deficit. However, my Honda XR650L has a two-cable throttle, and I much prefer the single-cable throttle on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2.

[SpudRider]

The ADVPulse reviewer also wonders if the front axle is too small. Considering my ZS200GY-2 has the same 37mm forks as the RX3, I'm betting the axle is also the same size. I have never had a problem with my Zong's front axle, and I have ridden the bike hard for over 67,000 miles.



I also like the odometer sending unit on the front hub. Many other bikes link the speedometer/odometer to the gear box. If you change the counter shaft (C/S) sprocket on these bikes, you need to buy an aftermarket, electronic gizmo to correct the speedometer/odometer. We won't have this problem with the Zongshen RX3.

[SpudRider]

The review also describes the shock link as being manufactured from 'bent sheet aluminum.'



However, you can see the shock link is a single unit, which is welded and reinforced at the front. I don't anticipate any problems with this shock link. As with my Honda CRF250X, the entire, lower shock linkage of the RX3 should be periodically disassembled for inspection, and lubrication. If the shock link suffers damage, it will be easy, and inexpensive to replace. Also, I don't doubt Zongshen will upgrade the design of the shock link, should it prove to be unreliable.

[SpudRider]

I really like the digital dashboard on this Zong.



Also, the 1-inch, big bar handlebars are an especially nice touch.

[SpudRider]

Personally, I prefer a serrated pad on the end of the brake pedal.



However, it shouldn't be very difficult to add that item to the RX3 brake pedal.



Given the shape of the exhaust header, we will probably need to use a funnel to fill the crankcase with motor oil. However, that is not a big problem.

[SpudRider]

Pleased with all the other, nice features on the RX3, I apparently failed to notice the very nice, black, anodized rims and hubs...until now.

[SpudRider]

The Zongshen RX3 is a very attractive motorcycle. More importantly, based upon my experience with my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, I am confident the RX3 will be a strong and reliable motorcycle.

[SpudRider]

Searching Taobao, I discovered the officially designated, Zongshen, 5W/40 motor oil.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...70&ns=1#detail



Contrary to the naysayers, I use Mobil Delvac, 15W/40 motor oil in all my motorcycles, including my CRF250X, were the engine can turn 12,000 rpms. My Zongshen 200GY-2 has traveled over 67,000 miles, and it also gets 15W/40 motor oil. I am going to use Mobil Delvac, 15W/40 motor oil in my Zongshen RX3, also.

Anyone interested in learning more about motor oil for motorcycles might enjoy reading the following threads.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Oils1.html
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Consumables.html

[SpudRider]

The coolant overflow bottle is attached to the inside of the right radiator of the RX3. Here's a link to the right radiator on the Taobao website.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...06&ns=1#detail



You can see the bottom of the coolant overflow bottle in the next photograph, which shows the front underside of the motorcycle, viewed from the right side.



I surmise it is a little difficult to access this overflow bottle. However, I don't think we will need to service it very often. The RX3 has two radiators, and each radiator has its own fan. The Silk Road Rider reported his RX3 never overheated, and he appreciated the engine coolant display on the digital dashboard.

The RX3 is loaded with virtually every standard feature you could wish for, except hand guards.

[SpudRider]

Here is another view of the shock link/dogbone, and the lower shock linkage.



Once again, the shock link/dogbone looks very strong to me. I don't anticipate any durability, or reliability problems from this part.

[SpudRider]

Every year I remove the lower shock linkage from my Honda XR650L, and my Honda CRF250X. Neither of these motorcycles has grease zerks on the shock arm/knuckle. My CRF250X also lacks grease zerks on the shock link/dogbone.

I use the techniques in the following video to inspect, clean, and grease the lower shock linkage for my Honda CRF250X. The same methods will work for the Zongshen RX3.

[SpudRider]

You must mount the bike on a center stand to perform this maintenance. You can purchase either an aftermarket lift stand, or the optional, Zongshen center stand.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=...51&ns=1#detail