[DonBenito]

No doubt Spud's bike is an exception to the Zongshen rule in terms of longevity, but Spud's bike is also an exception to the Yamaha rule in terms of longevity!

China makes a bunch of crappy stuff, but they're making more and more good stuff these days too. A lot of the high-quality high-tech electronic components and devices that many of us enjoy and depend on come from world-class clean rooms in China. The computer I've used for every post I've made on this forum was made in China. Plenty of parts in our beloved Japanese and American bikes and cars come from China.

Sooner or later, a great bike is going to come to our shores from China and it will be a great bargain. I don't know if this new Zong is it or not, but to write every bike from China off as "crap" seems foolish to me.

This is, after all, a largely American forum dedicated to a Japanese motorcycle that a lot of people would have reflexively called "Jap Crap" even in 1987 when Yamaha was already fairly established here, and Honda, Toyota, and Nissan were building some of the most reliable and fuel efficient cars the world has seen before or since.

I'm not personally going to cut in line to get one or anything, but there's no sense writing something off altogether.

 

[julyf]

I will spend more money to choose TW200 bike



_____________________________________________________
Looking for wholesale cycling gloves, fingerless leather gloves

 

[small's]

Chinese makers really have to prove themselves worthy and they are getting better and will probably compete with the Jap bikes some time in the future. Hopefully it will get the Jap companies to get their butts in gear and make products people want. I will give Zongshen credit for that. Im still leary of them but spud has a good exception and a buddy of mine has a 150cc chinese four stroke scooter he paid like $600 for that has been living outside for 5+ years and it has over 30,000 miles on it and its still running. You cant really compare the weight of this 250 to a klr. A 08 and newer klr bare bones dry weighs more than this bike with boxes, panniers, crash bars etc. Argueing on the forum with others over disagreements is fine. We all have differences and different opinions but that level of trash is a disrespect to all of us.

 

[HappyHiker]

Looks interesting. I wonder if the listed weight is wet or dry? 4 gallons of fuel would be ~25 lbs + at least 1 qt of oil + however much coolant it holds (KLR holds 40 oz). I'd estimate 30 lbs of fluids altogether. Brings it down to 355 lbs or so. If luggage/racks/crashbars are included in the weight, I could see those being at least 40 lbs. if not a bit more. So not too much heavier than a TW (~ 280lbs wet), and some of that increased weight would be from the watercooling system. Doesn't sound horrible weight wise.

KLR is ~385lbs dry (stock, no accessories) ~425 lbs wet. With full luggage, crash bars, skid plate, center stand, hand guards, and windscreen my KLR is pushing 500lbs.. Sounds like this bike in comparison is pretty light!

 

[SpudRider]

"If you're an ADV enthusiast, you probably read this headline and said to yourself, “A new model adventure bike? For less than $3,000? It’ll be an underpowered, fragile piece of crap. Probably built in China.” Well... you may well be right."

That says it all, to me. I know there's a guy on here with billions of miles on his Zongshen, but the company just hasn't won me over. He is the unique exception, to the rule that China bikes a junk. I'm sure he's done plenty of preventative fixes, strengthening and replacing of weak parts, extra maintenance, etc. If this bike were reliable (Japanese), I could imagine a KLR 250 motor (power-wise) in a 400 pound ADV bike... I imagine about 95% of the US motorcycling population couldn't. I do think that China bikes are getting closer in terms of reliability, with the globalization of parts and manufacturing industry over recent years, but they still aren't on par with a good Japanese or European vehicle. I want to like it (cool concept), but I can't. Maybe this will be another exception (Chinese automotive companies/products moving in the right direction), and I will wholly be proven wrong. I won't keep my fingers crossed. For the time being, I'd rather put that 3 grand towards a Honda Grom (125).

Contrary to popular opinion, I have not done any preventative fixes, strengthening, or replacing of weak parts on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. Neither have I done any extra maintenance, et cetera. I have only performed the ordinary maintenance which is normally required for the Yamaha TW200 engine in my Zong.

What's he got now on his bike? 60,000 thousand or something like that?

I have now ridden my Zong over 67,000 miles, and I am pleased to report it has never run better.

In case anyone is wondering, I paid my deposit on an orange Zongshen RX3. Based upon my experience with my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, I am very pleased to add another Zongshen motorcycle to my stable of bikes. At this moment I own the following motorcycles.

1998 Kawasaki KDX220
2004 Honda CRF250X
2005 Honda XR650L
2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2

If anyone is interested in learning more about the Zongshen RX3, I invite him to peruse my thread on the RX3 at ChinaRiders.net.

New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport - ChinaRiders Forums

Spud

 

[Tiny-Wheel-200]

Dont knock it till you tried it. few years back I bought a new 150cc enduro bike called the "Fly-Wing" china made for $695. I bought it at an auto parts store called Schucks/Checker/Kragen. It had a few little cheap issues I fixed but was a solid ride and for that amount of money how could you beat it. Aside from the skinnier tires it felt alot like a tw. Sold it about 5 years ago before I bought the tw. but had alot of fun on it. Fairly reliable. Like someone else mentioned, japanese stuff used to be considered junk at one time.

 

[Dryden-Tdub]

Contrary to popular opinion, I have not done any preventative fixes, strengthening, or replacing of weak parts on my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. Neither have I done any extra maintenance, et cetera. I have only performed the ordinary maintenance which is normally required for the Yamaha TW200 engine in my Zong.



I have now ridden my Zong over 67,000 miles, and I am pleased to report it has never run better.

In case anyone is wondering, I paid my deposit on an orange Zongshen RX3. Based upon my experience with my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, I am very pleased to add another Zongshen motorcycle to my stable of bikes. At this moment I own the following motorcycles.

1998 Kawasaki KDX220
2004 Honda CRF250X
2005 Honda XR650L
2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2

If anyone is interested in learning more about the Zongshen RX3, I invite him to peruse my thread on the RX3 at ChinaRiders.net.

New Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) Dual Sport - ChinaRiders Forums

Spud

Spud, who did you pay the deposit to? I skimmed the thread over on ChinaRider but never saw where they were announced as coming to the U.S.?


Tom

 

[SpudRider]

Spud, who did you pay the deposit to? I skimmed the thread over on ChinaRider but never saw where they were announced as coming to the U.S.?


Tom

Zongshen America closed shop several years ago. Therefore, CSC Motorcycles in Azusa, California is importing the Zongshen RX3 to the United States and Canada. You can find the contact information for CSC Motorcycles at their website, which is linked below.

California Scooter Company | Genuine Quality Scooters

Spud

 

[SpudRider]

Here is a video recorded by ADV Pulse Magazine during an all-day, test ride of the Zongshen RX3.

The review by ADV Pulse Magazine is posted at the following link.

First Ride: CSC Motorcycles Cyclone RX-3 Review » ADV Pulse

If you are interested, you can view more videos of the Zongshen RX3 at the following link.

RX3 Videos from the Zongshen RX3 Thread - ChinaRiders Forums

Spud

 

[SpudRider]

I hope the listed weight includes the rack and panniers otherwise seems porky. Nice volumetric efficiency at almost 100hp/ litre of displacement but that means peaky power and high r.p.m.s are not conducive to longevity. Nice concept, hope marketing gurus don't point out that at that price level they are leaving money on the table, and bring the sales price up to mildly undercut competition. If we see too cheap a price we think too cheap a quality,

Yes, the curb weight of 385 pounds includes the panniers, engine guards, et cetera, and all fluids.

The ZS177MM (NC250) engine has a redline of 9,000 rpm, and makes its best power at 7,000 rpm. This engine is well proven, and is installed in many Chinese motorcycles. In fact, this Zongshen engine is also installed in the Gas Gas, EC250 Cami, and the AJP, PR250 Pro motorcycles.

Among other motorcycles, the NC250 engine is installed in the Chinese, SSR, 250R dirt bike. Here is a video taken from another dirt bike following the SSR 250R at the Pala Raceway Track.

Here is a video from the rider's perspective while riding the SSR 250R at the Milestone MX track.

Spud

 

[SpudRider]

The stock RX3 has a lot of nice features.

U.S. Delphi Fuel Injected Engine
Water Cooled Engine with 2 Radiators, and 2 Radiator Fans
Radiator Guards
6-Speed Transmission
Crash Bars
Tall Windshield
Siemens Digital Dashboard
LED Turn Signals and Brake Light
4.2-Gallon (16-Liter) Fuel Tank
Locking Gas Cap
Integrated Luggage with Locks
Perimeter Engine Frame
Strong Sub-frame to Support Heavy Loads
Stainless Steel Muffler
37mm USD Forks
Progressive Lower Shock Linkage
Monoshock with Pre-load Adjustment and Rebound Damping
1-inch Fat Handlebars
Skid Plate
Black, Anodized Alloy Rims
Black Anodized Hubs
Rear Cushion Hub
Disc Brakes on Both Wheels
Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Hydraulic Brake Light Switch on Rear Wheel
110-Link, Size 520, O-Ring Drive Chain
Wide, Serrated Foot Pegs with Rubber Inserts for both Rider and Passenger
Optional Center Stand
2-Year Warranty for Parts
1-Year Warranty for Parts and Labor
English Service Manual Included with Purchase

Spud

 

[arbolmano]

The world has changed. Chinese stuff isn't all junk anymore. In fact look closely at anything you've
purchased, odds are it was produced in China. In fact several years ago BMW moved production
of their smaller (800cc or less) motorcycles to China........for whatever reason China whupped the US a long time
ago in manufacturing. Just the way it is.

 

[SpudRider]

The world has changed. Chinese stuff isn't all junk anymore. In fact look closely at anything you've
purchased, odds are it was produced in China. In fact several years ago BMW moved production
of their smaller (800cc or less) motorcycles to China........for whatever reason China whupped the US a long time
ago in manufacturing. Just the way it is.

I believe Zongshen has taken the Chinese motorcycle industry to a higher level with the new RX3 motorcycle.

Occasionally, people still question the quality of my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. However, after riding it hard for over 67,000 miles, it has never run better. Even if that bike died tomorrow, I can't imagine what it has left to prove. :huh:

Spud

 

[SpudRider]

Here are a few more photographs of my Zongshen ZS200GY-2 which were taken in its native habitat. God willing, I intend to take a few adventures on my new Zongshen RX3, as well.

Spud

 

[Polarpilot]

This is a fascinating article.
I have been riding for fifty years and after starting on a 98cc NSU and going through a whole range of bikes except Harleys I have waited for the day when some common sense would begin to enter the market place. And I think that my personal decision to drop down to a 200cc Yamaha was the beginning of my personal common sense kicking in.
The issue is both environmental and financial. What exactly does a $35,000 Gold Wing do that makes it more fun than a $4,000 TW? I contend that for 80%+ of our riding the TW not only does a better job it also does so more economically.
I like the idea of any smaller engined motorcycle that has all the bells and whistles. And this RX3 is an example of where I think future motorcycles need to go.

 

[SpudRider]

I agree. I really like motorcycles with single cylinder, small displacement engines. Whether commuting, or taking an adventure to the end of the hemisphere, I would much rather ride a 250cc motorcycle than a behemoth.

Spud

 

[littletommy]

It's nice to have you hanging out over here on this forum Spud. The mileage on that bike of yours is pretty impressive.

 

[Fred]

OK, I'm convinced. Thanks Spud

 

[SpudRider]

It's nice to have you hanging out over here on this forum Spud. The mileage on that bike of yours is pretty impressive.

Thank you. As you know, the TW200, and my Zongshen ZS200GY-2, are a lot of fun to ride. This fall a friend and I took a 5-day ride across Idaho's Magruder Corridor. He rode his Yamaha TT-R225, and I rode my Zongshen ZS200GY-2. Here is a photograph of the Zong, and my friend Andy, in front of the Magruder Massacre sign. Next year I might ride my Zongshen RX3.



Spud

 

[SpudRider]

OK, I'm convinced. Thanks Spud

Thank you, Fred. The Zongshen RX3 is being sold in a lot of countries besides China. Zuo Zongshen has made a major commitment to research and development. He is constantly striving to improve the quality of his motorcycles, and he is working hard to expand his markets. As the following video shows, I might not want to work for Zuo Zongshen, but I wouldn't bet against him.

Spud