Update: New Years Moto Resolution #7 - Check!

If you read my New Years Moto Resolution blog that I posted back in January, then you know #7 on my list for 2016 was to buy some type of Dual Sport or Adventure bike. Well, I am happy to report that I did it! I just pre-ordered an RX3 Cyclone Zongshen motorcycle. Wahoo!

A CSC photo

If you are not familiar with the RX3, then you must be living under a rock or just don't read a lot of motorcycle news/blogs. These bikes are like the best bang for your buck motorcycle, that is finally now being imported to the USA by CSC Motorcycles located out of sunny Azusa, CA, a suburb of LA.

The Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) however, has been around in southeast Asia for a few years. Zongshen Motorsports or as public traded, Chongqing Zongshen Power Machinery Company, has been around since 1992. It was founded by Zuo Zongshen from Chongqing, China. Just like most overseas motorcycle or scooter manufactures, they focus on small displacement bikes. The RX3 has been one of the more popular bikes in their lineup, which seems to be the reason they were put on the radar of many in the western hemisphere.

This bike might be a 250cc bike, but it has an upgraded stator to run a full set of heated gear, auxillary lights, and even electronics (cell phone, gps charging port). Not only that, but it comes with engine guards, luggage guards, and a skid plate for protection. And the icing on the cake, it comes with a full set of panniers! No joke! This is stock! So, for $3800 bucks you get more on this little puppy than you do spending $16k on a new BMW. Granted, you are probably laughing about my comparison, but at the end of the day, I have a full ADV bike for a fraction of the price and weight of the big boys. I can't wait.

Well now that I got all that out of the way, I'll close by giving you the specs and features as listed on CSC's site.

• ENGINE: NC250
• ENGINE TYPE: Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, 4 Valve Water Cooled, Overhead Cam with Balance Shaft.
• MAXIMUM POWER: 24.8 hp
• MAXIMUM TORQUE: 16.6 ft. lbs
• PISTON SWEPT VOLUME: 250cc
• COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.5:1
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition
• CHAIN: Racing Type Oil Seal Chain
• FRONT SUSPENSION: Dual Lubricating Inverted Forks
• REAR SUSPENSION: Adjustable Central Rear Shock Absorber
• HEADLIGHT: 3D Anti-Fog Fish Eye Headlamp
• FRONT BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 262mm (10.31")
• REAR BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 258mm (10.15")
• SEAT HEIGHT: 31.3"
• GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3"


Features


• 2 YEAR WARRANTY: 2 years parts and 1 year service
• LENGTH/WIDTH/HEIGHT: 83.8" x 34.2" x 49.6". 
• WHEELBASE: 55.1".
• FUEL CAPACITY: 4.2 Gallons. 
• WEIGHT: 385 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM LOAD: 330 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM SPEED: 84 mph. 
• TRANSMISSION: 6 Speed, Internal Gear Shift. 
• BRAKE SYSTEM: Disc, Front & Rear. 
• FRONT TIRE/WHEEL: 100-90-18. 
• REAR TIRE/WHEEL: 130-90-17. 
• MUFFLER: Stainless Steel Waterproof Design. 
• INSTRUMENTATION: Siemens Chip LCD Smart Speedometer.
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition