Zongshen RX3 (ZS250GY-3) at the Pomona Off-Road Expo today

[Kmrtnsn]

Interesting bike. 250CC, reasonably light, reasonable price, $3995.00. Interesting to me because there is nothing in that class sold here now.. They are currently awaiting CA CARB approval to begin sales.

 

[RHINO]

with 18hp and over 400lbs plus rider and gear you might have to get off and push it up a 6% hiway grade, but hopefully it will open the doors for more options.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

with 18hp and over 400lbs plus rider and gear you might have to get off and push it up a 6% hiway grade, but hopefully it will open the doors for more options.

25bhp and 16.5ftlb of torque

 

[haven]

Here's an article that says the bike will be sold inUSA by the California Scooter Company, and renamed the Cyclone RX-3.
http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/chinese-built-250cc-adventure-bike-coming-to-the-us/

Apparently this model is already sold in the UK and Europe under different names.
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle...-rx3-the-baby-adventure-motorcycle/24499.html

Here's a blog thread by an American who purchased the Zongshen RX3 in China, with the goal of riding it to Istanbul. The price of the Zongshen RX3 is about 20,800 yuan in China. That's about $3,400 USD at current exchange rates.
http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/showthread.php?6634-Zongshen-RX3-report

So far, he has ridden about 35,000 km and traveled from eastern China to Turkey. Problems have been the result of poor quality chain and wheel bearings, plus an ill-advised power washing of the bike. The quality of dealer service sounds like it leaves a lot to be desired, too.

The same fellow is keeping a blog about his experiences. Well worth reading.
http://kelleyssilkroad.blogspot.ca/

 

[Kmrtnsn]

I find it an interesting concept. A small displacement adventure bike, say in the 250-450cc range has never been an option till now. This is also the first that is anywhere close to fitting my 5'00" wife (don't tell her, but I think she has been rounding up over an inch). KLRs are cool, if you have a 34" or greater inseam, but what about us average height or shorter guys? Short mileage commuter bike, maybe something to lash to the back of a Sportmobile, or Adventure Trailer; I'm envisioning a potential market for these if the price stays low enough.

 

[MarcFJ60]

I dunno - a 400 lb, 250cc bike just doesn't get me excited. A Kawasaki Super Sherpa or Honda NX250 (same HP and over 100 pounds less) with racks and bags would be a far better choice in my opinion. This bike seems to look the part, but that's about it. But if it gets other manufacturers to make smaller adventure bikes, more power to them.