Today was day one of the CSC Open House where I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new Cyclone RX3. I've already put my name on the list for the first of these that are shipping to the US as soon as CSC clears the certification process (they estimate that first shipment to be early next year).
My impressions haven't changed too much now that I've seen it in person. However, online photos and videos of this motorcycle don't do it justice. Being able to see one up close you can really appreciate the fit and finish which I think competes (style wise) with many of the adventure motorcycles on the market today. Though it is a 250cc motorcycle and by US standards the mentality is that it is a small bike, it certainly doesn't feel like it. Being at 5'7" tall with a 30 inch inseam I was just able to flat foot sitting on it off the stand. With hands on the bar, elbows were only slightly bent and position was fully upright. Any shorter and I think there would be a slight lean forward in the riding position. Standing up on the pegs I felt the position was comfortable if not a little low, but only slightly. Something bar risers could correct easily.
As a courtesy to some of the interested people on chinarider.net and advrider.com I was prepared to ask a few questions during the open house. One in particular was regarding the plastics and their durability. While CSC wasn't able to tell me for certain what composition the plastics were (they will find out from the manufacturer) they didn't appear to me to be brittle in any way and did have some flex. That said if one were to have an off on this bike, the plastics may survive unscathed thanks to the placement of the engine and luggage guards which seem to be positioned in the best way to avoid having those plastics make contact in a fall. CSC tells me that one of their test bikes took a fall in their parking lot while being moved and had taken no noticeable damage thanks to those guards. However, should the plastics become damaged, replacement parts will be (according to CSC) inexpensive.
From all the online interest generated in this motorcycle, and just based on appearance and specs, there would be no reason not to consider this as a purchase for a new or returning rider. It has phenomenal styling, a low seat height, apparently good quality, and excellent value for the price. The only question remains is how it will stand up to real world reviews once they hit the streets. I for one think CSC is on course to make some waves in the industry with this motorcycle and 2015 will be interesting to watch as this unfolds.
My impressions haven't changed too much now that I've seen it in person. However, online photos and videos of this motorcycle don't do it justice. Being able to see one up close you can really appreciate the fit and finish which I think competes (style wise) with many of the adventure motorcycles on the market today. Though it is a 250cc motorcycle and by US standards the mentality is that it is a small bike, it certainly doesn't feel like it. Being at 5'7" tall with a 30 inch inseam I was just able to flat foot sitting on it off the stand. With hands on the bar, elbows were only slightly bent and position was fully upright. Any shorter and I think there would be a slight lean forward in the riding position. Standing up on the pegs I felt the position was comfortable if not a little low, but only slightly. Something bar risers could correct easily.
As a courtesy to some of the interested people on chinarider.net and advrider.com I was prepared to ask a few questions during the open house. One in particular was regarding the plastics and their durability. While CSC wasn't able to tell me for certain what composition the plastics were (they will find out from the manufacturer) they didn't appear to me to be brittle in any way and did have some flex. That said if one were to have an off on this bike, the plastics may survive unscathed thanks to the placement of the engine and luggage guards which seem to be positioned in the best way to avoid having those plastics make contact in a fall. CSC tells me that one of their test bikes took a fall in their parking lot while being moved and had taken no noticeable damage thanks to those guards. However, should the plastics become damaged, replacement parts will be (according to CSC) inexpensive.
From all the online interest generated in this motorcycle, and just based on appearance and specs, there would be no reason not to consider this as a purchase for a new or returning rider. It has phenomenal styling, a low seat height, apparently good quality, and excellent value for the price. The only question remains is how it will stand up to real world reviews once they hit the streets. I for one think CSC is on course to make some waves in the industry with this motorcycle and 2015 will be interesting to watch as this unfolds.