Legendary sportsbike Zongshen 250 - detailed review

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

4.3

Verdict

The advantages of Zongshen models are efficiency, practicality and convenience. Designed for big cities, Zongshen sports bikes feel dignified and confident on city highways filled with cars.

The Chinese concern Zongshen Industrial Group initially developed two models of sports bikes, the ZS200GS and LZX200S. In 2007, the Zongshen ZS250GS appeared in this series, in 2014 - the Zongshen ZS250GS 3A (this model is shown in the title photo).

The advantages of Zongshen models are efficiency, practicality and convenience. Designed for big cities, Zongshen sports bikes feel dignified and confident on city highways filled with cars.

Price

Price for Zongshen ZS250GS

Prices for used motorcycles of different years: 40,000-55,000 rubles for models 2010-2012. and 80,000-90,000 rubles for 2014 models.

Price for Zongshen ZS250GS 2013 motorcycle. Screenshot No. 1 from the portal moto.auto.ru

Zongshen ZS250GS 2010-2014. Screenshot No. 2 from the portal moto.auto.ru

Prices for the new Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle are in the range of 180,000-200,000 rubles.

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Zongshen ZS250GS 3A

Zongshen ZS250GS 3A will cost 250,000-275,000 rubles.

Screenshot of prices from the service atv52.ru

Screenshot of prices from the moto-dom.net service

Got around to writing it. So. Mot stood up. Judging by the unwound missing parts of the piston, I regret to understand that the engine needs to be cut (maybe it’s for the better)

I take the tool in my hands and zealously rush to pull the engine. I rushed... but I forgot about the gloves. The consequences were not long in coming - my hand was torn off when the key was torn off. I went to process and seal it, received a share of *censored* scolding, from my beloved I went on to torment the horse) In general, I killed an hour, loaded everything into the car and we went home. At home, both the engine itself and the head were better examined. First, you need to clean the head and check the valves for leaks. Check the condition of the oil scraper/cams. We take a decarbonizer (You can use kerosene; you will still need a lot of it), fill the chamber and leave it for 15 minutes. After waiting, take a cloth and wipe it. DO NOT use iron objects for cleaning - the valves/chamber may be damaged. After soaking, it can be wiped off very well with a cloth) In order not to waste time, we put the head straight and fill it with the same kerosene. Usually, if the valves are not held in place, they will manifest themselves in a couple of minutes. But after 15 minutes the level has not changed, so we leave it overnight. In the morning the picture is the same - the valves are holding perfectly! those. no grinding needed.

This is good) there is no need to buy paste) then we remove the oil filter and see a deplorable picture

Remove the cover from the clutch side, unscrew the four bolts with springs and the fifth in the middle. take out the disks. check the condition of the disks. Friction - for residual wear, iron for deformation and "blue"

for friction ones the remainder is 3mm (replacement at 2.6mm) - definitely replacement. Although they can still run, it’s better to change them. We inspect the iron discs for “blueness” (overheated metal), check their evenness - to do this, put them on the glass and try to pump them. If there is a loose fit/rolling, we change them too. Mine are ok. Next we pull off the basket. If you don’t have a puller, you can weld a tube (for a lever) to an iron disk or put on a timing belt. I was lucky - I recently changed the belt, so it was at hand) We pull off the basket. We put it aside. Next, unscrew the gear from the balancing shaft. It stood with an error of 5 teeth, unscrew the three screws at the “oil pump”, at the same time unscrew the bolt at the crankshaft, remove the gearbox “fork”. We unscrew the gearbox star itself. CAREFULLY! While taking the star out, small pins fell out. I didn’t remember either the order or the position. Unscrew the remaining bolts and halve them. And finally we find the piston! in the crankcase in the gearbox we get everything for the fans, you can try to assemble it))) Now we calmly turn it over and remove the generator cover. Use a puller to remove the magneto. While I was filming, I heard a “ding” and picked up this ball. Having examined the bearings they are all intact. scratched my turnip... And then it dawned on me - it’s from the clutch) remove the magneto, pull out the crankshaft. We inspect the seats (for reasons of blueness/scoring/wear), and measure the wear. Everything is fine with me. Next, we will need meters. We put the shaft on clamps, attach the meters, turn the crankshaft, checking the runout of the axles. In my case, the indicators are 0.02. Which is within the normal range. If the measurements show more than 0.03-0.04, we eliminate the runout. We check the connecting rod bearing, geometry, and seat wear.

Next, we wash everything, clean it, check the bearings for play, dry it

we check the teeth of the gearbox, gears for blueness) A) here are those ill-fated studs. We put them in place. Long into the first neutral slot. Short ones - one in the first, the rest - second or third. We assemble the box and put the shaft in place. Next, assembling the engine and searching for the CPG.

Specifications

Zongshen ZS250GS 3A is a modern sportbike that has a brighter and more aggressive design, and new handling qualities:

• Six-speed gearbox.
• Liquid cooling of the engine.
• Rear suspension system Pro-Link.
• New frame design.
• Rear swingarm with increased rigidity.

The Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle has a favorable fuel consumption of 2.4 liters per 100 km, while the maximum speed of the Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle, declared by the manufacturer, is 160 km/h (in reality 110-120 km/h).

The spare parts market for the Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle offers the necessary parts: both new, from the manufacturer, and used spare parts. For example, the cost of a new clutch cable is 700 rubles, and a throttle cable is 500 rubles. Spare parts can be found in these groups: , , .

Zongshen ZS250-5 – review of the Chinese “mini-Harley”

Many people have a strong stereotype in connection with Chinese products.
It seems to many that all their products are of low quality, cheap, numerous, and look the same as the Chinese themselves. However, if you look closely, you can find a lot of interesting things. One of these things is the Zongshen ZS250-5 motorcycle, which is produced by one of the local companies. This motorcycle is well remembered both for its appearance and for its build quality.

Manufacturer information

In fact, the manufacturing company Zongshen Industrial Group has long established itself, although among Chinese companies it is small in age - it was founded in 1992.

During this time, the company has already managed to earn a good reputation, and not only thanks to its sports team, which received prizes in the Grand Prix series.

The company has invested large sums, creating massive production facilities, both on Chinese soil and in the United States or Italy. In addition, the company, soon after its founding, began to actively cooperate with the Italian “Italy Piaggio Group” and “Harley Davidson”.

More than two decades of fruitful cooperation with companies known all over the world have enabled the Chinese to gain a good reputation as a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. When comparing their products with American ones, you can see that their appearance has common features, which significantly distinguishes Zongshen equipment in the local market.

Build quality and appearance

For a Chinese product, this motorcycle has excellent quality, both the parts themselves and their assembly. Everything that can be seen sparkles with stainless metal or chrome plated trim. The steering wheel arches are quite wide, but do not create discomfort; the lines of the motorcycle are light and elegant. And if you need a motorcycle hacker, you should go to the website artfg.ru.

In general, this unit corresponds to the style of the 70s of the last century, and although it is somewhat diluted with LED dashboard lighting, this does not spoil it at all. Thanks to this appearance, the ZS250-5 received the nickname “mini-Harley”, despite the fact that its wheelbase inspires respect - 1600 mm . It comes with a trunk for suitcases; if desired, it can be supplemented with new frames, which will give it a holistic appearance.

Technical indicators

Those who understand motorcycles, having familiarized themselves with the capabilities of the Zongshen ZS250-5, will shake their heads with understanding, silently complaining about Chinese quality. Unfortunately, in this regard, the unit corresponds to the accepted stereotype, since, despite the impressive appearance, to create this model they used well-worn technologies from Japan.

It uses a V-Twin engine (4-stroke, 2-cylinder), complemented by an air cooling system. Its volume of 250 cm3, like the last piece of a mosaic, completes the image of the engine, which is like two drops of water reminiscent of the Yamaha Virago, released back in the 80s.

However, the sound of this unit is beyond praise; at low speeds it is capable of delivering excellent traction. However, when the speed exceeds 6 thousand, the limiter is activated, and already at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour the engine begins to vibrate noticeably, despite the fact that the developers claim a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour. They also claimed that fuel consumption per 100 kilometers would not exceed 2.5 liters, but reviews from owners (often expressed in expressive form) indicate a consumption of 4.5 l/100 km.

Other characteristics

Zongshen ZS250-5 has five gears that shift smoothly at any speed. However, the drive chain sags somewhat, which may cause concern among overly suspicious drivers. The suspension design in it is unique; other Chinese bikes do not have this.

While the front wheel is secured using a conventional 35mm telescopic fork, on the rear wheel the developers decided to use a monoshock absorber instead of a dual hydraulic system. However, a rigid suspension can provide a comfortable ride, plus the result is a wider ground clearance, and on Russian roads this is important.

The motorcycle uses disc brakes, and to make the system more reliable, an additional disc is installed on the front wheel. The motorcycle is not without its drawbacks, in addition to its relatively weak characteristics, it does not have a bright enough front light, the quality of the mirrors does not meet the standard, and it also uses plastic tires.

However, the build quality, I repeat, is beyond praise when compared with other “Chinese” products. All components are perfectly assembled and consist of high-quality materials. The price is also Chinese, about $2000, however, this is rather an advantage.

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Tuning

Tuning the Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle - changing the appearance (for example, using side plastic or a new bright color) and upgrading technical equipment:

Appearance tuning

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Appearance tuning. Photo No. 2

Conversion from sports to street

For comparison: this is what a photo of the Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle without modernization looks like:

Without tuning

Owner reviews

Owner reviews for the Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle:

Owner's review. Screenshot 1

Owner's review. Screenshot 2

Review and impressions of the owner. Screenshot 3

Review from ZS250GS owner. Screenshot 4

see also

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Zongshen ZS150-51 (motorcycle)

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Zongshen ZS150-78 (motorcycle)

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Comparison with analogues

The Zongshen ZS250GS motorcycle can stand comparison with its analogues: Viper F5, Viper XT, Spark R6 and its young brothers – Zongshen ZS200GS and Zongshen LZX200S.

The appearance of the Zongshen ZS250GS is often considered by many to be the most presentable and impressive of all sportbikes in this class. The acceleration and speed capabilities of the Viper and Spark models, according to many experts and amateurs, are higher, but all Zongshen models are more comfortable and softer to drive.

In addition, the Zongshen ZS250GS model, unlike its younger brothers in the series, is more powerful and safer.

Advantages and disadvantages

pros

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• Affordable price.
• Economical fuel consumption.
• Decent dynamics (160-145 km/h).
• Good handling and brake performance.
• Convenient dashboard.
• Successful installation of low beam headlights.

Minuses

• Air-cooled engine - it may overheat.
• The suspension is designed for driving on smooth roads only.
• Factory tires are of poor quality.
• Inconvenient standard rear view mirrors.

In short, the Zongshen ZS250GS sportbike is suitable for beginners or metropolitan residents who do not aspire to high speeds, but are looking for a convenient, mobile and economical form of transport.