Our friends at RevZilla had the chance recently to put the 2020 CSC RX4 to the test on a 600-mile dual sport test. Overall, this ride report was very favorable to the new 2020 model from CSC Motorcycles. The reviewer, Ari Henning, summarized his review by saying, “There isn’t a motorcycle on the market that offers so much for so little.”
RevZilla road tests the 2020 CSC RX4. Spenser Roberts photo
This was the GOAL when designing the 450cc RX4 for the North American market! CSC Motorcycles wanted the RX4 to answer the demands of riders that:
- Want or need a more powerful motorcycle than the VERY POPULAR and PROVEN 250cc CSC RX3 Adventure.
- Want a full featured “adventure” motorcycle without the high price of the other choices on the market.
Ari Henning agreed there is a need for a midsize ADV cycle and said, “If I had my way, there’d be a key to a BMW R 1200 GS or a Honda Africa Twin in my pocket, but neither my bank account nor my garage can afford that size dent. I’m sure plenty of you can relate.” Note: the current list price for a BMW 1200 GS is $19,145, and the Honda CRF 1000L “Africa Twin” is $17,199, depending on options.
At only $4,995.00 (plus fees), the 2020 CSC RX4 is an unmatched value!
2020 CSC RX4 Adventure bike – shown with OPTIONAL knobby tires
The article lists the LONG set of standard features included with the CSC RX4:
- Powerful 450cc single cylinder, liquid cooled, fuel-injected engine
- Adjustable windshield
- LED lights and turn signals
- Full electronic dash with charging outlets
- 300-watt alternator to power 12-volt accessories, prewired switches on the handlebars
- ABS brakes – with optional CSC disconnect switch
- 3-gallon gas tank with locking cap
- Adjustable suspension
- Comfortable 2-up touring seat
- Engine bars
- Aluminum rims on spoked wheels with tube tires
- 2-year unlimited mileage warranty – with coast-to-coast coverage
In addition, CSC also offers a wide variety of options including cast wheels with tubeless tires, full aluminum skid plate, knobby dual-sport tires, and many reasonably-priced racks and soft and hard luggage options.
The ride report also pointed out some criticisms of the RX4, specifically mentioning the 6-speed transmission and throttle response when riding in town. It should be noted that, like the CSC RX3, riders have noted a marked improvement in shifting smoothness and engine response after a break-in period and the first oil change on the new bike.
But the article praised the CSC RX4 on the open road. Ari Henning wrote, “The ability to inhale miles is a key aspect of any ADV, and the CSC does it well. Really well, actually.” He praised the comfortable riding position and aerodynamics of the RX4, including the wide, firm seat that delivered all-day comfort. The 450cc single-cylinder motor was described as “well-balanced”, “quick revving”, and reported to cruise effortlessly at 70 MPH and 7,250 RPM – with reserve power to sprint to 80 or 90 MPH for passing. Ari averaged over 49 MPG on and off road, which returned a comfortable 250-mile range on the 5.3-gallon fuel tank.
To be clear, CSC Motorcycles never promised the new 2020 RX4 would be the “ultimate” ADV motorcycle. Ari pointed out that 450cc engine matched with the 400-pound bike is a handful on difficult off road trails – especially with the stock 80/20 street tires. The good news, the RX4 proved to be tough and unbreakable! He said, “As difficult as my off-road excursion was (my riding partners, Zack and Spenser, on more capable machines, struggled a bit as well) and as many times as I threw the CSC at the earth, nothing actually broke besides a mirror. So if you’re worried about the RX4 disintegrating when the riding gets rough, don’t sweat it.”
RevZilla tests the 2020 CSC RX4 on challenging off road trails. Spenser Roberts photo
Mixed on and off-road capabilities highlight another design goal for the 2020 CSC RX4 “adventure” motorcycle:
- Create a mid-size cycle that is not only less expensive than other models, but also smaller, lighter, and less complex.
The CSC RX4 is intentionally designed for the rider that does NOT want or need a 525-pound Honda or 540-pound BMW motorcycle with electronic suspension, traction control, electric windshield along with overpriced parts and maintenance. The fact is many RX4 buyers CAN afford the more expensive options, but have intentionally downsized to the lighter, less powerful, and less expensive RX4. Many CSC Motorcycle owners have years of experience on bigger cruisers, too.
The RX4 was never designed to compete “head-to-head” with the 1,170cc BMW 1200GS or 1,000cc Africa Twin – or the KTM 1290, for that matter. Nor is the RX4 designed to challenge a street-legal enduro bike like the KTM 500 on technical single-track. Instead, the 450cc CSC RX4 delivers a 60% increase in horsepower over the minimalist 250cc CSC RX3, with less than a 20% increase in dry weight. The CSC RX4 (like it’s RX3 little brother) is designed to be a fun, nimble dirt road adventure cruiser or “ADV Lite” touring bike.
Ultimately, EVERY “dual sport” motorcycle is a compromise. Some are more street oriented, and others are more off road capable. Beyond the design specs, your final choice must always factor in the purchase price and maintenance costs. Here is how Ari Henning put it: “So if you want a cheap, sport-touring bike that’s all-day comfortable, the RX4 is a decent choice. But if your adventures are more off-road oriented or precision is important to you, then you’re probably better off with something else, even if it means buying used or spending more money.”
CSC RX4 Adventure – shown with OPTIONAL molded luggage package
We would like to thank Ari and RevZilla for the honest ride report and great photos. The article confirms both the strengths and limitations of the $4,995.00 2020 CSC RX4. You DON’T need to spend $20,000 to enjoy great dual sport adventures. CSC Motorcycles will deliver your new RX4 for free. You can be riding in a week – not saving another $15,000, making payments for years, or rebuilding a used “project” bike.
We hope that you agree that the RX4 is a fantastic vehicle to customize for your riding style and intended destinations. The full range of CSC accessories can transform the base RX4 into a capable, long-distance touring motorcycle to match your needs. Fully accessorized, you will save as much as 75% on the “precision” alternatives – as Ari categorized them. It is also important to note that CSC includes a two-year warranty that covers you anywhere in the U.S. and stocks 100% of the parts for the RX4 and all CSC models. Routine maintenance is easy with the online tutorials at CSCMotorcycles.com.
For more information on the CSC RX4, contact us today! 2020 models are in stock and ready to ship to your door – for FREE! Ask also about package deals on pre-installed options like racks, luggage, tires, and electrical accessories.
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