What Is a “Scrambler” Motorcycle? Why the Current Popularity?

Which CSC motorcycles are “scramblers”?

Many motorcycle brands are now offering models marketed as “scramblers”. Motorcycles as large as 1,000cc and 1250cc have been restyled from street models and labeled as scramblers to cash in on the current popularity. Road bikes from names like Moto Guzzi, BMW, Triumph, Ducati and even Harley Davidson are trying to grab a share of the market. Custom bike builders are producing expensive “scramblers” for movie stars. Backyard mechanics are chopping up motorcycles from the 1980’s. But what is a scrambler? To answer this question, you need to go back to the 1950’s.

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s you only had one choice when buying a motorcycle. The first motorcycles were all street bikes. The first motorcycles carried the iconic brands of Triumph, Norton, BSA, and Royal Enfield. By the mid-1960’s, street motorcycles from Honda and Yamaha entered the scene.

These first motorcycles were heavy, under-powered and slow. It didn’t take long for riders to attempt to improve the performance of these motorcycles. The first and easiest improvement was made by simply stripping off as much weight as possible. Riders ditched fenders, mirrors, racks, luggage, 2-up seats, and every piece of trim they could. The weight reductions were then paired with tweaks to the engine and exhaust. The biggest improvements were apparent in the bikes with small engines, since 125cc, 150cc, and 200cc motors were the most common in these first motorcycles.

Of course, as soon as you make any performance improvements to your motorcycle, you need to test the results. And what better way to test your motorcycle than to challenge someone to a race?

And the “Café Racer” was created!

CSC Motorcycles
Motorcycles were adopted by young people who couldn’t afford hot rods back in the late ‘50’s and ‘60’s. Rock and Roll was sweeping the world. Motorcycle riders adopted leather jackets. In England, motorcycle riders wearing leather jackets and craving rock music were not welcome in “polite” society. They congregated at the “transport cafes” along the highways – the modern-day equivalent of truck stops. These cafes welcomed the business and featured the latest “rockabilly” music on juke boxes.

“Café racing” was the term given to racing from one café to another or racing up the road and back before a 45 RPM record stopped playing on the juke box.

CSC Motorcycles

Cafe Racers where it all began: Ace Cafe, London

Café racers were the predecessors of the modern sport bikes. The minimalist, naked, pure functional appearance also meant that these motorcycles were the fastest thing on the road. The ultimate goal was to build a café racer that could reach 100 mph – known as “doing the ton” or “ton up”. These high speeds were truly death-defying on the narrow, poor roads of the time and when combined with inadequate brakes. Café racers acquired a “bad boy” reputation because their bikes were faster than police cars, too!

Café racers became the predecessor of the flat track racer. Adding more aggressive tires to the street bike and higher handlebars allowed it to race on flat dirt tracks. Flat track racing became hugely popular in Europe and then the U.S. Eventually, a street-legal version hit the road and became known simply as a “Tracker”.

CSC Motorcycles

Flat track racers

But some motorcycle riders wanted more off-road capabilities, so they made more modifications. They added high exhaust pipes, longer travel shocks and forks, and the headlights. The café racer spawned the tracker which then generated the scrambler.

CSC Motorcycles

The early “scrambler” motorcycle

Again, to test your creation you need to race someone. These early “dirt bikes” were matched against each other in “hare scrambles”. Riders took off cross-country on motorcycles that had only recently been tame street bikes! A whole new motorcycle segment and category of riders were developed. In the U.S. these early scramblers invented the sports of desert racing and hill climbs. Celebrities like Steve McQueen added to the excitement for the sport.

CSC Motorcycles

Steve McQueen, the king of cool, on one of his own famous scramblers – a modified Triumph TR6

Today, the off-road capabilities of the scrambler have been vastly improved with new frame designs, powerful 4-stroke motors, and trick suspension to evolve into the modern motocross and “dual-sport” motorcycles. More recently, some riders took these high-performance and lightweight dirt bikes and modified them “backwards” for street riding. The evolution came full circle and created the “supermoto” bike. More than 60 years after the café racer, the Super Moto has acquired the same “hooligan” reputation.

CSC Motorcycles

CSC Motorcycles

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we have many categories of motorcycles to choose from. Factories produce a wide menu of street bikes, dual-sport, and motocross racers. The latest fad seems to be the “scrambler-style”, although huge V-twin “scramblers” bear no resemblance to the original, stripped-down dirt bikes. Many other models now blur the lines between these broad categories.

CSC Motorcycles has several models that fall into these categories – OR multiple categories:

The CSC SG250 San Gabriel is a throwback to the 1960’s vintage café racer with its minimalist style and simple, 230cc air-cooled motor.

CSC Motorcycles SG250 San Gabriel cafe racer

CSC SG250 San Gabriel “cafe racer”

The CSC TT250 Enduro is a street-legal dirt bike. It features the same 230cc air-cooled motor as the SG250 San Gabriel.

CSC Motorcycles TT250 Enduro dual sport

CSC TT250 Enduro Dual Sport

The CSC RX3 Adventure is a dual-sport motorcycle that is equipped for long-distance travel with standard luggage and a windshield.

CSC Motorcycles RX3 Adventure

CSC RX3 Adventure 250cc Motorcycle

The new CSC RX4 Adventure (available Spring 2019) is a larger dual-sport motorcycle with a 450cc liquid-cooled motor.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

NEW 2019 CSC RX4 Adventure 450cc Motorcycle

These are the classifications of the STOCK models from CSC Motorcycles. But “scramblers” have always been customized and modified motorcycles. What if you used these models as the base foundation for your own custom scrambler motorcycle?

If you add dual-sport knobby tires to the SG250 San Gabriel, you have a San Gabriel “Scrambler”!

CSC Motorcycles SG250 San Gabriel

CSC SG250 San Gabriel “Scrambler”

For even more control on rough roads, you can add the higher handlebars from the TT250 Enduro. Like the scramblers of old, the CSC San Gabriel is not a “dirt bike” or even a dual-sport bike. But it is lightweight, nimble, and very capable on gravel or dirt forest roads.

The CSC TT250 Enduro is classified as a “dual-sport” motorcycle because it is street legal. It is a lightweight bike that has strong similarities to the previous generation of scramblers with air-cooled engines. If you add heavy knobbies and lower gearing to the TT250 Enduro you have a more capable off-road bike. But if you add higher gearing and street tires (and possibly an 18-inch front wheel) to the TT250 Enduro you create a hooligan Super Moto!

CSC Motorcycles TT250 Enduro

CSC TT250 Enduro with knobbies and performance exhaust

The CSC RX3 Adventure (and the 2019 RX4 Adventure) come fully-equipped for long-distance dual-sport travel. Both have standard rear panniers and top box luggage packages. Both have strong fuel-injected motors with liquid cooling. Both have 80/20 dual sport tires standard for riding the highway or unpaved roads. But if your goal is specifically long-distance highway travel, the dual sport tires can be swapped for highway radial tires. The 2019 RX4 Adventure will also offer the option of aluminum cast wheels with tubeless tires.

The original scramblers only had minimal off-road capabilities compared to modern dual-sports. But if your goal is more aggressive dual-sport travel including the Trans-America Trail (TAT) or the Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR-series), then both the CSC RX3 and RX4 can be equipped with heavy-duty aluminum skid plates, radiator guards, hand guards, and full knobby tires.

CSC Motorcycles RX3 Adventure

CSC RX3 Adventure with knobbies and skid plate

But if your goal is a modern scrambler, both the RX3 and RX4 Adventure can be stripped of the luggage, racks, and even trimmed fenders. Just like the original scramblers, you gain more performance by losing the weight and you gain more maneuverability on the trail and in traffic by making the bikes narrower.

CSC Motorcycles RX3 Adventure

CSC RX3 Adventure “Scrambler” minus rear hard luggage

Few experienced riders are satisfied with stock motorcycles. All the CSC motorcycle models are honest values based on their standard features. These models also provide perfect foundations for the custom bike you have been dreaming about. Contact CSC Motorcycles for more information about any of these models. See also the wide range of options and accessories available to make your new motorcycle match your riding style at CSCMotorcycles.com.

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CSC RX3 Adventure Top Case Modifications for Touring

Make the standard CSC RX3 Adventure luggage even better for extended riding.

By Randy Reek

CSC RX3 Adventure shown with standard hard luggage

The CSC RX3 Adventure includes a set of “hard luggage” as standard equipment. The molded plastic panniers and top box, along with the rear mounting rack and side brackets are an option that would cost $500 or more to add to any stock dual-sport motorcycle.

However, some riders consider the hard luggage too small for serious touring. CSC Motorcycles offers an optional larger set of Tourafella aluminum cases. It is also possible to substitute the hard cases for soft panniers, and this is my preference for adventure riding on rough trails where falls are inevitable and hard cases will get dented or broken.

But most riders are served well by the standard RX3 Adventure luggage package. I have ridden from Florida to Alaska and the biggest mistake I see is riders who carry too much stuff! You will be visiting several towns each day as you travel so there is no reason to carry a week’s worth of food. A limited selection of clothes to handle several days can be washed and rotated indefinitely. Besides, a lighter bike is always more fun to ride, especially when you get into challenging sections of the trail.

I never recommend carrying more than you can fit in the standard luggage of the RX3 Adventure. The only exception is the addition of a duffel strapped across the passenger seat for a tent, sleeping bag and rain gear plus a small tank bag for miscellaneous items.

With this in mind, there are three small projects I completed on my CSC RX3 Adventure to make it even more “adventure-friendly”.

First, I removed the rear top case from the supporting rack. Then I removed to the two bolts that mount the rear rack to the side handles and the two bolts that mount to the rack sub-frame. I applied some medium-strength Loctite to the threads and reinstalled these four bolts. Since the top case is cantilevered off the back of the bike it will be subject to the most vibration on rough trails and this added attention will help insure these mounting bolts won’t vibrate loose.

Add Loctite to all rear rack mounting bolts

Second, I added tie-down rings to the inside of the top box. I use the top box for my tool bag and didn’t want anything bouncing back above the rear wheel. I bought three small D-rings at the local hardware store. Then I fabricated some straps using standard pipe strapping.

I installed these D-rings with longer 1.5-inch 6mm bolts and washers, adding a drop of Loctite to each. The stock bolts are barely long enough to engage the threads in the rack. These longer bolts extend slightly below the base of the rack and allowed me to add a lock nut to each.

Interior tie-down D-rings. Additional bolts also added at 4 and 8 O’clock positions

While reinstalling the top box, I added two extra mounting bolts. The original three bolts form a triangle, but the rear corners of the box are unsupported by the steel rack. I added two more bolts, nuts and washers between the original ones along the outside edge of the steel rack to add more stiffness to the plastic box.

After installing these mounting bolts, I placed the stock bottom foam insert over the D-rings to mark their vertical location, then cut slits with a razor knife to allow the rings to protrude through the thin foam layer. I carry a well-stocked tool bag along with a spare front and rear inner tube. I also have room for a short bicycle air pump. I secured the tool bag with a length of paracord. I have ridden many miles on rough, rocky roads and the tools don’t move and don’t rattle in the top box. I consider this a huge improvement.

The third project was adding tie downs to the top of the case for additional “overflow” storage.

From previous ADV trips I had accumulated two medium Wolfman luggage “Rolie” bags. (These waterproof, roll-top duffel bags are available from CSC.) I wanted to use one of these bags for excess gear that wouldn’t fit in the cases, or the inner layer of clothes that I shed as the day heats up.

The Rolie bags have a tie down system built in. I bought four chrome tie downs at the local hardware store. Measuring the spacing of the straps, I determined that tie down straps needed to be 6-inches apart. This meant that the spacing of the inside holes on the brackets would be 3.5-inches apart.

Looking at the top of the case, I found that this spacing would allow for the brackets to be spaced evenly around the CSC logo.

Top case tie-down brackets

The width of the spacing was determined by the molded surface. I wanted to add some reinforcement to the case lid, so I cut two pieces of aluminum about 11-inches long. The 1-inch wide aluminum fit perfectly in the molded lid.

Interior reinforcing aluminum stock

I marked the location of the brackets on the aluminum stock and drilled holes for stainless steel bolts. Then, using the aluminum stock as a guide, I drilled holes in the lid. I bolted the tie down brackets to the top of the lid and used locking nuts on the inside.

The photos below show how the stuffed Rolie bag attaches to the top case with web straps.

Web straps secure the Rolie bag to the top case

Because the top case is lightweight, you can’t put much weight in the Rolie bag. But this bag is a good alternative to a backpack for a fleece liner or rain coat. Likewise, I can carry the flat, empty Rolie bag in the top case and attach it to the top box only when needed.

“Naked” CSC RX3 Adventure on the White Rim Trail, Moab, Utah

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CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle VS. Electric Bicycles

Which Electric Vehicle Would You Rather Ride to Work, School, or for Errands?

A while back, the CSC Motorcycles City Slicker was compared to the Zero SR electric sport bike. This comparison also noted that these two electric vehicles are designed for TOTALLY different riders and markets.

After all, the CSC Motorcycles City Slicker has a MSRP of only $2,495.00 – INCLUDING shipping to your door. The Zero SR sells for nearly $17,000!

CSC City Slicker electric motorcycle

This article stimulated the idea for another comparison – based on intended usage – between the CSC Motorcycles City Slicker “commuter” electric cycle and an electric bicycle. There are now many electric bicycle models that sell for $2,495.00 to over $4,500.00. (There are also 49cc motorized mountain bikes that sell for as much as $10,000 – but that is another story…)

Let’s compare these two options for the person who wants to commute to work or school, run errands, or just enjoy riding through the countryside.

Why would you spend the same amount or MORE for less versatility, fewer safety features, HALF the speed and HALF the range as the CSC City Slicker? The City Slicker has storage, safety, and security features not found on ANY E-bike! For commuting and city errands, the CSC City Slicker is the BEST value in the market today!

Learn more about the CSC Motorcycles City Slicker HERE. All City Slickers are inspected and then shipped DIRECT to your door for ONLY $2,495.00!

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Is The CSC RX3 An “Adventure” Bike? – Part Two

The CSC RX3 Adventure completes the challenging – and beautiful – White Rim Trail.

Part Two, by Randy Reek

In October or 2016, ADVriders 3banger, GSC, and rbrADV rode the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands Nat’l Park. We left Moab, Utah and rode about 30 miles to the park, then headed down the Shafer Switchbacks to the canyon floor. The first video shows the descent down the switchbacks and the immense scope of the area.

The White Rim Trail is a 90-mile loop that follows the Colorado and Green Rivers. It is a long and demanding trail. There are several intense hill climbs and descents. One of these climbs is named the Murphy Hogsback. Here is a video of the climb:

A free Forest Service permit is required to travel the White Rim Trail. The trail should NOT be ridden alone! There is NO cell service and NO support – you MUST be completely self-sufficient. This includes being prepared to fix anything that you break on the trail. You must also be a good rider. The White Rim Trail is long and demanding. If you get in over your head on the middle of this loop, no one is going to bail you out! Here is another dramatic climb up Hardscrabble Hill:

We encountered many mountain bikers – who were supported by vehicles hauling their food, water and camping gear. Mountain bikes require 3 to 5 days to complete the loop. Jeeps can do the loop in 2 to 3 days, camping along the trail. We rode to and from Moab, and the entire trail in one day, completing a 150-mile circuit.

This is the fourth video as we climb back from the river bottom and hit the road back to Moab. As you can see, the shadows are getting long. We made it back to Moab in time for dinner.

This is the first completion of the White Rim Trail on CSC RX3 Adventures. David and Gary had previously rode these same RX3’s to Baja and back. The White Rim Trail is the ultimate dual-sport adventure! Does this mean the CSC RX3 is an “adventure bike”? The White Rim Trail was an adventure! The RX3 Adventures performed flawlessly. We never needed more power or speed. We had no mechanical issues. After the trail ride, David rode the highway over 100 miles back to Colorado the same night!

By EVERY measurement, the CSC RX3 is an ADVENTURE motorcycle!

Learn more at CSCmotorcycles.com 

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CSC Motorcycles 2019 RX4 Sneak Peek Photos

Excitement continues to build around the NEW 2019 CSC RX4 motorcycle!

CSC Motorcycles is currently evaluating the new RX4 Adventure, finalizing options, and undergoing EPA and CARB-certification testing. The new CSC RX4 is targeted for a Spring 2019 release. However, in the mean time, here are some photos of the prototypes now on display at the CSC Motorcycles showroom!

(Note: CSC displayed this RX4 prototype at the recent Pomona Off-Road show. The consensus of show visitors was that this bike looks like it should sell for over $15,000!)

CSC RX4 Adventure dual sport motorcycle

2019 CSC RX4 Adventure Dual Sport Motorcycle

The new 2019 CSC RX4 with 450cc single-cylinder motor. Colors and options will be finalized soon. The base model will include the molded panniers and top box now standard on the CSC RX3 Adventure. The Tourfella aluminum cases shown will be an extra-cost option.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The new 2019 CSC RX4 will be equipped with an adjustable windscreen.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The standard CSC RX4 will include hi-impact molded panniers and top case, similar to those found on the RX3 Adventure, but the top case will hold a full-face helmet! Aluminum Tourfella panniers and top case – as shown above – will be offered as an extra-cost option, installed by CSC before delivery. Also shown is the wide rider and passenger saddle.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 will include the dash-mounted USB charging port and the universal 12 volt socket as standard equipment. The dash includes analog tachometer and electronic  speedometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, clock, gear indicator, neutral light, turn signal indicators, and high beam light.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 features a large one-piece radiator for improved cooling of the 450cc motor. The stock engine guards are also shown.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 includes dual disc front brakes with large floating brake rotors.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 has a 450cc engine and a large, high-mount, dual exit exhaust with all stainless steel head pipe. Front and rear LED turn signals are standard.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 has a flush mount locking gas cap. The ignition key opens the gas cap and the luggage locks.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The 2019 CSC RX4 includes a large steel skid plate. CSC will also offer a larger heavy-duty aluminum skid plate as an option. The foot pegs for the rider and passenger are wide aluminum with removable rubber inserts.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

Powered will be transferred through a heavy-duty 530 O-ring chain

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The new 2019 CSC RX4 will include the latest technology, Hi-Luminous HI-Beam and projector style low-beam with a LED glow style trim ring that will be on all the time for the daytime running light.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The headlights will be controlled by an automatic sensor that will activate the lights at dusk. Not shown are the handlebar switches pre-wired to accessory plugs under the seat and powered by the 300-watt alternator on the CSC RX4 Adventure.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The CSC RX4 coolant fill cap is located up high on the tank side panel for easy access. The adjustable front telescopic forks can be seen in this photo, as well as the ignition with fork lock.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The new 2019 CSC RX4 will feature spoked wheels with black anodized aluminum alloy rims. The stock tires will be DOT dual-sport tires with tubes.  CSC will also offer a knobby tire option. Cast aluminum wheels with tubeless tires will also be available as an option from CSC.

CSC RX4

OPTIONAL cast alloy wheels and tubeless tires

 

The CSC RX4 shown with the OPTIONAL cast aluminum wheels with tubeless DOT highway tires.

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

The CSC RX4 will include a lower rear mud guard, below the standard rear fender.

The 2019 CSC RX4  is powered by a  450cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled motor producing 40.2 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. The engine has Delphi fuel-injection and is mated to a 6-speed transmission.

The bike with racks and luggage has a wet weight of approximately 450 pounds. The stock tires are 110 x 19 front and 150 x 17 rear dual-sport tires on spoked wheels with aluminum rims. CSC will offer knobby tires as an option. Tubeless DOT highway tires on cast aluminum wheels will also be offered as an option.

Stay tuned for more information as the specifications and features are finalized on the new 2019 CSC RX4. After the release date is announced, deposits on this new model will be accepted. As always, the purchase cost of the new CSC RX4 will INCLUDE shipping to your address!

CSC Motorcycles RX4 Adventure

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The CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle Is In The News!

A fully electric motorcycle for ONLY $2,495.00? That’s NEWS!

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

The new CSC City Slicker electric motorcycle has been featured in many articles recently. Our good friend Joe Berk has done several in-depth reviews about the City Slicker on his Exhaust Notes blog – including the features and driving range of the electric bike. (You can read them all by following this link.)

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

Joe even did a comparison between the $2,495.00 CSC City Slicker and the Zero SR electric sport bike that costs over $16,000! Yes, both motorcycles are full electric drive. No, the CSC City Slicker did not win the drag race since it is designed and intended for a TOTALLY different market.

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

CSC City Slicker Electric Commuter Motorcycle vs Zero SR Electric Sport Bike

Nevertheless, this article inspired another post by Micah Toll, self-described “battery nerd and personal electric vehicle enthusiast”  from ELECTREK. Micah expands on the comparison of the City Slicker and the Zero SR and concludes:

“At the end of the day, these are both very capable electric motorcycles that excel in their own environments, even if those environments aren’t the same. If you’re looking for an affordable street bike solely for city riding and never plan to hit the highway, you can save a ton of money with the City Slicker. With its smaller and more nimble wheels, it’s built for navigating cities and lives up to its name.

But if you want a state-of-the-art electric motorcycle with performance that will fill your eyes with tears and your teeth with bugs, plus has the range to make charging only a sporadic chore, then the Zero SR is the cream of the crop.

Either option is another step towards displacing gas-powered vehicles and replacing them with environmentally responsible (and fun!) electric vehicles. And if they help remove space hogging cars from our already crowded cities, then all the better.”

CSC is awaiting another shipment of City Slicker electric motorcycles. Many are already pre-sold, but the remainder of this inventory is still available. You can reserve yours with just a $500.00 deposit. And the $2,495.00 price INCLUDES shipping to your door!

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

City Slicker Battery Removed

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

City Slicker Battery Charged On-board – Charger INCLUDED!

Contact CSC Motorcycles to reserve YOUR City Slicker!

800-884-4173

CSC City Slicker Electric Motorcycle

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CSC Motorcycles Specification Comparison Chart

Answering Your Questions About the New 2019 RX4 and Other CSC Motorcycles

CSC Motorcycles is currently evaluating the new RX4, finalizing options, and undergoing EPA and CARB-certification testing. The new CSC RX4 is targeted for a Spring 2019 release.

CSC Motorcycles has posted the chart below comparing the different models. Each of the THREE models shown have DIFFERENT motors, frames and rider geometry. NOTE: after initial testing and evaluation it has been determined that the RX3S is not ergonomically designed for the US market. However, it is possible that the 380cc twin cylinder motor may be used in other models in the future. Stay tuned to CSCmotorcycles.com for more information.

CSC Motorcycles RX4

Many features have not been finalized on the new 2019 CSC RX4, including color choices, wheels, tires, luggage, etc. However, the CSC RX4 will offer a distinct alternative to the CSC RX3 Adventure and CSC TT250 Enduro.

The main differences between these THREE models are as follows:

CSC RX4     450cc single cylinder liquid-cooled motor producing 43.5 horsepower at 8500 rpm (or 40.2 horsepower at 8,000 rpm), fuel-injected, 6-speed transmission, 450 pounds, 110 x 19 front and 150 x 17 rear tires (possibly tubeless tires on cast wheels?)

CSC RX3      250cc single cylinder liquid-cooled motor producing 24.8 horsepower, fuel-injected, 6-speed transmission, 385 pounds, 100 x 19 front and 130 x 17 rear tires (spoked rims and tube-tires)

CSC TT250      230cc single cylinder air-cooled motor producing 16.1 horsepower, carburetor, 5-speed transmission, 309 pounds, 300 x 21 front and 460 x 18 rear tires (spoked rims and tube-tires)

Stay tuned for more information as the specifications and features are finalized on the new 2019 CSC RX4. After the release date is announced, deposits on this new model will be accepted. As always, the purchase cost of the new CSC RX4 will INCLUDE shipping to your address!

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New 2019 CSC Motorcycle RX4 Begins EPA-Certification

CSC Motorcycles Looks Ahead To Expanded 2019 Model Line

CSC Motorcycles is currently evaluating the new RX4 motorcycle for introduction in the Spring of 2019. This information is VERY preliminary!

CSC received the first new 2019 RX4 motorcycles in September. This new model is being evaluated for the U.S. market. The new bike samples can be seen at the CSC Motorcycles showroom and will also be on display at the Off Road Expo in Pomona, CA September 29 and 30.

This NEW model is NOT available for sale or order at this time.

The FIRST step is evaluating the new model in terms of expectations of North American riders. The RX4 is a new model with a larger 450 cc single-cylinder motor. While there are many similarities, because of the larger motor the new RX4 does not share the same frame as the very popular CSC RX3 Adventure. Many, many options will also be considered before the model specifications are finalized including model colors, wheels, tire size, luggage options, and more.

Watch for more information to be released soon at CSCMotorcycles.com. In the mean time, the new motorcycle model must undergo extensive (and expensive) EPA and CARB certification. A target release date of Spring 2019 is planned. When testing is completed and the release date is finalized, deposits will be accepted on the new 2019 CSC RX4. STAY TUNED!!

Below are some SNEAK PEEK photos of the new 2019 CSC RX4. Please note that many features shown may not be included in the final production models approved for sale in the U.S.

CSC Motorcycles RX4

CSC Motorcycles RX4 2019 Prototype

CSC Motorcycles RX4

CSC Motorcycles RX4 450cc Single Cylinder Motor

CSC Motorcycles RX4 CSC Motorcycles RX4CSC Motorcycles RX4

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Off Road Expo, This Weekend in Pomona CA.

CSC Motorcycles will be at the Pomona Fairgrounds this weekend at the Off-Road Expo. Its a great show, If you are going to be there stop by our booth #5418 inside one of the buildings. We are bringing out the full line of CSC Motorcycles.

HARDCORE FANS | HUNDREDS OF EXHIBITORS | 10 ACRES OF EVERYTHING OFF-ROAD

The 2018 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo Powered by General Tire is truly the greatest collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear, action and experts ever assembled in America. From off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, motorcycles and UTV’s, to camping and adventure travel, fans have the unique opportunity to meet and talk with the most knowledgeable people in the off-road industry. Fans can experience the dynamic world of off-road thru ride-alongs, racing demos, celebrity appearances, live music, industry media events and product giveaways all weekend.

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Baja John Tells Why He Bought the CSC TT250 Enduro – his SECOND CSC Motorcycle!

The CSC TT250 Enduro is the PERFECT second (or first) motorcycle!

CSC Motorcycles is the exclusive importer for a line of unique motorcycles. These motorcycles (RX3 Adventure, TT250 Enduro, and SG250 San Gabriel) are unique because each combines many, many features in an adventure bike, dual sport, and café racer not found in competitive models selling for two or three times the price!
Each model of CSC Motorcycles fills a specific niche. The vast majority of CSC owners already own (or have owned) multiple motorcycles. It is also true that many CSC owners own more than one CSC Motorcycle!

The is true of “Baja John”. John was a participant in the inaugural RX3 Adventure tour of the Baja Peninsula in 2016. He also rode with the multi-national group in the Western Adventure Tour later in 2016. These two trips alone counted for more than 6,000 miles on the CSC RX3 Adventure.

CSC TT250 Enduro motorcycle

CSC RX3 Adventure Baja Tour

CSC TT250 Enduro motorcycle

“Baja John” is fortunate to own a house in Bahia de Los Angeles, Mexico. Recently he wrote a guest post for Joe Berk’s Exhaust Notes blog where he described his search for a dual sport motorcycle that would live at his Mexico house.

John writes, “Since this motorcycle will only be ridden in Mexico, and primarily on the Baja Peninsula, I don’t necessarily need a bike that can do more than 60 mph comfortably. I also want a bike that will probably see on and off road equally. So, I laid out the requirements, and set out to find a bike.

My requirements are a bike that is 1: reliable, 2: simple to work on in the field, 3: lightweight with a smooth power band, 4: comfortable for long distances, 5: a range of at least 150 miles on a tank of gas, 6: has enough ground clearance for the majority of off-road riding that I will do, and if I’m lucky, 7: has a kick starter that will fire the engine up in the event of a dead battery. That last requirement is tough to satisfy these days, so it became more of a desire. If I were going to ride in cold weather, I would also require enough wattage to power heated gear, but fortunately, the majority of my riding will be in temperate climates.”

One of the dual sport cycles John considered was the Yamaha XT250. He continues, “The XT250 pretty much checks all of the boxes. I recently stopped by a dealership to see one. I wanted to sit on it and check out my riding position and standing position. Everything good so far. The tank is only 2.4 gal, but at the advertised 78mpg, it should meet the 150-mile range. It’s Yamaha reliable, easy to work on, and less than 300lbs wet with a very comfortable 32” seat height. I would still have to ride one to get some feel of the power band and comfort while riding, but at a price of $5,200, I decided that a new one was out of the question.”

CSC TT250 Enduro motorcycle

CSC TT250 Enduro Baja Motorcycle Tour

Then John remembered the CSC TT250 Enduro. “Wow, this bike had possibilities. Although it’s a Chinese bike, my RX3 has been very reliable, and probably the best motorcycle that I’ve ever owned, due to its reliability, versatility, and comfort. I take that bike with me wherever I go, either on the back of my motor home or on a hitch carrier attached to my Jeep. Manufactured by Zongshen, the same company that builds the RX3, I was sure it would be well made and reliable. Plus, the Honda CG clone engine has been known for its reliability for decades. So, let’s check the boxes.

I went online to the ADV and China Rider forums to see what TT250 owners had to say about the bike. 1: Reliable: Yes. 2: Simple to work on: Obviously, being a CG clone engine. Plus, CSC provides a service manual and online service tutorials. 3: Lightweight with a smooth power band: Advertised at 309 lbs it looks like it will be about 100 lbs lighter than the RX3, and riders say it has a smooth power band. 4: Comfortable for long distances: Riders say that they like the wider seat, the riding position, and apparently there is not too much wind buffeting. 5: Range of 150 miles: At 65 mpg, the 2.9-gallon tank should make 150 miles even if only 2.3 gallons is usable. 6: Good ground clearance: Yes. 7: Kickstarter that will fire up the engine even with a dead battery.”

CSC TT250 Enduro motorcycle

Conclusion: John bought a CSC TT250 Enduro! The $2,195.00 delivered price (plus prep and documentation fees) was too good to pass up at LESS than half his other choice! John summarizes, “Now that I pulled the trigger, I’m very happy with my decision. During my lifetime, I’ve seen customer service slowly decline over the decades. It’s refreshing to deal with a company that has a strong customer service ethic.”

Thanks for the strong testimonial, John! To read the rest of the blog post, go to http://exhaustnotes.us/blog/index.php/2018/09/22/baja-john-weighs-in/

The CSC TT250 Enduro is truly a bargain in today’s market. In fact, the TT250 was recently named the BEST motorcycle value in the US by Motorcycle.com magazine! Contact CSC Motorcycles to reserve YOURS. Follow this link for more information.

CSC TT250 Enduro motorcycle

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