CSC Blog

ADV Moto: “Could this be the budget adventure bike we’ve been waiting for?”

ADV Moto recently released an online article that summarized their test ride of the new CSC RX4. In the article written by Pablo Espinosa, he asks the question: “Could this be the budget adventure bike we’ve been waiting for?”

For at least 20 years the adventure riding, dual-sport market has had to choose between uncomfortable street-legal dirt bikes (WR250, DR650), over-weight “adventure” street bikes (Wee-Strom, Tenere, BMW’s), and antiquated cross-over models (KLR650, DRZ400.)

Riders asked, “Why aren’t any brands offering an economical, smaller dual-sport with fuel-injection and some basic features important to ADV riding – like a decent gas tank, electronics, and at least a few ADV-features as standard equipment? Why do I have to spend hundreds more to prepare a new “adventure motorcycle” for actual riding?”

CSC Motorcycles first bucked the trend with the RX3 Adventure. This economical 250cc motorcycle includes fuel-injection, adjustable suspension, full instrumentation, windshield, 300-watt alternator to power accessories, a large 4.2-gallon gas tank, AND a locking rear top box, side panniers, and mounting racks as STANDARD equipment. (See CSCMotorcycles.com for more information. The 2019 CSC RX3 sells for only $3,995.00, plus fees.)

While the 250cc RX3 has been very popular and has developed a family of loyal small-bike advocates, there were many others who longed for a larger ADV-bike. After several years of development and testing, CSC Motorcycles (and their manufacturing partner, Zongshen) has finalized the specs on the new 2020 CSC RX4 with a 450cc fuel-injected, single-cylinder motor.

2020 CSC RX4 shown with OPTIONAL Shinko knobby tires (Moab, Utah)

The new 2020 RX4 is now completing EPA-certification to enable sales in all 50-states, including California’s CARB standards. ADV Moto was able to take a pre-production model for a test ride, and the article is based on this test. They write:

“At the relatively inexpensive price of $5,395, the 2020 RX4 offers many standard amenities for a 450cc-sized modern adventure-style motorcycle. Though the quality of the parts may not be up to the standards of its German or Japanese counterparts, can it hold its own in reliability and durability at such a low entry price point?”

“The CSC RX4 is manufactured in China by Zongshen under an exclusive arrangement with CSC. Zongshen has become a global entity with true quality control and state-of-the-art manufacturing. And is respected enough to partner with Piaggio, Harley-Davidson, Norton and others to build engines as well as many other components.”

The Base 2020 CSC RX4 at MSRP $5,395.00 plus fees.

The reader should understand that virtually all power-sports brands have manufacturing alliances in China. Other brands that rely on Chinese manufacturing include KTM, Vespa, BMW, Mercury Marine, Honda Marine plus “American” companies like Chevrolet.

CSC Motorcycles is the co-designer, exclusive importer and distributor for Zongshen in North America. The ADV Moto article correctly describes the warranty and parts support that CSC Motorcycles provides every new owner:

CSC Motorcycles stocks 100% of the parts for each model

“With over 30 years in the motorcycle industry, CSC stands behind its product with a two-year, unlimited mile warranty. If something requires warranty work within the first year, both parts and labor are covered. For the second year, CSC covers just the part(s) and you pay the labor or install it yourself using the online tutorials on the CSC website. Steve Seidner, the owner, tells me they stock EVERY spare part for their bikes in their Azusa, California warehouse. And more good news, they’re building a network of CSC-familiar service centers throughout the U.S. If one isn’t near you, then use your favorite mechanic for warranty work. If need be, CSC will overnight parts to you or your mechanic. They also offer an extended warranty for up to four years for an additional fee. All this support is confidence inspiring.”

CSC Motorcycles ready for shipment DIRECT to the buyer.

The CSC Motorcycles warranty is more than “confidence inspiring”. The two-year, unlimited mileage warranty is unmatched in the industry. No other brand stands behind its products like CSC Motorcycles. No other brand has 100% of the parts in stock. CSC will work with the new owner (or a favorite local motorcycle shop) to handle any warranty issues. Zongshen, CSC’s manufacturing partner, has completed several years of reliability and performance testing, including dyno testing at the factory plus a 6,000-mile dual-sport road test across China. This reliability testing is also unheard of in the industry.

2020 CSC RX4 shown with OPTIONAL Tourfella Aluminum Luggage and racks

Because the test ride was completed on a pre-production model, the writer listed a few features incorrectly. The full list of features (from the CSCMotorcycles.com website) confirm that the CSC RX4 is an unmatched value in the Adventure Motorcycle category. The powerful and economical 450cc motor is paired with a huge list of standard features that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.

2020 CSC RX4 Standard Features:

• 450cc liquid-cooled engine, 4-valve, overhead cam, with counter-balancer. 40.2 HP at 8,000 RPM
• Long maintenance intervals (5,000-mile valve adjustment) and easy repairs backed by a full Owner’s Manual and online service tutorials
• US Delphi EFI system
• 6-speed transmission
• Stainless steel twin pipe exhaust
• 5.3-gallon fuel tank with locking gas cap – keyed to ignition
• Siemens Chip LCD dash with digital speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, neutral light, temperature gauge, clock, turn signal and high beam indicators
• Adjustable windshield
• 12-volt and USB charging outlets on dash
• LED turn signals and brake light
• Dual-flash hazard lights
• 3D Anti-fog headlamp with LED daytime running light. Low light sensor with handlebar switch controls
• 300-Watt alternator
• Automotive-type waterproof connectors under the seat. Handlebar-switch for accessory outlets OPTIONAL
• Adjustable inverted front forks with anodized finish. Fork lock keyed to ignition
• Adjustable rear shock absorber. Lowering link OPTIONAL
• Large diameter dual front and single rear disk brakes with ABS.
• Front 110/80-19 spoked wheel with CST radial tire and tube, black aluminum rim
• Rear 150/70-17 spoked wheel with CST radial tire and tube, black aluminum rim
• Front and rear mud guards, with added rear lower mud guard
• Steel engine skid plate. Full coverage aluminum skid plate OPTIONAL
• Frame-mounted engine guards
• Wide steel rider foot pegs with removable rubber inserts
• Passenger foot pegs and grab rails
• Tapered aluminum handlebars with bar-end weights
• Dual-curvature rear view mirrors
• Ergonomic comfort seat, passenger seat removable with ignition key. OPTIONAL Tall Seat Concepts saddle.
• Available Colors for 2020: Tangerine Pearl or Gun Metal Metallic
• PLUS, a full range of accessories is being developed by CSC Motorcycles for the new 2020 RX4

The 2020 CSC RX4 will be available in July 2019 for ONLY $5,395.00 plus fees WITHOUT luggage.

Optional locking molded rear panniers and top case

CSC Motorcycles is offering three optional luggage packages for the RX4. Owners have a choice of molded side cases and mounting racks with either a STANDARD or TALL molded rear top box (which is large enough for a full-face helmet.) Or RX4 owners can select the OPTIONAL package of Tourfella aluminum side cases and rear top box, all with custom side pannier and rear mounting racks. Please see CSCMotorcycles.com for current pricing.

Another CSC Motorcycle on the way to a happy owner!

As the article also noted, the price of the RX4 includes shipping to your door in the Lower 48-states. The MSRP price does not include the documentation fee of $55.00 so that you can obtain a title and license the new motorcycle in all 50-states. Also, not included is an assembly and inspection charge of $345.00. The $400.00 in fees covers the inbound import fees and the assembly at CSC so that all you need to do when your bike arrives is install the rear-view mirrors and luggage, add gas and start riding!