With 5 riders on Zongshan motorbikes starting on the start line for the Dakar 2017.
Riders.
1. Z. Hongyi (CHN)
2. Z.Min (CHN)
3. W.Jobard (FRA)
4. J.Hsien Chi (TWN)
5. T. Bethys (FRA)
A great challenge lay ahead for the team from Zongshen.
1st stage ....
78 for Bethys.
113 for Chi
131 for Hongyi
133 for Min
135 for Jobard
From a start line off 143?
Not bad for the first stage
Sadly only Bethys made it to the end of stage 2
116 for Bethys.
Stage 3
107 for Bethys but 8 hours 30 mins behind the leaders.
Stage 4
Thierry Bethys was the last representative of the Chinese constructor Zongshen, which is participating in its first Dakar. However, the brand’s debut hopes went up in smoke, because the Frenchman, who completed his first five Dakars, could do nothing but drop out of the race after his machine caught fire and burned on the fourth stage.
So the end results is all owners of Zonshen engines need to add 1 more to the list of possible faults "FIRE"
While Zongshen may be lacking a bit in preparation they are gold medalists at spin doctoring . this from their website..
In 2002, Zongshen Motorcycle Racing Team’s winning of the annual grand champion of the World Motorcycle Endurance Tournament entirely shocked the world. The achievements of Zongshen Motorcycle Racing Team are a reflection of China’s rapid economic development over the years.
That would be the Zongshen racing team on Suzuki GSX 1000's
They also did very well in the Chinese road racing championship on Honda CBR 600's
Stick a Zongshen badge on anything and its yours !
01-07-2017, 05:29 AM
MJH
Re: All over for Zongshen in thde Dakar 2017
Allot has changed since 2002, these Rally 450 is coming to the market soon, I believe this year. It could take a decade for Zongshen to become a leader or sit next to the leaders.
01-07-2017, 07:52 AM
zhu
Re: All over for Zongshen in thde Dakar 2017
Possible if they manage to design an engine . So far no sign of that .
01-07-2017, 08:25 AM
modron
Re: All over for Zongshen in thde Dakar 2017
Still, they are trying.
First year, new bikes, new place, new experience. They were shown their place but this whole endeavor is nothing but good for us consumers. They are trying to make a name for themselves. Good for them.
01-07-2017, 08:43 AM
zhu
Re: All over for Zongshen in thde Dakar 2017
Nothing but admiration for the people running and riding the race bikes . Nothing but utter contempt for the bullshit artists writing their website.
01-07-2017, 01:37 PM
prince666
1 Attachment(s)
Re: All over for Zongshen in thde Dakar 2017
Quote:
Originally Posted by modron
Still, they are trying.
First year, new bikes, new place, new experience. They were shown their place but this whole endeavor is nothing but good for us consumers. They are trying to make a name for themselves. Good for them.
spot on ? just look at the line up of bikes who started the Dakar.
Most are KTM...... the big boys in the game who have been racing in the Dakar for years.
Along came Zongshen got 5 bikes ready on the start line.
Had a good go but things just didn't work out for the team but there had a shot at the race and lesson would have been learnt.
Just next time there will make sure all bikes are fitted with a fire extinguisher.
