NEW! Most Affordable Aircraft Engine! ZD Zongshen [FULL INTERVIEW] Clone Wars Rotax Vs. ZD CKD Aero

[@johnlucas2037]

Congratulations! You manage to produce an entire video about the new most affordable aircraft engine without actually mentioning the price!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

They requested that we didn't say it in video but instead inquire directly. There are special promos going on right now for a limited time. Trust me.... we always ask PRICE. We don't however, always get permission to share.

[@terrancestodolka4829]

You know " If you have to ask" ... You might not be able to afford it... Yet the future it might be a value or crap... Seems time and use will tell...

[@johnlucas2037]

@experimentalaircraft I understand I just thought it was amusing that the price was never mentioned. I also think most westerners are not in favor of a copy but how many companies make cub clones? How is that ok but for some reason making a copy of an engine that’s been on the market for over 30 years is considered bad form?

[@TecnamTwin]

​​​That's not how that works, at all. This is an "affordable" 100 hp engine, not a 350 hp turbocharged FADEC engine going into a million dollar airplane. If a company wants me to "call for price", I'm definitely not doing that. I value transparency, not cheap sales tactics.

[@joebudi5136]

Sticker price can't be mentioned? We all know that is normally the highest price.

[@sledawgpilot]

I’ve worked at an FBO and built a half dozen or so engines, mostly IO-470 & 520s. Silicone (RTV) is a big no-no. It softens in hot oil and the goobers can end up in the oil passages. That is a non starter for me.

[@neonone9164]

I agree, and his explanation was pure BS, never had any issues with pinching o rings, only pinching a loaf.

[@echopapacharlie]

@@neonone9164 I really feel like this company, and the Chinese government supporting it, are building this engine for the military UAV application. China has no domestic demand for civilian light / ultralight aircraft. The international market is not big enough to interest a Chinese company typically. Military UAVs are the only reason to justify such an investment by China. Right now, as I type this, Iran just launched 100s of UAVs on Israel. Who knows how many more waves are coming in the next few days. As such, anything you can do to produce an engine in volume for an application where no durability is needed, you are going to to do it. Using RTV instead of a comparatively expensive and labor intensive gasket / o ring makes sense.

[@rescue270]

Yep

[@mouser857]

I believe subaru did this with their boxer engines.. removed the gasket and used rtv to save money... now boxer engines commonly develop leaks. So I bought a Toyota lol.

[@neilis2405]

If its easy to access gaskets on the exterior it might still be cheaper to buy this and just replace the gaskets and clean off the RTV before mounting. Particularly for a home built airplane a little sweat equity is often welcomed.

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

I see details like 17:46 lumpy sealant oozing out of a valve cover & the fuel pump & 20:28 bad welds on the exhaust showing the usual Chinese quality I've come to expect. My opinion on the painted castings is it will retain heat & is likely a sealant for casting flaws. I'm ok-ish with Chinese junk powering my lawn mower or weed eater but I'm standing on the ground when they take a dump! We don't make much here anymore because businesses push "Fine China" products on us for higher profits while China's society promotes cutting corners on quality for profit.

[@echopapacharlie]

bad welds at 22:28, not 20:28?

[@bensmith7536]

nailed it, with chinas deep seated cultural / societal absolute for profit over anything and everything else, if i was trusting my health and safety to an ultralight aircraft engine, i'd save the extra and go rotax.

[@josue_kay]

Stick with Boeing 👍

[@galactictomato1434]

​@@josue_kayI'd take Boeing any day of the week before getting near a Comac.

[@olliperez9022]

22:30 those welds look awful

[@johnnyjohnson6771]

Most every backyard mechanic and upward knows that RTV silicone swells when exposed to gasoline. Geez, I don't mind competition but a flat out CLONE is disgusting! If they are such great engine builders, then why a verbatim clone? Only problem is it's not built Verbatim, copies never are. You are not going to get the exact same metallurgy and heat treating as the original. This is the same sort of crap going on in the small gas engine world where all the small USA and Japanese engine companies are competing against their own designs being built far cheaper in Asia. Our American and European companies get destroyed over environmental regulations which the Asian companies are not subject too so this is part of why this junk is cheaper. I think some of the welding visible in the video looks like crap too. They probably paint the main castings so they can butter up the rough spots with BONDO and cover it up. This guy only buys genuine GM parts for his GM but thinks it's OK to put Chinese clone parts on a genuine Rotax. You just devalued your channel by showcasing this garbage. This is gross, I'm out of here............................................................................

[@madcotter0074]

Doesn't look like it is in direct contact though

[@9pm_sunrise]

As someone who owns a plane and has had Chinese motorcycles with Zongshen engines let me be the first to say, I will never put that CCP made crap in my plane. Shitty welds, horrible QC, horrible customer service, reduced power, lower material quality, and lack of transparency. These are things that Zongshen and its sister companies are repeatedly guilty of. It doesn't really matter if you have a Zong motor in a dirt bike because that's only $1500 for the whole bike but when you're flying over mountains and your engine starts saying "Ching gong pow", your name will quickly become Ho Li Fuk as your pronouns are then changed to "here" and "there."

[@ernies7174]

Rtv around the fuel pump scares the shit outta me. Rtv everywhere seems like a hack job and a pita when something has to come apart.

[@Sharft6]

I sealed the carb bowl on my motorbike once with RTV and it actually kinda worked for stopping leaks. But I'd never use it near fuel again. It swells up on the inside a lot and can interfere with the function of the floats. Plus the fuel breaks it down so who knows how long till a jet blocks.

[@ernies7174]

@@Sharft6 an RV builder used it on his fuel line fittings. Eventually a piece swelled and broke off and clogged the line leading to loss of life

[@echopapacharlie]

I really feel like this company, and the Chinese government supporting it, are building this engine for the military UAV application. China has no domestic demand for civilian light / ultralight aircraft. The international market is not big enough to interest a Chinese company typically. Military UAVs are the only reason to justify such an investment by China. Right now, as I type this, Iran just launched 100s of UAVs on Israel. Who knows how many more waves are coming in the next few days. As such, anything you can do to produce an engine in volume for an application where no durability is needed, you are going to to do it. Using RTV instead of a comparatively expensive and labor intensive gasket / o ring makes sense.

[@jdouglas4564]

Yes, it will be cheap until they put the competition out of business and then they’ll start charging more for something that is worse. This is the Chinese way wake up the Chinese are not your friends.

[@percussion44]

Who are your friends? Rotax? Big tip here, NO company is your friend, Corporate customer abuse, malfeasance, operating in not good faith etc is basic corporate policy. You mean nothing to them, if you croak so be it, just make sure you sent the final payment first thanks. In that sense the Chinese corps are no different than any other.

[@MrShaneSunshine]

I worked for a company that had its products copied (500k to 5million each). They copied our products and sold the cheap copy to our existing customers. Put the company under and we all lost our jobs....not friends. They have a motto that says if you can cheat and lie to win ....win. no honour/respect or responsibility. No private industry....think about it.

[@galactictomato1434]

​@@percussion44Zongshen makes drones designed to kill Americans. They are literally our enemies. Keep shilling though.

[@scotth985]

I watched your video with Matt. He paid $8k for his a year ago. Now they are up to almost $16k. Were they $10k or less I'd understand buying one. At 2/3 the cost of the real deal I'd pass. The line I found the most comical was that Rotax had no competition so now they are going to have to compete with their own design. Glad you are informing the public but I'll be watching on the sidelines for now.

[@tylerdurden2644]

Had a friend brag how much more his house is worth. I explained it is not his house but his dollar is worth a lot less. Maybe someday the average Joe will wake up to the game. You will eat ze bugs and be happy.

[@Rio_Seco]

Yup. This is the same company who is now selling wood aircraft plans for $3K. You can buy a used 912 for less then 10K all day long.

[@janvanhaaster2093]

@@tylerdurden2644 An average home in Sydney Australia in 2007 costed 400 ounces of gold; now it still costs 400 ounces of gold. However, in Austrailian dollars you then paid AUD$ 500.000 and now AUD$ 1.400.000 The result of printing money.....

[@DanSmithBK]

Here in the UK, the saving vs the same Rotax is so small, it doesn’t make taking the risk worthwhile.

[@NicHolmes]

Last I checked there was no agent for them in the UK anymore either - had to get one from EU and pay transport and VAT

[@phoneticau]

Same in Australia, the road going for experimental is out of hours on condition Rotax 912 for owner built owner maintained , the clone Rotax is around 2/3 the cost at best so price is not that great

[@bensmith7536]

@@phoneticau "...the road going for experimental is out of hours on condition Rotax 912 for owner built owner maintained" not sure what that means.

[@neilis2405]

@@phoneticau 2/3 the cost isn't that big a deal when buying groceries. When we're talking about a $15-$20 engine taking off 1/3 the price is a good chunk of money. I'd weigh this against people thinking of automotive conversions and such. Maybe you don't think its as good as a Rotax, but would you prefer this or a conversion engine?

[@jongmans38]

As fitted to the Iranian shaed drones...

[@semidemiurge]

Shitty welds at 22:30

[@atmm89]

typical Chinese weld

[@machinesandthings7121]

Wow thanks for the call out.

[@michaelamick8295]

As Jody from youtube weldingtipsandtricks would say “they look like Fido’s butt”!

[@johngriffiths118]

Shocking . Good spot .

[@albatross9873]

Good call out. Yeah - they're bad! :(

[@Random-Things]

I don't trust Chinese quality and would prefer the original, the best- Rotax.

[@percussion44]

You are aware the "best- Rotax" has a disclaimer on their non-cert engines saying engine could seize or blow at any moment and kill you? That's how much Rotax cares about you.

[@rizzywizzy]

Why do research and develop a new product when you can just copy someone’s hard work.

[@chippyjohn1]

Why do research when you can use 100 year old technology, lycoming and continental.

[@vf24renegade23]

If I understand history correctly, they've been making the components for rotax.

[@galactictomato1434]

​@@vf24renegade23Nope.

[@slickjimmy76]

Parts availability in GA right now is killing it, not to mention quality. We dropped a well known after market IO-360 the school's 172 by 470 hours it was burning 1 quart an hour and had 10 to 40 psi on 3 cylinders, cracked figure 8 shaped exhaust guides & rocker faces that looked like the surface of the moon in addition to being crooked. Genuine Lycoming cylinders is almost a 1 year wait

[@peterp696]

But corporate profits are up so it's all good in Wall St world. Nothing to warry about. Prices will go up regardless of quality or outcome of product. There's zero reason for one year wait time for parts.

[@grantacoatneysr9657]

If its Chinese ,forget it !

[@peavyrocks]

I don't know what is more frustrating.. the fact that they just ripped off a design from Rotax or the fact that Rotax is price gouging?

[@jonathankennedytroya3755]

Patent expired. Legal to copy

[@brandonhindmarsh4353]

Um also china workforce exploited. Capitalism

[@charlesspringer4709]

If you want to know about the engine jump to 15 minutes and you will get little. The rest is all "We had a question online that I thought we would ask and now is good time to do that ......." and general word salads. It is a 100% Rotax 912 clone. That is about all. 500 hour warrantee.

[@mikesilver2283]

Thank you! What an a**holes are those 2 guys.

[@glsracer]

These will have to be in service for a million fleet hours with excellent reliability before I would even consider one of these.

[@devonlove9095]

You're not going to buy an engine period. Even if it was a rotax.

[@glsracer]

@@devonlove9095 interesting that you know what my plans are. I think it's great to have a lower cost option so I'm rooting for this new engine but I won't risk myself or my family before it's been well vetted.

[@devonlove9095]

@glsracer you're not, this is typical of statement of older gen x and baby boomer men. You fit the mold.

[@glsracer]

@@devonlove9095 except I'm in my early 40s

[@Therealpicodogg]

@@devonlove9095rather pretentious

[@jeffreypierson2064]

CKD ZS Aero Engine - 115HP (CA520T) $27,377.00 Rotax 914 UL - 115HP $37,570.00 Prices as of 7 April 24 on respective websites.

[@AdelFadel-v4i]

made in china , i know them and i import motorcycle engine from them. bad quality !

[@grayzhu]

I feel ashamed as a Chinese. This is an unqualified copy.

[@grandenauto3214]

Who cares?? It’s just an engine and they’ve been copying engines for decades

[@Avi8tor857]

Looking at current prices the delta isn't as much as I expected. I've used their ATV clones and they haven't ever given me an issue, the carbs have they always gum up faster, I'm not sure if its a material thing or what... the good news on the Gy6/atv is you just put your hand over the intake and crank it and it will usually open up the jets and run. Would be curious to see if their carbs used here have similar issues. 115hp is 10k cheaper and the 100 is 7k cheaper, nothing to sneeze at but... now if they can find other uses (those little cars or something) to increase volume of these types of engines it might pull the cost down for both rotax and zd. The market needs affordable engines so hopefully these have a impact. The 912/914 market is large (in aviation terms), and the IO540 is probably the next popular... that is an area that needs a good slot in replacement as most of the 4 place experimental use it and the price has become preventative for many.

[@grannyblinda]

TBO for these engines? Aren’t the Rotax engines basically computer controlled? My 912 does all the thinking as far as carb heat, richness at all levels and mixture, warm up, all temps, etc, etc … very, very stable, dependable… (he mentioned the UL Power engines)…. Is China involved with this in any way?

[@tylerresler6995]

I saw 1000 hrs for the 100hp model

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

UL Power... no idea which components or maybe internals are sourced from. UL is from Belgium. The more "basic" Rotax is pressure sensing carbs with electronic ignition. Fuel injection (computer controlled) are available on other models of Rotax (912is for example)

[@mikhailjairnisbett441]

2000 hours listed on their website

[@rjbishop12]

Carbureted Rotax 912 has no computer. Electronic ignition- yes. Computer- no.

[@flexairz]

@@rjbishop12 He said iS.

[@michaelspunich7273]

Serious question... what happens to the end users of these engines, when China attacks Taiwan, like they promise to do? The USA will have to stop most trade with the chinese, and the end users will have an obsolete engine, no?

[@cdeanda]

If that ever happens I would worry more about getting chips and spare parts for everyday items, electronics, cars, etc.

[@Sagiterrian77]

That’s fear fantasy for the permanent war machine. You should be more concerned about the Chinese economic collapse which is under way.

[@michaelspunich7273]

@@cdeanda Absolutely. That too.

[@rolnthunder6737]

fortunately you can use Rotax parts instead

[@percussion44]

@@rolnthunder6737 JHC on a stick! If the US becomes embroiled in a war in Asia against China, you are gonna have way more pressing concerns than where to get parts for your toy airplane. You think people in Ukraine (other than Zelenski) are fretting about the lack of Ferrari's and high end lipstick? In a global conflagration Real shI^ gonna get REAL, REAL fast.

[@robertko85]

Lots of marketing double speak. It won’t be a factor in the light sport world.

[@davidjensen1467]

Trust your life to a Chinese aircraft engine to save a few bucks. It's a matter of time.

[@percussion44]

Whereas others in GA are living to a ripe old age and not crashing into mountains, the desert, and the ocean. Much like people in other high risk hobbies like motorcycle racing, skydiving, SCUBA etc. If you're risk averse then experimental kitplanes etc IS NOT FOR YOU. Go take up knitting while wearing a football helmet.

[@davidjensen1467]

@@percussion44 The issue is not kitplanes. The issue is kitplanes with junk Chinese engines.

[@automan1223]

a friend of mine had a Hirth F30 blow a crank on climb out. He was killed on impact. The investigation gave me a huge appreciation for metalurgy 101. Cheaper motors are just that. Use accordingly.

[@MrShaneSunshine]

That sounds horrible. Sorry for your loss. Hirth would be a great subject for one of these videos. They have sold so many engines and there is so little discussion about them. In fact 2 strokes in general. It would be cool to see a real mechanic tear some down and describe them on their technical merit....and others to describe their use in the real world.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

The question is was it modified?

[@guilhermetomazini5179]

It's not cheap

[@Mike-01234]

Does an engine failure mean instant death in an airplane?

[@SoloRenegade]

@@Mike-01234 no it does not.

[@rph310346]

Zongshen is in fact a motorcycle manufactures, I send some times at the factory asked if I would be interested to develop the 4 cylinder engine, was taken to the “secret” rooms and what is saw was a Rotax .. not interested in to copies , but was well treaded and given some nice gifts. The company owner is a super-rich guy and part of the government …

[@neilis2405]

The Rotax 912 was introduced in 1989. That's 35 years ago. Patents vary by country but its 18 years here in the US. After that its perfectly legal (and not even considered shady) to build "copies" of something. You can't call it a "Rotax", but you can make it identical down to taking the same replacement parts and that's fine.

[@jeremysteiner838]

Im sure this engine will never get the trust from people that rotax,lycoming and continental have.

[@johncarr123]

That was a lame answer for using RTV. What he should have said was that is a great question and I will get back to you with an answer.

[@P51]

is price the elephant in the room? no talk of it at all?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

When this happens... usually the people we are interviewing REQUEST that we don't put the price in the video. We ALWAYS ASK PRICE. Things change quickly in this economy and that of course affects price. Currently (as of TODAY) it is below $16k). If you reach out to them... they will of course explain pricing and special offers.

[@P51]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Understood. Thanks

[@Austinmediainc]

I love all of the comments about chinese garbage, sure with some things but China also has manufacturing capabilty and quality that rivals North American. It all depends if you want the 50.cent Chinese product or the $2 chinese product. Isn't Continental Chinese? How many other aircraft companies are now Chinese owned? How many parts do you think are sent over from China like he said but built in America? Tons. Make a judgment on the product and not your complete speculation! Aircraft engines have increased 100% over the last 6 years, I can tell you the metal components haven't increased to enough to justify that increase. They are gouging consumers because they can, making record profits. 60k for some of these engines now with 75 year old technology. I hope more competition comes into the market. The engines are made for a fraction of what they are sold for and the current environment has stifled technological advancements. Maybe if they start losing some business it will force these manufacturers to stop raising prices and start developing some newer technology.

[@regardtcoetzee]

Finally, a commenter with logic!

[@markmcriley2558]

While I do think aircraft engines are overpriced, like airplanes, liability insurance escrow funds are real, too.

[@rjbishop12]

I'll bet there is no nikasil coating on those cylinders, nor the very close tolerance of cylinder/piston clearance as Rotax has.

[@MrShaneSunshine]

I don't want to buy a thing that is a "cheap copy" from a country that is hostile towards mine. So....not an option despite the savings in price. 😢 Will these sentiments be a barrier for sales? i suspect so! No offence to Richard. Im sure he works hard.

[@KirkHortel]

At what point are you going to understand America is the bully on the playground?

[@straightchad8059]

Agree

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Cheap copy is relative. Another option usually benefits the consumer. If anything it can influence pricing if an option is available.

[@WingWalker1]

Then you won't be buying anything... literally

[@alexprost7505]

​@@WingWalker1 good point

[@Tryagain205]

-It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.

[@retsimyelnif-1995]

Hi Brian, as an alternative to the Rotax, could you please do a review of the Aeromomentum aircraft engine. don’t hear much about them. It would be interesting to hear what they like.

[@Pilotpaulie]

Mark is an incredibly smart guy and their engine looks promising. They would be a great interview.

[@Bob-j5o3b]

Ah China, the land of almost right...

[@albatross9873]

😂

[@AwestrikeFearofGods]

22:11 Compared to EPDM rubber, silicone has around 15 times the permeability to water vapor, so you'd have check coolant levels and top off with water more often.

[@DeadRoman]

If we wanna keep flying even remotely accessible, we gonna have to start giving engines like this a much lore serious look.

[@brianl7695]

Agreed, the costs & barriers to entry & sustainment need to come down, but cheap Chinese knockoffs of highly questionable quality like this are absolutely not the answer.

[@johnrisher3007]

People kill me with their comments. They talk like they have so much knowledge

[@brianl7695]

@@johnrisher3007 I'm only an aircraft powertrain design engineer, rated commercial pilot & mechanic and an appointed DER who has been in the industry for 25 years. So yes, it might not amount to much...but it's enough to judge this cheap Chinese knockoff for the piece of junk it very well is. Just sayin'.

[@johnrisher3007]

@@brianl7695 yeah I understand.

[@johnrisher3007]

@@brianl7695 no allowance in the sky for errors

[@robertsylvis1676]

Made in China, no way in hell I will fly a plane with a China brand and made in China engine!

[@kfaaircraftandadventures]

I was originally very sceptical of this engine. We have a Rotax engine shop and when I bought the first Zonsen engine I had it stripped down to the crank and check the quality and tolerances as far as possible. With the engine stripped, you cannot see any difference between this engine and a Rotax engine. The parts were to the decimal the same size and extremely high quality. I reassembled the engine, slap a KFA turbo on it and am now happily flying behind a 135hp KFA version in my KFA Explorer. The engine is extremely smooth and performs flawless. From a mechanical perspective there is no reason for me to doubt that this one will be just as good and maybe even better than Rotax. When I sell a standard Zonsen engine it comes with a 300hr or 24 month warrantee, which is better than Rotax. This company is massive and they manufacture engines for very well known car brands (high end German and some US cars) generators, motor cycles and much more, so you can criticise all you like but chances are that you are driving or have driven behind some of their engine in well known cars, bikes, lawnmowers etc etc. Some competition in the market can only be good for the consumer.

[@darrend5741]

Did you do destructive testing? Metal analysis?….. no way I would risk my life nor the lives of others on cheap Chinese rip offs.

[@kfaaircraftandadventures]

@@darrend5741 We did some testing, hardness and some materials but I obviously did not want to break a brand new engine. Rest assured, there are no quality issues which we could pick up. Anyways, I am pushing the engine hard at 135hp and as I said, so far no issues. I am putting my stamp of approval on it without hesitation.

[@darrend5741]

@@kfaaircraftandadventures I hope everything works out great for you. Please keep the community informed of all developments, good, bad, or ugly. God bless

[@kfaaircraftandadventures]

@@darrend5741 i will do an honest review when I have a couple of hundred hours on it.

[@apennameandthata2017]

You can tell by looking that the parts are high quality? 🤡

[@guillaumeperron6240]

It's a shame. Anybody else in the free world trying to openly copy a concurrent product would be sued and convicted. But it's China... Even if it could be interresting to have cheaper alternatives to the 912, it's not acceptable. If I had to change my 912, it would surely not be for this product. They'll even probably copy the documentation, so that they don't even need to try to write one down.

[@vg23air]

does rotax have patent, has it expired ?

[@jamescook7713]

When did the Rotax patent expire???

[@timadolphson6971]

Ho Lee Chit !!!

[@MaxRunia]

Competition is always good for consumers

[@TheSoaringChannel]

Not when it's at the expense of businesses that don't employ children and hate our country.

[@brianl7695]

Not if it is a cheap knockoff copy of questionable quality from a country whose government hates you...

[@David-if2jz]

@@TheSoaringChannel yeah sell your soul to the devil , reallly worth it?

[@ThomBesch]

⁠ The Chinese government allows espionage to take technology from countries around the world. They also do not in enforce worldwide patent laws. So it’s typical for clothing and manufacturing items to have exact clones or knock offs made in China. Often on the same factory floor. Chinese companies will then sell those products to third world (sometime the US) countries for a fraction of the retail price, the US and Europe would pay for the original item.

[@chippyjohn1]

Why can't China be more like the USA, they don't invade or commit genocide to force their ways on people or take oil or initiate mutiny. I think you should look in your own country first.

[@TheWingnut58]

Patents on the 912 expired 20+ years ago, nothing illegal with other companies producing clones.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Will Rotax say something about using their IP?

[@hangarrat101]

No different from Superior/Titan/ECI building Lycomings right?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

I don't think there is anything standing in the way of copying now. All patents/patents pending are well expired by now (from my understanding). Hey... at least they pained it an different color! :-)

[@Captndarty]

@@hangarrat101 very different. Lycoming owned titan and then sold it to Continental which now builds the titan and owns the rights. This seems like a copy that likely is legal since the patent has expired.

[@MikeRetsoc]

@@hangarrat101 No, the situation is different AND legal. No IP infringement.

[@jpdurr]

@@hangarrat101 Patents (when issued) are only valid for 20 years from FILING date. Rotax introduced the base model around 1984. Any patents with that original motor expired over 20 years ago.

[@RonGlasgow-s7l]

The Chinese have always used inferior metal....not sure about this product...simply do not know...I personally would only use lycoming or continental

[@grannyblinda]

The 912 must be around $28,000? How much is this engine?

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Thought I heard 1/3 that

[@fly4fun24]

it started at $8000 in 2017 now is 16000 $, the warranty is great, but what good that will do if you will not be around to collect😅😅😅😅

[@grannyblinda]

@@patrickmckowen2999 Yes, I saw that one another video about the engine, thanks!

[@grannyblinda]

@@fly4fun24 That's what, half, of a Rotax 912?

[@fly4fun24]

It is...that could be a wake-up call for the monopoly we have today. I hope it will shake things up a little, I want puke when I check engine prices it is disgusting

[@richardbieber9323]

If the quality is as bad as in the Chinese owned Continental motors, no thanks. (C180, O-470)

[@Socius1234]

Rotax needs some competition

[@vampov]

Wow the welds on that oil tank look horrible. Obviously they do not have any CNC based welder performing these operations. Just slightly paid slaves making these parts. 26:20 the RTV is to cover up poor quality machining imperfections and it makes it a pain to clean up.

[@jpdurr]

2024 and still carbs???? No Thank You. Saw the Price List, more expensive than I thought they would be.

[@brandonb417]

As an engineer, taking a product and just reverse engineering it, and reproducing it exactly as is, just offends me. Come up with something better. I would rather pay more than buy something that's just a lazy cheap knockoff.

[@faras5426]

What offends you is an assumption . Chinese are competing so what’s wrong with that. Maybe the real offence is that Rotax can’t do it cheaper!

[@brandonb417]

@@faras5426 No, Rotax did all of the r&d and poured tons of money into developing their engines, then some company comes along, and just copies it. They took what they did not earn.

[@jetrep]

Understandable perspective but I understand their approach. They'll have an easier time selling a clone compared to new design.

[@brandonb417]

@@jetrep and that might be true. But as a product design engineer, I know how bad it is to have a design ripped off after spending the time and money to design it.

[@jetrep]

@brandonb417 yeah I get it. But nobody cares

[@markbrow252]

Not doing very much to gain my trust without giving us a price. Simply Put, “ No Price ….No Dice! In aviation, trust is everything…..this is an interesting adventure but right now, Takes me nowhere!

[@aevdave]

Guarantee you see more of these in drones killing people than in ultralight aircraft killing people.

[@chippyjohn1]

Pretty sure most of the genocide drones are lycoming or continental powered.

[@KGFlyer55]

Outstanding thank you sir!

[@TrueHelpTV]

The cheapest motor starts at around $14,000 so calling it the "Affordable" option is comical.

[@adrianmaree8352]

He's a GM fan, while at the same time trying to convince us that this engine is reliable 🤦‍♂🤷‍♂

[@BrandonMirrors]

Idk if you're selling people on price. I'm seeing the CA500 (100hp) go for around $15k. Paramotor Engines sells a 914UL (115hp) for $15k

[@Arbiker501]

No way. But if the Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki developed a engine

[@umvhu]

Chinese products? Only when there is external quality enforcement will you get a Chinese product worth wasting your money on, and for me, my life is far more valuable than risking it on a cheap product.

[@BaronBlud]

Under powered and over priced. $39,796 for 145 hp.You can get a rebuilt O320 for $35,000 and that will get you 160 hp.

[@John-nc4bl]

Lumpy looking welds on that tank he is moving around on top of the pallet. Bolt threads sticking thru nuts by at least 5 or 6 threads. This is automotive mentality and not aircraft mentality. RTV sealant and fuel are incompatible. Cheap engine built with Chinese 'slave' labor. This engine should not be in the North American market. I wonder how Rotax will take this competition-!

[@englishclive]

Why, when Rotax change so much, mark uk their spares so much, would anyone not want a similar engine that’s cheaper. Support for this engine will bring Rotax prices down. The guy mentions lack of competition….

[@johnlucas2037]

I thought it was amusing when the guy says a bead of silicone makes a better seal than an O ring….

[@whoanelly737-8]

Oh...no way. Chinese food? You bet. Yum. Chinese airplane engines? nope...not me.

[@vg23air]

post covid china prices have skyrocketed, so yeah, no, this engine at 16k is worth 9k since its from china. The manufacturer isnt even doing the warranty work, its outsourced to someone else. They claim 2,000 hour tbo and offer 500 hour 3 year warranty lol. So they dont even think it will last 25% of the claimed tbo.

[@Sirtomalot-c5s]

Take a look at one of the knock-off Honda engine reviews on KZbin, say the GX 160 engine and see how good they are……Not!

[@danielb516]

no price means its to high im sure. if they were saying look at the rotax and its $100 and this ones the same thing but its $50 . wouldn't that be the vidio right there ?

[@Sirtomalot-c5s]

We need competition in the market place against Rotax who just keep increasing their prices, in the same breath any competition needs to be at leat half the price of the Rotax equivalent because if it isn’t, people will just go for the established item.

[@a3103-j7g]

madam Gravity is always ready to deal with those who value their own lives at the price of the most affordable engine

[@BlueMax333]

attractive pricing and warranty. Any plans for a certified version ?

[@dieseldan5189]

Good reporting! The cost of parts is what really is the downside of Rotax. Rotax cylinders, rings, pistons cost the same as certified Lycoming/Continental. That is why Rotax engines are never overhauled because the parts cost and the labor cost from Lockwood exceeds the cost of a new engine. Rebuilding.the gearbox (childs play for even an average experienced mechanic) costs $2,800 from Lockwood. Absolutely ridiculous for what amounts to be a simple non EPA compliant motorcycle engine. I hope Zongsen puts a serious dent in the Rotax customer base. I for sure will be buying their replacement parts.

[@tonylam9548]

Rotax is a big company , with big overheads and share holders to pay for.

[@wesleyallan7436]

😊

[@krisn8820]

In a go-kart, mini bike, atv, ok. In an airplane.... Not a chance!!

[@tukan582]

Interesting how the gentleman says when he replaces parts on his GM vehicle he demands to have GM replacement parts not aftermarket part… the engine he is selling is all aftermarket… I would wait at least five years before I even consider one of these not to mention they are not that much cheaper they should lower the price until they build a reputation

[@EchoKilo]

Cheap Chinese junk. What could possibly go wrong?

[@tedd1091]

I've flown to China a bunch before I retired and I have bought my share of knock-off products. I wouldn't mount that engine in any airplane. Quality control for Chinese made products is horrible.

[@Bob-j5o3b]

Do you fly on Boeing planes? What are your thoughts about their quality control? Do you use Ford, GM, or Dodge vehicles?....

[@tedd1091]

@@Bob-j5o3b Yes - 747-400, 757,767,737 727. I think they build a great product and some of the mistakes I'm seeing on the news tells me they have tried cutting costs to close to the bone. Everything that goes into their jets - airframe wise, should be brought back in house. That's where I would start.

[@grandenauto3214]

It depends on the company…. Some of the best parts available come from China… but depends on the specific company

[@robertess6133]

A company slow to return customer calls,,, what a wasted video terrible

[@berniethejet]

#200PercentTariffsOnChina.

[@percussion44]

Yes! Further driving up the price of everything and diminishing buying power can only help us!

[@wreckum56]

I thought be were at war with china?

[@JamesStripling]

This pile of garbage is not worth betting your life on in a manned aircraft. At most it's good for a one way drone engine.

[@butterfinger1171]

Anyone Who would risk there life on a Chinese airplane engine needs a brain scan.

[@larrymiller4]

If it's Chinese...OUT OF THE QUESTION.

[@fly4fun24]

Why dont say it. ?? CHINA engine.. are you kidding me

[@SuckItYouTube19]

Save a few dollars and rely on a Chinese engine? Yeah what could go wrong.😂😂😂

[@suav6402]

CKD ZS Aero Engine - 145 HP $35, 949.00

[@2779mattie]

Is this Chinese? I must have missed where it’s made, if it is Chinese he’ll no!

[@kennoway8251]

Great the more competition brings the price down to make them more reasonable

[@MrHugemoth]

Good to see Zongshen make a small aircraft engine. I have owned a Zongshen motorcycle that was good and reliable. I also have a Rotax 582 on my ultralight that was way too expensive for what it is.

[@plotholedetective4166]

Oh god that is horrifying, I've bought one of their "dirt bikes" and a "go-kart" if that engine is anything like their other products its a death trap, they have no reliability at all and are made from highly inferior materials. I have never seen them make a quality product just cheap disposable Chinese junk that breaks down in less time than a normal engine takes to break in. Even worse you wouldn't even get much for the scrap because how much plastic and low grade aluminum they use. Do yourself and the world a favor and stay far far away from that dumpster fire of a company.

[@percussion44]

Uh huh. I just bought a BMW F850GS, cost me 16K out the door. You know who builds the engines? Loncin, a Chinese company. You heard it, the mighty Teutonic blond blue eyed corporate behemoth whom you probably adore, or at least don't sneer in revulsion at, buys their engines from the Chinese. Perhaps you have good insider information that BMW doesn't? Please do tell...

[@madcotter0074]

Interesting

[@apennameandthata2017]

I find the “founder” really not likeable at all.

[@sugershakify]

Chinese knock off airplane engine ? Pass.

[@thepadonthepondbythescum]

Ford blue valve covers boys...

[@InMyBrz]

So, it's an illegal copy of a ROTAX ? HOW do they get away with that copyright ? FROM ? CHINA ?

[@jamescook7713]

Patent EXPIRED, in your bra.

[@stevencuenca1980]

The moto engines are absolute junk

[@bf-696]

Chinese aircraft engine? Hard pass.

[@sheiladonaldson3143]

Allen Michael Johnson Patricia Clark Kenneth

[@jamescook7713]

Fred Barney Wilma Betty BamBam Pebbles

[@robertthomas2942]

Nope. The chinese can stuff it.