BUDGET TOURER FROM CHINA
THERE is a stigma that is attached to Chinesemade products, from TVs to automobiles. But the tide is turning. Anyone who has test-driven the Proton X70 (nee Geely Boyue) will attest to the quality and solidity of the car, some even comparing it to offerings from Europe.Andsoitiswithmotorcycles.
Long gone are the days of ‘throwaway’ step-throughs and scooters, initially replaced by obscure marques given new life and now their own brand names standing on their own two wheels.
Zontes may be a new player but the marque is spreading quietly throughout the world and being accepted as a viable alternative.
The company offers a full range of motorcycles and has a larger capacity model coming soon. Zontes Malaysia is offering the range based on Zontes’ big single: the 310.
The bike on test is the mid-range model: the ZT310-X GP, which is a fullyfaired machine with wheels from the sports models with suspension midway between the ‘adventure’ T model and the naked R model.
We would likely call it the crossover model but Zontes files it under ‘Sport Touring’. Either way, the X has upright ergonomics, funky angular fairings and an adjustable windshield.
First impressions of the X is that of size. The X is built like a wrestler. This is at odds with the impression you get as you lift it off the sidestand (it has no centrestand). The 310X is light on its feet and the spec sheet confirms it as 159kg fully fuelled.
The second impression is of the plastic bodywork and fixings.
From afar, the 310 X looks solid, but up close, the textures disappoint somewhat but the panel fit is good.
Perhaps better paint or sticker sets would improve matters. Other than that, the finishing and colours on the metallic parts are up to par and bespoke to Zontes.
Styling is subjective, of course, but the X carries its mixture of Kawasaki, Ducati and KTM influences well enough. The icing on the cake is the diamond-cut 17- inch wheels that sparkle in the sun as they spin.
The engine in the Zontes is a 312cc DOHC dry-sump watercooled single with Delphi fuel-injection producing 26kW @ 9,500rpm and 30Nm of torque @ 7,500 rpm.
The trademark metallic single-cylinder sound is evident but the powerplant is smooth and mellow.
The Zontes is tuned for mid-range but is no slouch; top speed approaches 170 km/h (indicated). This mid-range model comes with adjustable windshield. The ZT310-X has a myriad of electronic and electric gizmos. The Zontes ZT310-X GP.
Alas, we feel that Zontes shouldn’t take noise tests too seriously as the exhaust sounds like a scooter.
The X is equipped with 2 ride modes: Economy and Sports. It is possible to discern between the two modes as Economy mode is smoother and less urgent. But there’s little between the The engine in the Zontes is a 312 cc DOHC drysump watercooled single with Delphi fuel-injection producing 26 kW @ 9500 rpm and 30 Nm of torque @ 7500 rpm. two except at the top end. The sixspeed gearbox is surprisingly light and smooth.
Suspension is non-adjustable, an upside-down fork up front and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Despite the lack of adjustability, Zontes has the springing and damping rates pretty much spot-on.
The X is comfortable and doesn’t protest some spirited bend-swinging. Even the CTS tyres (110/70 front and 160/60 rear) are benign and hold no surprises.
The upright ergonomics and the well-designed, comfortable seat is allied to that suspension to give all-day comfort. Add to the mix the two-position adjustable windshield and you have a capable mile-muncher.
Brakes are equipped with Bosch ABS and switchable, although I fail to understand why this is so.
A single front disc and single rear although the single piston sliding caliper up front acting upon the small disc just about makes do and requires a hefty squeeze to stop quickly.
The windshield is just one of many gizmos on the Zontes. The two-position windshield is controlled by a button on the left switchgear and there are seven other buttons on it.
Asides from the regular signals, horn, low/high beam and pass switch, there is the fuel hatch and ABS switch.
The righthand switchgear has a Lock/Power, Mode Button and Seat Latch, besides the regular kill switch, headlights and start button.
The LCD screen is monochrome and displays all information, plus additional items, such as average fuel consumption and range. The Zontes has a 15-litre tank.
The display is clear enough although the digits are a bit small sized for the sight-impaired (read; me).
The Zontes is keyless and requires you to use the killswitch every time. Turning off the ignition is either by pressing the power button or you can just leave it to auto-off.
The ZT310-X, which retails for RM20,600, proved to be a capable, comfortable bike.
While lacking in some areas, it can compete with models from more established brands.
It offers a lot of gadgets and features found on more expensive bikes.
What is certain is that Chinesemade no longer can be looked upon as low-quality or unreliable. This is a marque to be taken seriously.