ONE OF OUR FUTURES. TODAY

» Power: 35bhp » Weight: 149kg » Engine: 312cc 4v single » Price: £4698

Thirteen spanking bikes and a small-capacity Chinese single is centre of attention. This is partly due to its appearance (Multistrada-ish face, Ktm-style swingarm, Mv-alike pipes), but mainly because it bristles with fancy bits. Screen, filler cap and seat release are electric. It has a full-colour TFT dash, tyre monitoring, USB charger, backlit switchgear, a remote battery charging connection and keyless ignition. And modes. And Bosch ABS.

Look beyond shimmering fripperies and it’s practical too. ‘Cool touch’ silencers won’t singe a pillion’s strides, the rack has tapped holes for Shad luggage (or the accessory three-piece set of cases), the exhaust is stainless, a 19-litre tank and easy 75mpg deliver over 300 miles, and rims and swingarm are aluminium. There’s even a natty mount behind a pillion ’peg for carrying a disc lock.

It’d all impress on any bike. But it’s standout here as the ZT310-T is £4698 on the road – £750 less than a basic BMW G310GS, £1200 cheaper than a KTM 390 Adventure, almost £1600 lower than a Honda CB500X.

And its dynamic defies any outdated preconceptions of Far East motorcycles, too. The 312cc single is as flexible, free-revving and cleanly fuelled (Bosch injection) as any rival, and its balance shaft means no fizzy tingles. Slick gearbox, too. Suspension is controlled and un-crashy, handling is accurate, and being so light the Zontes is hurled effortlessly. Ergonomically sound, too. ‘It’s comfortable, smooth, swift, and doesn’t panic when shown a corner,’ confirms fellow judgementalist Michael. There are pricing giveaways. Its motor needs servicing every 3000 miles. Some fasteners and brackets appear to be made from Cheddar, plastics are whappy, and how it’ll all stand up over time is unknown – the ZT310-T hasn’t the quality air of a Honda. It also hasn’t the rugged air of Royal Enfield’s bare-bones simple but super-charming Himalayan, which is the same price. And residual value?

But whichever way you look at it the Zontes is an eye-rubbing bargain for A2 types or anyone after cheap, effective, well-equipped transport. And it’s here because this is the future.

‘Its dynamic defies preconceptions of Far East bikes’