Zontes 310 T: what a surprise the Chinese crossover [ROAD TEST]

We tried the new one Zontes 310T, a crossover proposal from the Chinese brand now also available for the Italian market. It shares with the other three models in the range (a Naked, a Touring, the 310, which we tried some time ago, and a Cruiser) the reliable single-cylinder engine 312 cc da 35 CV, which makes it drivable even by novice drivers.

Zontes: from China with fury

“But what kind of motorbike is it? Not bad..." is a phrase we often heard around with the new one Zontes 310T. The brand is still little known in Europe, despite Zontes being part of Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co., Ltd, a giant with 1600 employees and over 1 million motorcycles produced every year, which makes almost all its components in-house. In Italy Zontes is exclusively distributed by Distribike Srl, a company also connected to Beta Motors, based in Rignano sull'Arno (Florence).

The small crossover from the Asian brand does not go unnoticed and it is fun to notice the curious looks of people who study its details when you are stopped at the traffic lights or parked. AND the inspiration from some stylistic details of more famous brands is quite evident, but the result is a really successful mix, with the use of high-level materials and finishes which, together with technical and technological features of premium motorcycles, make it really interesting in relation to low price. Let's find out in detail in this test ride!

Aesthetics

The Zontes 310 T impresses with its balanced line andmaxi enduro look large displacement: the front is aggressive, with the entire light cluster full LED , with double direction indicators (the lateral "blade of light" recall those of the latest Ducati Diavel) which are clearly visible even during the day. Immediately above is positioned the windscreen, which is surprising for the presence of regolazione power on two positions offered as standard, often optional even on top of the range motorbikes. Laterally you can see the tubular steel bumpers, which effectively protect the fairings and engine in the event of a fall. Continuing towards the rear, the double exhaust terminal with satin finish stands out (reminiscent of that of the MV Agusta Brutale 910 R) and the beautiful aluminum rims two-tone 5-spoke 17 inches. The tail, equipped with a luggage rack / handle for the possible passenger, is tapered and ends with an entirely LED stop sign, while the rear indicators are positioned lower down, on the license plate holder at the wheel.

In the handlebar area, the myriad of buttons on the instrumentation blocks, which also have the backlit frame in red (another Diavel-inspired "gem") and easily reachable, even if The turn signal switch is a bit cumbersome: as it is not equipped with a pressure release, it may happen that you accidentally insert the other indicator while trying to bring it to the central position. To start the motorbike there is no classic key, but a very convenient one work keyless: just keep it in your pocket electronic key with transponder and press the dedicated button to unlock the steering and start the check on . The latter is a LCD monochrome with backlight adjustable, which makes it clearly visible in any condition and the screen provides us with all the information clearly that we need, such as fuel level, gear engaged, residual range and instantaneous consumption (unfortunately, the average consumption is missing). Immediately below there is a snap-opening storage compartment, very convenient but not very spacious. The "small" crossover also amazes with some features such as the USB socket, positioned inside the left front fairing and the fuel tank flap opening power. The saddle also opens via a button and, when removed, shows a slight lithium ion battery as standard, also produced by Zontes.

cycling

The Zontes 310 T has excellent chassis and it is very light thanks to the aluminum used for most of the components, such as the frame, rims, rear swingarm, steering plates and even mirrors and front levers. The suspensions are effective both on asphalt and light off-road, with a upside-down fork it's a Single shock absorber with adjustable preload. The braking system, equipped with ABS The disengageable Bosch 9.1 is branded Zontes and boasts a 310 mm disc at the front "bitten" by a two-piston axial caliper (the only real "flaw" of the bike, as you will read in a handful of lines in the chapter "Road test" ); the rear disc, however, has a diameter of 240 mm. The tires, mounted on 17-inch rims, are CST, another Chinese brand, with measurements 110/70 at the front e 160/60 at the rear.

Motor

The engine of the Zontes 310 T is a single cylinder DOHC 4 valves, twin-cam and liquid-cooled, from 312 cc (311,7 cc, to be exact), which delivers a maximum power of 35 hp at 9500 rpm and a pair of 30 Nm at 7500 rpm and falling within anti-pollution regulations Euro 4. The values ​​allow the crossover to reach i 150 km / h top speed declared (those marked on the speedometer are at least 15 more). The small engine, thanks also to the balancing countershaft, it doesn't transmit too many vibrations up to approximately 7000 rpm; at high revs, however, these become more annoying, especially on the footpegs. Performance is satisfactory: displacement and torque and power values ​​certainly cannot guarantee searing acceleration and the typical "kick in the back" of large engines, but the sweet and progressive delivery makes driving pleasant and relaxed, but at the same time quite fun. Furthermore, i very low consumption (you can get to 25 km with one litre of petrol) almost make it a motorbike perfect for the city, but who absolutely does not disdain trips out of town.

Road test

Once you get on the bike, it's a very easy operation, thank you at a height of just 830 mm from the ground, you immediately perceive the high general quality of all the components. The motorbike is very comfortable and the relaxed riding position, thanks to the handlebar - saddle - footpeg triangulation typical of crossovers, with the rider in a more upright position compared to the latest generation super sports and naked bikes, which places less weight on the wrists: we therefore have a low center of gravity and a high and easy to reach handlebar. Once underway, the lightness and great agility in changing direction with the engine are surprising 312 cc single cylinder that responds promptly to the accelerator command, especially by selecting the Sport mode from the selector located on the right handlebar block. The small crossover is equipped, in fact, with double mapping, another surprising feature in relation to the segment and, above all, the price: very useful Eco, which softens the throttle response further improving consumption. The progression is discreet even if, in the long run, the engine could be monotonous, since a little "flat" in delivery. The gears enter easily even in intensive use and the clutch is soft and effective, with the plus of the adjustable lever which allows us to find the perfect position for our shifting style. Despite not being a motorcycle designed for sport riding, the 310 T has proven itself satisfactory even on paths full of curves, thanks also to the good grip offered by the standard CST tires, semi-knobby tires that perform discreetly even on dirt roads and light off-road sections. The suspension calibration is also well balanced, the right mix of comfort and ride stability even if there are two of you traveling. The only real downside is the front braking which, despite the not exactly small dimensions of the single disc (310 mm), is not very adaptable and too little incisive, not adequate in emergency situations, unfortunately always around the corner in an urban context. A context in which the 310 T is particularly at ease, without, however, disdaining extra-urban roads and motorways, which can be driven in safety and comfort thanks also to the two-position adjustable windscreen, which offers a good aerodynamic protection. A round of applause also to helmet used during the test: this is the LS2 FF900 Valiant II, a rather comfortable (even if not particularly light) and silent modular bike, which offers quality and versatility at the right price (exactly like the Zontes!). You can find all the information at this link.

Conclusion and price

Finally, the Zontes 310T it certainly surprised us in a positive way: we believe it, in fact, to be a good choice both for those taking their first steps in the motorcycling world (remember that you can drive from 18 years of age with an A2 license) than for more experienced motorcyclists, those looking for a economical means, but at the same time complete, perhaps to be used without worries in the city as an alternative to a scooter. With the difference from the latter of having all the credentials to venture out of the city and even tackle some short but adventurous trips.

Il list price of 4.990 € makes the crossover result, therefore, one of the best proposals for quality/price ratio among the small displacement motorcycles in its segment due to the "large" features.