Brilliant Bobber
As the price of fuel continues to skyrocket, anxious consumers are beginning to look at alternative forms of transport. Motorcycles have long been considered a luxury item but are slowly creeping into the consciousness of many as a viable alternative to a big heavy car.
Related: Top 10 beginner bikes
Zontes South Africa has seen a gap here and has for few years now offered a range of small-bore bikes that should appeal to a broad spectrum of potential riders. We were able to wrangle a test ride on all the top models that Zontes has to offer and what we found was simply astounding.
Styling
The Zontes 310V looks like nothing else on the market. It has definite bobber characteristics yet it has features that you won’t find on any bobber. The cropped low-slung seat is super comfortable with the forward controls adding to the chopper feel of everything. The handlebars are upswept once again adding to the feel that you are riding a bike much bigger than it is.
Tech
On the subject of tech, the 310V is packed to the rafters. A large clear TFT screen sits prominently on the handlebars dishing out all the needed information. You get a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring) Street, Sport and Eco ride modes and keyless start. The system is also rather smart in if you get off the bike and walk too far away it automatically shuts off due to the proximity switch in the key fob.
Engine and Drivetrain
The 310 is powered by Zontes 312cc fuel-injected engine. Mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission sending power to the rear wheel via a chain drive, the combo is good for 25kW and 30Nm and a capable top speed of 170km an hour if you were pressed to find out. The beauty of this machine is that under normal operating conditions you can expect to get 3.2l/100km from the 15l fuel tank. A blessing with today’s crazy fuel prices.
Let’s Ride
You don’t so much sit on as you do in the 310V. The low-slung seating with forward controls and high handlebars makes for an actually very comfortable ride even after a few hundred kilometres. The suspension is supple enough to handle the worst B roads that Gauteng has to offer while the engine is spritely enough to zip through traffic and keep up and pass freeway traffic. The 310cc engine is also quite capable of handling a breakfast run with much larger machines and not looking to out of place outside the brekkie spot in Cullinan.
Pros and Cons
- One-off styling
- Comfortable riding position
- Stunning TFT screen
- Stops on a penny
- Proximity on wireless key fob goes out when batteries run low
Model and Pricing
Zontes ZT310-V - R 89 900
*Reduced price while stocks last - R 84 900
Verdict
With fuel prices reaching record highs everyone is taking a closer look at what they are riding and driving and this is the appeal of the Zontes range. These are stylish bikes with rock-solid engineering and full service and backup with full warranties. Zontes keeps a warehouse full of parts in Pretoria, so there is never a question of whether you can get that part should it ever fail. These are excellent motorcycles that everyone from 16 to 60 wouldn’t mind pulling up to the local rally on.
