Zontes ZT310-T2 (2022) Review
Emerging from the post-pandemic swinging, Zontes Motorcycles South Africa has been making waves with their range of high-quality, small-bore bikes in a range of attractive styles and colours. We recently spent some time aboard the T2 Adventure bike and were pleasantly surprised.
Mini Adventure
I think it's fair to say that the minute one hears the words "Chinese made", you switch off and stop listening. This is due to most of the vehicles that come out of the Orient being of substandard quality or a one-off that will leave you standing when something eventually breaks. Not so with Zontes, as previously found.
Related: Zontes ZT310-V (2022) Review
The Zontes machines are a breath of fresh air when it comes to Chinese built equipment and the T2 Adventure bike hits a bunch of notes that we really like. RaceScreen Technologies, the local importer of Zontes, recently afforded us the opportunity to test a few of their machines and to say that we were suitably impressed is an understatement. The T2 stood out head and shoulders above the rest as our favourite ride and after a week of vigorous testing, this is what we have to say.
Styling
Straight out of the box the T2 looks the part, dimensions and styling cues make the T2 look much bigger than it actually is. Our test machine came in all black with bronze coloured crash bars and trim and look menacing out in the bush. Despite looking ready for an adventure, its road bias can be seen in the addition of the tyre hugging fenders that would be sure to scoop up dirt and debris if an overly muddy track is taken. The dual-purpose tyres worked well on gravel, but mud is a definite no-no. Outside this, the T2 is all adventure bike with its cool touch exhaust tips and enough bracketry to attach just about anything, sure to keep your travel luggage safe and sound.
Tech
The same tech that is found on the rest of the 310 range is also present on the T2, a TFT screen takes pride of place above the handlebars, giving you all the readouts you need. There are two ride modes Sport and Eco as well as keyless start, illuminated switchgear and electrically released fuel cap and seat lock. This all adds to the T2 punching up well above its weight division, embarrassing higher-end European machines that cost much more.
Engine and Drivetrain
As with all the other Zontes models, the T2 is ushered along by a 312cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers 26kW and 30Nm through a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. This means that you can easily sit at highway speeds and still have enough in reserve to overtake slower moving vehicles. The engine runs smoothly at low revs but once you get higher up into the rev range does begin to sound strained but if you are riding at those speeds you have bigger things to worry about. The suspension is compliant yet firm meaning that you can take corners with confidence, and you don't crash into every small bump in the road. The T2 is equipped with a 19l fuel tank and even under heavy use, you can still expect fuel consumption of around 3.5l per100km meaning you should get around 450km from a full tank.
Let's Ride
The T2 is very comfortable to ride with its wide seat and neutral rider position. The T2 looks much bigger than it is so if you are on the larger side, the rider position may feel a bit cramped. Weighing in at just 159kg's, the T2 is easy to whip around and through traffic and with the 19/17" wheel layout, as well as it's it's160mm of ground clearance you do feel like you could go anywhere. Although freeway cruising is delightful and a theoretical top speed of 160km/h is possible the T2 will do its best riding in and around town, jumping kerbs and being awesome as a commuter machine.
Pros and Cons
- Aggressive styling
- Easy to use tech
- Machined aluminium parts
- Bulletproof engine
- Engine sounds strained at high revs
- Front mudguard won't clearance when picking up a lot of mud
Model and Price
Zontes ZT310-T2 - R 94 900
*Finance available
Verdict
The Zontes T2 is amazing value for money with very little to complain about. It's comfortable to ride, has plenty of tech and does everything it says on the package without fault. Zontes SA has a warehouse full of parts and accessories to back up its promise of customer satisfaction and the bikes come in considerably cheaper than their closest rivals. It's difficult to imagine anyone paying 30-40k more for a lesser equipped European machine. Zontes just makes sense and if you have any doubts you simply need to ride one.
If you need more information you can visit Zontes Motorcycles South Africa or RaceScreen Technologies
