Motorcycle specifications Zontes350 T 2023 Envie d'ailleurs

Zontes presents an evolution of its T model. Goodbye 310 cm3, hello 350 cm3. On paper, this evolution might seem anecdotal, but it places the T a little closer to the scarecrows of the category, such as the KTM 390 Adventure. So what's the value of this A2 trail bike offered at a bargain price?

Design: welcome originality

As I often say, trail riding codes are so precise that it's hard to reinvent the wheel. But Zontes has risen to the challenge by trying to do things differently, and quite successfully.

The essentials of the bike were already known on the 310 T. There's a clear sense that every element of the bodywork has been studied, designed to the maximum of what the styling office wanted. Among the original features is the full-LED headlamp, which forms a complete strip over the fork head to separate the bubble from the bodywork. The turn indicators are also LED. Another very interesting styling element is the exhaust system. The latter will inevitably remind you of MV Agusta exhausts, with their two slender flutes, when others try to make big exhausts at all costs, in an attempt to hide small displacement.

While we're on the subject of finesse, the rear end is also very pure, with no apparent coarseness. The eye can easily travel down to the swingarm, which has also been designed with style in mind. Zontes has really pushed the envelope of detail at every point where your eye lands, and the future owner will be proud of his machine on the café terrace.

In terms of equipment, the bubble is electrically adjustable on two levels, and there's a keyless start. The adventurous look comes as standard, with side crash bars, hand guards and a package holder. Zontes also offers optional side panniers and an aluminum top case.

behind the bubble is a color TFT screen which, in addition to the traditional functions, displays tire pressure and temperature. We also appreciate the backlit controls, always with an eye for detail. A USB socket is welcome for recharging a GPS or phone.

Engine: 4 hp that feels like much more

The increase in displacement to 348 cc has enabled the manufacturer to develop 39 hp (28.6 kW) at 9,500 rpm. The T thus goes from 35 to 39 and approaches the honorary 40 hp mark. This value makes it more serious in the eyes of the competition, where the KTM 390 Adventure develops 44 hp, and the Zontes also stands out from the BMW 310 GS, which remains stuck at 34 hp. It's a strategic in-between.

The engine is backed up by a 6-speed gearbox that allows cruising at reasonable revs for the single-cylinder. Average fuel consumption is announced at 3.7l/100km, enough for a trip without too many stops, since the fuel tank holds 19 liters. This means a range of +/- 500 km!

The anti-dribble clutch limits rear-wheel lock-up by erasing the torque feedback effect of the single-cylinder. Finally, despite the cable throttle, there are two driving modes: eco or sport.

a heavyweight in its class!

Beginners should be wary of this machine. Contrary to its displacement, the 350 T is no small machine. It weighs in at around 200 kg - 197 to be precise. It's not exactly sylph-like, being around 30 kg overweight compared to the BMW 310 GS or the KTM 390 Adventure. This is often the shortcoming of Chinese industry, which struggles to make bikes as light as the competition.

The chassis is a tubular steel frame. Suspension is provided by an inverted fork with a diameter of 43 mm at the front and a high-pressure nitrogen monoshock at the rear. The suspension provides 175 mm of ground clearance and places the seat at 830 mm. Smaller riders may not feel comfortable on the machine.

the Zontes 350 T relies on serious braking with a 320 mm front disc and J. JUAN radial caliper. JUAN 4-piston radial caliper. The rear brakes are assisted by a 265 mm disc bitten by a Zontes single-piston caliper. The ABS operates independently on the front and rear, and is managed by a Bosch control unit.

The wheels are 19" at the front and 17" at the rear, with 110-wide tires at the front and 160-wide tires at the rear.

Seduction at all costs

If you've come to the end of this presentation and the Zontes 350 T catches your eye, its final argument for seducing you will be its price. Priced at just 5,690 euros, despite its ultra-complete equipment, seductive looks and sleek build quality, this evolution of the 310 - now 350 - has few rivals among traditional brands (European or Japanese) capable of offering such value for money.

The bike comes with a 3-year parts and 2-year labour warranty.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos