DUELLING ADVENTURES

What happens when we pitch a newcomer against one of the older players in the ADV game

- Keshav Teiva Poumai

Of late, the Indian two-wheeler market has witnessed an influx of many new manufacturers as well as the popularisation of the 'Adventure' class among the rest. Naturally, it only makes sense that we cash in on the trend and start our own little fight club (for obvious reasons, this is a joke). The two contenders that we selected for this particular beatdown, are the Zontes 350T ADV and the BMW G 310 GS.

Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI) introduced four new Chinese-owned motorcycle brands in the past year under the MotoVault banner, and the Zontes brand is one among them, with a current portfolio of five models. BMW Motorrad, on the other hand, has been selling adventure motorcycles for a while now, and that GS nomenclature is very recognisable, spanning a period of four decades since its inception.

At first glance, both motorcycles carry that proper adventure motorcycle stance, with the Zontes 350T ADV featuring a stockier appearance, while the BMW G 310 GS has a leaner frame. There is also a significant difference in the weight of both motorcycles, the GS weighing in at 175 kg, and the Zontes tipping the scales at 196 kg - a whole 21 kg heavier. The Zontes also carries a sturdy crash guard enveloping the fuel tank and engine that comes as standard fitment.

Talking about the bountiful features that the Zontes 350T ADV is laden with, there's keyless ignition, along with an electronically-operated adjustable windscreen, fuel tank flap, and seat release mechanism. In addition to all that, the motorcycle also gets tubeless spoke wheels, an anti-glare TFT display with different display modes, and even a smartphone screen-mirroring function. All interesting features and components that would generally not be found on a motorcycle in this price range. The BMW G 310 GS, in stark contrast, gets nothing of the sort. There's a simple LCD instrument cluster, and a manual key-operated ignition system.