Zontes 310X First Ride Impressions!

I had my doubts, heard it was manufactured in China, didn’t expect much and then I had a closer look. To say I am not impressed would be a lie, what a pleasant surprise. If there is a brand that is going to change people’s perception of Chinese products then Zontes is well on their way to doing so.

- Grant Scott

As one can imagine one would approach such a review with a bit of scepticism but based on the fact that the manufacturer is backing the product with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and considering the asking price is right up there with that of more renowned European and Japanese competitors, then a quality product is certainly expected. Zontes focuses solely on the below 500cc segment, an area which is becoming very competitive with many notable manufacturers hoping to re-energise the industry by attracting desperately needed newbies. In recent times bikes in this somehow forgotten category was considered boring commuters and if you bolted on a box they made for pretty good delivery vehicles at the very least. There was nothing cool about them. Luckily things have since changed with a wide variety of sporty, yet practical options now available. Small to midrange motorcycles have become desirable again.

So what makes for a great entry level motorcycle and is the Zontes 310X up to task?

There is no denying that this is a good looking motorcycle. Styling cues have filtered down from the top brass of high end offerings. The build quality looks good and, clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the design and although I tried very hard to find faults, there wasn’t anything immediately noticeable.