Could the Zontes 350GK be yet another important Chinese motorcycle? New renders!
New renders show the upcoming Zontes 350GK as a single-cylinder scrambler that promises to be a serious contender for the KTM & Husqvarna range.
CHECK out these new renders of the Zontes 350GK, which is said to feature a brand new 350cc single-cylinder unit that’ll have peak power in the area of 43 BHP - putting it in the same conversation as the KTM 390 Duke and Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen & Vitpilen double-act.
Hailing from China, Zontes has been making quite a few noises in the past few years, developing attractive & affordable 312cc singles for the European market. With the promise of some 650cc-1000cc triples on the horizon, this latest look at a 350cc range could be another step in the right direction.
This second-generation will feature parts that’ll be migrated onto other models in the range, with the suspension, frame and engine expected to be seen in other forms - for instance, in an update due for the adventure tourer ZT310.
These renders show outer-spoked wire rims, a single disc at the front with a little cowl, circular LED headlight and a bigger angled frame (possibly aluminium as in the 310 model range).
You’ll recognise the stacked twin exhaust, a Zontes signature at this point, with panels, belly pan, seat and radiator cowl coming together to form a neat & complete package.
It all comes together in a respectable neo-scrambler guise, not far off the CB650R or CFMOTO 700CL-X Heritage in appearance.
More info at Cycle World from where these renders were sourced.
Is Zontes a leader in the Chinese motorcycle renaissance that's brewing?
Regardless of your opinion of machines from China, one thing they are able to bring to the table is affordable, cheap and capable mobility. Just as the Japanese market was once in the same boat all those years ago, the Chinese manufacturers is starting to offer some mid-range models that are taking it to the established manufacturers.
Not only in price, but in features and build quality. Churning out over a million bikes per year - the latest figures seem to point to a 1.57 million production run in 2020 - China is nigh on unparalleld for their output, and for that to happen they must be getting the formula right.
Zontes are one of many manufacturers shipping their wares around Europe and beyond, they are joined by the likes of Lexmoto, Sunra, CFMOTO and AJS to name but a few. Check out our feature for 8 Chinese motorcycles that deserve your attention.
They may have found their footing by assembling parts and electronics for other manufacturers, and later taking heavy inspiration from leading brands for their design choices, but imitation is said to be the biggest form of flattery - and other manufacturers are certainly starting to take notes themselves.
