This is a rare, exceptional event.
It’s not every day that a manufacturer lands here already offering the full range of two-wheeled models, from a 125cc single-cylinder to a 700cc triple, from a modest scooter, through an impressive adventure bike, to a real sport machine. A company that perhaps provides the most technology, features, and horsepower relative to each shekel spent. A manufacturer that makes almost everything in-house, from engine to frame, a company you probably haven’t heard of, aiming to go for the whole pot.
How realistic is this ambition?
Meet ZONTES, a brand that was already present here in limited imports by Legal and is now making a kind of comeback with a new importer, “EuroDrive,” part of Delek Motors, which imports BMW motorcycles (and Mazda, Ford, NIO Dongfeng, and BMW cars). The brand is a division of the Chinese giant Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co. Ltd, founded in 2003.
After all these words, more suitable for an accountant’s statement, let’s get to the main thing: Riding. We tested three machines. Let’s start with the one that seems set to be a hit.
Crossover Scooter 368T-G: A High View Over Traffic Boxes
There’s a lot to say about this machine full of features and extras, but one small detail won my heart: The rear passenger footpegs include two sets - one for an adult passenger and one for a child - allowing compliance with legal regulations while ensuring the child’s feet reach the footpegs.
Seemingly a minor detail, but it shows the thought and attention to detail that make this scooter a Zontes hit, with about 200 units in the first three months. A crazy number in this market.
The recipe for success starts with looks. This scooter-adventure-machine-manager hybrid looks excellent. Combat and aggressive design, a kind of arrow pointing forward with a sharp tail at the back, prominent plastic protection, a chunky and attractive exhaust, large wheels with aluminum alloy spokes, a design that turns heads and draws attention at traffic lights.
It has a large TFT screen and a slew of control switches, perhaps overly numbered, as if operating not a cute scooter but an aircraft carrier.
On the other hand, these buttons operate features usually found on bikes costing five times as much. Take a deep breath: Heated grips, heated seat, adjustable windshield, fog lights, ABS with rear-wheel cutoff, switchable traction control, keyless entry, charging sockets, very effective parking brake, center stand, riding modes (normal and eco), handguards, belly pan protection, and more. If you plan a long ride across India, there’s an external battery charging port and even front and rear cameras. On a scooter!
Okay, all this is exciting Chinese tech, but how does it ride? Here too, praise is due.
I admit, I usually prefer motorcycles over scooters, but this one knows its tricks. With an engine considered powerful for the category, its standing-start acceleration is excellent, leaving more expensive and powerful machines behind, reminding riders of the golden safety rule: Even when the green light comes on, don’t go until you check left and right.
It’s relatively tall and may require some adjustment for shorter riders. On the plus side, it gives a higher view over traffic boxes. The suspension on urban asphalt is, as often with scooters, not particularly fun, but on the highway it handles very high speeds well, and according to the manufacturer can touch 150 km/h. It feels very safe in fast corners, and overall exudes stability and good build quality, including a very large 17.5-liter fuel tank providing an impressive range of about 500 km or more, plus a spacious 52-liter illuminated storage compartment for two full helmets.
If insisted, you can also take it on compacted KKL trails; it’s easy to ride standing, though clearly not its primary purpose.
Towards the end of the test, we spent several hundred kilometers riding comfortably. If you cover many kilometers, note the relatively tight service intervals, sending you to the workshop every 5,000 km.
Bottom line: An excellent package that looks and rides well, with technology and reliability that still need to prove themselves. An impressive machine at a lower price than competitors, and riding it clarifies its success.
Engine: Single-cylinder, 368cc, liquid-cooled, 38.8 hp @ 7,500 rpm, torque 4.1 kg·m @ 6,000 rpm. Bosch injection system. Front wheel 17", rear 14". Rear adjustable twin shock absorbers. ABS brakes with rear-wheel cutoff for off-road riding. Seat height 795 mm, fuel tank 17.5 L, ground clearance 180 mm, dry weight 183 kg. Price: NIS 40,900.
Adventure Motorcycle 703-F: Unique, Maybe Too Robotic Design
Here too, Zontes’ three signature elements stand out: Design, engine, rich features, and an attempt to be different, to challenge the system and the market.
Starting with looks - a robotic front hard to ignore. Sharp, aggressive, very distinct; some will love it, others may find it over the top.
The engine reflects a growing trend and a statement from a confident company: three cylinders developed and produced in-house, with lots of power, character, and a wonderful sound.
Components are high-quality - Michelin tires, JJUAN brakes by Brembo, Bosch injection, Marzocchi suspension - and again, almost every possible feature: Cameras, heated grips and seat, electric windshield, protection, tire pressure sensors, and again, an excessive number of handlebar buttons.
Riding it feels like being on a larger bike than its size, seeming more like a 1,000cc than a 700cc. With strong presence, multiple lights, and indicators, it gives very reassuring confidence on the highway. The F comes in two notable versions; we tested the off-road variant with large tires. Still, with a high weight of 228 kg and relatively short suspension, I avoided true, challenging off-road riding.
The F enters a particularly crowded niche, with a representative for almost every Japanese or Chinese brand, offering features, looks, and exceptional engines. It suits those seeking a unique adventure bike, with distinctive design, abundant features, and excellent road and touring abilities at an attractive price.
Engine: 3 cylinders, 699cc. 96 hp @ 10,000 rpm, torque 7.75 kg·m @ 7,500 rpm. Water and oil cooling, aluminum frame, front tire 90/90 21", rear 150/70 18". Seat height 845 mm, fuel tank 22 L, ground clearance 205 mm, dry weight 215 kg. Price: 58,000 ILS.
Sport Motorcycle 703RR: Classic Sport, But New
With the same successful triple engine comes a sport motorcycle, reviving past loves and desires.
Let’s admit the truth: Sport motorcycles have lost their glory, and what happened to the car market shifting to SUVs also happened on two wheels, where many now prefer adventure bikes. That makes this RR particularly intriguing. A sport bike, like in the old days, but new.
Its look is stunning - beautiful, especially in white paint, two-tone wheels, machined swingarm, sleek 12 kg aluminum frame, sharp front angle and raised tail revealing a fat Michelin sport tire. The short, almost invisible exhaust frees design space under the seat.
A practical sport motorcycle must balance track aggression with comfortable street riding. The RR seems to succeed.
The seat is firm but comfortable, handlebars not too low, allowing comfortable riding even in traffic. Suspension performs well, balancing dual purposes, and the only minor complaint might be the slightly soft front brake for aggressive riding, although braking is good - perhaps due to new pads or requiring further adjustment.
The engine is the same excellent triple, eager to rev and launch you forward. Unlike the adventure model, it has a RAM AIR system compressing cold air directly into the intake as speed rises, adding about ten extra horsepower when things get fast. Wind protection is very effective, and the riding posture is tight and thrilling, as only sport bikes provide. With a screaming 11,200 rpm redline, it’s very stable and aerodynamic on highways. Weight is at the upper end of the category, about 198 kg wet, top speed around 260 km/h, and 0–100 km/h in about three seconds.
It’s a high-tech machine with quality tires, suspension, and brakes, offering two riding modes, at an attractive price, suitable for daily commuting yet ready for track use. The return of the sport bike.
Engine: 3 cylinders, 699cc. 96 hp @ 10,000 rpm, torque 7.75 kg·m @ 7,500 rpm. Water and oil cooling, RAM AIR system, aluminum frame. Tires: front 120/70-17, rear 180/55-17. Wet weight ~196 kg, seat height 795 mm, fuel tank 16 L. Price: 60,000 ILS.