Zontes 350R

The Zontes 350R is an attractive bike with a sleek design, making it a great eye-candy for bike enthusiasts. However, the performance of the bike is not as confidence-inspiring as the KTM Duke or the Yamaha MT series. There were some issues with the bike in terms of shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, which had to be done more than once before it would engage. The pickup and performance were also acceptable, but could still use some refinement. There was also a pinging noise when revving the engine, which is something that I have not heard on any other bike.

Overall, the Zontes 350R is an acceptable bike for its price point, however, I wouldn't recommend purchasing one right away until the company solves the issues and offers a refreshed model. I do have some concerns about the engine due to its lower quality material, which I experienced firsthand with my Lifan bike in Qatar. While I hope that this bike will do well in our markets and give the KTM bikes a run for their money, the current model should be handled with caution.

The Zontes 350R has an impressive engine, but its build quality does not stand up to the competition. It's lack of refinement and higher price than its rivals make it a less attractive proposition. That said, its bold design, and the feeling it gives you when you ride it hard and fast, make it a tempting option. However, if you are looking for a more refined, cost-effective ride, the BMW G 310R or the KTM 390 Duke may be better options.

The Zontes 350R is a great all-rounder and will satisfy both the bike enthusiast looking for a bit of fun and the commuter who needs a reliable ride for the daily grind. The power delivery from the 348cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor is great, with 38PS of power and 32.8Nm of torque available. The 6-speed gearbox is aptly geared and the motor loves to be revved, with plenty of power available throughout the rev range. You'll have loads of fun revving this bike all the way up to the redline. The exhaust note is quite KTM-ish, and sounds great too. At low speeds, the engine is tractable and can cruise along in high gears without any issues. However, when riding at high speeds, things can feel a bit unsettling.

The keyless operation is a great addition to Zontes 350R, as it allows you to start the bike with a single tap on your phone. The dual-channel ABS ensures better safety, while the TPMS helps you monitor your tyre pressure. The 5-inch LCD unit is the icing on the cake, as it allows you to see your speed, revs, and other metrics in a full-colour, anti-glare display. The screen mirroring function is also a great addition, as it allows you to use your phone as a navigation aid. With different layouts to choose from, you can be sure to find one which suits your style and preferences.

The 350R comes with a ton of features, from keyless operation to dual-channel ABS and tyre pressure monitoring system, which I found to be really useful. The adjustable 5-inch full-colour anti-glare LCD unit with screen mirroring is also a neat addition, and the instrument panel is well-organised without feeling cluttered. I also appreciate the back-lit switches and buttons, which I haven't seen before. 

One downside, though, is the placement of the USB charging port, which is placed in a very uncomfortable spot. It can be an obstruction to the steering if one plugs in the USB cable on the move, and it can also damage the cable in the process. The fuel cap and the seat lock also have handy buttons, meaning there's no need for a key. However, this could be a problem if the battery dies, which Zontes fortunately anticipates by providing an add-on 24-hour emergency roadside assistance service and a two-year unlimited km warranty.