Zontes is preparing to bring the 703 T adventure bike to market
Type approval documents have revealed the new Zontes 703 T, a new road-biased adventure bike option.
Zontes is set to bolster its range with a new adventure bike based on its popular 703 F. Instead of aiming at the off-road market, though, the 703 T is firmly rooted in the on-road adventure touring sector.
While no confirmed specification for the 703 T has been released, type approval documents from China have revealed a few key details about the new bike. It’ll be tipping the scales at a claimed 206kg (dry), for instance, making it likely to be a slightly lighter option than the 703 F - which comes in at 236kg (kerb).
The main changes between the two models centre around the chassis and wheels, with the spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels being replaced by cast 17-inch items front and rear. Those new wheel sizes open up the chance to use sportier hoops on the bike, something which should boost its on-road handling significantly.
Like the wheels, the suspension has also been given a once-over, with slightly shorter travel, and we assume revised damping and spring rates. The braking system of the bike shown is also of a higher level than we find on the existing 703 F, with Brembo calipers featuring at the front end of the new bike in place of the J.Juan items.
Powering both versions is a fruity 699cc inline three-cylinder, pumping out a claimed 96bhp at 10,000rpm. Peak torque is claimed to be 56lb-ft, and as it’s a three cylinder that punch should be felt right the way through the rev-range. Sitting on top of the engine is a healthy 22 litre fuel tank that should be good enough for at least 200 miles betwen fuel stops.
Should the new bike get the same level of kit as its off-road-ready sibling, it should be very well equipped. Like many Chinese manufacturers, Zontes loads its bikes with tech and features that some other bike makers would charge a premium for. On the 703 F you get a Bluetooth enabled TFT with built-in navigation, riding modes, traction control, heated grips, an adjustable screen, battery maintainer socket, a sump guard, front and rear dash cams, handguards, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a tyre temperature monitoring system, keyless ignition and fuel cap, a lithium battery, and a quickshifter, although for upshifts only. If you managed to read that all in one breath, well done, and it no doubt drives home the value for money you can get by buying Chinese. We’d expect all these standard features, and possibly more, to and on the 703 T.
And while we are on the talk of value for money, the price. The 703 F is available in the UK for £6,999 plus OTR changes. Should the 703 T be priced just as punchily when it lands in the UK - which it almost certainly will - it could make a compelling option for those looking for a capable tourer with every option already ticked.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
