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Hailing from the A1 license-compliant 125cc motorcycle category, the Zontes 125 GK is a modern take on traditional scramblers with new-age components.
The 125cc category for motorcycles has always been considered crucial for motorcycling culture in European countries. We have seen all established brands like Yamaha and Kawasaki offering attractive motorcycles in the 125cc segment, primarily naked and neo-retro roadsters and faired sport bikes.
However, Zontes Motorcycles, a relatively newer brand from China, has made a different move by launching a scrambler motorcycle in this category – Zontes ZT125 GK. The Zontes ZT125 GK is a B and A1 license-compliant motorcycle positioned below the slightly more powerful 350 GK for A2 license holders.
The 125cc category is regarded as the first step for A1 license holders in their motorcycling journey, after which they usually upgrade to motorcycles from the slightly more desirable 250-500cc category. It looks like Zontes understands this fact very well, and thus it has chosen to crack this code with an entry-level scrambler.
Given how steadily new-gen retro roadsters and scramblers are gaining popularity, the Zontes ZT125 GK looks like a refreshing proposition for beginners. The motorcycle arrived in Europe for 4,290 Euros (around $4,290).
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The scramblers are traditionally neo-retro motorcycles with rounded lines and simple design languages, which give them the essence of motorcycles from yesteryears. The Zontes 125 GK intends to do the same, but with a heavier touch of modernity. Many of its panels look muscular and have angular lines, making the motorcycle a noteworthy departure from the rounded lines and minimalism associated with traditional scramblers.
Like all the scramblers, the Zontes ZT125 GK also gets a rounded headlamp unit. However, this headlamps unit is thoroughly modern with all-LED illumination, complete with daytime running LED and an offset nameplate bearing the manufacturer’s name.
The other body panels of the motorcycle, including the compact front fender, 17-liter chiseled and galvanized fuel tank, Y-shaped side body panels, and tail section, have sharp creases. It is rarely seen on a scrambler, which gives the Zontes ZT125 GK a unique identity. Even the seat has a stepped design like a modern roadster, unlike the flat seats of traditional scramblers.
Apart from a clean and minimalist design, the scramblers are also conservative in their approach to equipment levels. The Zontes ZT125 GK tries to break the monotony by offering a whole suite of modern features, usually seen in modern sports bikes priced much higher than it.
While some might think that all these new-age features have robbed the old-school scrambler essence, there is no doubt that these features make the Zontes ZT125 GK highly desirable. Apart from all-LED illumination, the Zontes ZT125 GK also has a nice-looking all-LCD display, which shows speed, engine rpm, fuel level, engine temperature level, selected gear, odometer, trip meters, and clock.
Both sides of the handlebar come packed with separate backlit buttons for varying functions, including exclusive ones like gas tank lock, cushion, and ignition switch lock. Other premium features of the Zontes ZT125 GK not available in traditional scramblers at its price point include a keyless control system, one-piece forged hand guards, bar-end rearview mirrors, dual fast-charging USB ports, and tire pressure monitoring system.
The four-stroke, single-cylinder, water-cooled, 125cc engine of the Zontes ZT125 GK is now compliant with Euro 5 emission norms. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which gets the assistance of a slipper clutch, this engine produces 14.5 hp of maximum power and 9.6 lb-ft of maximum torque.
The power and torque figures of the 125cc engine of Zontes ZT125 GK might not be outstanding. However, what catches one’s attention indeed is the impressive fuel economy. This 125cc engine claims a maximum fuel economy of 94 miles per gallon. Since the Zontes ZT125 GK has a 17-liter (4.5-gallon) fuel tank, it has a range of around 423 miles on a single tank.
Related: These Are The Best Neo-Retro Motorcycles Available Today
With the 125 GK, Zontes chose to go the new-age way for the mechanical setup. Like new-age premium roadsters, the Zontes ZT125 GK gets inverted telescopic forks at the front and an aluminum alloy swing-arm with a centrally-mounted mono-shock getting preload adjustability at the rear.
The 17-inch wire-spoke wheels of the motorcycle are lightweight alloy rims, which come shod with tubeless tires with big-sized tread blocks. These all-terrain tires of the Zontes ZT125 GK offer good road presence and the versatility of using in varying road conditions.
While the spoke wheels give the Zontes ZT125 GK an old-school charm, they offer the convenience of compatibility with tubeless tires. Coming to the brakes, the Zontes ZT125 GK comes armed with a 300mm front disc and a 245mm rear disc, coupled with a dual-channel ABS.
Hailing from India, Jeo has grown up dreaming about a red-colored Porsche 911. This fascination led him to study more about cars and their functionality in his automotive engineering days from the past. His passion for writing about cars directed him towards blogging, which he has been doing for almost a decade.