Zontes ZT 125 G1 (2021-) review

Overall rating

It’s been a long time since 125cc motorbikes were really desirable, especially in the current four-stroke era. Japanese offerings have become less inspiring and more expensive over the years and you could basically write off what you paid for a cheap Chinese runabout as it reduced to a pile of rust in the first sprinkle of rain. But the Zontes ZT 125 G1 Scrambler is different.

It follows the same ‘neo retro’ style as bikes like the Husqvarna Svartpilen and Honda CB1000R. Bodywork is sculpted and it’s peppered with detail giving the Zontes the feel of a bike costing a lot more, making it tempting not just for new riders, but for experienced commuters, too.

It’s as tight and 'together' as any of its more established rivals, looks great, is equipped and great to ride. The latest generation Zontes have proved to be durable and reliable, too. Not bad for a 125 that costs less than three-grand.

It’s not all Superleggeras and ice cream. New Zontes Scramber ZT 125 is a little cracker and only £2999.99. Top speed: 65mph uphill, 70mph on the flat...74mph downhill with a run-up. pic.twitter.com/pp99O7IDQP

— Michael Neeves (@Neevesy33) November 25, 2020

Ride quality & brakes

Spoked wheels and dual purpose 17" CST CM-ADD tyres are there for the style than to rough it off-road, but there’s plenty of grip and ride quality is decent with no crashes or bangs from its soft suspension.

Steering is neutral, it’s nimble through traffic and front and rear brakes have all the power you need. It has a natural, spaced-out riding position that’s roomy enough for taller riders but being a naked, expect to get it in the neck from the elements.

Engine

The Zontes is compact, easy to ride and power from its belt and braces liquid cooled 14.5bhp 125cc four-stroke engine is delivered cleanly. It might sound uninspiring, like all four-stroke 125s, but it has the pep to keep up with traffic and when you want to get a move on it bangs excitedly into its rev limiter in the lower gears. After that it saunters up to an easy 70mph, plus change, but its tall top gear is more like a cruisy overdrive.

The peak power of 14.5bhp is just under the 15bhp limit imposed on 125s for learner riders on a CBT and A1 licence holders. Others in the category achieve the full 15bhp (or claim to) but many fall short of the Zontes's power.

Reliability & build quality

Bodywork, engine and chassis are so well finished you could easily pass it off as 125 costing thousands more if you slapped a Honda or Yamaha badge on the tank. Whether it’s durable over time is another question, but the latest generation Zontes have proved to be reliable and durable. It’s a class act.

Our Zontes ZT 125 G1 owners' reviews show no prevailing problems you need to worry about.

Value vs rivals

It’s one of the best equipped 125s around, making it great value for money, especially when you can pay up to a grand more for a Japanese or European naked.

Popular, albeit more expensive, rivals include the Bullit Hero 125, Lexmoto Tempest GT 125 and Honda CB125F.

See how the Zontes ZT 125 compares to the Honda CB125R and Fantic Caballero 125 in this video:

Equipment

Few 125s come with such big bike detailing. It has a huge 20-litre fuel tank for a 125 (which explains its high kerb weight), so you’ll rarely need to fill up, an LCD dash, bar end mirrors, lever protectors, chunky switchgear, bronze-finish USD forks, yokes and bars, a comfy seat, LED lights, crash bars and protectors, an underslung stainless-steel pipe, bellypan, radiator shroud and inside out banana swingarm. It also comes with a two-year warranty.

There are also quite a few aftermarket parts available from various firms to customise your bike. Fancy a Zontes ZT 125 exhaust, to make your bike sound fruitier? There are plenty on offer...