
ZONTES ZT125-G1 (2021 - on) Review

Highlights
- Excellent value
- Well equipped
- Lots of tasty design
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 14 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm) |
Weight: | Low (353 lbs / 160 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIt’s been a long time since 125s 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.
- Related: Best 125cc motorbikes
- Related: Best Chinese motorbikes
- Related: Best 'soft-roaders' and enduros
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 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
Next up: EngineSpoked 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
Next up: ReliabilityThe 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.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBodywork, 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.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIt’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.
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.
Specs |
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Engine size | 125cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4v single |
Frame type | Tubular steel spine |
Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
Seat height | 795mm |
Bike weight | 160kg |
Front suspension | 37mm USD forks, non adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single shock, non adjustable |
Front brake | 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper. ABS |
Rear brake | 230mm disc with single-piston caliper. ABS |
Front tyre size | 110/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 130/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | £20 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £2,999 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 14 bhp |
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Max torque | 10 ft-lb |
Top speed | 74 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2021: Model introduced
Other versions
If you fancy a bit of knobbly-tyred supermoto style from your 125 the ZT125-U1 has the same engine and chassis as the Scrambler with keyless ignition and off-road inspired bodywork. A sports naked ZT125-U completes the new range at a few hundred quid less.
Owners' reviews for the ZONTES ZT125-G1 (2021 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their ZONTES ZT125-G1 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your ZONTES ZT125-G1 (2021 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Version: G1X
Year: 2021
The best equipped 125 ...’New Wave’ Scrambler...with futuristic design
Year: 2021
Great bike easy to ride on issue is 2nd N 1st Very close