Zontes, a sub-brand of Chinese firm Guangdong Daye Motorcycle Technology Co., is well-known for its small to mid-capacity motorcycles, and has its presence in the international market too, including the UK. The company has unveiled the Zontes VX310, a road-biased tourer, in its home market.

What’s really special about this ADV is that it not only looks a lot better than some of the bigger-engined adventure tourers but is also packed to the brim with modern features. It gets a liquid-cooled engine, a single-sided swingarm and even an electrically adjustable windscreen. All-LED lighting and a full-colour TFT instrument cluster round off the list of premium equipment on the bike.

While it looks like it can kill, the 312cc engine is mediocre when it comes to power figures. With 35.4PS at 9500rpm and 30Nm at 7500rpm, the bike isn’t exactly a powerhouse on wheels. However, it has got a counterbalancer and a 6-speed transmission which should be enough for comfortable touring.

What takes the cake is that despite looking like a full-sized tourer, it weighs just 168kg wet. That’s 31kg lighter than the sleek and spartan-looking Royal Enfield Himalayan! Other notable features include hardcase panniers on both sides and a top box, cubbyholes integrated into the tank fairing, and disc brake on both ends with Bosch ABS. The bike also gets an inverted front fork and a rear monoshock to handle the bumps.

Expect Zontes to price this motorcycle at a small premium over the Zontes X 310 that retails at GBP 3,899. It could enter select European markets in 2021 and will be the perfect A2-friendly motorcycle. All in all, this could be a great alternative for rookie riders who want a comfortable, lightweight, touring-oriented motorcycle.