Zontes 703F Adventure Review: Triple Adventure Bike for €10,000

A fully-loaded 21-inch adventure bike with a triple-cylinder engine for under €10,000? At first glance, that sounds like an ambitious, almost unbelievable promise. Considering the competition in this power class and the relatively rare triple engine, the price for such a package is usually at least €4,000 higher. We had to test for ourselves whether Zontes could offer a reasonable motorcycle with their first self-developed triple engine at this price. The test day took us to the hilly, winding roads of Lower Austria the perfect setting to put a bike of this category through its paces.

The heart of the Z703F is a liquid-cooled triple-cylinder engine with a displacement of 699 cubic centimeters. This engine concept is rarely seen in the adventure touring segment, aside from well-known models like the Yamaha Tracer 9 or the Triumph Tiger 900. With a peak output of 95 HP at 10,000 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, the triple fits solidly into the adventure bike class. Notably, the engine is a complete in-house development by Zontes. To achieve 95 HP from the relatively small displacement, the compression ratio is quite high at 13:1. Nevertheless, fuel consumption is claimed to be a frugal 4.3 L/100km.

Zontes also makes a statement with the chassis. The aluminum frame supports a fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension with 180 millimeters of travel. The dimensions of the 703F are typical for its class: 845 millimeters seat height, 21-inch front wheel, and a ready-to-ride weight of 237 kilograms. The tire setup90/90 R21 at the front and 150/70 R18 at the rearreinforces its claim as a serious adventure bike and would even allow for knobby tires. But first, we examine the performance of the Zontes 703F Adventure on paved roads.

After just a few kilometers on the open road, it becomes clear that the Zontes 703F Adventure is not an exotic experiment but a well-functioning complete package. The riding position is upright and relaxed, offering a pleasantly confident control over the bike with arms comfortably reaching the wide handlebars. Despite its weight of 237 kilograms, the Zontes is easy to handle in everyday riding. At a leisurely pace, the triple engine reveals its typical silky power delivery and flexible gearing. Smooth cruising in high gear through town is achieved without any jerking or stuttering.

When the pace picks up and things get more dynamic, the handling of the Zontes 703F Adventure is reminiscent of established adventure tourers. While the 21-inch front wheel requires a bit more steering input, the Zontes leans into corners smoothly, thanks to its well-executed design. The weight distribution feels balanced, and the suspension is responsive, offering a good blend of comfort and stability. Even during quick directional changes or stronger braking, the bike remains stable, albeit with noticeable front-end dive. The overall riding experience is particularly positivethe Zontes doesn't feel like an outlier in its class but rather like a refined production model that demands to be taken seriously. A promising first impression that leaves you wanting more.

The engine of the Zontes 703F Adventure is one of the most striking and intriguing components of the bike. The 699cc triple-cylinder engine delivers 95 HP at 10,000 rpm and 75 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. In practice, the engine is generally user-friendly, though it has a couple of quirks. In the lower rev range, the engine is reserved and somewhat lacking in punch. This isn't an issue for relaxed riding, but you do notice the relatively small displacement for this class of vehicle and weight. Those expecting the pull from a standstill or out of tight corners that competitor triples offer might be disappointed with the Zontes. The Chinese inline-triple needs revs beyond 5,000 rpm to really get going. However, this doesn't mean the engine feels bad or lacks a good sensation. Its just that if you're aiming for a sporty ride or want brisk acceleration with a heavy load, you might wish for more grunt. For adventure touring speeds, though, it's more than adequate.

The Zontes triple excels with its deep sound, which is clearly audible at any RPMa true acoustic highlight in the era of Euro5+, especially when the engine is hot and subtle, yet noticeable pops emanate from the exhaust on overrun. The 703F's quickshifter, enabled by a classic throttle cable, only assists with upshifts. It performs well, though at lower RPMs it can be somewhat reluctant and rough. However, from about 3,500 to 4,000 RPM and above, it shifts smoothly and seamlessly. Even without using the quickshifter, gear changes are effortless thanks to the finely adjustable clutch and the smoothly engaging gearbox. Overall, the drivetrain doesn't boast overwhelming power but is more than sufficient for everyday use, touring, and light sporty riding. If it weren't for one significant drawback.

As well thought-out as the Zontes 703F Adventure is in many areas, it does have an unfortunate flaw: the rough throttle response in first gear. Especially at low RPMs, noticeable load change reactions occur, which are unpleasantly disruptive in both Eco and Sport modes. Even with a sensitive throttle hand, a strong jolt can occur when the power kicks in. This sudden power delivery becomes a safety concern, especially in tight corners or at low speeds at the apex, which led me to increasingly rely on the more forgiving second gear and use the clutch throughout the test. It's a shame, as these load changes are particularly jarring in conjunction with the otherwise silky response of the triple. A more refined tuning in this area would be desirable for the next model update.

The suspension of the Zontes 703F Adventure is surprisingly high-quality for its price range. It features a fully adjustable Marzocchi upside-down fork with 43-millimeter stanchions and a monoshock at the rear. Both components offer 180 millimeters of travel, providing a successful blend of comfort and firmness. Even at a brisker pace, the bike remains controllable, the suspension feels planted on the road, and it delivers a stable, confidence-inspiring rideeven through switchbacks or over uneven terrain.

The dual disc brakes at the front, with a diameter of 310 millimeters, require quite a bit of hand strength during spirited riding. Although they operate progressively, they lack the sharp bite desired in critical braking zones. Additionally, the ABS engages somewhat coarsely, which can manifest as vibrations in the handlebars or a slight wagging of the rear at the entrance of a corner. This is where the difference from established motorcycle manufacturers becomes apparent.

The large 21-inch front wheel and the name of the 703F Adventure suggest some off-road ambitions. I didn't encounter much loose terrain during the test, so my impressions in this area are limited. The standing position, with its high handlebars, is more touring-oriented than sporty but functional, similar to other large adventure tourers. Traction control can be disabled with a single button press, but the ABS can only be turned off at the rear and only through a menu, which is not particularly user-friendly. On an adventure tour with alternating paved and unpaved roads, this would certainly be annoying. A solid aluminum skid plate is part of the standard equipment, as well as handguards that are more like wind deflectors and also house the indicators. The 180 mm of suspension travel is not overly generous, but sufficient for easy gravel roads and dirt paths. This is where I see the off-road ambitions of the 703F Adventure. For serious off-roading, it's better to choose a model specialized for that purpose but for occasional forays, the Zontes is well-equipped.

The Zontes 703F also proves to be competent in terms of long-distance capability. The upright seating position, wide handlebars, and stable straight-line performance make it a pleasant companion on long hauls. The tank holds 22 liters, and with a realistic consumption of about five liters per 100 kilometers, it offers an impressive range of over 400 kilometers. The electrically adjustable windscreen works reliably, providing good head protection in the highest position, although it could offer a bit more in the shoulder area. The standard heated grips, easy-to-read TFT display, and USB ports for mobile devices underscore its touring capability. For those who travel frequently, this adventure bike offers significant everyday utility.

What truly astonishes with the Zontes 703F Adventure is the scope and quality of the standard equipmentespecially when considering the price under €10,000. The keyless-go system works reliably, with automatic shutdown and steering lock once the rider is more than 1.5 meters away from the bike. Heated grips come standard, although a cruise control is missingdue to the traditional throttle cablebut the rest of the technology more than makes up for it.

The color TFT display can be configured in four layouts, offers smartphone connectivity and 3D navigation, and can be angle-adjusted via a dial. Notably, it includes two integrated dashcams that record in Full-HD at the front and rear, saving the footage in one-minute clips on the internal 128 GB storage. The Zontes app allows for downloading and utilizing the video clips. Additionally, there is a tire pressure monitoring system with a tire temperature display, full LED lighting, and the aforementioned electrically adjustable windscreen.

Attention to detail is also evident: a center stand is included in the standard equipment, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports, a foldable gear lever, adjustable hand levers, an electrically unlockable seat mechanism, and even a hidden storage compartment in the tail. An optional blind spot warning system can be retrofitted, and an auxiliary fuel tank is available as an accessory. Some of these features are uncommon, while others are typically reserved for the top tier of adventure touring bikes. Quite impressive for the price range of the 703F Adventure.

As part of the test, the new Caberg Tanami was used for the first timea helmet that stands out from the crowd with exciting details. The Italian brand Caberg ("Caschi di Bergamo") introduces the Tanami, an on- and off-road fiberglass helmet that impresses not only with its lightweight design, ranging between 1,530 and 1,580 grams, but also with its well-thought-out features. The helmet is certified according to the latest ECE 22.06 standard and, in addition to two shell sizes, offers a particularly intelligent ventilation solution: the front and rear vent covers are attached with a magnetic closure and can be removed in a snapideal for hot summer days and off-road sections.

Another highlight is the NFC chip integrated into the rear, which allows a smartphone to not only access the helmet's website with the user manual but also store emergency contacts and SOS data. This enables first responders to quickly access critical information in the event of an accidenta smart safety solution that can be invaluable in an emergency. Another well-thought-out feature: the chin area of the helmet can optionally accommodate the mouthpiece of a Camelbak system, allowing the rider to drink while riding without using their hands. This combination of touring comfort, ventilation, safety, and practical long-distance orientation makes the Caberg Tanami an attractive choice for adventure riders.