The Zontes brand presents the GK 350, the neo-retro star

The Zontes GK350 brings us the Neo-Retro star of the mid-displacement class, representing a major technological evolution over the range best known until now, especially with the debut of a 350cc engine that increases both power output and torque.

The GK350 naked motorcycle follows the trends of the G series, characterised by its original Neo-Retro shapes with Café Racer and Scrambler touches, very much to the public’s taste. Aesthetically, the GK carries over the lines of its “eighth-litre” namesakes, especially in the cubic shape of the tank, with the seat continuing from its rear section. This seat debuts a new production process that unifies the outer moulding with the foam, doing away with traditional upholstery to achieve original forms that had not previously been realised, as can be seen in the step that defines the rider and passenger seating areas.

The tank also features new manufacturing processes patented by Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co. Ltd, using a new galvanising technique on the inner face of the pressed sheet metal in order to prevent the rust that would otherwise cause fuel leaks and sediment blockages in the fuel pump. Its capacity is 17 litres which, together with the vehicle’s low consumption, allows a long range.

In this tribute to the motorcycles of the past, the characteristic round headlight could not be missing, paired with the technological contrast of using the latest FULL LED lighting technology, which also extends to the rear light (position and brake light) as well as the four indicators with protective grilles. The headlight housing is made of die-cast aluminium, and inside it four polyellipsoidal reflectors for the dipped and main beams are grouped together, along with a circular light guide around its perimeter and five vertical segments at the bottom that serve as DRL daytime running lights, forming a distinctive light signature that immediately identifies this GK350.

Another novelty incorporated in the GK350 is its instrument panel with a full-colour TFT screen, which presents information in four different display modes (Recreation, Race, Street and Simplicity), automatically adjusting the screen brightness in any mode via an ambient light sensor so as not to dazzle the rider when riding at night.

The handlebar controls feature backlighting on their buttons to make them easier to recognise when riding at night. Among the controls offered are the less common electric opening of the fuel tank cap or seat to access the storage compartment, or switching the riding mode between Economic and Sport; in economic riding the aim is not to exceed 7,000 rpm, although if the user exceeds this during an overtaking manoeuvre, it will automatically switch to sport mode. A new second-generation steering lock system is also integrated, with greater resistance to theft and superior weather sealing.

The suspension has also been improved, with a new inverted front fork featuring 43 mm stanchions (previously 41 mm) and a rear monoshock with high-pressure nitrogen inside to achieve progressive damping, responding with a soft setting to small road irregularities without fatigue on long-distance journeys at full load. The cast aluminium swingarm with exposed ribs is retained, as are the same frame geometries, but the frame has been reinforced, especially in the steering head area.

The braking power is very considerable thanks to the use of large-diameter discs. At the front, the 300 mm discs used across the 310 range increase to 320 mm, while at the rear the disc grows from 230 to 265 mm, with corresponding calipers supplied by J. Juan of Brembo with radial mounting for the front brake. For the braking system, a dual-channel, latest-generation ABS modulator supplied by Bosch is again relied upon.

All these changes are complemented by a major evolution of the engine, which increases in displacement from the original 312 cc to 348 cc, achieved by increasing the piston bore from 80 to 84.5 mm while maintaining the 62 mm stroke, with a new compression ratio of 12.3:1. With these significant changes, engine performance improves, raising maximum power to 39.44 CV from the previous 34.8 at the same speed of 9,500 rpm, while torque reaches 32.8 Nm at 7,500 rpm (previously 30 Nm at the same speed). Valve timing is handled by a DOHC twin camshaft system that actuates the four valves in the cylinder head, while the cast aluminium cylinder features an inner coating that allows a better fit with the piston, maintaining optimal lubrication and helping to improve performance. The exhaust has also been upgraded to suit the new performance, featuring the characteristic overlapping twin outlet, which now has a special coating that prevents possible burns.

The new GK350 will begin to be distributed at Zontes official dealerships in mid-June at a launch price of €4,989 RRP, and is offered in three different colour configurations: black/gold, black/blue and silver/orange.