Zontes

Three-cylinder sports cruiser designs shown

By Ben Purvis

Zontes might not have the sort of international acceptance that some rivals - like CFMOTO - are rapidly gaining but the company is one of the more outward-facing Chinese brands and pushing a three-cylinder agenda to carve out a niche of its own.

Having already unveiled a quartet of three-cylinder bikes (the 703RR sports bike and 703F adventure bike that were shown in 2023, were joined by the 703R roadster and 703T tourer in late 2024), Zontes has announced plans for a fifth variant in the form of the 703V cruiser.

Unlike other Chinese cruisers, which often follow the usual route of mimicking Harley-Davidson's styling on miniaturised V-twin models, in official drawings Zontes takes inspirated from the likes of Ducati's Diavel and XDiavel by combining sports bike features with a long, low style. Unusually, the pictures were released on social media in China with an appeal for feedback from fans, allowing time for their recommendations to be incorporated into the finished bike before it's revealed in the metal later in 2025.

The quick growth of the Zontes three-cylinder range comes largely from the ability to share components between the different models, and the 703V is no exception. Its 699 cc triple is identical to the one used in the rest of the range, so should make 75 kW at 11,200 rpm and 74.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm. The main cast aluminium chassis is shared with the 703RR, 703T and 703R. Those models also donate their exhaust system - a subtle, belly-mounted design finished in black to avoid attention - as well as the same upside-down forks, radial brakes and 17-inch wheels. 

Changes to create the 703V's distinct profile include a longer swingarm that stretches the wheelbase substantially, as well as a long, sloping fuel tank that dives into a rider's seat that's much further back than on the 703R, RR and T. 

That means the footpegs, similar to the design on the 703T, are further forward in relation to the seat without actually being repositioned - giving a more cruiser-style riding pose. New bars, which remain relatively low, but are pulled back to suit the bike's stance, mean that despite the large number of shared parts the 703V should be a completely different experience compared to its sister models.

If Zontes follows the same pattern as its previous launches, the 703V is likely to be unveiled at EICMA in November 2025, with production following in 2026.