ZONTES GK350

A neo-retro motorcycle with impressive looks and modern features, does it pack in enough to stand-out?

- RITESH PATIL

Zontes may be a new entrant in the Indian automotive market but that didn’t stop it from bringing a sizable number of motorcycles to the country. Currently, the bikemaker’s lineup includes everything from a naked streetfighter, an adventure tourer to a sports tourer. Then there is the GK350. It is a good looking mishmash of different genres of motorcycles and is packed with features. But are these traits enough for the GK350 to carve a niche for itself?

You have to agree that the GK350 is a proper head turner. The front end looks butch with the large fuel tank extension and the round LED headlamp giving out a transformer kind of vibe. The sides feature a cleaner profile with the high-set dual exhaust being an eye-catching element as are the gold-finished spoke wheels. The well-sculpted 17-litre fuel tank with the ‘GK’ graphics on it and the bar end mirrors add to the premium feel. The rear is minimalistic with a slim LED tail lamp sandwiched between the seat and frame. Overall the GK350’s styling features cafe racer and flat tracker design elements and yet looks clean and all the better for it. That said, it gets a few MotoGP-inspired elements like the front disc brake cover and clutch and brake protectors which feel out of place in a retro inspired motorcycle. Fit and finish levels are impressive, especially switchgear quality and the matte paint finish that’s on par with premium motorcycles sold in India.