1 Nov 2025
The Zontes 155 Jivan primarily attracts buyers with its striking outward appeal, which is considered its biggest selling point. Beyond its aesthetics, this motorcycle provides an acceptable package featuring a 150cc water-cooled engine, 6-speed transmission, ABS brakes, and a unique dry sump cartel system.
The primary selling point of the Zontes 155 Jivan is its outward appeal, attracting potential buyers who are then keen to assess its actual performance rather than just its looks.
The engine used in the Zontes 155 Jivan is shared across multiple platforms, appearing in four different engines, which is a common practice similar to the Ti-Five model.
This 150cc engine is water-cooled, features a 6-speed transmission, and has a high compression ratio of 12.5 to 1, indicating a need for quality fuel. There is a notable discrepancy in horsepower figures: Kabir Motor's website states 15 HP at 8700 rpm, while foreign sites for the Zet 150 engine claim 18 HP at 9250 rpm and 16 Nm of torque, making it challenging to identify a definitive reference.
The engine incorporates slipper clutch technology, contributing to smoother gear changes and overall riding experience.
The motorcycle is equipped with 11.70-17 CTS brand adventure tires at the front and 130-70-17 tires at the rear. Both front and rear wheels feature ABS brakes, providing acceptable stopping power and responsiveness.
Its design is an 'updated classic' style, featuring an attractive headlight bowl and telescopic front horns. The exhaust throat is beautifully designed from aluminum, contributing to a lighter weight and centralizing the center of gravity, which may aid handling but could imply less resistance than steel.
The motorcycle has a one-piece, soft saddle that offers comfortable rider positioning, though passenger space is adequate but not overly spacious. A significant positive is the very large 20-liter fuel tank capacity, which exceeds many competitors, including the Benljuft, with a reported service consumption between 2 and 5 liters.
The handlebars feature the signature Zontes design, including integrated handguards. The display is comprehensive, showing fuel level, gear indicator, speedometer, distance, clock, engine speed, and battery voltage. A previous model's ineffective mode-change button has been removed in this 403 model.
The rider's position is characterized by a high saddle and forward handlebars, allowing for nicely stretched arms. Gear changes are smooth and easy, notably superior to some Benelli engines. Acceleration is not particularly aggressive, but handling is good, and the ABS braking system performs well, providing a reassuring feel.
Despite hot ambient temperatures, no significant engine heat is felt by the rider. The mirrors provide a very good and clear view of the surroundings.
The Zontes 155 Jivan utilizes a dry sump cartel system, where engine oil is separated from the engine compartment and collected in a separate tank via a pump. A second pump then applies this cooled oil back to engine parts, enhancing engine performance, prolonging parts life, and delaying oil heating, which is common in racing engines. However, in winter, this system can cause oil to thicken and heat up slower, requiring the engine to warm up properly before aggressive riding.
While possessing an adventure aesthetic, the motorcycle is not particularly light and is not designed for serious off-road or 'khaki' use.
The motorcycle is available at a price point around 300 Tomans. Buyers have options for spoked or aluminum rims, with spoked rims typically being 10-20 Tomans more expensive. A 200cc version also exists, and the 150cc spoked rim model can be similarly priced to a 200cc aluminum rim model.
Considering its style, the closest competitor, the discontinued Leon China XR, is priced much higher at 490 Tomans, making the Zontes a more accessible option. Without considering style, several 250cc motorcycles on the market, such as the Kiva L249 or Apache, can be purchased within a similar price range.
Chinese engines, including Zontes, are sensitive and require diligent maintenance, including using quality oil and timely check-ups, to ensure longevity and prevent premature wear or expensive repairs, unlike some branded engines that might tolerate less rigorous care.
The Zontes 155 Jivan offers an 'acceptable package' in terms of braking, handling, and ride quality. Its primary appeal and competitive edge are its attractive appearance and availability through installment purchase conditions, making it a viable choice despite not being considered a performance leader at its price point.
The most important reason for choosing this engine, beyond its external attractiveness, is its acceptable package, which includes good braking, handling, and ride quality.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Selling Point | Striking outward appeal and attractive design. |
| Engine Type | 150cc, water-cooled, 6-speed, 12.5:1 compression ratio. |
| Horsepower Discrepancy | 15 HP (local source) vs. 18 HP (foreign source) at different RPMs. |
| Braking System | Front and rear ABS brakes with acceptable performance. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Large 20-liter tank, exceeding many competitors. |
| Unique Technology | Dry Sump Cartel system for enhanced oil cooling and engine longevity. |
| Wet Weather Performance | Tires are noted to be somewhat lively/slippery in wet conditions. |
| Riding Experience | Smooth gear shifting (slipper clutch), good handling, comfortable saddle, no engine heat felt. |
| Maintenance Sensitivity | Requires quality fuel and timely check-ups; Chinese engines are highly sensitive. |
| Value Proposition | Acceptable package for the price, primarily chosen for aesthetics and installment options. |
