Zontes S250 Phantom

Chinese bikes are rubbish! Don't buy one! You will regret it! Sound familiar? I've heard it all before but things are changing and fast. Take the s250 phantom from zontes for example. I've owned and rode this bike for just over two years now and so feel now would be a good time to write this review. I've covered over 5000 miles and overall I'm impressed. I'll be as honest as I can and leave you to draw your own conclusions so here goes.

I bought this bike for several reasons. Firstly it's appearance, it's a good looking bike with its autobot face at the front and the neat led lights at the rear. I opted for the blue one. You can have orange and silver. In the sunlight the blue one looks amazing with the slight metal flake effect. Other features include upside down forks, digital dash and gas filled shock. Of course you can glean all this info and more on the net so I'll move on to what it's like to ride and own. So put the key in the ignition and switch on. The bike does a sweep through the functions ensuring all is well and then you thumb the starter and it bursts into life immediately. By the way I've never seen an ignition key quite so unique. It looks just like the headlights. Nice touch.

Riding the bike overall is an enjoyable experience. This single cylinder 24bhp 5 speed bike pulls strongly and gear changes are slick too. The clutch is firm but not heavy, brakes are fine too, discs both ends, single front but it's all you need. All the switch gear looks and feels good quality and it has fitted hazard lights too. The tyres are Chinese but grip well dry and wet but the size of the rear is so unusual you can only get one from your dealer. Also I found the mirrors virtually useless because they are too short. While i am pointing out a few niggles and let's face it all bikes have a few I found the 11 litre tank too small. Some 125cc bikes have larger tanks including zontes own models.im happy to report that the latest version of this bike has been updated and covered most of the problems found. A company that listens to its customers, that's a big plus. Thank you zontes! This touches on another reason I chose zontes. I did my research on this company beforehand and noted that customers were generally happy with the bikes and aftercare. They really are an impressive company and are imported here by Clement Moto. Anyway I digress, back to the phantom.

How fast is it, that's important isn't it? Well unlike many Chinese offerings even the 250cc machines this is no underpowered slouch. It makes good use of its 24 horses and will happily sit at 70-75mph. It will then progress to 80-85mph topping out at an indicated 92-93mph. After this the rev limiter kicks in but personally I'm quite happy sitting at 70mph which is after all your legal maximum.

I've put this bike through its paces believe you me. I have regularly been on 200 mile trips too and it's never missed a beat but there are a few more niggles i will point out, none of which can't be resolved with the exception of the small fuel tank. If you are thinking of buying a new one make sure you buy the revised or updated model.

Ok more niggles. The seat is ok but on longer journeys it can be hard and uncomfortable. The oil service light comes on every 1000km or 625 miles! Checking the oil level is awkward because it's in the frame. You need to remove the seat, two fasteners, then open the fuel flap where you will find two small bolts, then unclip the centre tank panel and there you locate the oil filler/dipstick. Remember too to check the oil level you need to start the bike then leave it running for a few minutes then switch off. A minute or so later check the level. Don't check when it's cold. The dipstick will be dry.

The phantom looks good and performs and handles very well indeed. Shop around and you can get one of the last of these models for just over £2000. Absolute bargain and less than many 125s. Of course you might prefer waiting for the improved version, I don't know the price but I do know there are over 70 changes and they have recently launched some very impressive looking 300cc models punching out an impressive 35bhp. I believe that zontes have made their mark and will continue to flourish both in China and across the globe so grab one while you can because soon everyone else will and then the prices go up. Just nod your head everytime someone says.....Chinese bikes are rubbish! Then smile smugly! Ride safe peeps!