Zontes ZT903-R: a 150 hp three-cylinder naked is on the way

Zontes is getting ready to enter the high-performance naked class. The ZT903-R prototype is already being road-tested in China, and registered design images show a near-production bike. It is a big step up from the 703R, which has a 699 cc triple and 95 hp.

The engine looks completely new: the images show different castings, mounts and covers than the 703 platform. The exact displacement isn't confirmed, but the name points to roughly 900 cc. Reported figures are about 150 hp and 183 kg, though neither is confirmed for the production bike.

The design shows an aluminium frame, a single-sided swingarm, upside-down forks, a rear monoshock and twin front discs. Brembo radial calipers appear in the images, but it's unclear whether they will reach showroom bikes. A TFT display, adjustable footrests and probably a quickshifter are visible too. Reports mention a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction control and ride modes, all unconfirmed.

• Rivals — Triumph Street Triple, Ducati Monster, Yamaha MT-09
• Price and launch date — not announced