Hi,

I am planning to upgrade from my current Vario 150 scooter. Previously eyeing for ADV350 but now thinking to limit my budget to max 30K for OTR price (although afford for ADV350). I believed options available would be XMAX 250, Forza 250, Fortress 350, and Zontes 350e, however I think I would be deciding between Forza 250 and Zontes 350e.

XMax doesn't have adjustable windshield.
Fortress storage near handle are small and doesn't look solid.

My daily ride to office just around 10KM, from Ampang to KLCC via AKLEH. However, I am thinking to also tour occasionally up to Phuket for sportscation (thinking to join running event in various places). Previously thought to choose Japan brand because for worst case scenario if breakdown in TH, but now knowing that Zontes have been launched in Thailand, I guess spare part will not be an issue.

I like Forza for its look and brand but logic say why not Zontes, same price but higher CC but some review said Zontes 350e has weight distribution issue (not sure if there is workaround). Thus in dilemma. Hope I can get some wise advise or opinon from the sifus here.

Thanks in advance.

This post has been edited by apo_lak_nie: Sep 18 2024, 02:44 PM

Zontes 350e owner here. Been using the bike for 1 year and I am happy with the bike performance and handling.

However, from my user experience, Zontes after sales services can be time consuming and troublesome especially for electronics defect. If the bike has accumulated mileage more than 10k, warranty claim can be tricky. One of my encounter was the front brake disc warp at mileage near 12k. The handlebar would vibrate when braking at >80kph. Many other bikes have the same issue (at lower mileage) but for my bike i had to pay from own pocket (~RM400 with labour) for brake disc replacement.

For bike oil change & servicing, very limited Zontes authorized service center available even for Klang Valley. Aftermarket accessories can get easily via shopee or can find in TH.

Anyhow, of course Forza could be a better choice, especially with many Honda Impian service centres easily available, and you could never go wrong with Honda.

Waiting time for both Zontes & Forza can be months, especially now ZontesMY had slow down production due to ZontesTH.

If you need some good reviews on Zontes 350, let me know and i can share 1 youtube video (from China) which exactly describe Zontes 350 usability and problems. Also Zontes 368 is coming soon probably early next year. If can wait then wait for the 368.

Yes, you may share the youtube video... hopefully it come together with subtitles..

Does it mean you pay by your own for the repair even though it is covered by warranty?

Only chinese subtitle available. Well you can use google translate apps on your phone to translate those chinese wordings into english via phone camera.
Other youtube reviews mostly talk about the good/positive things of the bike. You can ignore those reviews.

Depends on what item wanna claim warranty. Wear & tear items usually not covered but can ask service centre to help & try claim. For me I've claimed TFT meter, windshield bracket w/ bearing and engine mounting.
Common defects on many bikes are electronics/wiring, switches, rear shock rusting, TFT meter, fuel tank meter/float not accurate.
Do note that official spare parts from ZontesMY is unreasonably expensive. You can check out below link for ZontesMY online store for reference.
ZontesMY

This post has been edited by wat de....?!: Sep 18 2024, 04:49 PM

what I know today, is I will regret capping my bike choices due to budget
if you want the ADV350, just get it

getting the Forza or Zontes, Forza is on the small side of cc if taking it on highway, you'd wish you had forked out for the ADV350
- Forza 22hp ~ 140 top speed, so cruising speed would be much less
- ADV350 28.9hp ~ 153 top speed, better cruising speed, relatively

and if you did get the Forza and later decides to get the ADV350... you lose even more money

But, according to other forumer, the Forza (NSS 250)existing engine can be modded(350cc esp+ same with Adv350) with ease. To me, Forza it's a good deal.. as the price gap between Forza 250 & Adv 350 is quite a lot.

Will mod to 350cc void warranty?

Of coz, I plan to do it after warranty period la.. Forza OTR price 28k+rm where Adv 350 OTR price is 38k+rm. About 10krm different.

Once zontes368 comes to MY, zontes350 2nd hand will be abundant in the market. Even for now many are letting go their ZT350 despite low mileage <5000 km.

to TS,
ZT350e will be a pain in the ass for parking and commute in heavy traffic due to its wide body & handlebar. Dont expect it can cilok / filter easily between cars as vario. Even xmax can easily do lane filter better than ZT350e.
My advice is to go test ride first for your choices, then decide which bike to get and best suit your usage.

How long have you use Forza? mind to share your experience and where is the furthest you have ride with it?

No, I m planning to buy it next year end.. now doing homework.
Might get it from BW.. as impian X waiting time is too long.

different CVT setup also

mod will waste more money later...

Did U know that Forza sold in bolehland, indon which are not same spec with the rest of the world.

the old NSS300 also nice, Japan import

one comes with a factory warranty, and others are at the mercy of the workshop.
Usually, they will push for aftermarket parts rather than swap them with other region specs.

Your money, your call.

Can't wait for 368 to come. Maxi scooter with right price, so attractive!

If you are willing to travel a bit to pick up your bike and ride back, make calls to Impian X at smaller town. They usually have ex-stock.

I called couple weeks back asking for a friend and black was in stock.

That's me.

I was planning to go this route before ADV350 came.
The mod is simple and original 350 engine parts go in.

Less than RM4k.

This was started by one bengkel in JB, but nowadays many bengkel offering this as it's no longer a secret recipe.
Honda 330 engine ori header parts from Thailand.

This should be the JB bengkel start started it--> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JsAxQr4fFQJ1Gxch/

Just search "forza up spec 250 350" in facebook.

No need to depend on the mod shop for rest of your life.

Can just send back to Impian for servicing.

Nice comments.

The youtube review was a nice one. Key point is you got what you paid for. Reviewer stop short of directly commenting about reliability but enough hint from him.