Zontes has presented the ZT853-R at EICMA 2026 in Milan, introducing a new three-cylinder naked streetfighter for the 2027 model year. The motorcycle sits above the ZT703-R in the range and takes the brand into a larger-capacity class. During the early stages of testing it carried the ZT903-R name, before the ZT853-R designation was adopted. Zontes also intends the model for Europe.

A new three-cylinder engine

The engine is a new liquid-cooled inline triple with an actual displacement of 847 cc. Zontes says it is not an enlarged version of the ZT703-R’s 699 cc engine, but a unit designed from the ground up. The manufacturer quotes 90 Nm at 9,000 rpm, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.8 seconds and an approximate top speed of 280 km/h.

Aluminium structure and Brembo braking

An aluminium frame is paired with an aluminium single-sided swingarm, while Zontes gives the frame’s weight as 10 kg. KYB supplies fully adjustable suspension at both ends. The inverted fork uses 43 mm tubes, DLC coating and 115 mm of travel; the rear shock has 58 mm of travel. Braking comes from two 310 mm floating discs, Brembo callipers and a Brembo radial master cylinder.

A comprehensive electronics package

The six-axis IMU supports lean-sensitive ABS and traction control. The equipment list also includes electronic throttle control, a two-way quickshifter, launch control, four-level wheelie control and cruise control. Lighting is full LED, while carbon fibre is used for the aerodynamic winglets, mudguards and tank cover. The specification is completed by high-mounted twin exhausts, aluminium clip-on handlebars and adjustable levers and footpegs.

The digital display shows navigation, a lap timer and tyre-pressure information. Intelligent Control 4.0 and the Zontes 2.0 app add NFC unlocking, access to motorcycle data and location tracking. With its new 847 cc engine, single-sided swingarm and extensive rider-assistance systems, the ZT853-R represents a clear step above the ZT703-R in both capacity and equipment.