Zündapp ZXA Adventure 500: A Ducati Multistrada For The Masses?

Zündapp is a German brand which made a comeback in 2017.

These bikes are manufactured and assembled in China. 
The Zündapp ZXA Adventure 500 is A2 licence friendly. 
Its feature list includes 17-inch spoked rims, LED lighting, a TFT metre, and an adjustable windscreen.

Zündapp is a relatively unknown German brand which produced some affordable yet reliable motorcycles in the 1970s. However, legal changes, increased safety requirements and insurance costs for two-wheelers led to the company's demise in 1980. 

More than 30 years later, in 2017, the company made a comeback thanks to the efforts of Dieter Neumeyer, grandson of Fritz Ludwig Neumeyer founder of Zündapp. It even participated at the Intermot Fair in Cologne with a surprise mid-displacement trail prototype: the ZXA Adventure 500. Right off the bat, the bike looks like a scaled down Ducati Multistrada V4. For starters, the LED headlight, beak and even the windscreen look similar to the Muti. There are minor differences, sure, but the resemblance is uncanny. 

Where things start to change is the fuel tank. The ZXA Adventure 500’s fuel tank is slightly angular compared to the Multi’s sculpted tank. The sub-frame, seat and rear quarter panels are also quite different. 

But the biggest difference is the smaller 476cc in-line twin motor producing about 48Ps of power, perfect for A2 licence holders. It’s decently equipped for off-road duties as well. For instance, the bike comes with a USD fork, petal disc brakes with radially mounted callipers, and 17-inch spoke rims. 

Other notable features include LED lighting, a TFT console, two USB ports, and an adjustable windscreen. You could opt for a set of aluminium panniers and crash guards as optional extras. The entire package, including its massive 18-litre fuel tank, weighs 196kg.

Unfortunately, the ZXA Adventure 500 is still a pre-production model, so there isn’t any information about its pricing. However, once launched in the market, it's highly likely to go up against the Honda CB 500X, Benelli TRK 502 and even the Moto Morini X-Cape.