QJMOTOR Adventure Bike Feature Review - Genuine Bargains or Too Good to be True?
The adventure bike segment has never been hotter than it is right now, and the Chinese outfit QJMOTOR is offering multiple new models at very tempting prices. John Marcar has spent two days riding three adventure bikes in the range to find out whether QJ are offering genuine bargain bikes, or if it's all a bit too good to be true.
Chinese Adventure Bikes
Ten years ago, if I'd have tasked you to think of a handful of adventure bike brands, chances are you'd have mentioned KTM, BMW, Honda, and Yamaha. These European and Japanese bike brands have rightfully dominated the adventure bike market for decades, with excellent models such as the Super Adventure, GS, Africa Twin, and Tenere. Nowadays, just as we've seen a sudden surge in popularity for new Chinese cars, Chinese automakers are also offering a strong selection of new motorbikes, and the price tags attached to them are causing concern for the long-standing staple ADV brands.
Who is QJMOTOR?
In the UK, QJMOTOR is a new bike brand that has seemingly appeared in showrooms out of nowhere. If I'd have mentioned the QJMOTOR brand a decade prior, you'd be raising an eyebrow and possibly even scoffing at the idea of it. And yet, people are now rapidly realising that this isn't just another budget bike startup - it is a brand with history and an impressive backstory.
QJ is an abbreviation for the Qianjiang Group, which has been producing motorcycles in China since 1985. Qianjiang started out as a small outfit producing and selling bikes to its own local markets, but has since grown into a brand with greater global appeal following an acquisition by the Geely Group in 2016. As many will know, Geely is one of the largest players in the automotive market with ownership of other brands including Volvo, Lotus, LEVC, Smart and Polestar.
Geely's backing has enabled QJ to expand its factories, production lines, in-house tech and hardware, and, crucially, buying power to produce more bikes with better marts to meet international market demands. As a further accolade to the brand, QJ has also taken on parts supply and engine manufacturing for brands such as Harley-Davidson and Peugeot.
The QJMOTOR Adventure Bike Range
QJMOTOR currently offers 7 adventure bike models, including multiple variations of each. For my entry-level, middle, and top-of-the-range tests, I picked three models that UK distributor MOTO73 predicts will be the most popular with UK buyers.
I'd be starting my two-day test on the entry-level SRT 450 RX, a 450cc parallel twin. Then I'd be hopping onto the mid-range SVT 650 X, a 650cc V-Twin, and then I'd be rounding off the two full days of riding with the top-of-the-range SRT 900 SX, QJ's flagship adventure bike with a punchy 900cc parallel twin and heaps of tech and luxuries.
QJMOTOR SRT 450 RX
The SRT 450 RX is brand-new for 2026 and offers a very attractive overall package at a very competitive price. For £5,800 (OTR), the 450 RX includes heated seats, heated grips, LED lights, engine protection bars, a sump guard, multiple rider modes, traction control and a very smart lined aluminium 3-piece luggage set with mounting brackets all fitted and ready for riding.
SRT 450 RX Hardware
Despite the friendly price tag, the 450 is packed with premium-level hardware, including Brembo brakes, Marzocchi adjustable suspension and even Bosch ABS and ECU modules. A colour TFT screen in portrait layout also adds an unexpected premium touch to the bike's finish and gives the styling an enduro-esque feel.
SRT 450 RX Engine
Powering the SRT 450 RX is a 450cc parallel-twin 8V DOHC unit that produces 35kW (47HP) and 41 Nm of torque at 8,000rpm.
SRT 450 RX Weight and Dimensions
The 450 RX is 2,290mm long, 930mm wide and 1,490mm high at the tallest point. The seat height is fixed at 835mm, allowing a versatile one-size-fits-most approach. Ground clearance is 210mm, and the weight is 184kg.
Riding the SRT 450 RX
Throwing a leg over the 450 was a pleasant experience. On a cold, wet morning in Lancashire, the welcoming warmth of heated seats and grips was very much appreciated. Upon first impressions, the bike's build quality is excellent, with all switches and buttons offering a high-quality feel. At 6'1 "/ 186cm, the seat height felt comfortable and allowed me to keep both feet flat on the floor when stationary. We're off to a good start.
The next pleasant surprise comes from the 450-twin engine. Typically, a 450cc adventure bike would be limited to a single-cylinder layout, which, for the purpose, is almost always fine, but I'm a big fan of a parallel twin, and the 450 engine is lovely. The tiny pistons allow the 450 to zip through the rev range, and the torque delivery and accompanying soundtrack are brilliant, too.
The 450 winds itself up to a spritely 30 and 60mph without any fuss, and 70-80mph is easily within reach, although at the expense of sitting at the higher rev range of 6th gear, which is to be expected.
The low-end torque offers great versatility for slow manoeuvres, ideal for negotiating traffic or heading off-road to navigate less predictable road surfaces. The single front brake disc means stopping power feels, at times, a bit more of a task than it should; however, at no point did I feel the brakes underperform. The suspension setup as standard is fantastic, and most riders of a similar shape and size to me (~90kg) would be happy enough to hop on and enjoy the bike as is. For those wanting a more 'dialled in' ride, manual adjustments to the front forks and rear mono shock can be made with tools.
For the money, the SRT 450 RX offers an overall package that I doubt many will find fault with. For new riders looking for an affordable entry-level adventure bike, especially given the models' A2 licence compatibility, it could be the perfect choice. The 450 RX is also likely to appeal to those returning to riding after a break, or to those wanting to try off-road and green lane riding for the first time, without the pressure of risking damage to a considerably more expensive asset on their first attempt.
QJMOTOR SVT 650 X
In the middle of the range is the SVT 650 X. Rather fittingly, it's also a middle-weight bike that is punchy enough to deal with the occasional motorway commute without being too powerful for either urban or rural duties. Just as on the 450 RX, a plethora of tech, hardware and gadgetry are included for a very attractive price. The SVT 650 RX has an OTR price of £6299, which includes a full aluminium luggage set, fitted and ready for your first adventure.
A non-X version of the model 'SVT 600' is also available with road-focused tyres and cast wheels (as opposed to spoked), with an OTR retail price of £5,999.
SVT 650 X Tech and Hardware
Like on the 450 RX, heated seats and grips offer welcome warmth for winter months, and the 7-inch colour TFT screen adds an additional touch of luxury, this time in a landscape layout. Twin Brembo discs handle the stopping power on the front wheel, with a single Brembo set up on the rear wheel. Adjustable Marzocchi Suspension soaks up the lumps and bumps, allowing refined adjustments to align with individual preferences. Elsewhere, as on the 450, sump guards, protection bars, and LED lighting are all standard at the advertised price.
SVT 650 X Engine
Powering the SVT 650 X is a 645cc V Twin, which produces 56 kW (56 HP) and 65 Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. The engine has all the familiar characteristics of a V-twin with thumping low-end torque and an excitable zip in the higher rev range. At 650cc, the power delivery feels entirely manageable, something that can be a challenge on larger-capacity engines with the same V format.
Weight and Dimensions
The SVT 650 X is 2,270mm long, 950mm wide, and 1,405 mm tall. The seat height of 835 mm is very versatile, making the SVT 640's riding position very comfortable. The pegs sit at just the right height to allow for a relaxed riding experience while remaining in a great position to balance the bike through tight hairpins and slow manoeuvres without any fuss.
Riding the SVT 650 X
The SVT 650 X is an exceptionally nice bike to ride. Multiple rider modes offer welcoming presets for throttle response, traction control, and ABS, depending on the riding environment and weather conditions. Adjustable aero protection from the screen also enhances the bike's overall comfort. The brakes feel very strong, and the clutch is light enough to make the occasional trail or traffic jam a breeze.
The seating position and handlebar positioning allow for a very relaxed ride. The chassis and front fork positioning allow tipping into the corners and rolling through with absolute confidence. For slower, more technical manoeuvres, standing on the pegs feels very natural, with the handlebars and foot controls being versatile enough to tackle technical moments at crawling speeds.
Cruising along at 50-60 mph is where the 650 X feels most at home. It's a bike and an engine configuration that's asking to be ridden long-distance, and I can imagine being very comfortable on the occasional 100+ mile stint.
Overall, the SVT 650 X feels like a high-quality kit and, for many, it will offer the familiarity of other long-established V-twin adventure bikes at a fraction of the price. The V-twin offers a lovely burble from the exhaust too, making the 650 X very easy to enjoy riding in all environments.
QJMOTOR SRT 900 SX
At the top of the adventure bike range for QJMOTOR is the SRT 900 SX, and while it is the most expensive in the line-up, in terms of value for money, what you get for the price might just make it the best in the range. For £7,999 (OTR), the list of gadgets included on the model is staggering.
A non-X version of the model 'SRT 900 S' is also available with road-focused tyres and cast wheels (as opposed to spoked), with an OTR retail price of £7,799.
SRT 900 SX Tech and Hardware
Just like on the 450 and 650, a full luggage kit comes as standard, but also: heated seats and grips, a quick shifter (up and down), a colour TFT screen, adjustable traction control, radar cruise control, a rear blind spot assist system with lights and audio to make you aware of approaching vehicles from the rear, smart phone app intergration and a forward facing 1080p camera acting as a built in dash cam, and TMPS (tyre pressure monitoring system) that shows live tyre temperatures and pressures. Brembo offers the stopping power with twin discs on the front wheel and a single disc on the rear. A fully adjustable Marzocchi system handles the suspension demands, and full crash protection bars are also factory-installed for extra peace of mind on both the road and travel paths.
SRT 900 SX Engine
Powering the SRT 900 SX is a parallel-twin 904cc 8V DOHC engine. The engine produces 70 kW (93 HP) and 90 Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. The engine delivers smooth and incredibly punchy torque, which is especially impressive given the model's size and weight.
Weight and Dimensions
The SRT 900 SX is the largest adventure bike in the range, measuring 2,250mm long, 95mm wide, and 1,390mm tall. The bike weighs in at 235kg, including fuel and luggage. The seat height matches that of the 650 at 835mm, and the fuel tank will take 24 litres of petrol.
Riding the SRT 900 SX
The Parallel twin is silky smooth, and with the addition of the quickshifter, pulling from a standing start into the higher gears happens in a flash, with beautifully smooth torque delivery throughout the rev range of each gear. On my rides with the 900 SX, I wanted to work through the various gadgets and features, including the radar cruise control, which does a great job of maintaining a desired speed while monitoring vehicles ahead.
The rear blindspot detection is also a very impressive and unexpected luxury and works thanks to a small radar block just beneath the rear light cluster. When a vehicle approaches from behind, in what would typically be a rider's blind spot, a subtle yet clear yellow light illuminates within the wing mirror, prompting a glance over the shoulder or a more thorough look in the mirror. When indicating a turn, in addition to the light, there is a sequence of audible bleeps that signal a slightly higher risk of not seeing the other bike or car in your blind spot before making a turn.
The seating position and comfort are excellent, and the SRT 900 SX would make for a fantastic long-distance tourer, whether solo or with a pillion on the back seat.
Try as I might, I couldn't find anything significant to moan about beyond the quickshifter interrupting the cruise control (more on that below).
For the money, it would be hard to scoff at any of the QJMOTOR adventure bikes I've been testing, but coming in at under £8,000 for an adventure bike with this level of included tech (and a 2-year unlimited-mile warranty!), the 900 SX is by far the best of the bunch.
Some areas for improvement
A few features stood out to me as negatives; however, none of my list would be considered deal breakers for anyone wanting a great-value, new and warrantied motorcycle. It's also worth remembering that in the UK, QJMOTOR is a new brand catering to an entirely new market of buyers. With this initial range of UK-specification bikes landing on our shores, there is bound to be some much-needed customer and user feedback that will make the bikes that follow these even better.
Changing Rider Modes on the Fly
Each model has a fairly comprehensive menu system for adjusting different settings. As is often the norm, the menu can only be accessed when the bike is stationary. Unfortunately, unlike on other brands' bikes, which would typically have a single button on the bars for cycling through rider modes, on the QJs, changing riding modes is done via the menu system and to make things worse, the rider mode options are buried at the very bottom of the menu list, which means not only can you not change mode whilst moving, but it's also a faff and fiddle to do at the traffic lights, too.
Paint Quality Concerns
Even after two days of riding, it was clear that some of the paint and lacquer on the fuel tanks weren't of the highest quality. The zips and buttons from jackets had scratched and scuffed the matte finish on the SRT 900 SX. Some PPF or even a stick-on decal would protect the tanks against damage; however, it would leave me feeling a little concerned that, without extra protection, other areas of the bike might be susceptible to stone chips and wear after not many miles.
Quickshifter Interrupts the Cruise Control on the 900.
On the top-tier SRT 900 SX, the radar cruise control is a luxury, but it's let down by another of the bike's selling points, the quick shifter. Typically, on other bikes with similar tech, once a desired cruise control speed is set, the quickshifter can be used to go up or down gears without disrupting the set speed. On the QJs, however, a click of the gear selector will cancel the cruise control, requiring the cruise to be resumed with a button on the bars. For anyone likely to be using the system for the first time, it's probably not going to be much of a grumble, but for anyone else who's spent much time using similar systems on other bikes (like me), then it does become a bit of a niggle.
The positive surprises
Fortunately for all three models I've featured, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The sight of familiar hardware brands on the braking and suspension systems offers genuine reassurance and a clear understanding that these models aren't just thrown together using in-house factory parts. QJ now has a reputation to uphold not only as a manufacturer in its own right, but also as a supplier and engine builder for long-established international motorcycle brands, and the result of the posh parts being added is a great perk for customers.
Conclusion: Real budget bargains - or too good to be true?
Honestly, I've been blown away by the QJMOTOR range. All three bikes represent excellent overall quality of parts and hardware. The riding experience is on par with competitor models at twice the price (and beyond!), and even the styling far exceeded my own expectations.
QJMOTOR is helping prove that 'made in China' is no longer a negative phrase. It's now a positive strapline and represents real value for money.
Of course, there will always be some that can't see past the badges they've loved and adored for generations, and that's okay; people like what they like. But if you're intrigued by the idea of a new adventure bike without having to part with £20k for a new toy, I urge you to take a closer look at a QJ and hop on for a test ride. Chances are, you'll be just as impressed.
Already a QJ customer? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!
words by John Marcar
photography provided courtesy of MOTO73
