We’ve been reviewing a lot of bikes from new Chinese brand QJMotor recently and there are good reasons for that: QJMotor is arguably the biggest of all Chinese manufacturers producing over 1million machines a year; it’s now launched into the UK for the first time; initially with around a dozen models last autumn of mostly adventure and naked machines ranging from 600 to 900cc and with engine configurations varying from parallel and V-twins to transverse fours; while more recently this offering has been expanded further with six new 125s, a pair of new four-cylinder 800s and 921s in naked and sportster guise, a new V-twin 600cc cruiser;  three new scooters and this all-new 450 adventure.

We got the opportunity to try all at a media ‘open day’ at the HQ of its UK importer, Moto73, a spin-off of established independent importer MotoGB and this is the result. 

It’s worth repeating again that QJMotor deserves to be taken seriously. It’s the ‘own’ brand of Qianjiang Motorcycle, as launched in 1985, is now owned by the massive Geely group (which also owns Volvo, Lotus and Polestar cars), is best known to bikers for also owning historic Italian brand Benelli since 2005 and currently produces around 200 different models ranging from 50cc scooters to 1000cc four-cylinder sports bikes.

In short: this is just the start. 

Of them all, however, the SRT450RX is probably one of the most impressive for its combination of ability, specification and value. 

QJMotor isn’t short of middleweight adventure bike offerings. The brand’s initial UK launch at the end of 2025 included the 600cc parallel twin SRT600, the 645cc V-twin SVT650X (which is effectively a revived Suzuki V-Strom 650) and the 904cc parallel twin SRT900, the latter two of which are available in two different forms. 

But the SRT450RX adds a further dimension still. Following on from the growth in popularity of ‘middleweight’ adventure bikes such as Honda’s 750 Transalp, Suzuki’s new V-Strom 800, Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 and many more since the category was revitalized in 2019 with Yamaha’s MT-07-derived Ténéré 700, adventure bikes have recently become smaller (and cheaper) still thanks to popular new models such as Royal Enfield’s 450 Himalayan. 2026 has already seen BMW’s new F450GS twin, Triumph has new variants of its popular 400 single and now there’s this. 

It’s a worthy, impressive addition, too. The 450RX is powered by an A2-compliant 449cc parallel twin, has premium components such as Marzocchi suspension and Brembo brakes, slick equipment such as a TFT dash, looks genuinely road and off-road capable and, best of all, has a bargain price. 

 

That “bargain price” is, at launch, a class-busting £5499 (although in reality it’s £5699 as that headline price doesn’t include ‘on the road’ costs of £200, which cover registration, number plates, Pre-Delivery Inspection – PDI – etc.) 

And that, when compared to the single cylinder Himalayan (which starts at £5799), Triumph (£5845) and twin cylinder BMW (from £6990), is very tempting indeed. 

On top of that, although QJMotor is a new-to-the-UK brand, importers Moto73 have been quick in setting up a credible dealer network.

They say, as I write, that over 20 dealers are currently spread around the UK, with more to come, with the new SRT450RX available now through all. 

 

The 450RX’s parallel twin produces a claimed 46.9hp (35kW) – or bang on the A2 restriction – at 9500rpm, with peak torque of 41Nm at 8000rpm. It’s Euro5+ compliant and has three riding modes plus switchable traction control.  

In terms of manners and driveability it’s also instantly familiar, progressive and adequate with no glitches or concerns. That performance is also sufficient for both perky fun and problem-free 80mph M-way cruising.  

In fact, the only slight criticism of QJMotor’s newcomer is because it is A2-compliant, ie 47hp.  

If you’re an A2 rider you’ll have no complaints but if you’re tempted, riding on a full licence and planning much pillion/luggage ‘work’, it may seem a little underpowered.

But if so, fear not, QJMotor also offer three other, larger adventure bikes ranging from 600cc/55hp to 900cc/95hp and from just £4699 to £7699 which should more than satisfy. 

Adventure bikes, by their very dual-purpose nature, are often tall, heavy and awkward and have become more so as litre-class bikes have become ever larger.

That partly explains the growth of more manageable, affordable middleweight adventures such as Yamaha’s 700 Ténéré and, even more recently the growth of sub-500cc ones, sparked by Royal Enfield’s Himalayan.  

Riding position-wise, the SRT450RX has much in common with those others.

As a 449cc parallel twin, it’s comparatively slim and light (unladen weight is just 184kg; the upright riding position with high adventure bars is conventional and, for our hour-long ride more than comfortable; the screen, although non-adjustable, takes off some of the windblast, and it even comes as standard with heated grips and seat.  

One of the most impressive aspects of QJMotor’s new bikes has been the quality of its suspension, and the same is true of the new SRT450RX.

Unusually, compared to most Chinese bikes, it employs Marzocchi units front and rear, with the Italian brand renowned for their quality (although it should also be said their use comes about as a result of a deal between QJMotor and the Italian brand to set up a Marzocchi factory in China to exclusively supply QJ). 

In the 450’s case, they comprise multi-adjustable 43mm USD forks with an adjustable single shock at the rear, which give a smooth, assured ride with intuitive, natural steering. There are also quality alloy rimmed wire wheels, and even decent Pirelli tyres to add on top.

Braking, meanwhile, is taken care of at the front by a single 320mm disc grasped by a radially mounted Brembo four-piston caliper with a matching 260mm rear item complete with ABS which, for a lightweight adventure bike, is more than sufficient. 

Another area where all QJMotor’s models impress is with their level of equipment and features, especially considering their prices, and, again, the SRT450RX is no different. 

Not only, like some other models, does it get free £1000 three-box aluminium luggage but it also has: engine, hands and sump guards; three riding modes; ABS and traction control; a USB charging point; LED lights all round; a portrait/rally-style 4-inch TFT dash and even, would believe on such a low capacity, affordable machine, heated grips and seat. 

The result of all that makes the SRT450RX a hugely versatile and practical machine. It has all the virtues of a 450 adventure, has decent performance, is the right size to take passengers, is well equipped and very well priced. In fact, for the money, it’s hard to imagine a more practical machine. 

Not really – but we do have to mention two things: First, the SRT450RX is also an all-new bike from a new, arguably unproven Chinese manufacturer, so it’s impossible to be certain about its likely reliability (that said, its cycle parts are from proven, reliable suppliers, its 449cc twin is largely understressed, and QJMotor’s other models have so far impressed). 

One of the few remaining areas where new Chinese bikes have yet to catch up with the best, long-established ‘heritage’ brands, is in terms of warranty and servicing.

The SRT450RX comes with a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty which was pretty much the industry standard a few years ago, but many now offer more. Service intervals, meanwhile, are every 4000 miles, which also isn’t as good as, say, a BMW or Triumph, but then you can’t have everything! 

There are an awful lot of compelling reasons to buy the SRT450RX. It’s affordable, A2-compliant, has a lot of kit as standard and it performs decently in almost every way.  

But the most compelling of all has to be its incredible versatility. QJMotor’s newcomer will do pretty much everything on or off-road – commute, entertain, tour with pillion and luggage and all while never being intimidating or awkward.  

Yes, it’s also a new bike from a new brand (even though parent QiangJiang has been around since 1985) and that naturally leaves a few doubts.

But, in terms of equipment, ability, value and the affordable versatility all of that adds up to, we struggle to think of any bike with more appeal. 

Thanks to Moto73 for inviting us on the UK launch. Check the full specs and information at https://moto73.co.uk 

By Phil West 

Pictures by Sim Mainey