Here’s one we didn’t see coming. Among the now approaching 20 new models launched into the UK in the last six months or so from new Chinese brand QJMotor is this – a 125cc learner friendly cruiser that grabs attention not just for its value but for its authentic cruiser specification including, uniquely in the category, a V-twin engine.

In case you missed our earlier reviews of some of QJMotor’s new machines it’s worth repeating that it is the own brand of Qianjiang Motorcycle as originally 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 1.5million motorcycles a year.

It first arrived in the UK as recently as last autumn with an initial  dozen-bike line-up of mostly adventure and naked machines and for 2026 this has been expanded further with six new 125s, a new 450 adventure, a pair of new four-cylinder 800s and 921s in naked and sportster guise, a new V-twin 600cc cruiser and even three new scooters.

To announce the new bikes UK importer Moto73 (and offshoot of independent specialists MotoGB) invited us to its HQ near Chorley in Lancashire to sample the new additions.

The SRV125 is just one of the six new QJMotor 125s mentioned above, the others being: The COV125S and X (an enduro and supermoto based on the same platform); the budget priced TRX125 roadster (starting at just £2299) and the SRK125S and R which Moto73 describe as ‘Sporty naked and supersports 125s with all of the aggression and attitude of their bigger brothers’ (such as the SRK800 and R or 921 and R). 

Its 125 scooters, meanwhile, are the LTS125 we’ve also already reviewed here and the imminent adventure styled ATR125.

But it’s the cute, impressive SRV125V we’re focusing on here and what stands out immediately is that, despite its 125cc/A1 classification, it’s also a thoroughly authentic cruiser. For a start, unlikely any other we can think of, it’s powered by an authentic (albeit 125cc), Harley-style V-twin motor, where virtually all others have single cylinder engines; more than that it also has Harley-style belt drive. It has impressively thorough cruiser styling including everything from ‘peanut’ tank to ‘bobbed’ style rear fender and it’s also decently equipped with a TFT dash, inverted front forks and disc brakes with ABS all round.

Engine Type & Displacement	Power	Torque	Engine Architecture	Riding Modes
Liquid-cooled 125cc single	13.8hp	10.2Nm	4T 4V SOHC	No Modes

The SRV’s distinctive 125cc V-twin motor produces 13.8hp (10.3kw) at 9250rpm and peak torque of 10.2nm at 9250rpm, which, considering the regulation maximum is 11kw and many more basic 125s produce under 9kw, is pretty impressive. 

That’s delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and Harley-style belt drive, which is another stylistic and maintenance bonus. One slightly surprising by-product, however, is the SRV’s power delivery: it might be a cruiser and a V-twin, but due to being ‘just’ 125cc it’s also quite high-revving (the peak power figure is delivered at 9250rpm, remember?) and as a twin, it’s also much smoother than most 125cc singles. 

The result is a super-smooth ‘sewing machine’ of a motor that needs to be stirred and ridden hard to make the most of its performance, and not at all the low revving, lumpy, chugging motor of, say, a traditional Harley. 

It does the job, though. Top speed is approaching 80mph, which is more than adequate for a learner machine. There’s enough smooth midrange to keep up with traffic and its power delivery is also completely unintimidating and friendly. Even the gearchange and final drive is super-smooth, too.

Weight	Seat Height	Wheelbase	Ground Clearance	Suspension
163kg	700mm	1400mm	160mm	USD telescopic forks & twin shock rear

Our test route took us from importer Moto73’s HQ in Chorley, Lancashire out into the beautiful countryside of the northwest and I’m impressed from the outset with the SRV125.

Cruisers often appeal to learners or short riders not just because of their US style but more importantly because of the low seat and manageable, upright riding position their style also offers. The SRV125 delivers on both counts. The single seat is very low at just 700mm but also plush, wide and comfortable. Footrests are positioned slightly forward in the traditional cruiser ‘Highway Peg’ style – but not so much to be awkward. And the handlebars are mildly raised, also in the cruiser style but without being extreme ‘ape hangers’. The combined result is accessible, upright and unintimidating for nearly all sizes (I’m an oversize 6’3”!). If you’re short or inexperienced and like the style, you’ll love it.

It’s handling and ride is better than you might expect, too, considering the SRV’s a 125cc Chinese cruiser. The frame is a tubular steel cradle which gives a long, low and stable stance.

At the front are beefy 34mm inverted telescopic forks with cruiser style twin shocks at the rear. All are by reputable Italian brand Marzocchi (although actually made by QJMotor in China under licence) but only the rear is adjustable, and for preload alone. 

Wheels, meanwhile, are chunky, bobber-style 16-inch front and 15-inch rear cast alloys wearing fat, ‘balloon’ tyres by Chinese brand CST. The result is steering which is light and accurate enough; a ride that’s OK (although as the cruiser style suspension is fairly short travel it can bottom out quite easily) while despite the only average grip from the CST tyres the low, forward footpegs can also ground out without much effort. Overall, there are no significant concerns and, at the end of the day the SRV is an affordable, 125cc cruiser, after all, so it’d be churlish to expect more…

Its braking is more than adequate, too, and taken care of by single wavy disc brakes front and rear supported by dual channel ABS, although they’re nothing exceptional, either.

Dash	Switchgear	Tank Capacity	ABS?
4" Round TFT	Backlit	13.5L	Yes

Another area where it impresses is with the level of its equipment and features. The SRV125 may be an affordable, Chinese built, cruiser-style 125 but it’s also far better equipped than most machines of this type.

First off, there are not one but three different colour options, black, red or orange. As well as the V-twin engine and belt drive, there’s also a slick, full-colour, 4in diameter round TFT dash, which is clear, easy to read and surprisingly in-keeping with the style of bike plus there’s also dual channel ABS, two USB charging points, LED lights all round and even adjustable levers and footrests. I’ve never seen a 125cc cruiser so well equipped, let alone one from China.

If I was to be churlish, I’d point out the SRV125 is not perfect. It’s no long-distance machine, no pillion or luggage carrier, obviously is no off-roader and no motorway tourer. But, for what it sets out to do, it delivers well.

It’s also an all-new machine from an unfamiliar brand with all-new dealers. Overall, though, as we arrive back at Moto73’s HQ near Chorley I couldn’t really be more impressed with the SRV125. It’s great looking, authentically configured, nicely built and detailed with a decent spec, rides well and is even affordable. If you’re after this style of bike what more could you want?

If you’re after an A1/125cc category bike and like cruisers either for their style or accessibility terms of seat height and riding position, the SRV125 has a lot going for it. In terms of style, it ticks every box (V-twin engine peanut tank, bobber styling) so much so that we fully expect it to fool many that it’s an actual Harley. No other 125 cruiser is as authentic and convincing. 

If you want easy, unintimidating manners, the SRV delivers here, too, being a doddle to ride yet also having more than sufficient performance. While the cherry on top of all of that is the SRV’s impressive value. There’s aren’t many cruiser 125s currently available, but this is undoubtedly one of the best and, for many, should prove a desirable, effective introduction to motorcycling.

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

Pictures by Sim Mainey