This is not only a slightly bonkers bike, it’s also big news. We reported last month on the arrival of the latest Chinese brand to hit the UK, QJMotor, and used the opportunity of its UK press launch (through importers Moto73, an offshoot of MotoGB) to review the first new models – the SRT600 middleweight adventure bike. 

But it’s by no means the only one. To start with, QJMotor is bringing in  not one but 16 new models ranging from 900cc four-cylinder sportsters and twin cylinder adventure bikes right down to this, the SRV600V, which is possibly the oddest yet most entertaining of all. 

But first, by way of background, it’s important to understand that QJMotor is the main brand of Qianjiang Motorcycle, which was 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 Benelli since 2005 and currently produces around 1.5million motorcycles a year. 

The SRV600V meanwhile, is probably the most ‘entry-level’ and joint most affordable of its initial batch of models. These are our impressions of that bike – with thanks to Moto 73 for inviting us on the launch. 

In simple terms, the SRV is quite unlike anything we’ve experienced before – and I mean that in a good way. 

On face value, it’s an affordable, middleweight, bobber style ‘sport cruiser’. ‘So far, so familiar…’ you might think, if you’re aware of other recent Chinese 500 cruiser twins such as the awkwardly named Benda 500 Chinchilla we tested back in September, never mind established Japanese offerings like Honda’s 500 Rebel and Kawasaki’s Eliminator. 

The big difference with the SRV, however, is that it’s powered, not by a predictable, low-revving parallel as per the Japanese, or V-twin like the Benda, but instead by a high-revving V4. And if that has you thinking of a 1990s style VFR400R supersports screamer (even though the SRV is actually 561cc) in a slung, feet-forward, middleweight bobber/cruiser package, you’re not far wrong. 

The rest of the SRV in more conventional, low slung, hot rod style cruiser, but still impresses. Tyres front and rear are fat, balloon or bobber-style 16 inchers; forks are meaty USD types; the nicely crafted seat is low at just 720mm with a stubby, bobber tail; the pegs are quite far forward but easy to reach; the SRV’s bars are low, straight and well-placed, and the overall gait is of a low ‘hot rod’ that’s both comfortable and easy to manage. 

This is the other compelling advantage of the SRV: as well as being a middleweight ‘bobber’ with a bonkers V4 motor, it’s also a temptingly affordable one. 

At launch, the SRV600V costs just £5699 (+ £200 on the road costs, so £5899 in reality). That’s there or thereabouts the same as established rivals from Japan such Honda’s £5799 Rebel 500 or Kawasaki’s £5999 Eliminator, both of which are far simpler, less powerful and don’t share some of the impressive features of the QJMotor such as the inverted forks or radial brakes. 

The SRV600V is available now across Moto73’s already impressive and quickly growing network of dealers and it’s also available on a PCP deal starting at £81.02 a month.  

The headline feature of the SRV is, of course, its ‘supersport 400’ style V4 motor – although, in truth, it’s not quite as simple as that. 

In reality it’s a fairly unusual 561cc and also has a cruiser-style belt drive but with peak power of a claimed 67bhp (50kW) at a heady 10,500rpm plus peak torque of 54Nm (40lb-ft) @ 8,000rpm on paper those supersport comparisons are valid. 

That’s borne out the first time you start it up. Blip the throttle towards its shrieking, screaming 10,000rpm redline generates big smiles but those extra ccs also mean it has reasonable urge to go with its free-revving smoothness, pulls acceptably from low down and only needs to be thrashed when you’re in the mood. 

Our test route takes us from importer Moto73’s HQ in Chorley, Lancashire out into the beautiful countryside of the north west towards the Lake District and I’m impressed from the outset. 

On board, the SRV is fairly traditional, feet-forward, cruiser-style 500. The nicely crafted seat is low at just 720mm with a stubby, bobber tail (although the small pillion doesn’t look very welcoming); its pegs are quite far forward but easy to reach; the low, straight bars are well-placed, and the overall gait is of a low ‘hot rod’ that’s both comfortable and easy to manage. 

The view ahead from the rider’s eye view is also pleasing – for the most part. The matt black and metal finishes are good quality with nice details, the round, 4in TFT digital dash displays everything you need and the chunky metal switchgear and levers are Harley-style fare partly explained as Qianjiang also makes Chinese-market Harleys such as the X300 and X500 on behalf of the American giant. 

But best of all is how the SRV goes. There’s no call for big revs as we crawl out of Chorley, but the QJMotor has enough low down ‘oomph’ not to require it. Although the smooth, higher pitched exhaust note takes some getting used to, being at odds with the low-revving V-twin rumble usually emitted by bikes like this, it pulls easily, effectively – and very smoothly and makes light work of traffic. 

As the roads change from urban tributaries to faster country curves fringed by dry stone walls, the SRV’s low-slung, hot rod style chassis – although no pure sportster, obviously – proves it’s more than up to the job, too.  

The ‘Bobber-style’ 16inch wheels wearing fat, balloon tyres may not be the grippiest in the world, but with impressively adjustable Marzocchi USD forks and twin shock rear, the whole plot is stable and confidence-inspiring and the steering is sharp enough to have fun.  

The suspension travel, admittedly, is a little limited, with the result that some potholes jar, but overall, it’s enough of a sports cruiser to justify that supersports engine. 

The meaty radial brakes, albeit they are from budget brand ByBre, are also more than up to the job.  

After pausing for some photos, are return journey to Chorley takes us back along country A and B roads before a stretch of M6 motorway then the now familiar drag back into town, and the SRV covers it all without complaint. 

Comfort is surprisingly acceptable, the lack of weather protection not really an issue (although I’m sure if our two-junction M-way cruise had been longer, it might have been) and the SRV’s easy to manage. No, there’s no weather protection, luggage nor much provision for pillions, so touring and long distances are out, but nor is it as narrowly focused as you may assume. 

Cruisers are rarely lavished with luxurious equipment and that’s even less of the case with budget priced Chinese versions, so there’s not much to get excited about in terms of equipment with the SRV600V.  

So, there are no electronics, no fairing or luggage and little by the way of comfort. That said, its round 4in TFT dash is smart and has Bluetooth and TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring); the levers and switchgear remind of Harley and add credibility and even though the tyres are by Chinese brand CST and the calipers by ByBre, Brembo’s budget brand, they’re not as bad as feared. 

I do have to point out here, however, that the SRV’s mirrors, although stylish, underslung bar-end types, are also probably the worst I have ever experienced with my elbows completely obscuring them, let alone anything that may be reflected. They can be rotated to be ‘overslung’ and, I’m told, are far better, but we didn’t get the chance to try… 

As we turn back into Moto73’s car park I’m aware I’ve really enjoyed my time with the QJMotor SRV600V. It looks familiar and unintimidating yet is also refreshingly different. It has a very affordable price yet has more than a few quality components (such as the adjustable forks and quality switchgear). And it looks like a proper bobber/cruiser but is far more fun, versatile and practical that these types of bike usually are. 

Yes, it might also be something of a strange choice and is not easily categorized (its performance puts it outside A2 licence qualification, its revvy V4 may put off some traditional cruiser buyers and it’s from an unfamiliar brand with Chinese origins, but it’s more than worth a punt. And if you do, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. 

It’s easy to be cynically dismissive of the SRV600V. On face value it’s an unproven Chinese cruiser with an inappropriate engine fitted with budget cycle parts such as CST tyres and ByBre brakes and all for not much less than, say, Honda’s £5799 Rebel 500 or Kawasaki’s £5999 Eliminator.  

But that’d be extremely prejudiced. The SRV, even if it is new to the UK, also comes from Chinese biggest and longest established manufacturer; its spec (adjustable Marzocchis, radial brakes etc) is far better than its Japanese rivals, its sports-bobber styling is more convincing, too, it has more power and, best of all, not only does it handle more than adequately, its power delivery – and particularly its accompanying, screaming soundtrack – makes it a hoot. 

Yes, there are question marks, but on first ride experience, the SRV – and QJMotor – are a very welcome addition indeed. 

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