We’ve been featuring quite a lot of new QJMotor motorcycles recently but there’s a good reason for that: The huge Chinese brand was introduced to the UK for the first time only last year, initially with around nine new models, mostly adventure bikes and nakeds – but that was just the start.

Now, for 2026 another slew of new models has been added to the UK line-up including, most compelling for us, a whole family of A1-licence compliant 125 machines.

And, on the strength of the original bikes, our experiences of the new 125cc models at their UK launch in Lancashire by UK importers Moto73 and with promises of not only more to come with a UK dealer network that is growing by the month, they could be set to make big inroads into the UK market.

These are our impressions of just one of those new 125s – with thanks to Moto 73 for inviting us on the launch.

As already mentioned, after QJMotor’s debut in the UK last year with a range of middleweight adventure and naked bikes, the Chinese brand is now expanding its UK offering with a family of 125s plus some new sportsters and roadsters.

By way of a little background, QJMotor isn’t a brand new, unproven manufacturer. It’s the ‘own brand’ family of bikes from QiangJiang Motor which was created in 1985, has grown to be one of China’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers with over 3 million machines so far built, including licences with the likes of Harley-Davidson and Peugeot. Until now it’s been best known for owning Benelli since 2005 and it’s recently opened a vast, brand-new factory employing 6000.

The new 125s include a liquid-cooled trail bike in both dual-purpose and supermoto forms; a beam-frame, liquid-cooled sportster, also available as a naked, a cute, V-twin 125cc cruiser and this, it’s more budget, entry-level commuter.

Despite that temptingly low price, however, don’t be misled into thinking the TRX is a crude, basic and unappealing machine, as perhaps, sometimes cheap 125s from China once were.

No, it hasn’t the liquid-cooled sophistication of the more premium SRK125, but the TRX still has inverted forks, a monoshock rear, a trellis style tubular steel frame that reminds of classic Ducatis and useful features such as USB charging point and even a centre stand.

That price, meanwhile, of just £2299 (plus on the road costs) also makes the TRX one of the best value 125s currently available. Of the Japanese, Honda’s CB125F comes closest at £3299; Lexmoto does under cut it with its new £1799 ZSB, but that’s far more basic with twin shocks, conventional forks and so on and that’s about your lot.

The TRX125 is available now across Moto73’s already impressive and quickly growing network of dealers (currently 20-odd strong with plans to expand to 40 by the end of the year) and is also available on a HP deal starting at £41.09 a month. 

 

The engine at the heart of the TRX125 is nothing fancy or worth getting exciting about, being an air not liquid-cooled four-stroke single producing peaks of 10.9bhp at 9500rpm, so not the full 15bhp allowed under the A1 categorization, and 10nm at 7000rpm.

But there’s also nothing wrong with that – especially in the context of the TRX being intended to be a novice or commuter machine. It starts easily, willingly, purrs along quietly, happily, without particularly feeling under-powered (incidentally, those power figures are pretty much the same as those of the Honda CB125F) and the TRX is likely nearly as frugal as the Honda on fuel, too – expect mpgs of easily over 120.

Our test on the TRX was just one on a whole range of QJMotor’s new models which took place over two days at the HQ of the Chinese brand’s new UK importers, Moto73, a spin-off of MotoGB, in Chorley, Lancashire.

As a result, it wasn’t the most extensive test ever, but I still had a good couple of hours aboard the willing 125 on roads ranging from urban traffic-strewn commuter-ways, to suburban exits routes into the Lancashire countryside and even a decent spell of lightweight fun on some country A and B-roads.

There’s nothing intimidating about the TRX. It’s slim, its seat is a low 780mm, it’s light and the upright riding position is natural and effortless – perfect novice fare, in fact. Despite being an LCD not TFT dash, the instrument display is clear, reasonably comprehensive and easy to read. All the controls fall easily to hand, the mirrors are decent and, just as importantly, the TRX surprisingly has a dash of style and an almost premium feel which belies its budget price.

Pretty much as with its powertrain and delivery, the TRX 125’s handling and ride is fairly simple and straightforward – as intended to be. This is no performance 125, nor one with top notch chassis components, such as a KTM, Yamaha or Aprilia, but nor is it trying to be and it certainly hasn’t the same prices.

Instead, you’re put immediately at ease by the riding position; pulling away is gentle and reasonably progressive and the TRX’s steering is light, intuitive and accurate.

Push on a bit harder and its limitations do become evident. The budget CST tyres aren’t the best but then most novices or commuters probably won’t notice, and it also feels a little basic, but you can’t expect more at this price and if you can afford it you can upgrade to QJMotor’s SRK125S instead.

Things improve – and are slightly more impressive – when it comes to the TRX’s suspension and brakes, although naturally they still aren’t up to the standard of more premium machines.

Suspension-wise, up front it has 32mm inverted front telescopic forks, which are more stylish and likely stronger than more spindly conventional items although are non-adjustable. While, at the rear, instead of the more basic twin shocks you’ll find on many budget rivals, the TRX has a proper monoshock set-up with a useful preload adjuster. Considering the type of bike the TRX is, the ride is fine.

Braking, meanwhile, is taken care of by a single, stylish, ‘wavy’ front disc with fairly basic twin piston brake caliper, with a smaller (but still wavy) single rear disc, all assisted by basic ABS. Considering the TRX’s light weight they do a reasonable enough job.

For such a low priced and budget-orientated bike, the QJMotor TRX125 is surprisingly well equipped, withough exactly being lavish or in any way premium.

The dash may be LCD not a TFT but is clear and attractive. Mirrors and switchgear and both more than adequate, too. There’s a smart headlamp cowling and LED lights are used all round. The frame is an attractive tubular steel trellis design and, as mentioned, the brakes and suspension are all a level above ‘bargain basement, too.

There are no modes but that’s nothing unusual on a 125 and there’s even the bonus of a USB charging socket under the dash and even a centre stand as standard (a rarity these days) which is very useful, especially for novices, for things like adjusting and oiling the chain. All in all, especially considering the £2299 price, the TRX is more than adequately equipped.

After traversing through town, successfully negotiating the Lancashire traffic and toiling back and forth in the countryside for photos, we headed back towards Moto73’s Chorley HQ and I found myself both pleasingly charmed and professionally impressed by the TRX125.

Although it first seems a budget, basic roadster, with familiarization it’s actually better than that, with a style and spec that belies its rock bottom price. 

It also rides more than adequately, is a doddle to ride (so great for both novices and commuters) with no significant quirks. While its levels of equipment (USD forks, wavy discs, centre stand etc) all impress in the context of its price.

Yes, you may decide you can stretch to the better, slicker, liquid cooled QJMotor SRK125S (which is also cheap compared to most). But if you don’t, you’ll be more than satisfied with its budget little brother.

The TRX125 in no way a class-leading learner bike or, with its unfamiliar brand and slightly basic spec’, is it a particularly drool-worthy one – but when you consider its price, easy, novice friendly manners and yet also smart style and decent spec, it’s a hugely desirable machine. Simply, for the price, it’s an excellent way to commute or start out on two wheels.

It’s not perfect, of course. QJMotor remains a relatively unknown brand, its dealer network is developing as we speak, residual values aren’t really known and a few aspects of the TRX, such as its CST tyres, are definitely on the budget side.

But that’s the point, if you’re working with a tight budget and want an affordable commuter or first time 125, for the money, there’s probably none better.

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