2025-on QJMotor SRV600V review | V4 powered sports cruiser

QJMotor SRV600V expert review

4 out of 5 (4/5)

QJMotor might not be the snappiest of motorcycle brand names but it’s big news. They’re the latest Chinese brand to hit the UK and probably the biggest and longest established of all Chinese manufacturers. Because of this, they’re launching with not one but 16 new models (through importers Moto73, an offshoot of MotoGB).

Ranging from 900cc four-cylinder sportsters and twin cylinder adventure bikes right down to this, possibly the oddest yet and the most entertaining of all.

Who are QJMotor?

By way of background, QJMotor is the main brand of Qianjiang Motorcycle, which was launched in 1985 and is now owned by the massive Geely group (which also owns Volvo, Lotus and Polestar cars). They are best known to bikers for owning Benelli since 2005 and currently produce around 1.5million motorcycles a year.

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The SRV600V is probably the most ‘entry-level’ and joint most affordable of the QJ models Moto73 is so far bringing into the UK. It’s a 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, never mind established Japanese offerings like Honda’s 500 Rebel and Kawasaki’s Eliminator.

The big difference with the QJMotor SRV, however, is that it’s powered, not by a predictable, low-revving parallel- or V-twin, but instead by a full-blown, high-revving V4.

And if that immediately 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 the only one.

Is the QJMotor SRV600V right for you?

Reasons to buy:
+ Better spec than comparable rivals from Japan
+ Overall finish is of good quality, with some components sourced from well-known brands like Marzocchi
+ Not many cruisers break tradition with a V4 engine at their centre, making the SRV600V unique and entertaining

Reasons to avoid:
– Budget parts throughout, albeit from established manufacturers
– If low-revs, easy-going cruising is solely your style, the SRV’s engine character may not suit you
– It’s relatively unknown how it will hold up over the years; the QJMotor brand was only launched in 2020

In the rider’s seat

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

The rider’s eye view is also pleasing – for the most part. Black matt and metal finishes are decent quality with sweet details, the round 4in TFT digital dash is both in-style and displays everything you need.

The chunky metal switchgear and levers are proper Harley-style stuff (although not exact replicas) which is partly explained as Qianjiang also make Chinese-market Harleys such as the X300 and X500 for the American brand.

I do have to point out here, however, that the SRV’s mirrors, although stylish, underslung bar-end types, are also the worst I have ever experienced with your 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…

The fat, balloon-style 16in tyres, adjustable Marzocchi inverted forks and twin shocks (the Italian brand has had a Chinese factory since 2022, hence their adoption on the new QJs) and meaty radial brakes also are better than most.

Although, again, the tyres are by Chinese brand CST and the own-branded calipers are by ByBre, Brembo’s budget brand.

Out on the road

But decent ergonomics, nice styling and reasonable cycle parts aside, it’s how the SRV rides that impresses most. Just firing that distinctive little V4 into life raises a grin.

Blip it towards its shrieking, screaming 10,000rpm redline and it reminds of an FZR400RR supersport and generates big smiles.

But the appeal isn’t just novelty noises and sensations. Although a ‘400 throwback’, the V4, being 561cc, 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.

And it’s then that the last piece of the SRV’s jigsaw, its chassis, falls into place.

Although some cycle parts are a little budget, none are bad. The SRV’s low-slung chassis is stable and confidence-inspiring; the steering sharp and with enough grip to have fun.

The suspension, though clearly not top-notch and so limited in travel some potholes jar due to the riding position, is sufficient, and I didn’t even ground out the pegs through some hillside hairpins.

It’s no pure sportsbike, obviously, but the SRV is enough of a sports cruiser to justify that supersports engine and is also so cute, nimble and affordable, it’s impossible to dislike.

But the fact that it’s also powered by a distinctively different V4 engine that’s thrilling to thrash, yet also, at 68bhp, just the right side of unthreatening and unintimidating when you do so, makes it one of the most entertaining bikes in its class.

Details spotlight

V4 victory

The SRV600V’s 561cc V4 reminds of old VFR400R supersports, sounds like Yamaha’s FZR400RR yet with 68bbhp, decent flexibility and belt drive is surprisingly well-suited.

Cruiser credibility

Round 4in TFT dash is smart, effective and displays rpm, gear and has Bluetooth and TPMS. Levers and switchgear remind of Harley fare and add credibility.

Sports parts

Bobber-style 16in wheels are held by adjustable Marzocchi USD forks and retarded by dual radial brakes, although, like the tyres, they’re a bit ‘budget’

MCN verdict

It’s easy to be cynically dismissive of the QJMotor. 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 China’s biggest and longest established manufacturer.

Its spec (adjustable Marzocchis, radial brakes etc) is far better than those 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.