We’re all waiting for the new BMW F450 GS entry-level twin-cylinder adventure machine to hit the trails. But in the meantime, Chinese bike maker QJMotor has launched its own 450 class dual sport bike, the new QJMotor SRT450 RX Rally.
It’s a good-looking bike, with the now-typical QJMotor combination of solid spec, decent performance and low price – just £5,499 fully loaded.
The new SRT 450 RX is based around the firm’s own motor: a 449cc parallel-twin, 8v DOHC liquid-cooled engine which QJ says has been tuned for a broad, usable powerband (did you expect them to say it was tuned for a narrow, un-usable powerband?).
It puts out a fairly respectable 47bhp (35kW) at 9,500rpm, which while it might not set the heather on fire for all you 180bhp Multistrada stans out there, is ideal for the target audience.
That means A2 licence holders, who’ll be able to ride the new SRT450 without needing any power restrictions in place. Torque is a plucky 41Nm at 8,000rpm, and there’s a standard six-speed gearbox and wet clutch. The compact motor is bolted into a vanilla steel tube cradle frame, which should be spot-on for its intended use, and doesn’t seem to have too much of an impact on mass: the SRX is a fairly light 184kg ready-to-ride, which is commendable from the firm.
Running gear is now-familiar fare from QJMotor: Marzocchi branded adjustable long travel suspension, with a rear monoshock and USD front forks, and Brembo brakes. There’s a single 320mm front disc, operated by a four-piston radial-mount caliper, and the rear 240mm disc also has a Brembo caliper.
Dual-channel ABS is by Bosch, and is switchable for offroad use. Tubeless spoked gold rims feature at each end, with a 21” front and 18” rear fitted with CST Ride Ambro CM-A4II tyres.
It’s a sharp-looking bike, with hardcore rally-style looks that are a little at odds with the friendly performance figures. There’s a de rigeur ‘tower’ style top fairing with vertical nose, and a height-adjustable windscreen. Behind that you get a smart portrait aligned, full-colour TFT dashboard, which lets you access all the electronics.
That includes Bluetooth connectivity, navigation mirroring, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), while you also get heated grips and a heated dual seat as standard – high spec for the class but fairly standard on QJMotor’s bikes. There’s loads of pluses in the touring equipment list too: full LED lighting plus an 18-litre fuel tank and QJMOtor UK has added a comprehensive accessory package to the spec.
That includes a full three-piece lockable hard luggage set (with removable soft liners), tubular steel engine bars, a robust aluminium bash plate, hand guards with integral indicators, USB chargers and auxiliary LED lights.
An impressive spec list then, and all priced well as we said. The QJMotor SRT 450 RX costs £5,499 (plus on the road charges) and is available in three colour options: Black, Red or White. More info and nearest dealer at https://qjmotor.co.uk
QJMOTOR SRT 450 RX Highlights
Full three-piece hard luggage set included as standard
Marzocchi long-travel suspension (fully adjustable)
Brembo braking with switchable Bosch ABS
Heated grips and heated seat for touring comfort
Portrait TFT display with navigation mirroring
Off-road ready: 21”/18” tubeless spoked wheels
Full engine protection: Crash bars and aluminium bash plate
A2-licence compliant parallel-twin engine
TPMS tyre pressure monitoring, USB charging socket
QJMOTOR SRT 450 RX Technical Specifications
New price: £5,499 (+ OTR)
Capacity: 449.5cc
Engine details: Parallel twin-cylinder, 8v, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC
Power: 35kW (46.9bhp) @ 9,500rpm
Torque: 41.0 Nm @ 8,000rpm
Transmission: six-speed, slipper clutch, chain final drive
Fuel tank size: 18 litres
Technical features: Portrait TFT coloud LCD dash, Bluetooth, navigation, TPMS, USB charging
Frame: High-strength steel cradle frame
Front suspension: Marzocchi USD telescopic forks, long travel
Rear suspension: Marzocchi Multi-link mono-shock, fully adjustable
Front brake: Single 320mm disc, Brembo four-piston radial caliper, ABS
Rear brake: Single 240mm disc, Brembo caliper, ABS
Wheels & Tyres: Tubeless wire-spoked rims; 90/90-21 (Front), 140/70-18 (Rear) CST Ride Ambro CM-A4II
Weight: 184kg (Kerb)
Seat height: 835mm
Ground clearance: 210mm
Warranty: two years, unlimited mileage
Colours: Black, Red or White