Following recent launches by the likes of Royal Enfield, CFMoto, KTM and even BMW, the lightweight, 450cc-ish A2-compliant adventure bike class has become one of the most competitive of all, with this SRT450RX from
Chinese newcomers QJMotor surprisingly among the most tempting of the lot.
QJMotor debuted in the UK last autumn. The impressive line-up features mostly adventure-style bikes, and this 450 boasts a perky, 47bhp, A2-licence compliant parallel twin, impressive spec including free three-box aluminium luggage, exceptional versatility and, best of all, a bargain price. In fact, it’s so practical, well-equipped and affordable, it’s hard to see why you’d need anything else. It is only in terms of refinement or aftersales support that there are any question marks.
Just like the latest BMWs and Hondas, the QJMotor has been engineered to meet European A2 licence laws. It’s powered by a parallel twin motor that produces a claimed 46.9bhp (35kW, or bang on the A2 restriction) at 9500rpm, with peak torque of 41Nm at 8000rpm. It’s Euro5+ compliant and has three riding modes plus switchable traction control. In terms of manners and driveability it’s instantly familiar, progressive and adequate with no glitches or concerns. That performance is also sufficient for both perky fun and problem-free cruising above the motorway speed limit.
As with other QJMotors, the SRT450RX also has premium quality suspension and brakes. There are Marzocchi suspension units front and rear, with the Italian brand renowned for their quality (even though it should also be said here that their use comes about as a result of a deal to set up a Marzocchi factory in China to exclusively supply QJ). In the 450’s case these comprise multi-adjustable 43mm USD forks with an adjustable single shock at the rear which gave a smooth, assured ride with intuitive, natural steering that gave no complaints.
On top of that, there are quality alloy rimmed wire wheels and Brembo brakes. The only possible criticism comes from the fact that we didn’t have a chance to check it out off-road, so must reserve judgement there. Ultimately it’s also an adventure bike, with the slightly vague road manners that comes with the breed.
Adventure bikes by dint of their dual-purpose nature are often tall, heavy and awkward which explains the growth of more manageable, affordable middleweight ones such as Yamaha’s 700 Ténéré and even more recently that of sub-500cc ones, with this QJMotor the latest.
Riding position-wise, the SRT450RX is comparatively slim and light (unladen weight is just 184kg), its deeply sculpted seat is a manageable 835mm high (the Ténéré’s, for example is 875mm); the upright riding position is conventional and decently comfortable; the screen, although non-adjustable, takes off some of the windblast and it even comes as standard with heated grips and heated seat – things you won’t find on rivals from more familiar brands.
Adventure bikes, by definition, are versatile and 450 category ones, being a bit more manageable, are more practical still – as long as they are not lacking performance, pillion and luggage carrying ability or features. Thankfully, the new SRT450RX scores on all counts. It has decent performance, is the right size to take pillions, comes with £1000-worth of luggage included, has engine and hand guards, heated seat and grips, it’s A2 compliant, the list goes on… and all for under £6k.
In fact, for the money, it’s hard to imagine a more practical machine. To put it into perspective, Honda’s NX500 starts at £6899 before we start adding any accessories, while a base spec BMW F 450 GS is almost £100 more than that. Royal Enfield’s less well equipped Himalayan 450, traditionally the best budget choice, is the only rival that can go up against the Chinese bike on price – more or less matching the SRT450RX’s £5799 price tag in its most basic liveries. Kawasaki’s new-for-2026 KLE500 is also worth considering in this class.
The base version is only a few hundred pounds more expensive than the QJMotor and, although it can’t compete on spec, some may be reassured by the name on the tank and the support offered by a more mature dealer network. For full licence holders, it should be pointed out that QJMotor’s own, slightly more basic, but 55bhp, SRT600S is even cheaper at just £4699 (plus on the road charges).
The Chinese are coming out fighting and the equipment levels are truly impressive on the 450 QJMotor. We’ve already mentioned the free £1000 three-box aluminium luggage but the SRT450RX also has engine, hand and sump guards; quality Marzocchi and Brembo cycle parts; ride modes; ABS and traction control; a USB charging point; LED lights all round; a portrait/rally-style 4” TFT dash and even, would believe on such a low capacity, affordable machine, heated grips and seat!
There are an awful lot of compelling reasons to buy the SRT450RX. It’s affordable, A2-compliant, has a hell of a lot of kit as standard and performs decently in almost every way. But the most compelling of all has to be its incredible versatility. QJMotor’s newcomer will do pretty much everything on or off-road – commute, entertain, tour with pillion and luggage – and all while never being intimidating or awkward.
Yes, the fact that it’s also a new bike from a new brand (even though parent QiangJiang has been around since 1985) will naturally leave a few doubts. That name might be off-putting for some, but in terms of equipment, ability, value and the affordable versatility, we struggle to think of any bike with more appeal.
QJMotor SRT450RX specification
Price: £5,499 (+£300 OTR)
Engine: 449.5cc parallel twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 46.9bhp (35kW) @ 9,500rpm
Torque: 41Nm (30.2lb-ft) @ 8,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Suspension: (F) Marzocchi USD telescopic forks, compression and rebound adjust (R) Marzocchi preload and rebound adjustable monoshock.
Wheels: Alloy-rimmed crosspoke wires, (F) 21” (R) 18”
Tyres: CTS Enduro Ride Ambro (F) 90/90 x 21, (R) 140/70 x 18
Brakes: (F) 320mm disc, Brembo 4-piston radial caliper, (R) 240mm disc, Brembo twin piston caliper, ABS
Weight: 184kg (wet)
Wheelbase: 1525mm
Seat height: 835mm
Fuel tank: 18 litres
Fuel consumption: N/a
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.qjmotor.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: Sim Mainey
