QJMotor SRT 450 RX (2026 – ) review

Following QJMotor’s launch in the UK last year we’re now fairly familiar with the Chinese giant’s wares. Modern, in-house engines in varying configurations combine with worthy chassis, cycle parts from the likes of Brembo and Marzocchi, a bumper spec often including free luggage, electronics and TFT dash and even things like TPMS and heated seats/grips, all wrapped up in slick styling by British former MV designer Adrian Morton at C-Creative. The same is just as true with this new twin. The recent growth of the sub-500cc adventure class has been impressive (hello BMW, CFMoto, Enfield et al) and the SRT 450 RX is bang on the money, ticks a lot of boxes, spoils with its lavish spec and confounds for its bargain price. Only in terms of refinement or aftersales are there any question marks.

Adventure bikes are often by definition tall, heavy and awkward and have become more so as litre-class bikes have become ever larger. That partly explains the growth of more manageable, affordable middleweight adventures such as Yamaha Ténéré and, more recently, the growth of sub-500cc ones, driven by the popularity of bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the inspiration for the likes of QJMotor to offer something equivalent in size and price. As a 449cc parallel twin it’s comparatively slim and light while the 835mm seat is more manageable than the likes of a Ténéré or Transalp. The upright riding position with high adventure bars is conventional and, for our hour-long ride, more than comfortable. The screen, although non-adjustable, takes off some of the windblast and it even comes as standard with heated grips and heated seat. What’s not to like?

Adventure bikes are very practical, more manageable mid-sized ones the more so, especially when well-equipped. This new generation of sub-500cc bikes are even more useful, or can be if not lacking the performance for luggage, pillions and the rest. The new SRT 450 RX scores on all counts – with more besides. It has all the virtues of a 450 adventure, has decent performance, is the right size to take pillions, comes with £1,000-worth of free luggage, has engine and hand guards, heated seat and grips, it’s A2 compliant, the list goes on… For the money, it’s hard to imagine a more practical machine.

The SRT 450 RX’s parallel twin produces a claimed 47hp – or bang on the A2 restriction – at 9,500rpm, with peak torque of 41Nm at 8,000rpm. It’s Euro5+ compliant and has three riding modes plus switchable traction control. In terms of manners and driveability it’s also instantly familiar, progressive and adequate, with no glitches or concerns. That performance is also sufficient for both perky fun and problem-free motorway cruising. Braking, meanwhile, is taken care of at the front by a single 320mm disc grasped by a radially-mounted Brembo four-piston caliper with a matching 260mm rear complete with ABS which, for a lightweight adventure bike, is more than sufficient. The only thing preventing it scoring full marks is the limitation of that A2-mandated power output when riding two-up or fully loaded with luggage but, if your licence permits, QJMotor has a selection of more powerful options with a similar combination of kit and value for money.

One of the most impressive aspects of QJMotor’s new range of bikes has been the quality of its suspension, and the same is true of the new SRT 450 RX. This stems from a collaboration between QJMotor and fork and shock specialists Marzocchi, the Italian firm setting up a Chinese-based factory to support the partnership. In the 450’s case this means multi-adjustable 43mm upside-down forks with an adjustable single shock at the rear. In stock trim they gave a smooth, assured ride with intuitive, natural steering that gave no complaints. And that’s just the start, with quality alloy rimmed wire wheels, Brembo brakes and even decent Pirelli tyres to add on top. The only criticisms being we didn’t get a chance this time round to test its off-road potential so we’ll have to reserve judgement there, the slightly wallowy and vague road manners also worth considering but common to all bikes of this type.

Despite the SRT 450 RX’s hugely impressive spec and more than decent performance, there should be no causes for concern here. First off, it’s very affordable though, as with equivalent newcomer brands, residual values remain unclear for now. In daily running performance should be fairly gentle not just on fuel, insurance and road tax but also consumables such tyres, chain and brake pads.

Again, the SRT 450 RX is an all-new bike from a brand still finding its feet here in the UK. That all said, its cycle parts are from proven, reliable suppliers, its 449cc twin is largely under-stressed and QJMotor’s other models have so far impressed and offered no causes for concern.

One of the few remaining areas where new Chinese bikes have yet to catch up with the more familiar and established brands. Warranty-wise, the SRT 450 RX comes with a fairly standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty from first registration covering all parts and labour. Service intervals, meanwhile, are shorter than many at every 4,000 miles but you can’t have everything!

If the SRT 450 RX’s service schedules aren’t the best, the levels of equipment possibly are. We’ve already mentioned the free three-box aluminium luggage but it also has hand, engine and sump guards fitted, the quality Marzocchi and Brembo cycle parts, riding modes, ABS and traction control, a USB charging point, LED lights all round, a rally-style portrait 4.0-inch TFT dash and even heated grips and seat!