QJMotor SVT 650 (2025 - ) review

The SVT650 is just one (actually two, but we’ll come back to that) of a 16-bike QJMotor line-up landing in the UK through importer MotoGB’s Moto73 sub-brand. These range from 125 singles to a variety of parallel- and V-twin middleweight adventure bikes right up to a 921cc four-cylinder sportsbike reminiscent of MV Agusta’s F3. All are stacked with equipment including TFT dashes, heated grips, quality suspension/brakes and even luggage, yet are also priced thousands below comparable Japanese/European offerings. We’re focusing on the mid-range SVT here as it’s a typical example of QJ’s wares, likely to be one of the most popular and is the easiest to contextualise against an existing model people already know, namely that V-Strom 650. It’s impressively done, too, with generic yet individual stying, a proven drivetrain, quality cycle parts and a great spec including standard luggage. It’s all credible, effective, well-integrated and good value with no glaring faults, and if that isn’t the definition of good design what is!

Another typical upright adventure bike but one that’s better than most. Although based on Suzuki V-Strom mechanicals, the SVT feels a touch more substantial even though its claimed 835mm seat height and 236kg kerbweight are virtually identical. It’s relatively easy to climb on board, is pleasingly slim and presents the rider with a slick TFT dash and adjustable screen – neither of which the Suzuki can match. On the move it’s intuitive and natural, around town is not so big to be awkward and on the motorway is sufficiently plush, comfortable and substantial for two. There are also heated grips and seat (although they take a little while to both warm up and cool down) and even the mirrors are OK. All told, no complaints whatsoever, especially considering its price.

Mid-capacity adventure bikes such as the SVT650 offer probably more versatility than any type of motorcycle, as established by the original Suzuki V-Strom and perfected by the likes of the latest Honda XL750 Transalp and Yamaha Ténéré 700. With its shared underpinnings the SVT picks up from where the V-Strom leaves off, adding a host of modern features as well as carrying that bargain price. With 75 horsepower it has sufficient performance for most, it handles well enough to have fun, is capable of taking a pillion and luggage in comfort for longer tours but is also affordable enough to buy as a commuting daily. In X trim it can even go off-road. No, it's not the highest quality but, considering the price, we’ve no complaints.

The SVT’s 645cc V-twin is virtually identical to that powering Suzuki’s old V-Strom and SV 650s, which has been one of the great middleweight motors of the last 20 years. OK, it’s getting on a bit and can’t match the power of more modern parallel-twins like those in the Transalp or Suzuki’s more recent V-Strom 800. And with QJMotor’s in-house ECU and exhaust it’s not quite as refined as Suzuki’s version, and nor does it go as far between services. But it’s brisk, flexible, characterful, versatile and very practical. Braking-wise, it's even better. In place of the V-Strom’s conventional Tokico brake calipers, the SVT gets pukka radial Brembos with braking power and kudos aplenty!



For such a competitively-priced bike the QJMotor is remarkably well-equipped, and that extends to its suspension as well. Like other QJs comes with suspension from respected supplier Marzocchi, this stemming from an earlier deal where the Italian suspension specialist established a manufacturing base in China owned by QJMotor. It’s good quality kit, with beefy 43mm inverted forks up front and a monoshock rear, both fully adjustable. Which is a good thing because although it felt fine out of the box we’d have been tempted to tweak the settings to make it work a little better. Maxxis MaxxVenture tyres on the base version and semi-knobbly Metzeler Tourances on the X are more than up to the job and, with expectations realistic for what is a tall, high-riding adventure bike, handling is largely beyond criticism.

The SVT650, in both versions, is a versatile, middleweight, mid-power adventure bike with all that implies in terms of running costs, but with the added bonus of having an extremely attractive initial purchase price. In other words, it’s cheap to buy but middling to run, and with the added proviso it’s also still so new, and from a relatively unknown brand. As such it’s difficult to say what likely residual values are going to be.

Yes, the SVT650 is a new model from a new brand, but it’s based on one of the most proven and reliable Japanese bikes of recent memory and fitted with impressively high quality, proven cycle parts from the likes of Marzocchi and Brembo. With all that said we have very few overall concerns about its likely reliability.

If there’s one area you feel the compromise for the bargain pricing this is it, though not by as much as you may fear. A two-year manufacturer warranty may once have been considered the industry norm but now looks more like the minimum given the longer ones offered by many manufacturers. The initial 600-mile service is perfectly normal as well, but the fact you then need to get it looked at every 3,800 miles means visits to the dealer may come more than once a year if you use it as intended. That’s especially annoying given Suzukis running effectively the same engine went nearly twice as far between services.

Two versions of the SVT650 are offered – a cheaper base version with cast wheels and the X with its wire wheels, knobbly tyres, hand guards and crash bars. Both come in (just) under six grand, though OTR charges may tip the latter over, just. Both also currently come with a free aluminium three-box luggage set valued at £1,000. And that’s just the start. There’s also a big TFT dash, heated grips and seat, adjustable screen, two riding modes, switchable traction control, LED lighting throughout, backlit switchgear, USB chargers, the list goes on. All of that for this money is, simply, phenomenal. Saying that some of the kit feels a bit budget, the luggage capacity is a tad small and so on but, for the money, you really can’t complain.

While you can still buy the Suzuki equivalent it’s heading for retirement, more expensive and feels a little basic and dated. In that context you can consider the SVT650 as basically an update of the same, with fresh styling, all the latest tech and more equipment all for a chunk less money. Almost a no-brainer, seemingly. Why ‘almost’, though? Well, you have to factor in that QJMotor is currently an unknown quantity here and there are other Chinese bikes like the Voge DS625X offering similar bang for your buck. But choice is never a bad thing and the increasing number of brilliant all-rounders for six grand or less is great news for riders everywhere.