Of late, there’s been an inflow of Chinese-owned manufacturers in India which were garnering loads of consideration. The newest on this line is QJMotor, which has entered our market with 4 fashions. The strongest and costly of the lot is the SRK400 road bare, and we’ve now spent a couple of days using it.

QJMotor SRK 400: Engine and efficiency

What is bound to be an enormous draw for potential patrons is the SRK400’s engine. As the title denotes, it’s a 400cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin that places out respectable figures of 40.9hp and 37Nm. And they received’t need it only for the specs, because it additionally has a really candy exhaust word, identical to the Benelli twins it’s based mostly on.

Performance is sweet too, because the SRK does 0-100kph in 5.86s, which is simply 0.01s slower than the brand new KTM RC 390 we just lately examined. As for in-gear acceleration, the QJ betters the KTM’s time within the 20-50kph and 50-80kph runs, however the latter is faster within the 30-70kph run. The QJ makes its peak energy at 9,000rpm so you must wring it to extract probably the most from it. But while you try this, you’re confronted with what is that this motor’s largest shortcoming.

Being a parallel-twin, you’d count on the SRK’s motor to be buttery easy, however that isn’t the case. While vibrations are nominal at idle, you do begin to really feel a variety of buzziness on the handlebar and the foot pegs as you start to select up the tempo. Our take a look at unit was model new, so a primary service ought to ideally make it a bit smoother. But nonetheless, it’s not a sense you’d need from a twin.

QJMotor SRK 400: Ride and dealing with

On the transfer, the SRK400 does really feel prefer it weighs near 190kg, nevertheless it’s simply manageable. You have loads of leverage to filter by way of site visitors, the clutch motion is gentle sufficient and the engine warmth is managed nicely. You’re additionally sat upright and the foot pegs aren’t too rear set. The solely factor that makes life uncomfortable, fairly actually, is the arduous seat padding.

However, the trip high quality does assist alleviate this. The SRK feels composed over most bumps and it’s solely the sharpest and nastiest of bumps that catch it out. Suspension duties are dealt with by a USD fork up entrance and a monoshock that’s adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. The dealing with, in the meantime, is impartial, nevertheless it does take a bit effort to tip it into corners and there isn’t a lot suggestions from the entrance finish. It additionally weighs up in an uncommon method as generally it feels free and disconnected, whereas different occasions the steering feels heavy. However, the grip from the Maxxis tyres is greater than enough.

Coming to braking, whereas it does include twin discs up entrance and has ample stopping energy, the brakes simply aren’t feelsome sufficient. There’s a scarcity of preliminary chunk and underneath panic braking conditions, the ABS tends to intervene making the lever go arduous, which isn’t a pleasant feeling. 

QJMotor SRK 400: Design, match and end

The SRK400 is a sharp-looking bike too. I significantly just like the minimalist rear finish with the tyre hugger, the offset monoshock and the uncovered trellis body. The entrance finish seems aggressive due to the chiselled tank, small bikini fairing and twin projector headlights. While the design seems derived from a selected Japanese model, you possibly can’t deny that it does flip heads.

What is a let down although is the way in which this bike’s been put collectively. Our take a look at bike was model new and there already have been some panel gaps and rattles from the bodywork. Even a number of the supplies – just like the instrument cluster housing – had sharp edges and weren’t sitting flush with the show. And while you’re paying round Rs 4 lakh for a bike, you actually count on higher. 

QJMotor SRK 400: verdict

Speaking of anticipating higher, that’s additionally the sensation that comes throughout when you see the SRK’s options checklist. Part of the package deal is all LED lights, a basic-looking unfavorable LCD unit, adjustable levers, backlit switchgear, dual-channel ABS and that’s it. There’s no traction management, cornering ABS, slipper clutch, quickshifter, color TFT and smartphone connectivity, all of which can be found on its chief rival, the KTM 390 Duke, which additionally occurs to value a lot much less.

In conclusion, there’s quite a bit to love concerning the SRK400, however you get the sense that it may have been so significantly better. Sure, the efficiency is brisk, the soundtrack is interesting and the trip is well-judged, however the SRK is let down by its excessive price ticket, sparse gear checklist and match and end. Furthermore, the aftersales service of QJMotor stays a query mark. As such, this can be a motorbike it is best to solely go for in the event you actually wish to be seen (and heard!) using one thing distinctive. For all the things else, there’s the KTM 390 Duke.

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Keeway V302C evaluate, first trip: V-Twin warrior