QJ Motor SRK 400 Review: Chill And Friendly

The SRK 400 looks quite like the bold Kawasaki Z1000. 

• The 400cc parallel-twin mill makes 41.4PS and 37Nm. 
• It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends.
• Its rivals include the KTM 390 Duke and the Bajaj Dominar 400. 

Recently, there has been an increase in Chinese-owned brands in India that have drawn a lot of interest. The newest product in this range is QJMotor, which has four versions and just hit our market. We've now had a few days riding the SRK400 street naked, which is the most potent and pricey of the bunch.

QJ Motor SRK400: Design & Features

All LED lighting, an unassuming negative LCD display, movable levers, backlit switchgear, dual-channel ABS, and… that's it. Traction control, cornering ABS, a slipper clutch, a quickshifter, a colour TFT, and smartphone connectivity are all something this bike misses out despite being considerably more expensive than the KTM.

QJ Motor SRK400: Engine & Specs

Potential purchasers will undoubtedly be attracted to the SRK400's engine. It is a 400cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with respectable output of 41.4PS and 37Nm, as the name suggests. Additionally, just like the Benelli twins it is based on, it has a very nice exhaust tone, so people won't just want it for the specs.

The QJ's peak power is produced at 9,000 rpm, so you must wring it to get the most out of it. But when you do that, you encounter the worst flaw in this motor.

You'd think that the SRK's parallel-twin motor would be buttery smooth, but that isn't the case. At idling, vibrations are minimal, but as you accelerate, you start to notice a lot of buzzing on the handlebar and the footpegs. Since our test unit was brand-new, a first service ought to make things a little easier. However, you wouldn't desire that emotion from a twin.

QJ Motor SRK400: Chassis

The sharpest and nastiest of bumps are the only ones that cause the SRK to lose composure. A USD fork up front and a monoshock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping are responsible for the suspension. While the handling is neutral, it does require some effort to turn the car into a corner, and the front end doesn't provide much feedback. 

It also weighs in an unexpected way—at times the steering seems heavy and detached, at other times it feels loose and unconnected. The Maxxis tyres' traction, though, is more than adequate.

When it comes to stopping, even though it has dual front discs and enough stopping power, the brakes just aren't responsive enough. Initial bite is lacking, and in emergency braking situations, the ABS tends to step in and make the lever go hard, which isn't a pleasant sensation. 

The SRK400 has a sleek appearance as well. The exposed trellis frame, offset monoshock, and tyre hugger on the minimalist back end are my favourites. The short bikini fairing, dual projector headlights, and chiselled tank give the front end an aggressive appearance. You can't dispute that the design grabs attention, even though it appears to have been inspired by a specific Japanese brand.

But what was the most disappointing was the manner this bike was put together. Even though our test bike was spanking new, there were minor panel gaps and bodywork vibrations. Even some of the materials, such as the casing for the instrument cluster, had jagged edges and weren't flush with the screen. You truly expect better when you pay close to Rs 4 lakh for a motorbike. 

QJ Motor SRK400: Dimensions

The SRK400 weighs nearly 190 kg, but it’s actually quite manageable as long as you keep the bike moving. The clutch action is mild enough for you to filter through traffic, and the engine heat is well controlled. Additionally, the foot pegs are not too far back and you are sitting upright. The firm seat padding is the sole item that, quite literally, makes living uncomfortable.

QJ Motor SRK400: Price

Priced at Rs. 3.59 lakh if you want the white paint job, the SRK 400 is a luxury motorcycle. The cost of the black and red ones is Rs. 3.69 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, India).

Verdict

In conclusion, the SRK400 has a lot of positive qualities, but you can't help but feel like it should have been even better. The SRK is let down by its hefty price tag, thin equipment list, fit and finish, and fast performance, engaging soundtrack, and well-timed ride. Furthermore, there is still uncertainty around QJ Motor's after-sales support. As a result, you should only buy this motorcycle if you really want to ride something unusual and be seen (and heard!) doing it. The KTM 390 Duke is there for everything else.