A unique newcomer to the European market is the QJ Motor SRV 600 V. Not only because QJ Motor only entered the European market in 2024 with several larger models, but more so because the SRV 600 V itself is a standout motorcycle. A muscle cruiser with a 600cc V4 engine is rare. What other brand would take that risk in 2024? Most modern V4 engines range from 1000 to 1800cc in power. One of the older V4 models you occasionally see is the Honda VF750C or Honda VF750F.
Curious about how the QJ Motor SRV 600 V compares to larger brands, I reached out to the importer. And so it happened — a swing of my leg over the saddle, and I was on the road. The muscular and striking appearance of the QJ Motor SRV 600 V immediately catches the eye. Its sleek, powerful design raises questions about its performance, questions I set out to answer.
But first; A bit of history.
While the SRV 600 V grabs a lot of attention, many are hesitant when they hear it’s made in China. However, let’s take a closer look at the history of QJ Motor.
QJ Motor began as Qianjiang Motorcycles in China in 1985, where it built its expertise and craftsmanship. By the year 2000, over 1 million motorcycles were produced for the Asian market, with several models clearly inspired by Japanese competitors.
In 2005, Benelli became part of Qianjiang Motorcycles, marking a significant step towards expanding beyond the Asian market.
Qianjiang Motorcycles became a part of Geely Holdings in 2016, a well-known name in the automotive industry. In 2022, Geely Holdings ranked among the top 10 most valuable automotive brands in the Brand Finance report, making it the only Chinese automotive group on the list. Geely Holdings owns and manages several well-known brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, ZEEKR, Volvo Cars, Polestar, and Lotus. A global joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holdings also established the Smart brand, focusing on producing battery-electric vehicles in China for global markets. In 2022, this joint venture launched its first model, the Smart #1.
Under Geely’s leadership, Qianjiang Motorcycle has become one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in China. Their scooters and motorcycles are sold under five brands: QJiang, QJ Motor, Benelli, Keeway Motors, and KSR Moto.
In 2019, Qianjiang Motorcycles entered a strategic partnership with Harley-Davidson. This partnership helped Qianjiang rebrand to QJ Motor in 2020, aiming to conquer the global market. In 2022, QJ Motor debuted in MOTO3, followed by its entry into MOTO2 in 2023. And in 2024, QJ Motor became the first Chinese brand to participate in the SSP category with a commercially available production motorcycle. QJ Motor established its factory team to compete in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK).
And the first large cc production motorcycles came to the Netherlands; including:
- The SRK 800 RR sportbike
- The adventure models: SRT 800 SX (Touring) and SRT 700 X Touring
- The naked SRK 550
- The standout cruiser, the SRV 600 V.
A Striking and Stylish V4 Cruiser
The SRV 600 V from QJ Motor boasts a striking style that instantly catches the eye. Its muscular front end, streamlined fuel tank, and sharp lines all contribute to its dynamic appearance. It’s a bike that grabs attention, with nearly every chopper on the road giving you the wave as you ride by. The intrigue grows even more when you mention that it features a V4 engine and costs under nine thousand euros. It’s immediately clear that QJ Motor has drawn inspiration from brands like Harley-Davidson, which isn’t surprising given their collaboration. The distinctive front headlight is reminiscent of the HD Sportster 1250cc muscle cruiser, but with the unique concept of a 561cc V4 engine — and it’s A2-legal. What other brand would take that bold step in 2024?
The SRV 600 V is, in that sense, beyond impressive, and that’s also part of its charm.
Dual exhaust pipes on each side, with curved tips, and a bronze-copper ceramic-coated V4 engine at the center. It features an LED bar up front and bar-end mirrors. In its all-black version, fully black-on-black, the SRV 600 V looks both luxurious and attention-grabbing. Small details, like the bronze-copper-colored front fork and fender bracket, complete the bike’s cohesive design. The fuel tank and engine seem perfectly aligned, and even the body panels follow the same smooth, rounded lines.
Only upon closer inspection do you notice that some parts are made of plastic instead of metal or aluminum. This helps save weight and costs, without compromising the initial visual impact. The large radiator guard is one of the more noticeable plastic elements. The wide guard gives the front of the SRV 600 V its sharp lines and offers a spot for the mandatory reflector without it looking out of place. However, this also subtly hints that the SRV 600 V isn’t a Harley or Indian.
A neat detail is the hidden USB port within the radiator guard, which I didn’t even notice during my first few days of riding — so it’s clearly well-concealed. The tank is adorned with three covers, and in the black color scheme, these are finished in metallic silver and matte black, seamlessly fitting into the SRV 600 V’s overall style. The cover around the fuel cap is a practical choice — it protects the paint in case of fuel spills, but I’m curious how the bike would look without it.
On both sides of the V4 engine, there are two blacked-out exhaust pipes. Heat protectors around the exhausts are also completely black. The footpegs, passenger pegs, gear shift, and brake pedal are all black as well. Everything below the tank is black, except for certain components of the V4 engine. This design draws your eye directly to the V4 and the fuel tank, right in the middle of the bike.
Everything at the front is dark or black, in line with the overall design. The fender bracket is coated in the same bronze-copper color, creating a continuous line with the other coated parts. The only downside is the large silver levers on the handlebars, which can easily be swapped for sleek black ones, but it would’ve been nice if they came in black from the factory.
Following the exhaust pipes to the rear, the black fades into four bronze-copper exhaust tips, matching the same coating as the engine. The curved tips of the exhaust pipes also stand out, along with the fantastic sound, especially at idle.
A Powerful and Enjoyable Cruiser with Surprisingly Dynamic Handling
The SRV 600 V comes equipped with its own V4 engine, from which QJ Motor extracts 561 cc. With 68 horsepower, the SRV 600 V provides enough power to be versatile. It handles city traffic with ease, from pulling away at traffic lights to keeping up on highways. The V-twin configuration offers a wide powerband, ideal for overtaking on highways. Thanks to the precise throttle response from the fuel injection system, the bike delivers a smooth riding experience on urban roads, though you may notice the weight and the slightly stiffer steel frame in city environments.
The real fun begins on open roads. When you push the SRV 600 V to its full power range and lean into the curves, the cruiser truly comes to life. Even more so than the Harley-Davidson Nightster, this bike feels like a corner-eater, although it may require a bit more effort. For me, that was part of the joy. Pushing the bike harder into the corners and hearing the scrape of the footpeg as it leaves a little steel on the asphalt in sharp bends was exhilarating. Unlike the Indian Scout, where this happens more easily (at every roundabout if you like), with the SRV 600 V, you have to work a bit harder for it. A little more speed, some counter-leaning, and as the cruiser dances between you and the asphalt, the gap between the road and the footpeg gets smaller and smaller. It might not be the typical cruiser riding style, but it’s so much fun. It’s thrilling to keep up with more powerful bikes in a group ride. During my week with the SRV 600 V, I managed to keep pace with many MT-07s, GSXs, and Z600/900s, and sometimes even outperformed them—all while grinning from ear to ear.
Weighing 219 kg, the SRV 600 V isn’t exactly light, but it’s comparable to the Harley-Davidson Nightster or the Vulcan S. It’s also significantly lighter than Indian cruisers, though they have twice the displacement. The SRV 600 V’s build quality is solid, with the frame made from high-grade steel. This adds stiffness while riding, which sometimes requires more effort to maneuver. However, this stiffness brings a slight downside—at higher speeds, the front wheel feels somewhat floaty. Somewhere in the combination of fork angle, wheelbase, and rake, the bike feels less stable at high speeds. When riding straight, the SRV 600 V sits firmly on the road, absorbing small bumps effortlessly. However, slight movements in the handlebars can lead to unexpected or sudden responses, which can worsen without much additional input. This gives the impression that the SRV 600 V could be more prone to a tankslapper than you might like. Whether this is a real risk is debatable, as you’d have to push it to experience this instability. During normal riding, the SRV 600 V remains stable even at higher speeds. Nonetheless, considering a steering damper could be a good idea.
Comfort and Control Combine for a Dynamic Cruiser Experience
The SRV 600V is equipped with a monoshock at the rear, providing a stable and responsive riding experience. It’s well-tuned for most road surfaces, but its limits become noticeable on larger Dutch speed bumps. The monoshock also leaves something to be desired on traditional cobblestone roads, which is somewhat expected from a cruiser. At the front, the SRV 600V features an upside-down front fork. For optimal handling, the compression and rebound of the Marzocchi suspension are adjustable. This combination allows you to confidently steer the bike through sharp corners while maintaining stability at high speeds. It’s great that the suspension settings can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
Part of the comfortable riding experience comes from the seat. The well-designed saddle offers ample space and support for a relaxed ride. With a seat height of only 720mm, it’s a relatively low bike, making it ideal for shorter riders as well. I could easily put both feet flat on the ground. For longer rides, the seat felt a bit too soft for me, leading to some saddle fatigue. However, a short break to stretch my legs was enough to avoid it becoming a real issue. The bike’s neutral riding position, combined with the upright handlebars, helps reduce fatigue during extended trips.
The handlebar position also provides optimal control over the bike, with everything feeling within easy reach. The brake and clutch levers are large and sturdy, yet they feel comfortable under your fingers. While they might look nicer in black, they offer precise control over your inputs. The brake lever operates smoothly and responds with refinement, ensuring powerful and reliable braking performance. At the front, the SRV 600V features dual disc brakes with radially mounted dual-cylinder calipers, which explains its strong and consistent braking power. At the rear, there’s a single disc brake—not as powerful but used less frequently. I found the foot brake position a bit awkward, but it seems to be adjustable, so you can customize it to your preference. Because of this, I used the rear brake less than usual, but with the powerful front brakes, I didn’t miss it.
The integrated ABS system prevents wheel lockup during sudden or hard braking, helping you maintain control. Additionally, the SRV 600V comes standard with technology like traction control, which enhances stability and control, giving the cruiser a reassuring feel in unpredictable or challenging riding conditions such as wet roads or tight corners. Like most cruisers, the SRV 600 V has a belt drive, meaning less maintenance and longer-lasting durability compared to a chain.
This makes the SRV 600 V suitable for a wide range of riders, from daily commuters and sporty motorcyclists to beginner A2 license holders looking for a cruiser. Imagine having a V4 as your first bike at 21 years old—this option is certainly making its mark on the market!
A Modern and Functional Engine with Smart Technology
From the front, or from the rider’s perspective, the SRV 600 V looks sleek and tidy. This is largely due to the fact that everything you need is integrated into one round display. The round TFT display from QJ Motor is designed to show essential information at a glance, such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and gear position, contributing to the overall user-friendliness of the SRV 600 V. Additionally, the display shows real-time tire temperature and pressure, allowing riders to stay informed about the condition of their tires. I was pleasantly surprised by this feature, and it seemed to work well. The interesting part is that, once you’ve been riding at higher speeds, you can actually see the tire temperatures rise, followed by an increase in pressure.
There was one instance where a low tire pressure warning appeared for the front tire, even though it hadn’t changed from previous days. It’s possible the system monitors more decimal points than are visible. After riding a bit and warming up the tires, the warning disappeared. Nevertheless, I added a bit more air. On rare occasions, the connection between the display and the tire sensors seemed to drop momentarily, only to recover within a few minutes. After checking with the importer, they suspected this was an isolated issue and promised to investigate further for this model.
Additionally, the display shows the status of the switchable Traction Control, offering extra control in different riding conditions. The round TFT display is also very easy to read, with both light and dark modes available to toggle in the menu. It also highlights critical information when necessary, and remains readable even in bright sunlight.
The bike is equipped with both a USB-A and USB-C port, allowing riders to charge various devices while on the move. Moreover, the phone connectivity feature, through the Carbit Ride app (subscription-based), enables navigation and other useful functions. With this connectivity, you can easily pair a smartphone and enjoy real-time navigation and music control without distractions. All lighting, from the headlight to the indicators and taillight, is equipped with LED technology. Not only enhancing the modern look but also improving visibility in different lighting conditions. The wide LED bar at the front provides a calm and clear light in the evening, with a very broad field of view. This made riding on dark backroads or dikes much easier.
Conclusion
The QJ Motor SRV 600V offers exceptional value for money, especially considering its price point, making it hard to match in the cruiser/chopper segment. In fact, when looking at mid-range V4 bikes, it stands alone in its class. With its sleek, modern design, a powerful 561cc V4 engine, and the latest technological features, this cruiser will impress both beginner riders and seasoned motorcycle enthusiasts. The easy-to-read display showing tire pressure and temperature is a particularly appreciated addition.
Whether you’re navigating through city streets or cruising on the highway, the SRV 600V provides control and confidence—especially during sporty rides. It might take a little extra effort to scrape the footpegs, but that just adds to the fun. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that’s not only affordable but also packed with features and performance, the SRV 600V is definitely worth considering. With its striking design and playful performance, the SRV 600V is not only a smart choice but also an enjoyable one. And let’s not forget the V4 engine that sounds like music to your ears.
Although the QJ Motor brand may not yet have the same recognition as some of its more established competitors, this model proves the brand is fully capable of building quality motorcycles. The SRV 600V symbolizes QJ Motor’s commitment to delivering bikes that can compete effortlessly in the market. Personally, I am very curious to see how these models hold up over time. Will the reliability that the SRV 600V has shown over this week remain consistent in the long run? Time will tell, but it certainly looks promising.
Specifications
Engine | Four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
Displacement | 561 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 62 x 48 mm |
Compression ratio | |
Ignition | Electronic ignition |
Max power | 68 hp / 59 kW @ 10,500 rpm (A2; 47.6 hp / 35 kW) |
Max torque | 54 Nm / 40 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm |
Drive | 6-speed, belt drive |
Frame | Steel |
Front suspension | Marzocchi upside-down telescopic, adjustable |
Rear suspension | Telescopic rear shock absorber, oil filled |
Front brakes | Double 300 mm disc with radial calipers |
Rear brake | Single 260 mm disc |
Wheels | |
Front tyre | 130/90 R16 |
Rear tyre | 180/65 R16 |
Length | 2280 mm / 89,7 inch |
Width | 820 mm / 32,3 inch |
Height | 1115 mm / 43,9 inch |
Wheelbase | 1580 mm / 62,2 inch |
Seat height | 720 mm / 28,3 inch |
Ground clearance | 140 mm / 5,5 inch |
Weight | 219 kg / 482 lbs kerb weight |
Fuel capacity | 16,5 Litres |
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