One year after market launch: front end redesign
It was only in June of last year that the first information about QJMotor’s sporty four-cylinder series was released. Initially introduced as the SRK 421 RR, the model is now called the SRK 450 RR and is also available in international markets. Despite the short time span, the company has now decided to revise some controversial design elements.
The striking front end of the previous model—inspired by the SRK1000RC Ten78 concept bike—with its narrow slit headlight and distinctive “helmet visor” look, was not met with enthusiasm everywhere. The Italian studio C-Creative, headed by former MV Agusta design chief Adrian Morton, was responsible for the original design. But even before production ramped up, QJMotor seems to be abandoning this line.
New look: more conventional and with winglets
In the current type approval process in China, the SRK 450 RR is shown with a redesigned front end. Instead of the narrow light bar, the new model has two slanted headlights – a design reminiscent of models such as the Ducati Panigale. The position of the mirrors has also been changed: instead of being located on the fairing, they are now mounted on the ends of the handlebars, attached to racing-style lever guards.
In addition, the new front fairing features aerodynamic winglets – a trend that is now becoming common even on mid-range sports bikes. It is doubtful whether a 76 hp motorcycle actually needs these aerodynamic elements from a technical point of view. Presumably, it is more about the visual appearance.
Technically unchanged – three engine variants available
Under the fairing, everything remains the same: the SRK 450 RR continues to use the familiar 421 cc inline four-cylinder engine. This delivers 76 hp (55.9 kW) at 14,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 Nm (28.8 lb-ft) at 13,000 rpm. The ready-to-ride weight is 176 kg (388 lbs).
QJMotor also offers two additional model variants:
- SRK 400 RS: For markets with displacement or insurance restrictions, the bore has been left at 57 mm, but the stroke has been shortened to 39.1 mm. The 399 cc engine delivers identical figures – 76 hp and 39 Nm – but at slightly different revs (13,200 rpm).
- SRK 250 RD: This version features a significantly smaller engine with a displacement of 249 cm³. With a combination of 50 mm bore and 31.8 mm stroke, the four-cylinder engine achieves 40 hp (29.4 kW) at 15,500 rpm and a torque of 22 Nm (16.2 lb-ft) at 12,500 rpm. The small SRK thus aims to offer a riding experience similar to classic four-cylinder sports bikes such as the Honda CBR250RR or Yamaha FZR250R.
All three models share the same chassis and basic design concept – apart from the revised front end on the new 450 RR.
Variants with Brembo brakes – availability still unclear
The type approval documents list two versions of the redesigned SRK 450 RR: one with unnamed radial brake calipers and one with optional Brembo components. However, it remains unclear whether and in what configuration the models will be available in Europe or other export markets.
Although QJMotor lists the SRK models on its international website, there is no reliable information on availability outside China. Even within the domestic market, it is unclear whether the original version with Ten78 design will be produced on a large scale at all – the new version could replace it directly before production of the previous design really gets underway.
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