Background: Boom in the 400cc segment
While large touring enduros such as the BMW R-series GS dominated sales figures for many years, a change has been emerging in recent years. Older riders in Western markets increasingly find liter-sized machines too heavy, while a new generation of young riders is emerging in Asia and India. Manufacturers are responding with lighter, more affordable models in the 400cc displacement segment. Triumph, for example, already offers the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, BMW is working on the F 450 GS – and QJMotor now wants to secure a share of the market with the SRT400X.
Engine and performance
The SRT400X is powered by QJMotor’s well-known liquid-cooled 449 cc parallel twin. It delivers 52 hp (38.2 kW), which is more than the CFMoto Ibex 450 with 44 hp (32.8 kW) and the BMW F 450 GS with 47 hp (34.6 kW), which is limited for the European A2 driver’s license. For the European market, the QJMotor version is also likely to be adjusted to 47 hp, as otherwise the A2 buyer segment would have to be foregone.
Chassis and frame
The engine is mounted in a classic steel tube frame. The front features an upside-down fork, presumably from Marzocchi, as QJMotor’s parent company Qianjiang works with the Italian chassis specialist. The rear features an aluminum swing arm with a monoshock.
Additional bolted engine guards that run along the exhaust manifold and are attached to an aluminum engine guard indicate serious off-road ambitions.
Wheels, tires, and off-road orientation
The machine rolls on a 21-inch front wheel with 90/90-21 tires and an 18-inch rear wheel with 140/70-18 tires—a clear sign of off-road capability.
The ready-to-ride weight is 183.7 kg (405 lbs) and increases to 204.1 kg (450 lbs) with aluminum panniers and top case mounted. The wheelbase is 150.8 cm (59.4 inches), which is slightly longer than that of the Ibex 450.
Design and equipment
Visually, the SRT400X resembles the CFMoto Ibex 450 in some respects, for example with its vertical windshield and wide side panels. The unusual headlight arrangement is striking: the main headlights are located on the sides of the fairing, while only a smaller light is positioned below the windshield.
Two variants have been approved – one with a raised front fender and one with a low-mounted hugger fender. There will also be versions with and without a luggage system.
Market and price positioning
In terms of price, the SRT400X is likely to be significantly below the BMW F 450 GS and in line with the CFMoto Ibex 450, which costs $6,499 (approx. €5,950) in the US. Whether and when the model will also be offered outside China, for example in the US or Europe, is still open.
