Motorcycle. SRK 600: QJ Motor launches into the sports bike market

Sports bikes are no longer really in vogue, and it must be acknowledged that supply is becoming scarce. The extreme sports bikes we knew in 1000 and 600cc versions a decade ago are disappearing. Some manufacturers blame the standards, others blame the radars, or simply the demand, since trail bikes have been flooding the market in recent years.

So we're seeing the arrival of more road-oriented sports bikes, machines that have the attributes of this motorcycle category but capabilities compatible with everyday use, far removed from competition. This is the recipe QJ Motor is applying with its SRK 600 RS.

The move to the Euro5+ standard changes the nomenclature, it goes from 550 to 600, but it's still the same 554cc parallel ^twin engine that develops 56 horsepower. It's exactly the same block and the same performance as on the SRT 600 trail bike that we've already tried, but the feel on the handlebars is completely different because the final gear ratio is different. The SRK prioritizes speed while the SRT favors recovery.

A sports car for everyday road use

This sports car doesn't make any noise; it's not easy to recognize the engine set at 270 degrees and its very specific sound. The very smooth gearbox completes the picture. This is very surprising because the trail and the sports car, which share the same engine and gearbox combination, don't have the same pleasure at all.

With its 56 horsepower, it's not destined to fight for a championship. Its domain is the road, where you appreciate its incredible turning circle from the start. This is rare in the category. Our SRK 600 RS stands out for the quality of its suspension, which works well on our country roads. They're not too soft, not too firm, and it holds its trajectory without having to force it.

The Marzzochi inverted fork and Brembo brakes work perfectly on this machine with its precise and safe handling. It will give confidence to A2 license holders and allow more experienced riders who aren't looking for performance at all costs to ride with peace of mind.

This bike handles well thanks to its lightness and the quality of its suspensions, but also because of its position because even if it is equipped with half-handlebars under the upper T, you are not leaning too much on your wrists or leaning too far forward.

A model for all budgets

We are more in the position of a sport-GT than a sports car, however the protection is that of a sports car, that is to say that it is not really effective whether we talk about the fairing or the bubble.

For fans of the genre who aren't looking for a radical machine that's not very usable on the road, this QJ Motor isn't uninteresting. The great linearity of its engine and its ease of driving are its main assets. Obviously, we would have liked to find on this sports bike the additional vitality that this engine provides on the much more pleasant and playful trail, as well as all the standard equipment of the SRT for comfort and pleasure, even if we still have two USB ports on the dashboard.

What is certain is that for €6,499, you get a motorcycle with the design of a modern sports bike and perfectly suited to taking beautiful rides on the small roads of our countryside. It's ideal for getting your hands dirty with your A2 license in your pocket, for example.