A few years ago, Chinese motorcycle makers were popular for building blatant copies of popular international models. Now, the situation is much better, and there is some sense of originality in general. However, we do still get rip-offs from time to time. A prime example of that is QJMotor’s upcoming touring bike that looks like a full-dresser Indian.
QJMotor’s New Touring Bike Blatantly Copies The Indian Roadmaster
One look at the type-approval image by QJ, and it’ll instantly remind you of the base Indian Roadmaster. The fascia has three round lights embedded into a large batwing fairing, with a windscreen on the top. Below this lies a wide fender and chunky fairing lowers to add more visual brawn–again just like the Indian.
The reminiscence doesn’t end there. Take a look at the wheels and the saddlebags. Both bits again match the American tourer, albeit in a much more cut-price feel. The tail end takes the rip-off thing further with a big top box that has a passenger backrest. Aside from all this, the QJ looks visibly much smaller than the OG. Can’t copy everything, after all.
A Puny Engine Powers QJMotor’s New Touring Bike
Speaking of size, QJ’s latest touring bike might look like a full-sized dresser, but it’s actually an entry-level machine. It hides a 385cc, V-twin engine–almost a third of the Roadmaster’s Thunderstroke engine. This is good enough for 35 horsepower, all sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. The top speed? Just under 95 miles per hour. So the QJ tourer isn’t exactly something to carve through highways all day long.
Like the engine, the underpinnings are simple. A double-cradle chassis is under the skin, suspended on USD forks and a monoshock. We don’t know the wheel sizes, but we can spot single disc brakes at each end. Also unknown are other dimensions, such as weight, seat height, and overall length.
Key Specifications
|
Engine |
385cc, V-twin |
|
Power |
35 HP |
|
Torque |
NA |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
|
Weight |
NA |
QJMotor Plans To Sell Its Touring Bike In International Markets
Most Chinese rip-offs are limited to the local market. But it appears QJ wants to sell the new touring bike in the West as well. That shouldn’t be a problem, too, since the 385cc engine is already Euro5+ compliant and available in other bikes in Europe. If that happens, we could see the bike in the US as well. After all, QJMotor is expanding its presence here. If here, this would be the only full-dresser in the 400cc segment.
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