Ever since its debut, the Honda CBR600RR has been an integral part of the elite 600cc supersport segment. For good reason, too, as it has struck a balance of quality underpinnings and a feisty powerhouse. Although unchanged for a while, the 600RR has now inspired China’s QJMotor. As part of its ongoing expansion, the bikemaker has whipped up the SRK 650 R sports bike with an inline-four engine to give the world a CBR600RR alternative. Here’s what you need to know.
The QJMotor SRK 650 R Has A 649cc Inline-Four Engine With Over 115 Horsepower
The SRK 650 R is the successor of the SRK 600 R we’ve talked about previously. The 600 was a Honda CBR650R rival, producing around 80 ponies from a largely understressed inline-four engine. But the 650 R aims to mimic the screaming experience of the OG supersports like the CBR600RR and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. As a result, QJ’s four-pot engine now has a 67 mm bore and a 46 mm stroke for a total capacity of 649cc.
This, along with liquid cooling, is good for an output of 117 horsepower. That figure is right in the ballpark of the EU-spec CBR600RR and just five shy of the ZX-6R. Interestingly, QJ states the top speed is 143 miles per hour here-–quite a lot lower than its Japanese rivals. But that in turn suggests QJ could have tweaked things for low and mid-range grunt rather than a soaring top-end.
QJ Motor SRK 650 R Engine Specs
|
Bore X Stroke |
67 mm X 46 mm |
|
Capacity |
649cc |
|
Layout |
Inline-four |
|
Power |
117 HP |
|
Torque |
NA |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Quality Underpinnings And Aggressive Ergonomics Complete The SRK 650 R’s Package
Since the motorcycle has yet to be fully revealed, we have to resort to the type-approval image for other details. Yet, we can spot the inspiration comes from QJ’s WSSP race bike. Beefy upside-down forks with a triple-tree are present that house the clip-on handlebar below it for an aggressive riding position (unlike most QJMotor sports bikes). It joins hands with a steering damper and a 17-inch front wheel featuring dual discs, bit by Brembo monobloc calipers.
At the rear is a sporty double-sided swingarm attached to a monoshock and a 17-inch alloy wheel. All this, and the twin-spar chassis, results in a curb weight of 452 pounds. A special shout also goes to the charming design. Unlike the SRK 600 R, which looked like a weird blend of the Panigale V4 and S 1000 RR, the 650 R tries to do its own thing.
Yes, the fascia still has a pinch of Ninja ZX-10R reminiscence, but the overall design appears quite neutral and likable. We also dig how QJ has ditched its protruding wings in favor of segmented fairings with internal air channels. The flat tank, tall windscreen, and petite tail end complete the sporty aesthetic.
QJMotor SRK 650 R Key Highlights
- Twin-spar chassis
- Adjustable USD forks and monoshock
- Brembo monobloc calipers
- Segmented fairings with air channels
- Low clip-on handlebar
- High rearset footpegs
The QJ Motor SRK 650 R Could Hit International Dealers Soon
With the motorcycle already type-approved in China, it’s not long until QJMotor officially launches the SRK 650 R in its home country. That should be followed by an international launch by the end of 2025. And since the company is expanding its network in the US as well, this could certainly grace the North American market. Once here, it will rival several middleweight machines, such as:
- Yamaha YZF-R9
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
- Suzuki GSX-R600
- Honda CBR600RR
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