QJMotor SRT 600 S review calls bike a £4,699 adventure bargain

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The QJMotor SRT 600 S arrives on the market with a single, hard-to-ignore selling point: a new 600-class adventure bike priced at just £4,699. That figure alone changes the conversation, but the question for potential buyers remains whether the machine’s components and rideability match the bargain headline.

Background

QJMotor is one of the brands inside China’s Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, a long-established manufacturer that sits within the Geely stable and also produces bikes under the Keeway and Benelli names. The SRT 600 S joined QJMotor’s UK line-up after the brand launched there, undercutting many Japanese and European rivals on price.

Packaged as an adventure-style machine, the model arrives with a host of fitted items that would normally be optional extras — from hard luggage to auxiliary lamps — positioning it as an appealing option for those who want big-bike features without a big bill.

First impressions and ergonomics

On sight the SRT 600 S reads as stylistically uncertain. Design cues point in several directions at once, producing an overall look that feels patched together rather than fully resolved.

Close-up of a parallel-twin motorcycle engine and gearbox
The SRT 600 S uses a 554cc parallel-twin mounted with a six-speed gearbox.

Ergonomically, the bike sits low for an adventure machine. The seat height measures 805 mm, which helps shorter riders put both feet down, but taller riders may find the cockpit a touch cramped. The saddle is firm and acceptable for shorter trips, yet lengthy stretches could be uncomfortable for riders over six feet.

Standing on the pegs is more comfortable than the seating position suggests. Despite alloy wheels and road-oriented tyres, the SRT 600 S behaved better than expected on a muddy track, offering surprising balance when the rider stood up.

The console is dominated by a large 7-inch TFT screen that’s clear in many lighting conditions but struggles in bright sun. Switchgear and controls feel inexpensive, and menu navigation is not particularly intuitive.

Engine and transmission

Power comes from a liquid-cooled parallel twin displacing 554cc, quoted at 55 bhp and about 39.8 lb-ft of torque. The engine will comfortably sustain motorway speeds, but its performance is measured rather than exhilarating. Low-down shove is limited and the motor feels strained approaching higher speeds.

A 270-degree crank gives the exhaust a characterful sound, which many riders will appreciate — the exhaust note is one of the motorcycle’s standout features. The six-speed gearbox is light and smooth to operate, although the spread of ratios feels unusual: first gear functions more as a slow-moving launch gear than a strong pullaway ratio.

Chassis, suspension and braking

The SRT 600 S rides on a steel frame and benefits from adjustable Marzocchi suspension up front, which helps explain the bike’s assured handling relative to its price. Wet weight sits around 220 kg, and that mass contributes to a steady, planted feeling at speed.

Braking hardware is respectable on paper — dual 320mm floating discs with four-piston radial calipers at the front and a 260mm rear disc, paired with a Bosch dual-channel ABS system. In practice the initial bite is muted and the feel spongy, likely down to budget brake pads; however, stopping performance is ultimately predictable and safe.

Equipment and electronics

QJMotor fits a long list of accessories as standard: full hard luggage, crash bars, a bash plate, auxiliary lighting, handguards, and both heated grips and a heated seat. On paper this looks generous for the money.

Adventure motorcycle fitted with hard luggage and crash bars
Standard hard luggage and crash bars are part of the SRT 600 S’s generous kit list.

Reality is mixed. Several fitted items feel low-quality — handguards flex easily, crash bars protect less than expected, and the heated grips and seat deliver inconsistent warmth. The auxiliary lights are bright but narrowly focused, and the main headlight lacks spread.

Software and interface issues undermine the premium promise of the display. The menu structure is cluttered and confusing, and the fuel gauge behaves oddly: it remains on “full” for a large portion of the tank, then drops quickly and triggers low-fuel warnings when only a few litres remain. The tank holds 20.5 litres.

Maintenance and reliability

Service intervals set by QJMotor are relatively short: oil, oil filter, air filter and spark plugs are recommended every 4,000 miles, with valve clearances checked every 25,000 miles. Those intervals mean owners will either need basic mechanical skills or a willingness to return to the dealer more often than typical modern bikes require.

Access to routine service points is mixed. Reaching the sump plug is straightforward once the bash plate is removed and the centre stand is used, but removing the fuel tank — required for some filter and plug work — looks involved.

In the UK the brand is imported by MotoGB, an established distributor selling a large volume of motorcycles annually and offering a two-year warranty. That should give buyers some reassurance about parts support and warranty handling, although long-term owner data for this model is not yet available.

How it compares

Key rivals include Honda’s NX500 and the Benelli TRK 502 — the latter being another product from Qianjiang. The SRT 600 S shares mechanical ancestry with the NX500-style architecture and competes primarily on price and standard equipment rather than on outright refinement.

For riders prioritising a low purchase price and a ready-to-ride kit, the SRT 600 S is compelling. Those seeking polished fit and finish, simpler electronics, or higher long-term resale may prefer more established alternatives or a well-kept used middleweight.

Price £4,699
Engine 554cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
Transmission Six-speed
Power 55 bhp at 8,250 rpm
Torque 39.8 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
Seat height 805 mm
Ground clearance 190 mm
Wet weight 220 kg
Fuel capacity 20.5 litres
Front tyre 110/80 R19 Maxxis Maxxventure
Rear tyre 150/70 R17 Maxxis Maxxventure
Front brakes Dual 320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers
Rear brake 260mm disc, two-piston caliper
Front suspension 43mm adjustable USD forks
Rear suspension Mono shock

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