Motorcycle specifications QJ MotorSRT 450 RX 2026 Edge of the forest

The trail bike race is far, far from over. The maxi-trail segment is saturated, the mid-size segment is also well-stocked, and the small-displacement segment is quickly filling up as well. 450 MT, 450 GS, NX 500, 500 KLE, 390 Adventure…and many more, to which we can now add the QJ Motor SRT 450 RX. Just another model, or a challenger in the making?

The Chinese manufacturer’s adventure lineup starts at 125cc and tops out at 900cc (for now). An offering for the A2 category has become strategic, and everyone is rushing to get in on it. The SRT aims to dive right in, with a design blending rally styling, an enduro front end, and trail lines. A mix where the harmony is unconventional, but where the most compelling features become apparent with use.

Like many Chinese bikes, the SRT 450 RX places a major emphasis on standard equipment. It speaks volumes and puts your mind at ease: tubeless spoke wheels, engine guard, hand guards, luggage rack, crash bars, adjustable windscreen, heated seat and grips, dual USB ports (A and C), Bluetooth, a 5-inch vertical TFT color display, traction control, two engine modes (Standard / Sport), tire pressure monitoring, fog lights, a foldable gear selector knob… Wow! All that for just over 6,000 bucks—it’s mind-blowing and unbeatable.

Packed with extras, without skimping on the components

Well, maybe QJ Motor cut corners on the chassis to keep costs down and is offering us balsa wood components…
Not at all. The brakes are by Brembo and the front fork is a Marzocchi inverted model. Plus, there are adjustment options everywhere. The bike is ready to tackle just about any terrain with its distinct off-road tire setup: a 21-inch front rim, narrow tires (90 and 140), and aggressive tread patterns. Not quite enough for enduro, but certainly enough to do more than just kick up dust. But you’ll likely want to swap out the CST tires for a higher-quality set pretty quickly.

QJ Motor also had the good sense to install a bolted rear subframe rather than a welded one. It’s easier to repair in case of a nasty crash. Inside the steel frame, the engine is ready to do its job like all its countrymen. The 449cc twin-cylinder engine delivers the maximum allowed to meet A2 regulations, with 47.5 horsepower on tap. Its torque peaks at 4.2 mkg.
A power output suitable for the category, and one that has to lift 196 kilos fully loaded. That’s heavy for a 450, but no more or less than most of the competition. With the exception of the BMW and KTM in this segment, which are nearly 20 kilos lighter—but with far fewer features.

In China, QJ Motor offers 16 trail bikes in its catalog. Several have made their way to our shores, including this 4.5-liter model. Its price-to-equipment ratio is attractive, its appearance is appealing, and its aggressive spirit is palpable. So is its courage, as the competition is far from easy.

M.B. - Manufacturer photos