Motorcycle specifications QJ MotorSRK 800 RR 2026 You can't judge a book by its cover

Chinese manufacturers have recently decided to seriously move upmarket. QJ Motor is rapidly shifting toward “high-end” mid-displacement models, capable of attracting a broader customer base and establishing a stronger market presence. The SRT 700 and SRT 800 trail bikes are making their mark with their twin-cylinder engines. This time, it’s a sport bike entering this displacement class: the SRK 800 RR. A big sister to the SRK 600 RR, which is a bit lacking in power.

No sooner has it hit the market than it’s already evolving in 2025. Its steel frame is consigned to the scrapheap in favor of an aluminum perimeter frame, its exhaust becomes much more stylish, while its electronics reach a more technical level*. Curiously, the advertised weight goes from 207 to 214 kg.

Contrary to what one might think, the 800 doesn’t use the SRT 800’s engine but instead gets a 4-cylinder engine. The kind of engine ideal for packing a lot of power. Inspired by the Honda CBR 650 R’s engine, the Chinese design extends the piston stroke by 10 mm to achieve 778 cc.

Given that a Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 spits out 124 horsepower, we’d be justified in expecting quite a few more horses. But the Chinese and power just don’t mix. Even though the 800 is beefier than the CBR’s engine, it only puts out 102 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. For Europe, it’s been dialed back to 95 horsepower to meet A2 licensing requirements. Sure, that lets you start having some fun, but the performance is far from thrilling. Its maximum torque of 7.7 mkg, slightly lower than before, is reached at 8,500 rpm.

It’s a shame, because the SRK 800 RR isn’t half bad with its Panigale-esque looks. The small winglets, the inverted fork, the 4-piston radial brake calipers, the sport brake fluid reservoir, the S 1000 RR- style scar on the front—the design is dynamic, under the guise of European “inspiration.”

The swingarm is made of aluminum, and it’s around this overall frame that the Chinese brand offers guarantees for its chassis. The brakes are by Brembo, the suspension is Marzocchi (with plenty of adjustments), and the ABS comes from Bosch. While not exceptional, its weight is respectable at 214 kg fully loaded.

The electronic equipment isn’t as extensive as on a modern pure sports bike but is adequate for this machine’s positioning and represents an improvement over the 1.1 version. The SRK 800 RR offers three riding modes (Normal / Sport), a disengageable traction control system, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, a 5-inch TFT display; and, since its update*, Ride by Wire, an Up&Down shifter, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as cruise control.

However, the SRK 800 RR is not very competitively priced. At over 9,000 euros, it does not align with the aggressive pricing strategy typical of Chinese manufacturers. Will this challenge prove to be an uphill battle or a path to winning over consumers?

M.B - Manufacturer photos