Ah, the world of motorcycles! It’s ever-evolving, with new beasts being unleashed almost every other day.
And guess what? QJ Motor, the Chinese giant, just dropped a bombshell in the adventure touring scene – the all-new SRT 550 X.
This baby is geared up to take on the much-loved Honda NX500 in the European market.
So, strap on your helmet and let’s dive into what makes this mid-size wonder tick!
Meet the SRT 550 X: A Sneak Peek Under the Hood
So, what’s the fuss all about? The SRT 550 X is like the cool cousin of the SRK 550 naked street bike, but with more attitude and purpose.
Think of it as the love child of QJ Motor and Benelli, with a pinch of adventure sprinkled on top. It shares a lot of its DNA with the TRK 552X from Benelli, but with a personality of its own.
Picture this: an oval-shaped headlamp covered in a sleek glass casing, a tall windscreen to keep those bugs off your face, and sturdy knuckle guards to make you feel invincible.
Add to that some cross-spoke wheels (if you’re into that kind of thing), radiator guards, a belly pan, saddle stays, and a top box base. This bike isn’t just built for the road; it’s built to conquer it.
Power Play: The Heart of the Beast
Now, let’s talk power. The SRT 550 X is packed with a 554cc, parallel-twin engine that pumps out around 61bhp. Yep, you heard that right. But wait, there’s more!
For the European market, there’s an A2 version with a toned-down 47bhp, perfect for those who are still getting their feet wet in the world of adventure touring.
This powerhouse rides on a 19-17-inch alloy wheel combo, suspended by some beefy upside-down forks up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear.
It’s like riding a cloud, but a cloud that can handle some serious bumps.
The two-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine with a volume of 554 cc will pleasantly surprise you with an incredible pull at low and medium revs, where its performance completely surpasses other motorcycles in the touring enduro category with an engine volume of around 500 cc. Rather, it is comparable to larger displacement engines. Power is limited to 35kW only at maximum speed, so that even owners of A2.
Brembo Brilliance: Stopping on a Dime
When it comes to stopping power, the SRT 550 X doesn’t mess around. It’s equipped with Brembo calipers clamped onto dual discs up front and a single rotor at the rear.
And yes, dual-channel ABS is a standard feature because QJ Motor cares about your safety as much as your thrill.
Design: More Than Just a Pretty Face
This bike isn’t just about performance; it’s about style too. The design is rugged yet refined, with a purposeful look that screams adventure. The oval headlamp gives it a distinctive face, while the windscreen and knuckle guards add to its rugged charm.
It’s like the Indiana Jones of motorcycles – tough, adventurous, and just a little bit sexy.
Robust handguards with aluminum brackets and plastic shells divert wind from the rider’s hands and offer additional protection to the handlebars and levers in the event of an accidental fall.
The Price is Right… or Is It?
While the official prices for the SRT 550 X haven’t been announced yet, we can expect them to be on the affordable side.
Made-in-China products often come with a price tag that’s easy on the wallet, and this bike is likely to follow suit.
However, for all you Indian motorcycle enthusiasts out there, don’t hold your breath. QJ Motor has four models in India, but the SRT 550 X isn’t expected to join the lineup anytime soon. Bummer, right?
A2 Version: The Gateway to Adventure
Let’s not forget the A2 version. Europe’s A2 license restricts bikes to 47bhp, and QJ Motor is smart enough to cater to that market.
It’s like getting a pint-sized version of the full-fledged SRT 550 X, perfect for those who are just starting their two-wheeled adventures.
The SRT 550X comes standard with enduro-style wire wheels with a 19-inch front wheel. Metzeler tubeless tires with a coarser pattern are also ideal for trips on unpaved terrain.
Wheels and Suspension: The Unsung Heroes
The SRT 550 X rides on a combination of 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. These bad boys are perfect for tackling both tarmac and rough terrains.
The suspension setup is pretty impressive too, with chunky upside-down forks in the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear.
It’s like having your cake and eating it too – smooth rides on the highway and robust performance off-road.
Braking it Down: Safety First
Safety is paramount, and the SRT 550 X doesn’t skimp on it. With Brembo calipers and dual-channel ABS, this bike ensures you can stop on a dime, whether you’re cruising down a highway or navigating a tricky trail.
It’s like having a guardian angel watching over your shoulder, but way cooler.
A high-quality, very durable fall frame located around the engine is mounted on reinforced suspension points on the main frame of the motorcycle and thus protects the engine and parts of the fairing in the event of an unwanted fall of the motorcycle on its side.
The braking system equipped with ABS with front and rear disc brakes offers safe stopping in any situation. Two brake discs with a diameter of 320 mm at the front ensure precisely dosed and at the same time decent stopping power.
Built to Last: Durability and Features
Durability is key in adventure touring, and the SRT 550 X delivers. From the robust knuckle guards to the belly pan and radiator guards, every part of this bike is designed to withstand the rigors of the road.
Plus, the saddle stays and top box base mean you can pack up and head out for a weekend adventure without worrying about where to stash your gear.
Ride in Style: Aesthetics and Comfort
The SRT 550 X isn’t just tough; it’s stylish too. The oval headlamp gives it a unique look, while the tall windscreen and knuckle guards add to its rugged appeal.
The seat is designed for long rides, providing ample comfort for both the rider and the pillion. It’s like riding a throne on two wheels.
The modern LED lighting technology of the main headlight, direction lights and rear lights is easy to maintain and ensures optimal visibility and a perfectly lit road at dusk and in the dark.
In the cockpit, next to the LCD panel, a USB socket is also integrated. You can use it to charge a mobile phone, for example, or connect a navigation system. Of course, the USB socket has a waterproof rubber cover.
On the SRT 550 X, a 2-into-1 exhaust system with a high-mounted rear muffler provides the bike’s signature enduro look and airy ride height for off-road excursions.
The braking system equipped with ABS with front and rear disc brakes offers safe stopping in any situation. Two brake discs with a diameter of 320 mm at the front ensure precisely dosed and at the same time decent stopping power.
The Verdict: Is the SRT 550 X the Bike for You?
So, is the QJ Motor SRT 550 X the right bike for you? If you’re in Europe and looking for a mid-size adventure tourer that won’t break the bank, then absolutely.
With its powerful engine, robust design, and affordable price tag, it’s a strong contender in the adventure touring market.
However, if you’re in India, you might have to wait a bit longer or look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure
In the end, the QJ Motor SRT 550 X is more than just a motorcycle; it’s an invitation to explore, to take the road less traveled, and to embrace the adventure that awaits.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie, this bike promises to deliver an experience that’s both thrilling and memorable. So, gear up, hit the road, and let the adventure begin.
There you have it, folks! The QJ Motor SRT 550 X in all its glory.
Ready to take on the Honda NX500 and carve out its own niche in the adventure touring world. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and ride!
The SRT 550 X, just like our other models, has a pleasant unobtrusive design. But what will pleasantly surprise you is the nice workmanship and beautiful details that make up the whole. Let’s name, for example, the beautiful painting, the exemplary surface treatment of the metal parts of the motorcycle (frame, parachutes, engine parts) and especially the beautiful wire aluminum wheels in gold color. The exhaust also has a graceful effect, where there is no huge catalytic converter. Finally, let’s mention, for example, the serial bells under the swinging fork and the unusual design of the cockpit – all of this is a serial SRT 550 X!
The SRT 550 X has a robust structure on the back that serves as a protective frame, but it is also possible to attach some luggage to it, such as soft textile bags, unlike the seven hundred in standard equipment.
The SRT 550 X can also be ordered with a high-quality original set of lockable aluminum trunks. The top case and side cases can be removed in a few simple steps and offer enough storage space for each of your trips. The upper trunk with a storage space of 45 liters and two side trunks, each with a volume of 37 and 30 liters, offer enough space for your travel equipment. The price of a set of 3 individually delivered suitcases is CZK 24,990! When you buy a new motorcycle, you get a discount of CZK 10,000 on trunks!