QJMotor SVT650 (2025) – Review

Technical Review - Ben Purvis - Jul 2025
Riding Impressions: Adam 'Chad' Child - Oct 2025

A mid-capacity twin-cylinder adventure bike is a key component of any mainstream motorcycle manufacturer’s range and that means the SVT650 is a vital element of QJMotor’s lineup as the Chinese brand makes its entry to the UK market.

Offered in two forms – the alloy-wheeled base model and the wire-wheeled SVT650X – this is the machine that’s intended to take on stalwarts like Suzuki’s SV650 and like other models in the brand’s range its signature is a combination of strong specs and an eye-catching price tag.

We spent a day in the saddle on the £5999 SVT650X. Does it offer real world performance backed up by a high level of spec for under £6k?

Pros & Cons

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Price & PCP Deals

Price is the big attraction here and with the base model sliding in at £5699 (plus £200 on-the-road, so £5899 is the real tag) it’s substantially more affordable than its established rivals. Suzuki’s aging V-Strom 650 lists at £8399, for example, while a Yamaha Tenere 700 starts at £10,404. Even Honda’s NX500, a class lower in terms of capacity and performance, is £1000 more than the QJMotor at £6899. To find pricing parity, you need to look at other Chinese-made machines like Voge’s DS525X (£5499) and DS625X (£5999), Benelli’s £6499 TRK702, or Moto Morini’s £5799 X-Cape 650 and £6799 X-Cape 700.

Stepping up to the SVT650X pushes the RRP up to £5999 – so £6199 once the mandatory OTR charge is added – if you want a more convincing offroad look.

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Engine & Performance

If a 645cc V-twin with around 70hp sounds like a familiar recipe that’s probably thanks to the fact that Suzuki’s SV650 debuted more than quarter of a century ago and its powertrain has since evolved across a broad array of models – with Suzuki only now starting to supersede it with the brand’s 776cc parallel twin.

While the engine in the SVT650 is built in-house by QJMotor, there’s no doubt its inspiration comes from Suzuki’s hugely successful design. It’s common in China to see engines copied and built by multiple brands: unless there’s a technical element in an engine that’s patented, intellectual property laws don’t provide protection to stop companies using the same layout and dimensions of an existing engine, shortcutting a substantial part of the development process. In this instance, it’s clear the SV650 engine has provided the template, as the QJMotor V-twin has the same 81mm bore and 62.6mm stroke as the Suzuki motor, as well as generally similar overall design.

The QJMotor twin promises a peak of 75hp at 9000rpm and 48lb-ft of torque at 8000rpm, driving through a conventional six-speed box.

QJMotor has used Suzuki's legendary V-Strom 650 V-twin as a base, which itself can be traced back to the SV650 and Gladius – remember that? But while the QJ V-twin is similar to the Suzuki power unit, it makes more power: 75hp at 9000rpm compared to 71hp at 8000rpm on the current Suzuki. Torque is also higher on the Chinese bike:  48lb-ft/8000rpm, compared to a much lower 46lb-ft at a lower 6500rpm on the Suzuki.

Using the old Suzuki V-twin as a base isn’t a bad idea. The Japanese motor is totally trustworthy, although not the most exciting. It’s a similar story with the QJ. There are no riding modes - it’s just a case of twisting the throttle and going forward. Low down it’s not as smooth as I remember but it’s been a while since I’ve ridden a V-Strom. But once you’ve dialled in a few rpm, it becomes user-friendly and forgiving with a decent slug of usable drive from low down and a broad spread of torque in the middle. The punchy motor makes it easy and effective around town.

Like the Suzuki of old, the SVT650's 75hp motor is more than capable of high-speed touring. In top gear, 80mph arrives at around 6000rpm-6500rpm, and although there are some vibrations, they are noticeable rather than annoying. The old Suzuki was good for around 125mph flat out, which should be the same for the QJ. For 90% of the time, the user-friendly V-twin is more than capable and delivers excellent economy.

In a relatively heavy chassis, you'd never describe it as particularly exciting. It’s only when you want that extra get up and go, to overtake three to four cars instead of one of two, that the QJ lacks some grunt. Add a pillion, fill those standard panniers with kit for a long weekend away, and the lack of outright power will be amplified. It all depends on where and how you ride. Ride the North Coast 500 alone with minimal luggage, and there's than enough real-world torque. Two-up and fully loaded on the faster arteries of Europe and you'll need to work a little harder.

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

The trellis-style steel tube frame is paired to adjustable upside-down forks that can be tweaked in rebound and preload, plus a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, and despite the more offroad-focussed look of the ‘X’ model both versions share the same geometry and dimensions.

A 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, regardless of whether they’re the ‘X’ version’s wire spoked versions or the base model’s alloys, mean that this isn’t a serious off-roader in the mould of some of KTM’s more extreme adventure bikes or even Yamaha’s Tenere 700, but more of a dirt road-capable adventure machine. It won’t be stopped by a bit of broken asphalt or a gravel path, but might not be suited to crossing vast wildernesses. In other words, there should be more than enough ability for the vast majority of adventure bike buyers who won’t really stray too far from a surfaced road.

Like many of QJMotor’s bikes, the SVT650 uses Brembo brakes, with four-pot radial calipers on dual 320mm front discs, paired, of course, to ABS.

Both versions weigh the same, a fairly hefty 236kg, but bear in mind there’s a large, 20-litre fuel tank and that measurement is taken when it’s full.

Usually, when you jump on a competitively priced bike from China, it’s relatively easy to work out where corners have been cut. But this is not necessarily the case with the SVT650X. Brakes are by Brembo and radial items no less. Tyres are familiar Metzeler Tourance while inverted forks have adjustment and there are pre-load options on the rear shock.

We mainly rode the pricier X version with funky yellow spoked wheels. Don’t be fooled, though, wheel sizes are the same across both models, meaning both bikes come with a 19-inch/17-inch diameter wheel combination.

QJMotor claims 236kg which is heavy for a 650, but bear in mind that is with a 20-litre fuel tank – and it does feel heavy. For comparison, BMW’s R1300 GS is quoted at 237kg. Perhaps the 236kg takes into account the extra weight of the hard luggage and brackets – let’s give them that. The 213kg Suzuki V-Strom has a robust and solid feel but doesn't feel as heavy as the QJ. On the plus side, the comfortable seat is, at 795mm, much lower than the Suzuki's. You are sitting very much in the chassis rather than on it, meaning that once the QJ is off the side stand and moving, the weight isn’t as noticeable and it’s reasonably easy to manage at low speeds or to pedal backwards.

As you would expect for a middle-weight adventure bike, the suspension is soft and easy and works well over bumps and poor surfaces. On test our machine handled everything from speed humps to potholed B-roads without breaking stride. I was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality especially on some of the decaying surfaces we encountered. Stability was also excellent.

There are limitations though. The steering is slow and you notice the bike's weight during direction changes. A 650 V-twin should ideally be a more agile, more willing to encourage the rider on a bit. You’re also aware the suspension is trying its utmost to deal with the weight whilst also maintaining comfort and stability.  However, the Brembo stoppers are really strong and the ABS isn’t too intrusive. They should be up for the job when the bike is fully loaded with pillion, too.

More miles on the QJMotor SVT650 would have meant more time to experiment with the chassis, ideally without the heavy hard cases fitted which would have been interesting to see how much more it can deliver. Less weight and a bit more fun would make it a serious contender. That said, it performs well for its price.

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Comfort & Economy

The final judgement will have to wait until we’ve tested the SVT650, but its adventure bike stance and relatively low 795mm seat height bode well for accessibility and long-distance comfort.

The screen can be adjusted, with two positions available, and there’s a big luggage rack that doubles as handholds for a pillion behind a spacious-looking passenger seat.

There’s no data on fuel economy at the moment, but the familiar engine layout and 75hp peak power doesn’t indicate that it should be any less parsimonious than rivals in its class, and that 20-litre tank promises plenty of range between filling stops.

This was a brief test but all indications are positive, and we'd have no hesitation in churning out some big miles on the Chinese bike. The seat is low and comfortable, the suspension compliant, its adjustable screen is just tall enough although taller riders may look for optional extra height. Hand guards come standard as do the heated grips and a heated seat. You can't adjust the temperature on either – it’s either heat on or off – but the grips were toasty and the seat worked well. Yes, we have to keep reminding ourselves that this is a shade over six-grand! Even the pillion's comfort appears to be catered for.

A large, 7-inch dash is informative and easy to read, if a little basic. But there is a big digital fuel gauge on the left, and even tyre pressure and temperature readouts. A 20-litre fuel tank combined with a frugal engine should deliver a range of over 240 miles. There isn’t an MPG display, but 55-65mpg isn’t out of reach. All rather impressive.

At motorway speed it was a little vibey which was more noticeable than annoying. The QJ is equipped and ready to churn out some big miles in comfort straight from the showroom – offering some seemingly excellent value.

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Equipment

In typical Chinese style, the electronics are well appointed, with a large 7-inch colour display that can be paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth for navigation, calls and music control. Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring is also fitted, with alarms if the pressures drop out of a normal range, as well as a gear position display, and there there’s a rocker switch on the left bar to navigate the screen’s menus and settings. A USB port provides power to your phone, and all the lighting is LED.

The level of equipment is high when you consider the price. Okay you can’t turn the heated grips or seat up or down, and the large Bluetooth display is a little dull and basic, but I think the majority of potential buyers will be impressed by the level of SVT650's spec. It’s also easy to navigate and operate as there are no riding modes, engine brake assist or TC settings to change or get confused by. It’s ready to take on a job and be ridden all year round, even the back-lit switchgear is a nice touch and rare at this price point.

The lack of a centre stand is a bit of an oversight, though would have added more weight and limited ground clearance, while a remote rear preload adjuster would have been nice to compensate for the extra weight of the luggage and pillion or both.

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Rivals

Realistically, if you’re opting for a QJMotor you probably already have other Chinese-made machines on your radar, like the Benelli TRK702 (Benelli is part of the same company as QJMotor, both are owned by Qianjiang, but SVT650 and TRK702 have different designs and engines), the Voge DS625X, or the Moto Morini X-Cape 650.

Powered by a parallel twin, 581cc engine, the Voge is a little less powerful than the QJMotor but also a lighter machine. Like the QJMotor, it’s strong on tech and spec, including adjustable KYB suspension, traction control, and even a built-in 1080p dash cam set into the nose below the screen.

Another bike that follows the Chinese trend of coming with a built-in dashcam, the Benelli TRK702 has a 698cc parallel twin with 70hp. The base version is road-oriented with 17-in wheels at both ends, but there’s a pricier 702X (£6899) that adds wires and a 19-inch front.

Another close rival, the X-Cape 650 is a little behind on power at 60hp, but has a similarly affordable price and a more familiar brand name. Newer X-Cape 700 ups the power to 71hp and torque to 50lb-ft, but costs £1000 more at £6799.

Voge DS625X | Price: £5999

Read more

Power/Torque

63.8bhp / 42lb-ft

Weight

206kg

Benelli TRK702 | Price: £6499

Read more

Power/Torque

70bhp / 51.6lb-ft

Weight

215kg

Moto Morini X-Cape 650 | Price: £5799

Read more

Power/Torque

60bhp / 39.8lb-ft

Weight

213kg

2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Verdict

On paper the SVT650 looks like an attractive proposition, and QJMotor’s rapid growth in China and other markets suggests that customers haven’t been disappointed in areas where the bikes have been available for a while. It will take time to establish key elements like the dealer and parts backup and the long-term reliability, though, as with any brand that’s new to the country.

It's sometimes hard not to have preconceptions about a bike, especially a ‘budget’ bike from China. But the QJMotor SVT650 and X variant delivered above expectations, even more so when you consider it’s priced at under £6k.

There are many similarities between the SVT650X and Suzuki’s V-Strom, and I would take that as a compliment to the Chinese manufacturer. The Suzuki isn’t especially exciting or desirable, but it does get on with the job of getting you from A to B in a comfortable, competent and enjoyable way.

The QJ does just that, too. It’s a practical all-year bike; a commuter, a tourer very much like the Strom. But, and it's a fairly large and somewhat positive ‘but’, the SVT has a higher spec with its heated grips and seat, a modern dash and luggage system as standard. That's before you consider Brembo brakes, an adjustable screen and suspension, and even a small power and torque hike too. Okay, it’s heavier, and most won't recognise the Chinese brand, but a high-spec, ready-to-tour V-Strom copy for £2300 less than the original could prove very tempting.

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2025 QJMotor SVT650 - Technical Specification

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