[AzCal Retred]

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/qjmotors-heading-to-usa/
QJMotors Heading to US; Chinese brand files NHTSA documents.; By Ben Purvis December 15, 2022

Over the last couple of years China’s QJMotor, which is a subsidiary of Qianjiang and sister company to Benelli, has been making waves with an astounding rate of development. It is already selling nearly 40 different models in its homeland and has recently struck out into the European market. Now, details of several QJMotor models have been filed with the NHTSA—the authority that oversees vehicle safety and recalls in the US. This suggests they are heading to these shores.

The latest NHTSA document from Qianjiang defines the meaning of the firm’s VINs, explaining the meaning of each number and letter in the sequence, and it lists a wide range of Benelli and QJMotor machines from 135cc singles to 754cc twins. While Benelli already offers a limited range of models here, the VIN document shows a much wider reach, including several of the company’s latest machines.

New additions include the Benelli 302R, a faired, twin-cylinder sportbike based on the 302S roadster, plus the Benelli TRK702 and TRK702X models that were launched at EICMA in November. These use a new 700cc parallel-twin engine making 73 hp, although the slightly larger, 754cc Benelli TRK800 isn’t on the list.

The QJMotor machines are largely based on the same engines and frames used by Benelli models, but feature their own distinct appearance. Models listed on the US VIN document include the SRT750X, an adventure bike using the same engine as the Benelli TRK800, as well as the SRV550 (a 50 hp parallel-twin cruiser), SRV300 V-twin cruiser, the 76 hp SRK750 roadster and the full-faired SRK400RR sportbike, which uses a 43 hp twin.

Other notable models included in document are the brand’s electric models, the QJMotor G2 and EZ scooters, plus the Q2, a hybrid between a mountain bike and an enduro, powered by a 3kW (4 hp) motor and a 60V, 32Ah battery to give a 75-mile range and 30 mph top speed.

Given the rocky relationship between China and the US and the fact that many Western consumers don’t like the idea of buying Chinese bikes, QJMotor might have a tougher time getting a foothold on this side of the Atlantic than in Europe and Asia. But if it can arrive with the right mix of products, the right prices, and, vitally, the right level of dealer and parts support, there’s potential to be a player in the years to come.



Here's a link to what QJ already makes, check out the "ADVANCED" tab. The QJ/Benelli motors are already for sale in the USA. Look at the "NTX300/QJ300-12" and "SRC500/QJ500-8A"; look familiar?
https://motor.qjmotor.com/

[AzCal Retred]

Pics & links of QJ lineup.

https://www.rideapart.com/news/626868/qj-motors-nhtsa-documents-usa/
NHTSA Documents Hint At QJ Motors Arriving Stateside In 2023

[AzCal Retred]

https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/qjmotor-to-launch-4-bikes-in-india-this-month-426200

Listed on QJMotor’s website by its captivating full name, SRC500 (QJ500-8A), you don’t have to squint your eyes very much before this bike begins to resemble the Benelli Imperiale 400. Essentially, this is an Imperiale, with a few styling tweaks and a larger motor. Where the Imperiale gets a 374cc single-cylinder engine, the QJ is endowed with a larger 480cc motor that’s visually almost identical to the Benelli’s. Peak power stands at 25.8hp, compared to the Imperiale’s 21hp. And depending on where you look on QJ’s website, peak torque is either 36Nm or 40Nm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq7dRfoadbA
QJ Motor SRC 500 Walkaround - India Bike Week

https://www.zigwheels.com/gallery/reviews/the-bigger-imperiale-shown-at-india-bike-week-2022-qj-motor-src-500-walkaround-video/47980/1

[Adrian II]

I'm sorry, but if someone mentions QJ and Chinese in the same phrase of of THESE beasts comes to mind.



This one is preserved in the USA. Same track gauge helps!

A.

[axman88]

I'm not finding any sort of US distribution network for Qianjiang.  Where would one go to look at, test ride, or purchase one of these machines?

Benelli looks to have pretty decent US distribution.  I've poked down into dealer websites for several powersports dealers that carry Benelli, and I'm not seeing any Qianjiang or QJmotors machines in inventory.

It's fun to talk about the various machines out there in the world, but I think it's a lot MORE fun, when there's some chance of getting a leg over one at some point in the future.  If Benelli isn't sending us the Imperiale 400, do we think QJ will send us any QJ500s?

I think Qianjiang should make a deal with whoever is or was supplying side cars to Chang Jiang.  That 500 would make a decent tug and there is quite a bit of space at the lower priced end of the market that only Ural is currently supplying.

Speaking of marques that we may never see, when are you going to cover Road Prince's interesting line of power rickshaws?   https://roadprince.com.pk/product-category/loaders/

[AzCal Retred]

It's just a possibility as of now. Paperwork is still flying around, and until it lands...

https://www.rideapart.com/news/626868/qj-motors-nhtsa-documents-usa/
NHTSA Documents Hint At QJ Motors Arriving Stateside In 2023

[AzCal Retred]

https://ridermagazine.com/2023/01/09/2023-qj-motor-srt750-road-test-review/
" So far, QJ Motor’s only public foray into the U.S. has been with the Benelli lineup, which is sold by Southern California-based importer SSR Motorsports. SSR also offers its own line of dirtbikes and small street and dual-sport machines through its national network of motorcycle dealers.
Having tested the waters in the U.S. with Benelli since 2016, QJ Motor will brave the fickle American market in 2023 with its house brand, once again through its faithful partner SSR. Although the domestic QJ Motor lineup comprises more than two dozen motorcycles, scooters, and electric bikes, the first to make landfall here will be the 2023 QJ Motor SRT750, capitalizing on the current popularity of adventure-styled machines.
The Benelli/QJ Motor team in Italy based the SRT750’s overall design on the Benelli TRK502 adventure bike. It blends a classic ADV beak and seemingly giant fuel tank – really just 4.9 gallons – with an open trellis frame, exposed engine, and swoopy tailsection. The SRT750 may be the right bike at the right time given current market conditions – particularly because its $8,499 price tag is quite appealing when compared with similar adventure-styled motorcycles from Japan and Europe.
"

[AzCal Retred]

They're heeeere....

http://qjmotor.ssrmotorsports.com/
SSR Motorsports is now the exclusive distributor of QJ Motor brand of motorcycles and scooters in the USA. This venture provides SSR with seven motorcycles from 135cc to 750cc, two scooters, and an electric scooter and off-road motorcycle, for a full slate of competitive products at great price points. As the year progresses more models will become available.
QJ is the manufacturer of both QJ Motor- and Benelli-branded motorcycles, allowing us to lean on the earned trust and reliability of that known brand when selling QJ Motor products, fulfilling consumer interests and dealer needs nationwide with one brand.
The retro SRV550 is a machine with stunning looks that will satisfy the café-racer crowd and those looking for a full-sized fully able motorcycle capable of everything from day-to-day sport riding to commuting to long-distance touring on the highways of America.
The SRV300 is a belt-drive narrow V-twin cruiser with a low 27.5” seat height, designed to appeal to new riders, women riders, and riders whose torsos are closer to the ground.

http://qjmotor.ssrmotorsports.com/models/srv550.php
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/cars/news/qj-motor-goes-neo-retro-with-the-new-srv-550-roadster/ar-AA16c1q4?li=AAwnIv4Engine Type   Inline 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Displacement   554 cc
Bore x Stroke   70.5 mm x 71 mm
Compression Ratio   11.5 : 1
Maximum Power   49.6 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Maximum Torque   37.6 ft·lb @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Supply   EFI
Ignition   TLI
Starter   Electric
Transmission   6-speed
Seat Height   30.9 inches
Fuel Tank   4.2 gallons
Weight   454 pounds

http://qjmotor.ssrmotorsports.com/models/srv300.php
Engine Type   V-twin, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Displacement   296 cc
Bore x Stroke   58 mm x 56 mm
Compression Ratio   11.8 : 1
Maximum Power   30.3 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Maximum Torque   19.2 ft·lb @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel Supply   EFI
Ignition   TLI
Starter   Electric
Transmission   6-speed
Seat Height   27.5 inches
Fuel Tank   3.6 gallons
Weight   359 pounds

[Karl Childers]

The style is common now but does it really warrant that much space between the rear wheel and fender?

[AzCal Retred]

The rear end travel is listed as 2", the front end at about 5". I'm hoping the 2" number refers to the actual shock travel, not the actual rear wheel travel...

Yup, that's a lot of air above the rear tire, even assuming the actual rear wheel travel is at least 5" after the linkage does its thing.

That SRV300 will really stick in HD's craw. QJ pulled it out of the discard pile when HD bailed on them. I'm betting it'll sell real well, hopefully at about $4K or less. We'll see what we see...

[axman88]

Although the domestic QJ Motor lineup comprises more than two dozen motorcycles, scooters, and electric bikes, the first to make landfall here will be the 2023 QJ Motor SRT750, capitalizing on the current popularity of adventure-styled machines.
The Benelli/QJ Motor team in Italy based the SRT750’s overall design on the Benelli TRK502 adventure bike. It blends a classic ADV beak and seemingly giant fuel tank – really just 4.9 gallons – with an open trellis frame, exposed engine, and swoopy tailsection. The SRT750 may be the right bike at the right time given current market conditions – particularly because its $8,499 price tag is quite appealing when compared with similar adventure-styled motorcycles from Japan and Europe.
"[/font][/size][/color]

I wonder how this news is going to be received by Benelli, and those dealers who are already trying to sell the TRK502 in the US?  Seems awkward having them side by side in the show room.  I'm seeing 2022 TRK502s offered for as little as ~$6500, (price reduced) so price doesn't seem to be a point of advantage for the QJ variant.

I'd say HD dodged an even bigger craw filler by backing out of that 338R development "partnership".   Stuff like this is exactly why my employer frowns every time I mention the possibility of foreign sourcing components, even if they are 1/3 the lead time, and 1/4 the price.  She knows we will just end up competing against our own design, that we paid to tool up.  I need to learn to talk less, nod wisely more.

But, it does seem like a long shot that we will ever see either/or of the long stroke, ~half liter, air cooled singles that you led off with.  I'm wondering how the conversation might go if I walk into my local Benelli / SSR / QJ dealership, ( which also deals in Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and a couple others), and announce I want to order an Imperiale or a QJ500?   My guess is they'd try to convince me a V7 Stone under my butt today, beats any bike on a slow boat months from now.

[AzCal Retred]

I think the SRV300 with a pair of rear shocks about 2" longer could put it in scrambler territory, like the CB500x did with the cruiser, adding more rear travel/lift.

It'll be interesting to see what the list prices are for these. The RE 350 Hunter is setting a great baseline standard.

[AzCal Retred]

Watch this space??

Harley-Davidson 338R and 500R take a step closer; By Ben Purvis; Posted 13/12/2022 14:34 UK
<<  https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2022/december/harley-davidson-338r-and-500r-coming >>
" Now that looks set to change because a joint venture company set up between Qianjiang and Harley-Davidson has finally been given official Chinese government approval to manufacture motorcycles.  "
While Harley-Davidson has remained quiet about the project over the last couple of years, each of its financial reports over that time have confirmed that the Qianjiang partnership is ongoing, saying that the firm is intending to “develop and maintain a productive relationship with Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. and launch related products in a timely manner.”
Now it appears that the hold up to the project has, in part at least, been one of red tape. Back in 2021, Harley and Qianjiang established a joint venture company called Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co., Ltd, with the specific aim of manufacturing the small-capacity Harley models, but only now has the new company been awarded an official licence to produce motorcycles. With that permission in hand, it now appears there are few barriers to the project taking the next step forward and for the small Harleys to start rolling off Chinese production lines.
You might have thought that such machines would be restricted to Asian markets, but there are clues that the small Harley modes could have a broader sales base in the future. Not only do Qianjiang’s machines already meet international standards for emissions, making them suitable for sale globally, but the company filed documents with the NHTSA in America (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to explain the structure of its Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). In that submission, it showed an example VIN starting with a three-digit World Manufacturer Identifier code of ‘1HD’ – the WMI for Harley-Davidson.
The same document suggested that the engine used in the bike would be the 353cc twin already featured in several QJMotor models, not the 338cc version originally planned by Harley-Davidson, but that’s the sort of detail that may well have changed over the three years that have passed since the project was originally announced.
With government permission now granted for production, there appears to be no barrier preventing the 338R and 500R from finally getting an official launch.

xxxxxxxx

Harley-Davidson To Ride In With Its Parallel-Twin 338R And 500R Bikes Soon; Dec 14, 2022
https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/general-news/harley-davidson-to-ride-in-with-its-parallel-twin-338r-and-500r-bikes-soon/48074/
"  We have been hearing for quite a while that Harley-Davidson will launch small-capacity, parallel-twin cruisers, but where are they? Well, after no news for months about the same, there is finally some good news, and a small bummer too, for enthusiasts looking forward to seeing Harley in the small bike segment.
The good news first. Harley and Qianjiang Motors have been working together on the Harley-Davidson 338R and 500R. Just recently, the Chinese government has given the joint venture company of both bike brands the go-ahead to manufacture the motorcycles. 
Qianjiang, Benelli’s parent company, partnered up with Harley back in 2019 to build small bikes for Asian markets. Interestingly, the 338R will be built on the previously existing QJ SV300 cruiser, and the 500R will be based on the Benelli Leoncino 500.
Now, the bummer. These are mainly for the Chinese domestic and a few Southeast Asian markets, which do not include India. Yeah, we understand your disappointment. But here’s a small glimmer, Harley and Hero are working on a small-capacity motorcycle for India. We have some details on this collaboration in this story and the result of this venture should be a good rival to Royal Enfield’s J-platform bikes like the Classic 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350."




xxxxx

[Richard230]

Here is more news regarding the 2023 H-D X350 and X350RA:  https://www.motorcycle.com/new-model-preview/what-we-know-about-the-2023-harley-davidson-x350-and-x350ra.html

[Karl Childers]

Clever marketing scheme by Harley, create a beginner bike so ugly that as soon as you can ride proficiently you will want to trade up to something else.