Qj Motor Unveiled Their First Automatic Gearbox Motorcycle Quietly

QJ Motor could be the next in line to join BMW, Honda, KTM, and Yamaha in the automatic motorcycle gearbox sector, as its self-shifting SRK 500 RA is revealed. The bike owes a lot to a sibling in the range, the manual transmission SRK 500 RC.

Sadly, little is known about the business end of the system, meaning it’s unclear whether this is like the Yamaha Y-AMT system, with mechanical clutch and gear actuators, or a more complex set-up like the Honda DCT – though indications lean heavily toward the former.

Foot-Free Design: A Unique Approach to Controls

What sets the QJ SRK 500 RA apart in the alternative transmission segment is the complete removal of traditional foot controls. Unlike the Yamaha Y-AMT system, which retains some foot-based inputs, the QJ bike eliminates both the left-side gear lever and the right-side rear brake pedal.

Instead, the brake has been moved to the left handlebar, mimicking a scooter-style brake. This setup leaves both footpegs free of any control duties – a bold but potentially game-changing decision in terms of rider ergonomics and accessibility.

Making Motorcycling More Accessible

This bold move by the Chinese brand aligns with a growing trend among bike manufacturers aiming to simplify motorcycling. Automatic gearboxes are often promoted as making motorcycles easier to ride, especially for a new generation accustomed to electric bikes and e-scooters.

By removing the complexity of traditional foot controls and gear shifting, the QJ SRK 500 RA aims to make the transition from urban mobility solutions to larger-capacity motorcycles as seamless as possible.

Smart Learning Capabilities for a Personalized Ride

The QJ SRK 500 RA also appears to feature an AI-based smart shifting system. While full details are not available, QJ has hinted on social media that the bike is “Smarter: Learns your driving habits for a truly personalised ride.”

This likely means the gearbox can adapt to the rider’s preferred shifting points and riding style over time, offering a more intuitive and personalized experience in a dedicated riding mode. However, without more official data, this remains speculative.

Technical Specifications: Borrowing from the SRK 500 RS

If the QJ SRK 500 RA shares its core components with the SRK 500 RS, riders can expect a 449cc parallel twin-cylinder engine producing 53bhp and 31lb ft of torque.

Suspension and Braking Setup

The chassis components are relatively standard, featuring USD forks and a monoshock suspension setup. Braking is handled by a pair of Nissin two-piston calipers gripping 300mm discs on the front axle – sufficient for confident road use.

Although QJ Motor doesn’t yet have a strong presence in the UK, its connection to Benelli – a brand distributed via MotoGB – could serve as a potential gateway. It’s not far-fetched to imagine the SRK 500 RA evolving into a middleweight sports bike under the Benelli nameplate, blending Italian design with Chinese innovation.