In the past, when one looked specifically for a mid-capacity, air-cooled, single-cylinder retro motorcycle, the options were — Benelli Imperiale 400, Honda CB350s and the Royal Enfields. Joining this bandwagon now is the new-to-India but not new to motorcycles, the Chinese giant QJMotor, which is aiming for a slice in this segment with the SRC 500.
We had a chance to observe both the Imperiale and the SRC side by side. While the QJ is visually similar to Benelli, it is a noticeably larger and heftier motorcycle. In fact, the SRC’s 1,440mm wheelbase is longer than an Interceptor 650, by a significant 42mm. Looks wise, this is an appealing bike; from its retro two-tone bodywork to the generous use of chrome in the rider’s field of view. The paint quality is good, but this particular white/red colourway is not the easiest to keep clean in our conditions.
The retro theme is reinforced by halogen bulbs all around and the headlight does a good job of illuminating the road. The SRC’s fully digital twin-pod display is well laid out and displays relevant data, but I believe the Imperiale’s digi-analogue set-up would have suited the QJ’s retro character more.
