QJMotor Prepares Cruiser V4 Matik, Large Motor Becomes Easier to Drive

The QJMotor SRV 600 V4 is now equipped with a CVT and a more conventional cruiser design. (QJMotor via Cycle World)

JAKARTA - QJMotor is preparing a new version of the SRV 600 V4 with an automatic transmission. This is interesting because V4-engined cruiser motorcycles are usually attached to the sensation of manual driving. However, the market direction is starting to change. Not all riders want to bother with the clutch and shift gears.

Disadur dari laporan Cycle World, Jumat, 5 Juni, dokumen persetujuan tipe terbaru di China menunjukkan QJMotor menambahkan transmisi manual otomatis pada SRV 600 V4. Sistem ini memungkinkan perpindahan gigi lewat paddle shift, bukan tuas gigi kaki seperti motor manual biasa.

The SRV 600 V4 has entered the QJMotor global product line and has been on sale in Europe since last year. However, this model has not entered the United States market. The version currently circulating still uses a manual transmission.

There are two new models that have received type approval in China. Both still use the SRV 600 V4 name, but come in a different style.

The first model is a classic cruiser style. Its main features are a round headlight, a main LED in the middle, a ring-shaped daytime running light, a long stern, and a curved rear fender.

The second model looks more muscular and modern. The design is said to take inspiration from the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, with a capsule-shaped LED headlight, a short sport bike-style tail, and a more angular fuel tank.

Technically, these two models are the same. Both use a steel frame, a 62.2-inch wheelbase, an upside down front suspension, and a double rear suspension.

The rims are 16 inches in size. The front tire uses a size of 130/90, while the rear tire is 180/65. The tire profile is thick, in line with the cruiser's character which pursues a solid and stable appearance.

The weight is not far apart either. The sports-style version weighs around 494 pounds or 224 kilograms. The retro version is slightly heavier, around 498 pounds or 226 kilograms.

The engine uses a V4 configuration with a capacity of 561 cc. Its power is claimed to reach 67 hp at 10,500 rpm.

The most important change is in the transmission. The photo in the type approval document shows a wide footrest or floorboard, replacing the footpeg on the manual version. The foot shift lever is also not visible.

Gear shifting is done via a paddle under the left handlebar. This paddle is operated with the fingers and thumb. Commands from the paddle are sent to the ECU, i.e. the electronic brain of the motor, then forwarded to the actuator to operate the clutch and shift gears.

Cycle World says this bike also likely has a full automatic mode, similar to Yamaha's Y-AMT system. With this mode, the rider can drive without having to think about shifting gears.

The transmission still has six gears. Power from the engine is channeled to the rear wheels via a belt drive or a drive belt.

The document photo does not show the right side of the motorcycle. However, Cycle World assessed that the presence of an oil tube near the left handlebar lever led to the suspicion that the lever functioned as a rear brake.

This makes sense because the manual version of the SRV 600 V4 uses a cable clutch, not a hydraulic clutch. If the assumption is correct, this motor will feel like a big scooter: the front brake is on the right handlebar, the rear brake is on the left handlebar, the gas is just turned, and the feet are enough to step on.

For some riders, a clutchless motorcycle may feel less "motorcycle". But for cruisers that target beginners or riders who want to relax, automatic transmission can actually be a selling point.

QJMotor seems to be reading that gap. The SRV 600 V4 still carries a V4 engine and a big cruiser look, but is made more approachable for riders who want a big bike with simpler operation.