Chinese Motorcycles: QJ Motor's Super4

If you have been following Chinese motorcycles, you may have noticed that many designs seem to be inspired by Italian, Japanese, or German models. QJ Motor's latest offering, the Super4, initially appears to be a slimmed-down version of the MV Agusta Superveloce. However, there is more to this resemblance than meets the eye.

QJ Motor is not just another garage brand. It is the flagship company of Qianjiang, a Chinese manufacturer that started by producing basic commuter bikes before expanding globally. With strong financial backing from the Geely Group (the same company that owns Volvo, Lotus, and part of Mercedes-Benz), QJ Motor has become a major player in the Chinese motorcycle industry. It oversees Benelli in Italy, operates MBP (Moto Bologna Passione) as a boutique brand, and regularly introduces new models. QJ Motor is serious about establishing itself as a global force in the motorcycle market.

Despite a technical partnership with MV Agusta that aimed to create more affordable MV-branded bikes, the collaboration was put on hold when KTM acquired MV Agusta. Now that MV Agusta is back under its original ownership, the partnership with QJ Motor seems to have ended. Nevertheless, QJ Motor continues to release bikes that bear a striking resemblance to MV Agusta's designs, possibly capitalizing on their past association.

The Super4, as reported by Cycle World, is powered by a 449cc parallel twin engine producing 52 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. It features a lightweight chassis, keeping the weight down to 373 pounds, and claims a top speed of 118 miles per hour. While the specifications are typical for an entry-level sportbike, the fairing design closely resembles MV Agusta's Superveloce. This is not the first time QJ Motor has drawn inspiration from MV Agusta, as seen with the Super9 launched in China last year.

While retro-styled bikes have been popular, brands like Triumph, Yamaha, and Ducati have racing heritage to support their designs. MV Agusta, in particular, has a rich history in grand prix racing. QJ Motor, on the other hand, lacks such a legacy. Despite this, the Super4 offers a stylish and reasonably fast option at an attractive price point.

QJ Motor may face criticism for emulating Italian designs, but with their resources and ambition, they have the potential to compete on a global scale. The Super4 may not be a genuine MV Agusta, but it is far from being a cheap imitation.