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Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
I'm pretty interested in this bike and cannot find very much info on it. So, here's what i've gathered so far and as we find out more maybe we can stick it in this thread.
Info from the dealer in xi'an:
Price will be something between 39,000 and 46,000 RMB. He said that the price will be fixed in february depending on where the US dollar is at then.
He claims that 60% of the engine parts are imported into china and assembled here. He doesn't know which parts.
Warranty on engine and parts for 2 years or 50,000km, whichever comes first.
6 of these bikes have already been ordered in xi'an and were supposed to arrive early january. They did not arrive. Now he says february.
I have high hopes for this bike but at the same time don't want to kid myself.
The big plus is that it's a 'joint venture' bike and not just a copy of a japanese bike (like the CF650). Clearly Qjiang's acquisition of Benelli has brought something to the table, you can even see it in their smaller models. The details on this machine are superb for a chinabike.
On the other hand it's their first attempt at building anything like this and it's a bit naive to imagine they're going to get it 100% right. So that always leads back to the big question: "can i count on it?" and then "if it breaks down, will the dealer know how handle it?". Here in xi'an the answer to the second is most likely no...
Here are a bunch of pics stolen from this thread on moto8.
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...6a2d1f5444.jpg
http://www.moto8.cn/data/attachment/...438vbw2jy2.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...7f8df50db9.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...44ad8003be.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...a1ffbfce3a.jpg
http://www.moto8.cn/data/attachment/...5afyllfnfa.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...fdb9184127.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...fb13d9515d.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...d14aa0ec76.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...6e33c7bf47.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...d530a1643e.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...0b183a8dd8.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...cba4e286b1.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...51bae219ee.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...664f997aab.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...10f78fc7e8.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...0ef99077b8.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...b7d65cd50a.jpg
http://pic.moto8.com/bbs/forum/day_1...e2ebf1a27d.jpg
I'm not great at weeding through the chinese forums and haven't found much useful info.
Here's a review by someone who rode it and is comparing to the Cfmoto CF650NK:
http://www.motorfans.com.cn/bbs/t_17213199_1.htm
From what i can understand he's saying that it doesn't feel as powerful as the CF650NK but sounds better and is more comfortable.
This thread is 166 pages of guys asking how much it costs. I don't have the courage to read it...
http://www.motorfans.com.cn/bbs/t_17126695_40.htm
If anyone out there knows anything about this bike, i'd be happy to hear it! I'm seriously considering being the MCM guinea pig on this one, but it won't be til autumn i'm afraid.
Cheers!
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
They are also offering the DUE756, which is a CBU from Italy, its the 1130 engine less a cylinder.
This is all the result of Qianjiang investing 26M USD in Benelli in 2005, they are introducing more models.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...ng/due7503.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...ng/due7504.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...ng/due7505.jpg
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
They have a Benelli BJ600GS here in Shanghai, ready to be tested (well, THAT is something in the first place ...).
From how dirty the bike looked, it seems that at least there is much interest for it already :)
I did not ride the bike yet, but can only agree with you that the visual quality of the bike is much much higher then anything "chinese" I have seen before. And it looks damn good in overall design as well.
If that extends to the quality of the material of the components they used, it should be a big step forward.
However, Italians motorbike manufacturers are not known for their highest quality, and if you are not able to do things yourself, all depends on your 'dealer'.
With the bike a fairly complicated design (compact, 4 cylinder, all electronically controlled), that requires some knowledge.
If your delaer cannot provide that, and you can not do it yourself, you rather stay away from it.
My 2 cents ...
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
I wonder how long until (or if) it will be registerable across China?
I wonder where you will find a computer, and the know how, to sync 4 EFI throttle bodies? (Not everyone lives near Eric)
I wonder where you will find tires, as no reputable tire brand has decent distribution in China. Do the Qjiang shops have mounting and balancing equipment?
I wonder where you will find replacement parts for 60% of the bike that is imported? The industry can't even provide reliable parts distribution for domestic parts, and Italy is no saint when it comes to dealer parts support.
I wonder who will have a complete valve shim set in stock, and the torque specs, for doing a proper valve adjustment?
Do you think there will be online parts diagrams, where you can select the parts you need to order? Or will they leave us sitting on Taobao with our wives, trying to send pictures over QQ, explaining what we need to an idiot on the other end that has never owned or ridden a decent motorcycle?
¥40,000 (+ taxes & registration) ain't cheap, and it's seems stupid to pay that kind of money if you still have to confront the above issues. Dealing with the Chinese motorcycle industry is like that bitch who broke your heart in high school... you knew she was going f*** you over, but lust is blind.... especially when it comes to motorcycles.
It's funny that the number one hit on Google for Qjiang/Benelli is a YouTube link, guess they didn't get the memo about that little firewall thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oXD7v7QT3Y
That said, I think it's a cool looking bike, and it's nice to see one of the large SOE companies in China making something sexy.
Cheers!
ChinaV
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ChinaV
I wonder how long until (or if) it will be registerable across China?
I wonder where you will find a computer, and the know how, to sync 4 EFI throttle bodies? (Not everyone lives near Eric)
I wonder where you will find tires, as no reputable tire brand has decent distribution in China. Do the Qjiang shops have mounting and balancing equipment?
I wonder where you will find replacement parts for 60% of the bike that is imported? The industry can't even provide reliable parts distribution for domestic parts, and Italy is no saint when it comes to dealer parts support.
I wonder who will have a complete valve shim set in stock, and the torque specs, for doing a proper valve adjustment?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
If your dealer cannot provide that knowledge, and you can not do it yourself, you rather stay away from it.
Registrable - Yes. I forgot to mention that in the original post. That's why this bike is interesting.
Everything else - I'd love to be surprised but there's no way the dealer here can provide that kind of support. Their equipment level consists of a shoebox with a couple of adjustable spanners and a hammer. I have seen it.
You guys are correct, the only thing that will make this bike different from any other chinese bikes is after sales support. The odds of getting 'jialinged' are still pretty high. Although the fact that their warranty is much better gives hope.
I'll hang around at the dealer some more in the next couple of weeks and try to find out how much he actually knows.
Eric, if you ever go by that dealer and feel like stopping to get a test ride, please feel free to tell us what you think of it!
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
They have a Benelli BJ600GS here in Shanghai, ready to be tested (well, THAT is something in the first place ...).
From how dirty the bike looked, it seems that at least there is much interest for it already :)
...
Dear Eric,
Thanks for posting. Where did you see the QJiang/Benelli here in Shanghai? I'd love to check it out, interrogate the dealer on Felix's behalf, take a bunch of pictures, and maybe even get her out for a ride. (I'll wait till the rain stops.)
At the risk of sounding like a pollyanna, I think it's important that we now have three Chinese manufacturers making C3-compliant EFI bikes in this mid-displacement, and clearly looking at each other when doing their pricing. And if there's a growing buzz in the Chinese forums about these bikes, we may be witnessing the dawn of a legitimate, rational recreational motorcycle market here inside China. On the other hand, the makers of all three of these bikes -- the Chunfeng CF650NK, the Jialing JH600A and now the Benelli QJ600GS -- clearly see their main value in the export market, and it may be years yet before they give a flast flying fluck for the home market.
I have a vested interest in this, of course, and I've been expending some minor energy exploring an avenue to a certain boardroom in Chongqing, thinking -- again wearing pollyanna bonnet and fishnets -- that talking some sense at the top could yield some improvements. It's good to know I can now bend their m*litary/c*mmunist ears about a couple of competing steeds (assuming I can get to them)....
cheers!
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
They are actually advertising inventory management positions, at least KSR is. But the support scenario will not change that much in Europe, their dealers are not likely to have mechanics that can tune that engine either. The same scenario in South America
Qjiang expells way too much energy on hoopla, the website is riddled with what comes off as, very unnecessary, unrelated and could even be equated to bad poetry. You people have already addressed their bizarre marketing images, the verbiage behind it is just as ridiculous.
That model should only be offered through certified Benelli dealers, in that it is not ready for China or China is not ready for it. The only markets that can support it are in Europe and North America, the need obviously is for supply chain development, management, technical training and certifications…if it exists it is keeping behind the scenes and since the bike is being initially offered on Alibaba it likely does not.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
I saw it at the Shanghai dealer in Pubei road, at the Regal Raptor shop.
But I think it was just parked there for the holiday, as there was a sign on the Benelli shop referring to the testride on it.
I still want to check out the Speedy shop, so might go there soon again, you might want to join in?
What I really like on this bike is the finesses in design.
If you check the pictures posted, and you compare them to "local" bikes, then you see what I mean.
Nice upside down forks, very stylish triples, modern turning lights, a very sexy shaped tank.
But also nice designed foot-rests & gear pedal, radial front brakes (Brembo copied, but ok), and mostly nice hardware (bolts and nuts).
You also see that all bolts are marked, which means they are not just tight, but torques up according the required specification, now go tell Jialing about that ...
If the rest of the bike is as good as what I can see from the outside, then I don't worry too much.
So it is just this dealer thing which most likely will hold back sales of the more rational people.
But I don't think most local buyers will even give a thought about that ..
I saw a brand new Porsche maintained in a shop worse then Xiao-Fan's yesterday, who cares .....
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
....Shanghai dealer in Pubei road, at the Regal Raptor shop.... Benelli shop.... Speedy shop....you might want to join in?...
Hmmm.... sounds like a good excuse for a MCM meeting to check out the bikes and shops???
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
felix
Eric, if you ever go by that dealer and feel like stopping to get a test ride, please feel free to tell us what you think of it!
Now those are the assignments I will never refuse :lol8:.
Seems the whole MCM Shanghai will attend, so different opinions to choose from .....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TB-Racing
Hmmm.... sounds like a good excuse for a MCM meeting to check out the bikes and shops???
Got my stomage under control so I am in.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
Seems the whole MCM Shanghai will attend, so different opinions to choose from .....
Got my stomage under control so I am in.
G'Day,
WHEN? We are fully back to work on Monday and shall be in Shanghai for the next 4+ weeks........
Good to hear your feeling better, you missed a good biker BBQ and TT documentary / 2x Top Gear Specials (the 2011 TG India Special is an absolute cracker).
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
I saw it at the Shanghai dealer in Pubei road, at the Regal Raptor shop.
But I think it was just parked there for the holiday, as there was a sign on the Benelli shop referring to the testride on it.
I still want to check out the Speedy shop, so might go there soon again, you might want to join in?
....
'
Tomorrow's (Sunday's) forecast calls for cloudy but no rain, so I'd be game to run down for a look -- especially if there's a chance the bike won't be there much longer. My day wide open. How about midday sometime?
cheers!
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
euphonius
'
Tomorrow's (Sunday's) forecast calls for cloudy but no rain, so I'd be game to run down for a look -- especially if there's a chance the bike won't be there much longer. My day wide open. How about midday sometime?
cheers!
Tomorrow 14.00h. I will be there.
E.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
Tomorrow 14.00h. I will be there.
E.
Cool. See you there. Why don't we meet up at Simon Wang's Qiyi shop (aka Spidi)?
cheers!
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
998S
Tomorrow 14.00h. I will be there.
E.
G'Day,
Seeya at 14:00 Sunday arvo, quickly going to the office and coming over to Pubei road, most probably by car.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ChinaV
Dealing with the Chinese motorcycle industry is like that bitch who broke your heart in high school... you knew she was going f*** you over, but lust is blind.... especially when it comes to motorcycles.
ChinaV
:lol8::lol8::lol8::lol8::lol8::lol8: Excellent!
I LOOOOve that one, it should be part of the sticky notes.
Nice bike though... remarkable frame and wonderful swingarm!
A top bike to bet some sports bike on the twisty roads... but wouldn't think about buying neither for the previous mentioned reason (Reliability and maintenance)
Benelli is not the most common brand already in Europe and lot of people don't get for this kind of brand because of after sales service.... in Asia, it's a bit of a bet and probably will be future headache
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Awesome you guys are actually going! Hope it's still there, looking forward to your thoughts! :popcorn:
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
G'Day,
Bike looks small (size) and the weird thing is one side is badged Benelli and the other side says Qjiang.
My 2 fen, wouldn't buy one as the big question will be = aftersales service, spare parts, knowledge, mechanic, etc, etc......
Whats up with every other MIC motorcycle manufacturer jumping on the bandwagon and start to copy trellis style frames painted red.
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5 Attachment(s)
Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
OK, for Felix and anyone else curious about this Qianjiang/QJiang/Benelli QJ600GS aka BJ600GS, we convened a small quorum of the Shanghai chapter of MCM this afternoon in Pubei Lu, home of several motorcycle dealers and supply shops. The Benelli shop was closed, but test rides were indeed being offered outside the BMW dealer. (Really sorry the pictures are so relatively small. When I try to post "medium" sized pictures, this recently updated version of vBulletin says they are too big. So how is it that Roadrunner posts bigger pix? Am I doing something wrong?)
Attachment 6146
So that's 998S aka Eric on the left, and Mrs 998S on the right. TB-Racing and TB Jr in the center. It was pretty cold, but at least the rain let up for most of the day.
Attachment 6142
Here's the first QJ600GS in the wild in Shanghai, one of maybe a dozen that have been made so far and handed out to dealers around China in advance of a planned March launch.
This bike has been test-ridden by several dozen riders in Shanghai, and has battle scars to prove it.
Attachment 6143
Yes, that's quite a chunk of the right side plastic that was sprung free when one overzealous test rider laid it down on Saturday. There was also some bad scarring on the right rear panel beneath the pillion seat. There were thick crash pegs on both sides of the engine, which you can see in wider shots, but these were unblemished so we're thinking they were installed AFTER Saturday's little getoff, or the damage surely would have been less.
Attachment 6144
From this angle, you can see the left-side crash peg emerging from the trellis -- yes, what is it about this profusion of trellis frames going around? -- and you can also see something else odd about this bike: It's branded QJiang on one side, and Benelli on the other. Jekyll and Hyde?
Apart from the seemingly fragile plastics, the bike seemed to have a fairly decent build quality, though I found the footpegs and foot controls to be very thin and flimsy, at least compared to my Jialing JH600.
Attachment 6145
So here's a closer look at the front end. I'm not sure about the copper color for the forks, which was not pleasing to my eye. I asked MaoMao, the tall guy in the blue down jacket who was organizing the test rides, whether this bike is actually even "in production" yet, and he said they were making small batches numbering in the tens or scores, no more than that. It's still early days, but low production runs like that do not engender high levels of confidence -- as we know from Jialing, which builds only as many as bikes in its monthly production runs as it receives orders in the previous month; five orders, five bikes, eight orders, eight bikes.
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5 Attachment(s)
Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Attachment 6147
Here's a rear view....
Attachment 6148
Attachment 6149
And a couple of close-ups of the visible portion of the engine block and exhaust pipes and radiator. Some guy was asking if this would make a good adventure bike; I seriously can't imagine anyone taking this on any extended stretches of unpaved road. There's little clearance, and those four pipes are very vulnerable. No one laughed when he asked, but we're a polite crowd. MaoMao said the bike was intended for riding on paved roads, and would not be particularly suitable for long-distance rides.
So how does it ride?
I'm hardly one to evaluate a motorcycle, given that I've been riding only for the past three years, and I have a strong bias toward the bikes I know -- the Kawasaki KLR650 and the Jialing JH600, both tall dual sports that are a bit top heavy and, well, just heavy at around 200kg each. Both are single-cylinder "thumpers" with very nice low-end torque and relatively low overall RPMs (redlining at 8k or so). They utter a healthy guttural growl. Because of their tallness and weight, you do need to manhandle them a bit to move them around, but this is not too challenging because the riding position is bolt upright, with your footpegs directly below the tops of your thighs and the bars positioned such that you don't have to lean forward to reach them.
The QJiang/Benelli is more oriented toward the sport-type design, and this gave me some pause. Your feet are positioned 10cm or further back on the bike, and you lean forward a bit to reach the bar, though 998S noted that his Ducatis put the rider into a much more of a stretched out prone riding position. But even this bit of forward-leaning was new for me, and I hemmed and hawed for more than an hour before screwing up the courage to take it out for a spin. By then TB-Racing and 998S had left to find someplace warm, but there are pictures to prove I'm not making this up.
Attachment 6150
The bike is small and relatively light. Here's how it looks under a 180cm, 90kg American in winter riding kit. Even on the track stand I could put both feet squarely on the ground, though my heels only touched with a bit of effort. Without the stand my feet were planted firmly and I could stand a bit with the bike between my legs. It feels light in my hands, and it was much easier to walk it back than my JH600 due to both the lighter weight and lower height. I didn't ask the actual weight, but I'm guessing maybe 150-160kg.
Prior to riding, I was required to sign a contract and show a valid motorcycle license, which the dealer retained during my very brief ride. I was required to have full safety gear, including knee and shoulder pads, boots, gloves and helmet. As I'd come by bike, I didn't need to borrow their strap-on knee pads.
MaoMao warned me a couple of times about the front brakes, which comprise two big disks with Brembo-copy caliper assemblies. He told me the guy who crashed on Saturday had panicked and locked up the front brakes, resulting in chunks of Benelli body plastic being strewn along Pubei Lu. (I didn't ask how much that unfortunate rider will be expected to pay for repairs...)
Attachment 6151
And so here it is in the wild! First thing you notice when you ride this bike is that cars behind you all start driving at different angles to each other. OK, just kidding. They always do that in China. The real first thing I noticed was that though it's a motorcycle, it's pretty damned different from a big thumper. When the engine is turning at only 4k or 5k, it sounds like it's hyperventilating -- vrooom! vrooom! But it was more bark than bite. Though the bike displaces 600cc just like my JH600, I did not feel like it was going to squirt out from under me. OK, I was being pretty timid, and though not watching the analog tachometer, I doubt I had it up anywhere beyond 6k or 7k; I think it redlines at 11k, but don't hold me to that.
I rode about 3 or 4 km in all, a straight run up Pubei Lu, then a right, and another right into the broad avenue below the Humin Elevated Highway. Then another right, then a left back into Pubei Lu. No more than five minutes in all; three right turns, then a left, then a slow left back onto the sidewalk and under the Benelli awning. I struggled a bit with the gearing, finding that after what I thought was a shift, it clearly was still in the same gear. What, I didn't pull up far enough on the flimsy lever? I tried again, same effect. So this could be user error, or it's got a balky transmission. There was only a green neutral indicator, but no current gear indicator (which we do have on our JH600s). I felt like the shift lever might snap off if I pulled it too much harder, and it was very flexible. I'm used to a very positive feeling in my JH600 shift lever. One quick click and it shifts, always. I never miss a shift. So this was different.
The bike turns very nicely, with a very light touch. I don't know if this is due to its alignment or lighter weight, or fork rake. Probably a combination. The JH600 is not hard to turn, but at slow speed the Benelli felt more relaxed and controlled. At faster speeds, it felt very controlled.
Braking was good, though I don't think I got the bike up to more than 65 or 70 kph, and, mindful of MaoMao's warning, did not hit the front brake hard. Did I mention that there was only half of a front brake lever to pull? I guess that was left on Pubei Lu on Saturday too. The bike accelerated well, though I did not put this too much to the test either. MaoMao was pillioning on a scooter to take pictures, and it was very easy to leave them far behind, even in just a short ride. The lightness helps it accelerate faster than my thumper.
So not a whole lot to say about the ride, other than that it goes OK, tracks OK, brakes OK, and feels steady and well-controlled in this newb's hands. MaoMao said that the Benelli, like most four-cylinder sport bikes, finds maximum power in the band between maybe 6k and 9k RPM. This was not in the cards today. I'll leave that for bolder and more experienced future riders, and will look forward to learning more about the bike's handling and performance.
A few other minor observations: The seat was comfortable, with a good balance of firmness and softness. It did not fit too cleanly on the bike, showing a non-uniform gap between the seat and the plastics beneath it. The control panel inlcuded a digital speedometer and analog tachometer, a green neutral indicator, turn signal indicators, and probably also a high beam indicator, as well as a fuel indicator (stacked horizontal bars), a digital clock and odometer and trip meter.
The mirrors were small, offering only a pinhole view behind me, and they seemed to be of flimsy quality. The brake and clutch levers were meatier, and felt good in my hands. The clutch was well adjusted, and I had no problems engaging and disengaging. The front triple clamp seemed to be a little loose; with the front brakes fully engaged, I felt a clicking as I rocked the bike. Don't know whether that was just a poor adjustment or a poor build. The rear suspension was pretty firm under my 90kg, and the big red shock has an easily accessible adjusting ring. I didn't take note of the brand of the shock.
I did not make close or detailed observations of most of the parts, and did not lift the seat to see the wiring harness, battery, ECU and other guts.
MaoMao seemed to know a fair bit about the bike, but by no means was expert.
We three MCMers came away thinking this could be a decent bike -- but only if, and it's a big if, Qianjiang/Benelli put some very substantial resources into after-sales support, including ongoing training of technicians as the bikes mature and the design evolves. On the other hand, if it's just a once-off design, with no ongoing, realtime evaluation and development, it'll be just that -- a once-off flash-in-the-pan bike with no deep impact in the market.
That's all I can think of for now. Any questions?
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Wow ... How about that for a test review?
Think a general magazine does less on a bike test then Jeff did just now.
And I can only agree with most of his findings, well done with only a 230kg Jialing as a reference!
Seriously, it is a sexy bike, and I can not stop thinking how I can justify to buy one.
And that while I promised never to buy anything with more then 2 cylinders any more ...
Problems, problems, ..... ha-ha ...
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Wow! What a review, thanks a million Jeff, and also tb and Eric!
So what I understand is that it's a decent bike and likely lots of fun to own, until out has a problem and it's time to find out what kind of a company qj really is!
We know riding in China is a head ache anyway, regardless what bike you choose. Legal imports are too expensive, illegal imports mean you constantly have to watch your back, at least this is a big bike that doesn't have these issues! I'm gonna give it 6 months and make a decision then.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
As I've posted previously on this website, aside from the Benelli/Qianjiang QJ600, there's the Loncin LX650 based on the BMW 650 thumper, the CFMoto 650NK inline twin and the 650TR full-fairing/side pannier model being released next month pre-orders being taken now. I mentioned that one of the issues about the QJ600 will be over servicing, and the fact that again as others have, that a cramped naked bike with little to no protection from elements, let alone little ground clearance and exposed undercarriage is not the ideal setup or solution for the majority of hinterland China. Still better to have some choices... which I'm sure will only increase given time...
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
I would say a year after its formal release would be best, then any design flaws should show up. Getting support is a variable that is always different in part a function of who you are and who you know, always, no mater what country you are in.
As to whether or not the Italians went the distance on the design and relative support documentation, it would be hard to see at this point. Benelli has for all its models previously offered and I see no reason for them not to continue that with this model. Unless something gets lost in the translation? The Italians may not be linked into retail level support, that would concern me.
It is a premium brand it is not intended for anyone that is price conscience
As for rumors, you would have to wonder how the Italians reacted to the Chinese take over? Who stayed and who left how enthusiastic are they?
Why put ten bikes in the retail outlets? Is that typical practice in the industry? I think in a more perfect world you have field mangers for service that are rated high by the factory engineers? That should be who should get the first batch for review and that should be a comprehensive review, related to quality and serviceability. As for initial impressions related to performance, that should be done by those that are considered experts, those that professionally race motorcycles?
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
I've written a few reviews for bikes like this too, but all these reviews no matter how good are fairly irrelevant, the most important things are just unknowable, these are obviously reliability, support and warranty. There are a very few companies I'd trust to bolt together a modern bike that can work like clockwork, Honda, BMW, maybe Yamaha, and a few others.....even Ducati, KTM and Triumph I'd want a good warranty.
As has already been said unqualified mechanics with a few sockets and adjustable spanners are the norm. What if I need a clutch lever, foot peg, fuel filter, tires? I know how hard it can be even to get OK tires. Even an oil filter for a YBR250 can be a pain, this is because the mechanics are only familiar with Suzuki type filters, so if you order an oil filter this is what you'll get. I often bring grease, chain lube and tools to bike shops in China.
Qjiang need to sell their bikes in China for minimal profit as a fully supported R&D test bed, in PC gamer terms a paid 'open beta'. New products especially, but all products fail, if any company can say sorry and replace at their expense, nobody really minds if they also provide a supply of spares too. So at least 6 properly tooled-up qualified mechanics China-wide with an easy way to source parts quickly.
I hope this isn't another 'take your money and run' (Jialing) thing.
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
hi guys,
any update regarding this Benelli?
would like to see other testimonial about how the bike performance....;)
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
If this bike is made registerable in China then I'd think it would be a huge breakthrough for the legalization of large engine motorcycles in China... imagine that.
I love my current bike but I also crave something bigger; a 600 would be just right. If it turns out to be a fairly reliable machine with easy access to spare parts then it would be so attractive, although, if this does become registerable all over China then why not a Honda, a Yamaha or another well-known foreign make 600cc bike? Would they still outlaw the other brands and say "Chinese motorbikes only!":confused1:
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Re: Qjiang QJ600GS / Benelli BJ600GS - rumors thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
shadow
hi guys,
any update regarding this Benelli?
would like to see other testimonial about how the bike performance....;)
According to the prior posts, we may have to wait until after March, when the thing gets launched.