The QJ Motor SRC 500 is rocking around with Indian Motorcycles with vintage style design and modern engineering. After an attractive discount offered during a festive season, this cruiser is a hot deal to buy at Rs. 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) pricing and it would be a tempting choice to ride it in style without straining your pocket. The SRC 500 with its attention-bearing design, smooth operation and user-friendly features, such as LCD display, dual channel ABS, is bound to satisfy both the novice and experienced motorcyclists. So what makes this motorcycle an outstanding motorcycle in the cluttered cruiser category?
Retro Design Which Spins Heads
SRC 500 is a feast of the eyes to any admirer of the retro bikes. It draws on retro cruiser with a bulged headlight, a round-shaped 15.5-litre fuel tank with long equipment but with a chrome covering, a single standard saddle with rib design. Pillion grab rails and a side-slung peashooter exhaust are also chrome accented and the bike has a feel of the vintage. The SRC 500 comes in three dual-tone color schemes (Silver Black, Gold Black and Red White) to give it some sophistication to counter its rugged appeal. The alloy wheels, in combination with the wire-spoke rims, contribute to its retro-modern look and present the allure of being a bike that is as attractive to look at when riding it on the city streets as it is to have it parked on a café.
Mighty but Silky Engine
What is at the core of the SRC 500 is a 480cc single cylindaer and air cooled motor with a maximum power output of 25.3 bhp at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 36 Nm at 4,250 rpm. Coupled with a 5-speed transmission, this engine was designed with smoothness of power and is thus suitable in leisurely driving along the highway and also through urban congestions. The sound that the long-stroke engine makes as it comes out of the exhaust system is miles away a thumping exhaust that gives a turning on film nostalgia that gives retro bikes enthusiasts what they desire. The riders have been appreciative in terms of its torquey engine capability that ensures the rider can blissfully ride at moderate speed. The tested fuel efficiency of the SRC 500 is about 34.8 kmpl which provides a great ride of about 540 km on a complete tank, which makes this model out to be a very viable option in carrying long distances.
Everyday Riding Modern Features
Although the SRC 500 is retro, it does not compromise in terms of modern features. The twin-pod full LCD instrument cluster is quite noteworthy, and it shows the necessary information such as the speed, fuel level, the gear position, a trip meter, and digital clock. Nevertheless, other riders have mentioned that the display does not provide as much information as a bike of this price should imply. Dual-channel ABS has made it quite confident in braking under different weather conditions; it comes with 300mm liftoff front disc and 240mm rear disc. Such extra details as adjustable levers, a USB charging hub, and hazard lights put a grain of practicality into this model, so the SRC 500 can be used not only on daily commutes but on weekend trips as well. Telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks means the suspension is comfortable to ride on, but some reviews indicate the suspension may feel soft around rough roads.
Ergonomics and Comfort
SRC 500 is made with rider comfort. The comfortable riding stance is not only achieved due to flattish handlebar and well thought out footpegs but also because of the low seat height of 800 mm that makes it friendly to a variety of riders. Its single piece well padded seat is comfortable to the rider and pillion and even the long ride is fun. Weighing 205 kg, it is a little heavy yet the light handling of the bike is manageable in city traffic. The 1,440 mm wheelbase provides stability especially on highways; however, footpegs have been said to be wrongly positioned by some riders to interfere during tight traffic.
Market position and competitive pricing
The SRC 500, with up to a 40k discount during one of the festivals, is priced at Rs. 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and is quite a good competitor in its mid-capacity cruiser club. It rivals famous ones such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda CB350, and Benelli Imperiale 400. Although SRC 500 is priced lower and has a higher engine but similar features, some of its reviews have certain shortcomings, such as inferior build quality and limited serviceability in India. The SRC 500 is an attractive choice for riders who care about style and value without breaking the bank, but slightly higher-priced models such as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 could be a more luxurious choice.
Advantages and disadvantages
SRC 500 is absolutely brilliant in retro design, torquey engine, and fuel economy, which cannot be used hard but is good at leisure cruising. The ABS and LCD display that features dual channels are modernistic in appearance, and the other aspect is good pricing. The soft suspension, middling brake feel, and scanty service network may, however, be deal breakers to some. Some riders have also deemed the gearbox as clunky, and overall, the quality could use a lift to align with its highly aspirational approach.
What are the reasons to choose the SRC 500?
Drivers who seek to acquire a combination of the traditional design and the modernity at a low cost have a good choice with the QJ Motor SRC 500. Strictly designed looks, smooth engine, and convenient features of it make it a multipurpose cruiser that can be utilized in city commuting as well as highway tours. Although it still has room to better itself, the fact that it offers a discount during the festive season makes it an even better buy to cost-wise consumers. A retro bike aficionado or just anybody wishing to have a fashionable cruiser, the SRC 500 ought to be taken on a test ride to feel the exceptional character.
Final Thoughts
This cruiser QJ Motor SRC 500 uses old fashioned-style mixed with new influences to present a new choice in the Indian market for cruisers. It is priced reasonably, has average fuel consumption and an ergonomic design, which puts it in the second place worth considering. But potential buyers are requested to compare the small service network and slight quality-related issues to its strengths. As a retro cruiser that is value, the SRC 500 provides a good ride experience which is difficult to ignore especially by those who want to get a lot, on a very low budget.
