This Is NOT The Mid-displacement Ducati Panigale We Were Waiting For

Chinese two-wheeler giant QJ Motor is all set to unveil its new mid-displacement supersport. The teaser gives a glimpse of the motorcycle’s design and specifications. In fact, a picture of the bike has surfaced on the internet, hinting that it could hit the streets soon.

There’s no denying that QJMotor’s upcoming bike is a looker, though maybe not for the right reasons. Its design is undoubtedly modern, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Ducati Panigale V4. From its angry-looking fascia to the winglets and even the paint scheme seems to be inspired by Borgo Panigale’s flagship model. But is this Chinese bike all show and no go?

The upcoming motorcycle produces a claimed 57PS and 54Nm from its 554cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. This isn’t an all-new unit, but a bored-out version of Benell’s 499cc mill that powers the TRK 502, 502 C and the Leoncino 500. Interestingly, this new engine is also seen on the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 5.5.

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To back that performance, QJ Motor has armed its upcoming mid-displacement sports bike with premium hardware including a KYB USD fork and monoshock, Brembo brakes and even a single-sided swingarm.

Interestingly, the ergonomics don’t seem to match the sporty intent of the motorcycle. A closer look at the bike reveals that the clip-on handlebars are rather high-set and even the footpegs don’t seem to be rear-set as you’d expect from a thoroughbred supersport. Instead, the bike appears to be more on the lines of the Honda CBR650R, which has sporty ergos but not at the cost of compromising everyday usability.

The QJ Motor mid-displacement supersport could debut in its domestic market in the coming weeks and possibly in Europe a little later. Going by the bikemaker’s teaser, the price of the bike could be around an equivalent of Rs 4 lakh. That said, the chances of this motorcycle coming to India are bleak. So, if you are looking for a mid-displacement sports bike, your choices, at least for now, are limited to the Kawasaki Ninja 650, the Honda CBR650R and the pricey Aprilia RS 660.