2022 QJMotor 600RR Could Become Future Benelli Tornado 650
Highlights
- QJMotor 600RR gets updated for 2022 with new design, features
- China's Qianjiang Group owns Benelli and the QJMotor brand
- A future Benelli model based on the 600RR rumoured to be in development
Chinese motorcycle brand QJMotor has introduced the 2022 QJMotor 600RR giving the bike a comprehensive update. The 600RR was launched two years ago, and was the first four-cylinder model from QJMotor, which used the underpinnings of the Benelli TNT600i in a fully-faired design. The new 2022 QJMotor 600RR brings updates to both the styling and the technology, including new bodywork, and updates to the engine. More importantly though, the updated QJMotor 600RR could make for a future Benelli version based on the same platform.
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The re-designed bodywork, particularly in red, certainly seems to have taken inspiration from Ducati, with the Panigale-esque face and slit LED headlights, as well as the carbon-effect winglets on the sides of the fairing. According to QJMotor, the winglets are aerodynamically effective too, adding 5-6 kg of downforce at 150 kmph, as well as increasing stability at high speed. The fuel tank capacity has increased by 1.6 litres to 18 litres, while the tail is 50 mm higher, while the rider's seat is 10 mm lower. Overall, the bike has shed 2 kg, but at 213 kg kerb weight, it's still not a lightweight supersport.
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A redesigned exhaust system has added to a minor bump in power and torque, with maximum power now claimed at 87.2 bhp arriving at 11,500 rpm, and peak torque of 56 Nm at 10,500 rpm. Other components include non-adjustable KYB upside down front forks, and an adjustable monoshock, while braking duties are tackled by dual four-piston radially mounted Brembo calipers and a single two-piston caliper at the rear wheel with standard dual-channel ABS. There are riding modes, traction control, and an upshift only quickshifter. The bike also comes with a 5-inch full colour TFT instrument console to toggle between the riding modes and traction control levels.
If Qianjiang does decide to introduce a Benelli-branded model based on the QJMotor 600RR, it could well make its way to India sometime in the future. Rumours suggest that the Benelli version will likely be called the Benelli Tornado 650 with a slightly bigger engine based on the same platform, and is currently under development. The styling of the Benelli is likely to be slightly different from the QJMotor 600RR.