[ChopperChas]

SSR has released a large number of QJMotors bikes recently. Instead of bringing the TRK800 to the USA, they've brought over the QJ Motors version. They also have a Leoncino with different bodywork (looks to compete more solidly against XSR) punched out an extra 50cc and considerably cheaper than the Leoncino. They updated 400cc sportbikes that look identical to the TNT300/302S, but with a bigger motor. SSR also released an uglier, heavier version of the TNT135, with QJ branding.

There are several bikes with considerable overlap. When SSR brought Benelli over here, their little grom bike (Razkull) and 250cc street bike (Buccaneer 250i) quietly disappeared once the dealer stock was gone. I'm concerned the same will happen for Benelli. And I don't understand it... Why don't they bring over the Benelli versions of these bikes instead of the QJ versions? The Benelli brand is far more identifiable and known, and it is an Italian brand, where the QJ brand is obviously Chinese. This matters in the US, where propaganda is king and anti-chinese sentiment runs strongly in the old generations.

Does anyone have any news or information that would either confirm this or reassure that Benelli is here to stay?

Charles.

 

[michael.w.holzer]

SSR has released a large number of QJMotors bikes recently

would you perhaps have a URL to see pictures of these bikes?

 

[ChopperChas]

would you perhaps have a URL to see pictures of these bikes?

http://qjmotor.ssrmotorsports.com/

You can get to it from the main ssrmotorsports.com page.

Charles.

 

[MarkIV]

SSR has released a large number of QJMotors bikes recently. Instead of bringing the TRK800 to the USA, they've brought over the QJ Motors version. They also have a Leoncino with different bodywork (looks to compete more solidly against XSR) punched out an extra 50cc and considerably cheaper than the Leoncino. They updated 400cc sportbikes that look identical to the TNT300/302S, but with a bigger motor. SSR also released an uglier, heavier version of the TNT135, with QJ branding.

There are several bikes with considerable overlap. When SSR brought Benelli over here, their little grom bike (Razkull) and 250cc street bike (Buccaneer 250i) quietly disappeared once the dealer stock was gone. I'm concerned the same will happen for Benelli. And I don't understand it... Why don't they bring over the Benelli versions of these bikes instead of the QJ versions? The Benelli brand is far more identifiable and known, and it is an Italian brand, where the QJ brand is obviously Chinese. This matters in the US, where propaganda is king and anti-chinese sentiment runs strongly in the old generations.

Does anyone have any news or information that would either confirm this or reassure that Benelli is here to stay?

Charles.

I have been looking at Benelli info online this week, and noticed the QJ bikes listed on SSR’s website. I sent them a quick email asking if they had any plans on expanding the Benelli range, or if they planned to replace it with QJ bikes. The reply I got was that, no, there are no plans to bring any new-to-the-US Benelli models over, and that I was welcome to check out the QJ range on their website.

I wonder if QJ wants to try to piggyback on CF Moto’s push into the US, and figures they’ll start fresh. It would make some kind of sense, but with Moto Morini coming to the US, too, I think they’d be missing an opportunity dropping Benelli. I think the Leoncino 800 or 752S would have a shot at doing well here, and certainly the bigger TRK would.

I have no interest in a QJ branded bike, even if it’s mechanically identical to the comparable Benelli. I find it odd that the 400 QJ sportbike is styled like the previous generation Benelli 302R, not the latest one available in some markets. Or maybe the 302R was just a rebadged QJ to begin with. Trying to keep track of the various Benelli’s and which countries they are offered in is a nightmare.

I’ve never owned a Benelli, but always have been interested in the brand. I must have seen a Tornado at some point in my teenaged years, and that silver and green with the Benelli text just burned into my brain.

Anyhow, just stumbled upon the forum, and enjoyed reading some posts. Thought I’d pass along the info about my email to SSR.

 

[cyberbillp]

That 400 only picks up two HP or less. Hardly seems a bargain for another $1000.

I wouldn't worry about it. For one thing, the tnt135 is a huge seller, I'm sure they'll be selling those for years. Ssr distributes a bunch of brands.

 

[tundraphile]

QJ has zero brand awareness in the US. SSR at least has been here long enough that many people know them as cheaper trail bikes, not KTM level equipment but not junk either. IMO this is a mistake for QJ to focus on their own branding over Benelli

maybe they are divesting Benelli. In my perfect world they would be bought by a company that wants to revive the brand and make big bikes in Italy again. Piaggio would be nice but I would take Geely

 

[ChopperChas]

See, the Chinese made Benelli reliable and attainable. I don't want or need superbikes, and I don't think there's a huge market for another super expensive italian superbike right now. Economies world wide are in the shitter. Nobody has a ton of disposable income to spend on an exotic machine right now. Benelli tried that model in the 90s and 00s. They didn't do so hot in the 90s and in the 00s they failed after the first recession. The whole world is heading for a recession now, I think their current lineup is pretty solid. Budget mid-sized motorcycles and a few higher-end, but still not expensive, machines. Small and mid-range is the hot seller in the current market. I've been riding for 27 years and I'm finding the 400-650 class suits me well at this point in my life.... and in my budget.

Charles.