Has QJMotor Gone Full Honda Mode with Newest Scooter?

QJMotor, known for producing its own bikes as well as bikes that look all too similar to models from other brands, have seemingly pulled another design out of the copy catalogue, this time with its SQ16 which appears to be a clone of Honda’s SH125i.

But far from just a scooter that looks to have taken all its inspiration from Honda, the SQ16 is potentially more than just that. Here’s why.

The SQ16 pumps out an estimated 14.4bhp which gives it the edge on the SH125i’s power figures of 12.8bhp, while it matches the Honda in the torque department, producing roughly 8.9Ib ft. The SQ16 offers slightly more fuel capacity, with a 7.8-litre tank as opposed to Honda’s 7.0 litres.

However, where the SQ16 is likely to appeal more to customers than slightly improved power and fuel numbers is the price.

The SQ16 from the Chinese brand QJMotor is arriving on the scene with a price of around €2,600 (around £2,230), and that is where the SQ16 is vastly different to Honda’s SH125i which costs £4,199 from new.

More than 20 years after first arriving on European land, the SH125 has remained a solid entry-level scooter for many and so basing a two-wheeler of this model is a smart move by QJMotor.

Featuring bulky 16-inch wheels, and the same 28 litres of under-seat storage, Honda’s SH125i has also been copied in terms of its looks as the bodywork is very similar at first glance.

Whether it's MV Agusta, BMW or others, QJMotor has made a habit of producing bikes that we look at and say, hang on, I’ve seen that somewhere else. And that’s unlikely to change.

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