The first six models are internationally renowned top-tier superbikes, and now the QJ800 is set to compete alongside them. Regardless of the race results, the mere thought of a Chinese-made motorcycle participating in the WSBK alongside these legendary bikes is thrilling. It’s hoped that through years of competition and technological advancements, the QJ800 will eventually become an internationally acclaimed superbike – perhaps this is one of QJ’s motivations for joining the WSBK.
WSBK stands for the FIM World Superbike Championship, a prestigious event on par with MotoGP. Unlike MotoGP, which is purely for factory-built race bikes competing at the limits of speed, WSBK is tailored for road-going production models, requiring some modification within regulated rules, making the bikes more accessible to the public. Thus, the motorcycles seen in WSBK are those we might encounter on our daily commutes, adding to the allure of the championship.
Similar to MotoGP, WSBK has three categories based on engine capacity: the premier class WSBK, the middleweight SSP, and the lightweight SSP300. The QJ800 will be competing in the middleweight SSP category, making QJ the first Chinese manufacturer in this class.
Why participate in WSBK?
In China, due to long-standing and widespread motorcycle bans, the mid-to-large displacement market has only started to develop in the last five or six years. Small-displacement motorcycles remain the mainstay, resulting in a desert-like state of motorsport and racing culture. The Chinese Motorcycle Championship (CSBK) was suspended for 13 years, and the China Road Racing Championship (CRRC) has been on hold for four years. There’s no dedicated television channel or website for motorcycle racing events in China, not even a regular TV column.
Professional motorsports in China have been dormant for years, with little mainstream media or website attention to racing, yet QJ is now establishing a factory team to directly enter the world-class WSBK. Does this seem inexplicable? Is it just about splurging money to boost the QJMOTOR brand’s profile in WSBK? Human actions stem from needs, and it’s believed that QJ’s participation in WSBK is a strategic move driven by five key necessities.
1. Need for Technological Advancement Besides the QJ800, there are only six competing models among over twenty teams in WSBK – all renowned global superbike names. This isn’t a coincidence; top bikes are born from competition. High-stakes racing tests both the base qualities of production bikes and the team’s tuning abilities, rider skills, etc. Participation in such contests allows rapid absorption of advanced international racing engine technology and overall bike tuning, injecting race DNA into production models and enhancing competitiveness.
Without participating in actual motorcycle races, questions could be raised about QJ’s confidence in its numerous QJ-series models. But now, with a legitimate entry into international motorsports, they can better understand what it takes to create a true race bike, not just a visually appealing model with impressive specs. Rest assured, as per the strict regulations of WSBK, the race version of the QJ800 will differ from the commercial model, undergoing rigorous modifications and certifications before being eligible to compete.
2. Need to Boost International Brand Recognition In the past year, the motorcycle industry’s buzzword has been “competition,” as dozens of manufacturers vie for a limited domestic market share of around four million units, with few mid-to-large displacement models exported. To expand globally, brand recognition is crucial, and simply acting as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) won’t cut it. Entering top-tier motorcycle races is the fastest and most direct way to increase international visibility. Motorsports hold significant interest in Western countries, unlike in China where they receive minimal attention. Achieving notable results in races can swiftly raise brand awareness and enhance reputation, paving the way for Chinese motorcycle brands to succeed in overseas markets. QJ’s vision is to become a world-class motorcycle company, and pursuing the international market under its own brand is a necessary step – domestic competition alone won’t forge a global brand.
3. Need for Domestic Market Competition Excessive motorcycle production capacity combined with economic downturns has turned the domestic market into a highly competitive arena. A new competitive landscape becomes a consideration for leading companies like QJ. Those without involvement in international racing will lack credibility and arguments about their racing heritage when competing against QJMOTOR, who now holds a stronger position in the domestic market.
4. Need to Rebuild Confidence in Domestic Motorcycle Brands At some point, many Chinese consumers developed a disdain for domestic motorcycle brands, criticizing every flaw while ignoring progress. Conversely, foreign brands are often blindly admired. This challenging public perception confronts domestic motorcycle brands. Why is this so? Aren’t quality issues prevalent among imported bikes too? The root cause lies in a lack of national self-confidence, doubting domestic products’ capability to match or even rival imports. This mindset exists across multiple industries.
On March 22nd, the Spanish round will mark the QJ800’s WSBK debut. To break this deadlock, restoring confidence in domestic brands is crucial. Alongside continuous product improvements, competing on the international stage against renowned brands may be the most effective approach. QJ steps forward, but expectations for immediate success should be tempered; Yamaha’s R6 took four years to improve its WSBK performance, so criticism will likely persist for a few years.
5. Need for the Chinese Motorcycle Industry When will the Chinese motorcycle industry evoke excitement? While it might be challenging for fuel-powered motorcycles, the emergence of electric and hybrid motorcycles opens new avenues for China’s growth, akin to the rise of Chinese electric vehicles. A presence in top international motorcycle competitions benefits the industry’s upgrading and technological advancement, facilitating exports of high-value mid-to-large displacement motorcycles and premium electric motorcycles. It also fosters domestic motorsport culture and industry development, generating more value – something the government desires. Expanding and strengthening the entire motorcycle sector (into high-end manufacturing) will help change the government’s perception, ultimately easing motorcycle restrictions.
QJMOTOR’s Approach to WSBK QJ appears to be adopting a two-step strategy for WSBK participation. In 2022, they sponsored the renowned Gresini Racing in Moto2 to learn about international racing and team operations firsthand, while also introducing the QJMOTOR brand overseas.
In 2024, they’re officially entering WSBK, leveraging their two-year sponsorship experience in Moto3 and Moto2 to join forces with Puccetti Racing and establish the QJMOTOR factory team. Puccetti Racing, a seasoned team since 2005, has multiple titles in the SSP class and a wealth of racing and tuning expertise, having nurtured several racing stars.
The QJ800, equipped with a 778cc inline-four water-cooled engine, has undergone modifications for the track, boosting its maximum power from 75kW to 106.4kW, giving it the potential to compete with top-tier bikes. With the QJMOTOR team’s completion of the QJ800’s tuning and certification, they’re ready for the Spanish round on March 22nd.
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