Last week's visit to the AMID Bike Expo held at Red Star Raceway revealed two new machines that had everyone's tongues wagging. New upstart QJ Motor, brought in under the auspices of Kawasaki SA, unveiled an unbelievable SU-9 superbike, and KTM pulled the covers off of the stunning 990 RC R race-ready machine.
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Comparing the QJ Motor SU-9 and the KTM 990 RC R is a fascinating look at two different approaches to the near-litre sportbike category. While they have similar engine displacements, they represent opposite ends of the design spectrum: the QJ Motor is an Italian-styled, four-cylinder neo-retro exotic, while the KTM is a track-focused, twin-cylinder scalpel.
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Technical Comparison
| Feature | QJ Motor SU-9 (Super9) | KTM 990 RC R |
| Engine Type | 921cc Inline-4 (MV Agusta based) | 947cc Parallel-Twin (LC8c) |
| Max Power | ~96kW @ 10 000 r/min | ~95kW @ 9 500 r/min |
| Max Torque | 94Nm @ 8 000 r.min | 103Nm @ 6 750 r/min |
| Wet Weight | ~220 kg | ~195 kg |
| Suspension | Marzocchi (Fully Adjustable) | WP APEX (Fully Adjustable) |
| Brakes | Brembo Stylema / 320mm Discs | Brembo Hypure / 320mm Discs |
| Styling | Neo-Retro / MV Agusta Superveloce style | Modern Aggressive / MotoGP-inspired wings |
Key Differences
Engine Personality
QJ Motor SU-9: It uses a 921cc inline-four engine derived from MV Agusta technology. Expect a screaming, high-revving top end and a smooth power delivery characteristic of four-cylinder bikes.
- KTM 990 RC R: Powered by the LC8c parallel-twin. While it has similar horsepower, it offers significantly more torque at lower revs. It will feel much punchier coming out of corners, but it lacks the scream of the QJ's inline-four.
Weight and Handling
The Weight Gap: This is the biggest differentiator. The KTM is roughly 25 kg lighter than the QJ Motor. This makes the 990 RC R a much more agile weapon for track days and tight canyon carving.
Chassis Geometry: The KTM is built specifically as a "Superbike for the road" with a focus on chassis feedback. The QJ Motor, while featuring high-end Marzocchi components, is heavier and geared more toward a "sport-luxury" or "street-exotic" feel.
Design and Heritage
QJ Motor: A product of the partnership with MV Agusta, the SU-9 is essentially a tribute to Italian design. It features a single-sided swingarm and a classic round headlight that mimics the MV Agusta Superveloce.
KTM: Pure function. It features aerodynamic winglets, a massive 8.8-inch touchscreen dash, and ergonomics that can be adjusted specifically for track use (moving footpegs and clip-ons).
Which one is for you?
Choose the QJ Motor SU-9 if you want a bike that looks like a piece of Italian art, love the sound and feel of an inline-four, and prioritise street presence over shaving seconds off a lap time.
Choose the KTM 990 RC R if you are a "Ready to Race" enthusiast. It is the superior performance machine in terms of power-to-weight ratio, electronics, and pure track capability.
