Asians are probably more familiar with different types of Keeway’s – scooters, undertones and the like. But the photos you see here mark a huge departure from the Keeways we know.
Known as the TX450R, this rally race-inspired bike marks a new chapter for the Chinese bike maker.
The design is not exactly new and we have seen such race-bred designs with the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Aprilia Tuareg 660.
And as with all things that are popular, you can expect the Chinese bike makers to capitalise on a popular fad.
Keeway is a brand under Chinese conglomerate Qianjiang Motors, or better known to all as QJ Motor. And the TX450R was first shown at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.
Its race-bred design that undoubtedly looks hardcore also looks like it belong in the deserts of Dakar or the jungles. But it is not all good-looks, it also features some modern tech such as a full-LED multi-optic headlight, a massive full-colour TFT screen, a cast-aluminium double-cradle frame as well as fully adjustable Fast Race inverted forks.
The race suspension is also part managed by a multi-linkage equipped monoshock that offers an impressive 280mm of wheel travel, which is a hint at what this bike is made to do.
Power is provided by a 449cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 42hp at 8000rpm and 38Nm of torque. Gear shifting duties is managed by a 6-speed gearbox where else the wheels measure in at 21-inches up front and 18 at the rear.
Stopping power is provided by Nissin callipers.
Interestingly, it comes with three fuel tanks that is located at different areas of the bike to provide optimal balance. Fuel capacity measures in at 28 litres.
It is not yet known when the bike will go on sale and if it will be offered for the Malaysian market. In fact, not much is known about the bike at all, except for the fact that it looks really cool.