Jedi Kirin 750 By Ben Purvis
The breadth of choice that Chinese riders are getting in 2024 when it comes to large-capacity bikes is wider than ever before, and it will grow even further with the launch of the Jedi Kirin 750.
Jedi already makes a range of bikes around its own 730 cc parallel twin engine, from the FR750 roadster to the Vision 750 sports bike, but the Kirin 750 is an attempt at a tourer and it's yet another example of a Chinese brand that's breaking free of stereotypes. There's no copying going on here, and instead Jedi has outsourced key elements to established European companies to ensure it has a convincing product.
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For the styling, Jedi went to Italian design house Marabese, which has been designing motorcycles since 1976 with clients from Aprilia to Yamaha. For the Kirin, the company created a machine that has the stance of a big BMW tourer, but with several distinctive design elements that mean it can't be accused of copying. That huge headlight, for instance, with stylised DRLs wrapped around a trio of individual light units behind a single front glass, is the sort of design that would look impressive on a Japanese or Italian bike, and for a Chinese brand it's a huge step forward.
Underneath the bodywork lies a frame that, like Jedi's other 750 models, is designed by Suter in Switzerland and made from cast magnesium to minimise weight. That's important because the 730 cc parallel twin isn't a powerhouse - it puts out 60 kW (80 hp) and 70 Nm of torque, enough to be competitive against the likes of Yamaha's Tracer 7, but rather less than you might expect from a bike as bulky as the Kirin.
Cheap technology is a Chinese strongpoint, and here the Kirin doesn't disappoint. The company claims it has standard-fit front and rear cameras that include licence plate recognition and 'blacklist comparison' (a clear pointer to the fact that the company wants to achieve sales to police forces - a huge market in China). The cameras also provide the ability to record rides and take still photos. There's a huge colour screen in front of the rider with a large physical keypad beneath it for major functions, which is a nice touch in a world where many companies are relying on infuriating touchscreens. The Kirin also has heated seats, remote opening panniers, tyre pressure monitors and Bluetooth connectivity that allows your phone screen to be mirrored on the bike's dash.
Although Jedi's bikes aren't yet offered outside China, it's clear that the company will be well-positioned to make the transition to international markets as soon as it has the production capacity to exceed demand in its homeland.
