New Voge DS900X wants its share of adventure

Voge Motorcycles are hoping to muscle into the crowded mid-size adventure segment with their new 900 DSX twin – and its sub-£9000 price tag is bound to get it noticed.

The 895cc parallel twin motor meets Euro5 spec and produces a credible claimed 93.9bhp at 8250rpm. You also get liquid cooling and a six-speed box, with power fed to the back wheel via chain.

This engine is derived from BMW’s F900 twin series, made possible thanks to Voge’s parent company Loncin also producing the 900 motors for BMW. They share the same bore and stroke, capacity and compression ratio – even some engine casings are the same.

The performance puts the Chinese Voge in the ballpark of the established competition and, while its badging may not offer the same kudos, it’s far cheaper than the likes of BMW’s own £11,995 F900GS (albeit with less tech).

The 8v DOHC twin cylinder engine has a 270º crank and puts out a claimed 70.1lb.ft at 6250rpm. It’s held in place via a bridge-style frame and trellis subframe that’s partially shrouded thanks to chunky protective tubular structures either side of the 17-litre tank.

The bike sits with a manageable 825mm seat height and offers 190mm of ground clearance for gentle jaunts off the beaten track. It tips the scales at a hefty 238kg, with a 21in front and 17in rear wheel giving it some off-road ability.

The KYB upside-down forks give 194mm of travel, while the single shock at the rear offers 198mm of movement. Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres, ABS and traction control complete a very respectable roster of standard equipment.

The Voge, first seen at the Eicma trade show in Milan late last year, is now coming to the UK at £8799 (plus OTR costs) via established distributors MotoGB. The Chorley firm have 11 showrooms of their own, and deal with more than 300 others in the UK and Ireland.

• Panniers and topbox boost touring ability
• Off-road-friendly 21in front/17in rear wheels
• Grippy Pirelli Scorpions fitted as standard

Electronic intervention

The Voge offers a choice of four modes: rain, eco, sport and all-terrain riding. You’ll also find traction control and cruise control.

Warming up

A heated seat and heated handlebar grips are standard. Hand guards and a tall front screen
also provide some protection from the elements.

Flashy dash

The seven-inch TFT display features tyre pressure monitoring and basic navigation. The front-facing 1080p camera is nice to have, as are two USB sockets.

Quality touches

Flanking the spoked rims at either end is braking hardware from Brembo – with a pair of two-piston calipers up front, and a single at the rear.

Colour options

You can have any you like, so long as it’s matt black, blue or lime green.