The Voge 500AC is a strikingly well-equipped Chinese retro motorcycle. Our test drive reveals whether it’s a convincing ride. Plus: pictures, specs, and price.
- Bike for the leisurely rider
- Extensive equipment unusual for a class
- Suitable for A2 driving license
The newly developed Voge 500AC (Voge is pronounced “Woudsch” in English) offers a lot of motorcycle for the money. Designed in the style of a café racer, this motorcycle belongs to the ranks of neoclassical naked bikes . For €6,500, you get: a half-liter twin engine with 34.5 kW/47 hp, a generally decent chassis with an emphasis on comfort, a comfortable seating position, a pleasing outfit – and, for the price range, surprisingly good, in some cases even high-quality, equipment. The Chinese manufacturer Loncin, which builds the Voge motorcycles, seems to have analyzed the European markets very well and, after the successful launch of the Voge 300AC, is now offering a more powerful sister model.
Attractive design, high-quality components
The basic requirement for a new motorcycle development is that it appeals to potential customers. The Voge 500AC overcomes this hurdle effortlessly: From the side, the bike appears compact, with the unusually designed, oval-square LED headlight as striking as the delicate LED indicators. The rear section of the stepped seat appears to float freely above the uncovered rear wheel. Added to this is a stainless steel rear silencer, which – like the headlight – is currently unique. The USD fork from renowned manufacturer Kayaba, the Nissin double disc brake in the front wheel, the angled tire valves, but above all the fully digital TFT color display with smartphone connectivity and various monitoring functions for important components clearly show that this Voge is here to stay.
Decent performance: 47 hp engin
The two-cylinder, four-stroke inline engine in the tubular steel bridge frame bears a striking resemblance to the engine of the Honda CB 500F: stroke and bore are identical, as is the compression ratio. Maximum power is also at the same level: 34.5 kW/47 hp is achieved at the same 8,500 rpm (Honda’s 35 kW/48 hp). The Honda engine layout seems to be extremely popular: the brand-new Brixton Crossfire 500 also features a Honda-inspired engine.
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The annoying thing about the Voge engine is its very loud idling noise of 98 dB(A) ; driving on some Tyrolean roads is therefore not recommended. Nevertheless, the four-valve engine performs well: The maximum torque of 45 Nm at 7000 rpm is in line with the competition, and fuel consumption of 4 to 4.5 liters per 100 km is acceptable. Thanks to the 19-liter tank, we only had to stop at the gas pump after driving 420 kilometers. However, the inline twin loses its liveliness in the lower and middle speed range beyond 7000 rpm: at the top end, there is more of a calm than a storm.
The bike is not suitable for sporty routes
The strengths of the Voge chassis clearly lie in comfort; for very sporty riding, the rather limited lean angle and the somewhat loose tuning of the USD fork place significant limitations. However, if the rider maintains a gliding style, the perfectly positioned handlebars are a real pleasure: The pseudo-café racer then rolls stably and effortlessly around tight and wide corners. Braking while leaning, however, leads to a clearly noticeable tipping moment. The ABS isn’t entirely convincing: its control is a bit rough. The Nissin brake system itself offers excellent control and deceleration, even if the feel at the hand lever is somewhat indifferent. The clutch and gearshift also receive good marks. A real standout in this vehicle class is the colorful TFT display : It offers comprehensive information, including tire pressure monitoring, and can also be paired with a smartphone. Using a headset, you can then make phone calls or listen to music, for example. Other impressive features include a reach-adjustable brake lever, hazard warning lights, LED lighting all around, a twilight sensor, and two display modes on the TFT display.
Pleasant ride at 130 km/h
The ergonomics of the Voge 500AC appear to be successful. The rider has enough space, allowing for a moderate knee angle. The seat height of 81 centimeters is also acceptable. The relatively high weight is striking : at 198 kilograms ready to ride, it is a full eight kilograms heavier than the Honda cited above, for example. Our test bike didn’t reach the manufacturer’s stated top speed of 160 km/h, at least not while seated; the speedometer stopped at 158. That’s no reason to fret: The wind pressure has long since reached a level that’s far beyond fun. A comfortable cruising speed is 120 to 130 km/h. The pillion passenger also sits comfortably, although the seat could be a bit longer.
Technical data: Voge 500AC
For accuracy and reliability, all technical info is sourced instantly from the official websites of Voge.
| Manufacturer Component’s | Specification’s |
|---|---|
| Engine/Transmission | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line, two-cylinder engine, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 471 cc displacement, 34.5 kW/47 hp at 8500 rpm, 45 Nm at 7000 rpm; injection, 6 gears, chain drive |
| Performance and consumption | Top speed 160 km/h, standard fuel consumption according to EU5 4.1 l/100 km, test fuel consumption mainly on country roads 4-4.5 l/100 km |
| chassis | Steel bridge frame; front: USD telescopic fork ø 41 mm, 128 mm travel; rear: steel double-sided swing arm, central spring strut, preload adjustable, 120 mm travel; cast alloy wheels; tires front 120/70 ZR 17, rear 160/60 ZR 17. 298 mm double disc brakes front, 240 mm single disc brakes rear |
| Assistance systems | Dual-circuit ABS, tire pressure monitoring |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1445 mm, seat height 810 mm, weight ready to drive 198 kg, payload 180 kg; fuel tank capacity 19 liters |
| Price | 5499 euros |
Conclusion: Plus points for the equipment
All in all: While the Voge 500AC isn’t exactly cheaper than other vehicles in the bare 48 hp class (A2 driver’s license), it scores points with its above-average equipment. It’s not the sportiest, but it’s certainly comfortable.