The Voge 500DS is a well-equipped adventure bike and even comes with a full-fledged luggage system. The price is astonishing. Ride report, photos, specs.
- High-quality equipment
- Suitable for A2 driving license
- Considerable reach
Loncin is the manufacturer, and Voge (pronounced “Woudsch”) is the brand. The prices for Voge bikes leave those who ride them first and then hear the price quoted in awe. So much motorcycle for such modest money? Following the technically modern Voge 300AC with its mildly retro style, the very attractively designed Voge 500DS also underscores in our test that the Chinese brand offers a surprising amount – in the case of the half-liter machine, it’s even well-equipped and costs under 6,000 euros.
TFT display and connectivity
A multicolor TFT display, easy to read and offering numerous functions, including smartphone integration and tire pressure monitoring , is the exception in the entry-level category. Typically, you have to make do with monochrome LCD displays without connectivity features. The LED indicators with a running light function are also eye-catching. An LED headlight with LED position light strip and a decorative LED taillight are also included. The seat cover, featuring a combination of two surfaces, conveys a high-quality feel—and reflects the Chinese company’s claim to be a premium brand.
Voge 500DS: Convincing chassis
The names of the suppliers of key chassis components are also impressive: The suspension components are from Kayaba, the brakes from Nissin, the dual-circuit ABS from Bosch, and Pirelli Angel ST tires. After a good 1,000 kilometers, there’s no doubt that the selected components are perfectly matched . The Voge 500DS handles and brakes absolutely satisfactorily.The suspension elements – a 41 millimeter USD fork at the front and a central spring strut with manually adjustable preload at the rear – respond sensitively and, thanks to 15 centimeters of travel at the front and 19 centimeters at the rear, ensure unrestricted comfort on the well-shaped, pleasantly wide handlebars, even on rougher bumps. The brakes react rather cautiously, making this a good fit for the target group of (still) less experienced riders. The ABS ‘s control performance is also impressive . The adjustable reach of both levers is another plus point.
Test drive with the 47 hp engine
The nearly 500 cc inline two-cylinder engine produces 34.5 kW/47 hp in Euro 5 trim , almost pushing the A2 limit of 48 hp. The twin is well-tuned and good-natured. Combined with the relatively short gear ratio of the six gears, the good flexibility means you’ll mostly be in fifth or sixth gear on country roads, and thus at moderate revs. If you’re in a real hurry, the four-valve engine will rev up to around 9,000 rpm, but above 7,000 rpm it vibrates unpleasantly over time. The Voge doesn’t offer any driving modes or traction control. Given the easily controllable power, that much control technology isn’t really necessary. The relatively large 16.5-liter fuel tank allows for considerable range: Because fuel consumption never exceeded the four-liter mark during the test drive, we easily managed 350 kilometers without refueling. If you avoid short trips and respect the speed limits on country roads, fuel consumption even stays below 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers .
An adventure bike? Conditionally…
Even though the German importer markets the Voge 500DS as an adventure bike, buyers shouldn’t look for adventure too far from the asphalt. The 17-inch Pirelli tires don’t offer any notable off-road capabilities , and there’s only a narrow plastic engine guard to protect the engine. Dirt roads, like any regular motorcycle, pose no problem. The 205-kilogram Voge handles dry, rocky terrain with ease. The overall ride comfort is so good that you’ll enjoy even longer tours with the Voge. The windshield can be adjusted to two positions by loosening a knob, keeping your upper body free from excessive pressure. The seat is comfortably padded , the seating position is good for people between 1.60 and 1.85 meters tall, and the seat height is 83.5 centimeters. However, the payload of 143 kilograms is far too low for two people. The importer is currently working on a solution to this problem.
This is what the direct competitor offers
The Voge 500DS becomes a real bargain when you order the optional Adventure Kit: The entire pannier system (stainless steel rack, two aluminum boxes, and an aluminum top case) is available for a few hundred euros extra, and the luggage compartments are impeccably crafted. You won’t find more motorcycles for this price anywhere else.
Technical data Voge 500DS
To make sure everything is correct, we use technical details straight from Voge official websites.
| 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, 44.5 Nm at 7000 rpm; injection, 6 gears, chain drive |
| Driving performance | Top speed 160 km/h |
| consumption | Standard fuel consumption according to EU5: 4.2 l/100 km. Test fuel consumption, mostly on country roads: 3.7–3.9 l/100 km. |
| chassis | Steel bridge frame; front: USD telescopic fork, 41 mm diameter, 156 mm travel; rear: steel double-sided swing arm, central spring strut, preload adjustable, 189 mm travel; cast alloy wheels; tires 120/70-17 (front) and 160/60-17 (rear). 298 mm dual disc brakes at the front, 240 mm single disc brake at the rear. |
| Assistance systems | Dual-circuit ABS, tire pressure monitoring system |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1445 mm, seat height 835 mm, weight ready to drive 205 kg, payload 143 kg; fuel tank capacity 16.5 liters |
| Price | 5099 euros |