The Voge DSX650 is an affordable Chinese-made touring enduro with a well-known engine from Bavaria. Test drive, photos, specs, price.
- High-quality workmanship
- Easy to handle
- Inexpensive, but not a bargain
The Voge 650DSX is an excellently functioning, inexpensive, and straightforward motorcycle . It belongs to the tiny segment of single-cylinder touring enduros . Its 652 cc engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts was developed over 20 years ago by BMW and Rotax. Starting in 2008, Loncin manufactured BMW single-cylinder engines in China and now holds the license to further develop this engine and produce it for its own products. This single-cylinder engine powers the Voge 650DSX, which now meets the Euro 5 environmental standard . It delivers 35 kW/48 hp at 6,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 60 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
Test drive: Easy handling
The bike features a tubular steel frame, an 86-centimeter-high seat, and a 19-inch front wheel, which, like the 17-inch rear wheel, is fitted with wire spokes. The top speed is 160 km/h (99 mph). Overall, the Voge 650DSX has the feel of a true touring enduro, although its 18 centimeters of suspension travel seem rather limited for this type. A negative aspect is the very high, but at least well-balanced, curb weight of 219 kilograms (472 lbs) . Overall, the Voge feels very accessible and easy to handle. It’s attractive to look at, but not a wow bike. Rather, it’s unspectacular, reliable, and, within its capabilities, fulfills every rider’s wishes. Even at top speed, the Voge 650DSX – without the very wide aluminum panniers included with the test vehicle – sits firmly on the road . It corners neutrally and safely, brakes very well, and has equally good suspension and damping when loaded with one or two passengers.
High-quality equipment
The equipment is impressive: The cockpit features an easily accessible USB socket and an easy-to-read color TFT display with tire pressure monitoring and smartphone connectivity. The ABS can be deactivated at the touch of a button, which can be advantageous off-road. Everything is arranged simply and logically . The ergonomics are also excellent: The seat is comfortable, the three-stage mechanically adjustable windshield does its job properly, all levers are adjustable, and the operating forces, including the standard center stand, are reasonably low. Key components are sourced from Bosch, Kayaba, Nissin, and Pirelli – that speaks for quality.
Range up to 400 kilometers
Regarding the drivetrain, it should be noted that the engine doesn’t particularly like to reach higher revs, but thanks to its good torque curve, shifting around 5,000 rpm isn’t a disadvantage. The fact that there are only five gears wasn’t a problem. The relatively low-revving propulsion is rewarded with low fuel consumption, even when driving very briskly: On country roads, the fuel consumption was between 4.1 and 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and on light off-road terrain, it was as low as 3.4 liters. Thanks to the 19-liter fuel tank, 400 kilometers are possible without refueling.
Oversized aluminum case system
The Voge 650DSX can be optionally ordered with a complete, three-piece aluminum pannier system from Shad, including the necessary steel mounting hardware. The panniers are very spacious, with a capacity of 47 liters (left) and 36 liters (right), plus a top case (48 liters). The system, which weighs approximately 18 kilograms, makes a good impression in terms of quality. However, the extreme width is annoying: When mounted, the Voge 650DSX measures an incredible 115 centimeters at the rear !
Technical data Voge DSX650
| Manufacturer Component’s | Specification’s |
|---|---|
| Engine/Transmission | Liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, 4 valves, DOHC, 652 cc displacement, 35 kW/47.6 hp at 6750 rpm, 60 Nm at 5500 rpm; injection, 5 gears, chain drive |
| Driving performance | Top speed 160 km/h, 0–100 km/h approx. 5 s |
| chassis | Steel tubular frame; front: USD telescopic fork, 41 mm diameter, 180 mm travel; rear: light-alloy double-sided swing arm, central spring strut (preload not easily adjustable), 180 mm travel; wire-spoke wheels; tubeless tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rallye STR 110/80 R 19 (front) and 150/70 R 17 (rear). 298 mm double disc brakes at the front, 240 mm single disc brake at the rear. |
| Assistance systems | ABS, tire pressure monitoring |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1485 mm, seat height 860 mm, ready-to-ride weight 219 kg, gross vehicle weight 410 kg, payload 191 kg; fuel tank capacity 18 liters. Weight of pannier system (without rack) 18 kg |
| Price | 7300 euros |
Conclusion & Price
Anyone looking for a single-cylinder machine with generous displacement and plenty of torque that’s also suitable for light off-road riding will find the Voge a great choice. While just under €7,400 including delivery charges isn’t exactly a bargain , it’s still affordable. A two-cylinder Honda CB 500 X, for example, costs €100 more without additional costs, even though it’s often considerably less sophisticated.