Motorcycle specifications Voge650 DS 2024 Modern face, old-fashioned trail

At a time when the medium-displacement trail bike market is teeming with multi-cylinder engines, the single-cylinder is almost becoming an endangered species. From the Yamaha 500 XT to Suzuki's Big DR, the single-cylinder engine has been the source of everything, and today it seems almost too poor. While Ducati has resurrected it in a very sporty way in its supermotard, the Chinese company Voge sees an opportunity to offer a simple and relatively affordable trail bike: the 650 DS.

Style: a trail bike in tune with the times

It's hard to keep reinventing the wheel. Today's trail bike styling cues are fairly clear: a front mudguard, stylized headlights (halogen and LED for this one), a bubble to protect the rider and a taut line marked by pronounced styling gimmicks. This DS ticks all the boxes, making for a motorcycle that's easy on the eye.

The standard package carrier and side guards add to the sense of adventure, while the large, high-mounted exhaust is a sign of the machine's sportiness.

The protection offered by this design fulfills some of its promises, but not all. Indeed, while the upper body can be relieved by the two-level (manually) height-adjustable bubble, hands will deplore the absence of handguards on the handlebars. Surprisingly, Voge is always generous when it comes to equipping its bikes.

The modern look continues behind the handlebars, where you'll find a color TFT display that brings together all the useful information you need, plus tire pressure, average fuel consumption and a gear indicator. For a bit of connectivity, this display is equipped with a Bluetooth connection. There's also a USB socket for charging a phone or GPS.

Engine: Loncin's single-cylinder, the late BMW 650 GS

Voge is owned by the giant Loncin, so the brand draws on the engine-maker's organ bank. We find a single-cylinder engine with a very Germanic accent, as it was in theformer F650GS produced until 2007 (then called G 650 GS until 2009). Although the German single-cylinder trail bike began its career with a Rotax engine, in recent years Loncin took over production of the engine (although it was still branded Rotax). Nothing is lost, therefore, and it is relatively modernized that it makes its reappearance in the Voge 650 DS.

It measures 651 cm3 (100 x 83 mm) and delivers 35 kW (47.5 hp) at 8,500 rpm. With the Euro5 standard now in force, the engine loses a few horsepower (3) compared with the days when it powered the German trail bike. Its dry sump architecture should also help reduce C02 emissions, to limit oil losses in exhaust fumes. Injection is controlled by a Bosch gearbox. With this power, the 650 DS is also compatible with A2 driving licenses.

It's an engine that'll need a bit of work, however, as maximum torque of 60 Nm is delivered at 5,500 rpm. Be careful at low revs, as the single may hiccup. Transmission is via a 5-speed gearbox, with chain final drive.

Nissin, Kayaba: choice equipment

The single-cylinder is housed in a steel trellis frame. Suspension is supplied by Kayaba. The fork is 41 mm in diameter, with 179 mm of travel. At the rear, we find a monoshock mounted on pushrods. The ground clearance of 230 mm will allow a few passes on unpaved tracks. The seat rises 850 mm from the ground.

To slow down the rider's momentum, Voge has dipped into the Nissin catalog with 2-piston calipers that bite into a 298 mm-diameter double disc at the front. Braking is secured by a disconnectable ABS. At the rear, a 240 mm disc is bitten by a single-piston caliper. This is serious equipment for stopping the bike's dry weight of just 170 kg. The 16-liter fuel tank will make the bike a little heavier on the scales once refueled.

The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels are fitted with Metzeler (Pirelli group) tyres, 150 mm wide at the rear and 110 mm wide at the front.

All in all, this little Voge 650 DS has a lot going for it: a full range of equipment for those who want to discover trail riding, with a motorization that has long been the hallmark of trail-capable bikes. The big single (and the big piston that goes with it) is still full of character, a little utilitarian but very endearing. An originality that the Voge 650 DS will have to rely on if it is to stand up to some of the category's benchmarks, starting with the Honda 500 NX, only slightly more expensive.

The 650 DS is available in three colors: blue, black or red. The bike comes with a 3-year warranty.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos