Motorcycle specifications VogeDS 800 X Rally 2025 An imprint on other boots

Well aware that the trail bike is the current Eldorado of the motorcycle market, Chinese manufacturers are favoring this category as they move upmarket. Voge had already made a strong impression with its 900 DSX crossover; now the wind from the Antipodes is blowing through its new DS 800 X Rally.

Voge has not missed a beat with this machine. The inspiration is clearly rally-raid, with an upright, confident stance. Volumes and angles are in the canon of a 700 Ténéré or an Africa Twin, but without in any way toppling over or even approaching copying. The DS 800 X Rally has its own values, its own look, its own pretension of form and its own undisguised desire to crunch trails and market share.

95 horses in the twin

To achieve its objectives, the Voge is powered by a 798 cm3 parallel twin. Derived from the aforementioned 900 , the twin is 97 cm3 and 13 Nm smaller. But just as much power, with 95 horsepower in the connecting rods. Power and torque require extra revs to reach their maximums, at 9,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm respectively for the 81 Nm. Enough to get you out of many a situation and keep you going. Its 270° timing should add a little extra character.

The chassis of this umpteenth adventurer is as promising as it is typical of the segment. A tubular steel structure is complemented by an aluminum swingarm, 43 mm inverted fork, 21" and 18" spoked wheels, Nissin 4-piston radial calipers, 310 mm discs and 220 mm ground clearance.

Over-equipped

Powerful enough, the DS 800 X Rally is also welcoming. Its handlebars can be positioned in 4 positions thanks to adjustable risers; you won't have to worry about the cold with its heated seat and grips; you can immediately install a travel bag on its carrier; and lots of things can be adjusted on board for comfort or efficiency: Kayaba suspensions, windscreen, and steering damper.

Where this DS really shines (as do most Voge and Chinese-produced models) is in its equipment. Just about everything that's available from the competition - in optional extras - is standard on this bike. A list? No, a small catalog:

• 2 riding modes
• Deactivatable traction control
• USB-A and USB-C ports
• Front camera
• Aluminum hoof
• Crash bars
• Hand guards
• Deactivatable ABS
• Center stand
• Fog lamps
• Selector and brake pedal with folding tip
• Vertical 7-inch TFT color display
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Smartphone connectivity and on-screen mirroring

Nothing more to add except suitcases or a top-case. As far as electronics are concerned, we've seen that the Voge offers the essentials and doesn't switch to more advanced assistance systems. There's no cornering ABS, no shifter, no hill-start system and even less glide control. Do we really need them?

In search of excellence

Voge is keen to emphasize the strength of its machine, backed up by a battery of tests (400,000 km of road tests, 12,000 km of cross-country riding across the Gobi desert, thousands of durability cycles on different parts of the bike). There's no doubting the validity or stringency of these tests. But only time and the use of the unexpected can really forge its reputation.
Personally, I'm reminded of the great efforts of car manufacturers showing prototypes tested in Scandinavia at -40°, haranguing ruthless procedures to validate vehicles at the top.... and which are recalled after two weeks because of oxidizing bolts.

You can make up your own mind right away as you set off through the mountains and tribulations right out of the dealership: the DS 800 X Rally is fitted as standard with the excellent Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires. What's more, its 24-liter fuel tank means you'll have plenty of fuel before you get thirsty.
Once refueled, this trail-adventure-mid-size should weigh just over 220 kilos. That's close to the top end of the segment.

Until recently, the real medium-displacement trail bike was conceived as a 700 Ténéré, 790 / 890 Adventure or BMW GS. Since then, most manufacturers have expanded their range, and now China continues its ambush with the Kove 800 X Pro, CFMoto 800 MT-X, Zontes 703 F - as well as this Voge DS 800 X Rally with its plethora of equipment and democratic pricing. With all its equipment, power and tactical positioning, it would be worth around 12,000 or 13,000 euros from a historic brand. Voge offers it for less than 9,000 euros.

At this level, it's no longer a threat - it's a bite. The next question in the industry will be whether it will hurt or bleed...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos