DISPLACEMENT – 798CC
GEARBOX – 6 SPEED
MINIMUM LICENCE – A
PRICE – £6999 + OTR
first impressions
The DS800X Rally was the last of the Voge range to be delivered to our store. So, I was very eager to try this one out as I had already tried the rest of the Voge range and was I very impressed to say the least. On paper, the DS800X looks very desirable, with its punchy twin cylinder engine rocking a 270° firing order, pushing 94 Bhp and 81Nm of torque. Which is plenty enough power for me and my style of riding. Fully adjustable KYB USD forks and a KYB Mono-shock, Nissin Radial callipers, a large TFT screen, LED fog lights, heated grips, heated seat, it even comes with a fully adjustable steering damper as standard. Theres so much to be had for such a little price. The dimensions, seating position and wide tapered handlebars compliment the very style Voge were aiming for. Some may benefit from a lowering kit, as like most ADVs, they are a little taller than the average motorcycle. although me being 6ft2, the bike fits me perfectly, even with a little wiggle room left.
first ride
Now the bike has been fully built and PDI’d, it is ready for its first test ride. Of course, I was first inline to give it a spin and to see if it lives up to the expectations I had preset in my head. As soon as I perched myself onto the saddle, the comfort was almost overwhelming, the position of the bars and the pegs were perfect, the saddle wasn’t too hard nor too soft, it all felt just right. and you’re not bombarded with so many riding modes/assists. Your given 2 riding modes – sport, and road. And just 2 levels of traction control. on or off. That’s all you need. Especially with a bike of this calibre.
I was not very optimistic about the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres as I have never used a semi road/off road tyre before now. But I’ve got to say, I was pleasantly surprised by them and how much grip they offer, both in the dry and the wet. They really help compliment the bikes suspension and handling, which as soon as I hit the first corner, I could tell this was going to be a smooth ride. It dipped in and out of corners like a BMX, it traversed speed bumps and potholes like they weren’t there, and even on heavy braking the front suspension was so linear and progressive, you could barely notice it dip. It really doesn’t take long for this bike to fill you with confidence, and then the real test riding can begin.
Being an 800cc Twin, you would expect a decent power delivery and a nice amount of torque. The DS800X delivers this, and more. With more than enough power to traverse any green lane, woodland, or wherever you may decide to take your Voge. Or even for sitting at higher speeds on motorways or some fun twisties with your buddies. This bike can do it all.
Personally, I have always had aftermarket exhausts fitted to my bikes. However, I cannot deny that even with the standard system, it sounds awesome.
I may have taken a “wrong turn” on my test ride which resulted in the ride taking longer than anticipated. Such a shame. However, the real shame was having to hand the keys back once I got back to the showroom. I was almost convinced the saddle was comfier than my office chair (especially with the heat setting on level 2), and I just wanted to carry on exploring this wonderful machine.
100+ miles deep
I have been using the DS800X to commute to and from work for about a week now, which consists of 2, 50 mile trips a day, with a mixture of poorly lit country roads, busy motorways/dual carriage ways and built-up town areas. More than enough variety to really stretch the bikes legs (wheels) and pinpoint any of the bike’s weaknesses (I am still yet to find any of those).
Now that winter has commenced and the wetter weather is now among us, visibility is a lot harder to come by. However, thanks to the bikes bright LED headlight and fog lights, this doesn’t really become an issue. If you are fortunate enough to be the only one on the road. Having the high beam and fog lights together, is like riding in the middle of the day. It is unbelievably bright and clear. Of course, with that being said, even though the beam pattern was set on PDI, I was almost nervous I would dazzle other drivers, even on the dipped beam, as I was not used to being able to see this much of the road at night, However, nobody flashed me or yelled at me, so I must be in the clear.
The Heated seat and Grips make the journey so much more enjoyable and also, I am not constantly distracted by the pain in the end of my fingers from them almost freezing off. Although level 3 can almost get too hot, it may be a bit more reasonable in the coldest parts of winter. I appreciate heated grips can be fitted to almost all models. But the grips, seat and handguards as a combination is a completely different story. And all these benefits can’t be considered as accessories, as they come fitted as standard on these bikes. It’s just more Incredible value for money. Really, the only official parts you can buy as accessories, are the top box, side cases and luggage rack. Which I can appreciate is not what everybody wants.
It is also hard to deny just how good this bike looks too. A lot of manufacturers are moving with this whole modern/futuristic style, which I think is hard to swallow for the select few of us who are stuck in our ways and hate the idea of change. However, I think the DS800X is just the right amount of modernism. It looks like a brand-new concept but doesn’t look like its just come straight from a Tron movie. Of course this will always be down to your own opinion, but for me, it was hard not to stare at my reflection in the Highstreet windows. I can’t wait to see what others do to theirs and the mods the community can come up with.
All in all, it is very difficult to deny that this bike can in fact, do it all! Looking to commute and traverse the weather on something you can rely on and feel safe with? DS800x. if you want something for a spot of green laning or even full off-road capabilities? DS800x. want something that handles like a dream and can be pushed to its limits? DS800x. lots of small trips to places like the shops? One of Voge’s scooters will suffice… but you will have 100 times for fun on a DS800x. I challenge anybody to try and find something disappointing with this bike or to even prove me wrong on any of the above. The only way you are going to find out is to pop in for a test ride.
Magnificence awaits you.