The brand characterizes it as an “authentic adventure trail” and after this test, I won’t be able to disagree much. The Voge 300 Rally is light, easy to handle, and capable of tackling various types of terrain with relative ease, and adventure is just around the corner.
The Loncin group, which has been manufacturing engines for motorcycles since 1993, supplying various brands, including some European and Asian giants and producing around 3 million engines annually, owns the Voge brand and positions it as its “Premium” brand, releasing motorcycles in the Naked, Sport, Adventure, Classic segments and more recently in ecological mobility through a fully electric model.
Today, we have the Rally version of the Voge 300 under review, and with the water splash we encountered, there is already a guarantee of this bike’s waterproofing.
CONCEPT
The recipe is simple: build a motorcycle capable of doing everything well, with little weight and suspensions capable of tackling almost anything. Add to this an attractive aesthetic and sufficient comfort to ride for several days.
With 158kg (in running order) and a maneuverability above the norm, the Voge 300 Rally starts this recipe well.
The multitubular frame is quite effective and the motorcycle feels solid with good finishes and weight distribution, leaving only the feeling of having a slightly heavier front. The 915 mm seat height from the ground may seem intimidating on paper, but in practice and thanks to the low weight of the assembly, it is very easy to maneuver in any situation. Comfort is summarized by a good riding position with the footrests placed slightly in front of the lowest point of the seat (which is comfortable and well-padded), ensuring that the legs are not too bent, and hand guards that help protect against the elements. The small screen placed in front provides some aerodynamic protection and adds to the adventurous look of the motorcycle. To keep the weight low (and the cost as well), there are no superfluous equipment or major “modern gadgets.” MOTOR The Vogue 300 Rally features a single-cylinder power unit, 292 cubic centimeters and about 28 horsepower, which complies with Euro V regulations and is sufficient to move energetically in almost all scenarios. There are some more noticeable vibrations around 4,500 rpm and again at 7,000 rpm, which only slightly bother if we maintain these regimes continuously.The 6-speed gearbox is generally quite short, especially 1st and 6th gears, which run out very early. In sixth gear we circulate at 100km/h with 7,300 rpm and at 120 km/h above 8,000 rpm (that is, too close to the red line…).
The final transmission made by chain also has a quite large sprocket, but applying a slightly smaller one may achieve a better balance between engine revs and actual speed, at the expense of losing some torque at the wheel.
The sound of the exhaust is balanced and reminiscent of the (now vintage) XT 350 from the nostalgic ’90s. Very good!
SUSPENSIONS and BRAKES
The 240 mm of travel, in both front and rear suspensions, is a very respectable value, even for a dualsport. In the front, the 41 mm inverted fork has no adjustment, and in the rear, the mono-shock is only adjustable in pre-load. Considering the variety of environments in which this bike can easily ride, it would have been very positive to apply adjustable suspensions to better adjust the setup to the type of terrain. From urban circuit to slightly more technical off-road, everything can be done with this Rally, but a single suspension setup can never be ideal for all scenarios. However, it is also understood that cost containment in a bike like this was a very important factor. In the specific case, the off-road behavior is quite good, with the set absorbing irregularities in the terrain well and allowing for a very fast pace, but on the road, there is an excessive sinking in braking and some oscillations in longer curves.
Braking is guaranteed by a front disc of 265 mm with ABS, a setup that provides plenty of braking power with a somewhat hard feel. At the rear, there is a slightly smaller disc, 220 mm, with a 1-piston caliper and also with ABS that can be disconnected through a button located on the left side of the handlebar. However, the operation is not very progressive, and between a gentle brake and locking the rear wheel, it’s a matter of millimeters of pedal travel. Here, the Timsun tires may also have some responsibility… Overall, the behavior of the tires was acceptable, even when riding in heavy rain, but the loss of traction is quickly felt and the ABS kicks in on the 18-inch rear wheel whenever a little more pressure is applied to the pedal. The same applies to dry pavement.
EQUIPMENT
When the focus is on keeping weight low, all non-essential accessories tend to disappear. Therefore, the Voge is equipped with traditional halogen lighting and small LED daytime running lights that help modernize the look. The instrument panel consists of a small inverted LCD with blue backlighting, where we can check the speed, tachometer, and gear indication. There is a lack of a fuel gauge (only a reserve light is available) and some more functions such as a second trip meter, consumption information, or even a small clock, which is always handy. Next to it, there is a USB port capable of powering our gadgets.
As part of the standard equipment, the Voge 300 Rally comes with enduro-style footpegs, engine side protections, and a crankcase cover/protection, in addition to the rear rack that we can see in the photos which will allow the attachment of a bag or even a top-case.
CONCLUSION
The Voge 300 Rally is basic, simple, and practical. Clearly designed for off-road use (where I enjoyed riding it the most) but capable of navigating everywhere with ease. For around €4,700 plus legal expenses, we can purchase it and head out on an adventure.
It is available in two color schemes, one blue and white and the other gray and yellow, both very interesting.
With not many options in the current market in the low-displacement dualsport segment, this will certainly be a motorcycle to consider. Another certainty I have is that, with a slightly larger engine and a set of quality adjustable suspensions… it would most likely be a sales success! Just an idea.
THE BEST WEIGHT, AESTHETICS, PRICE
TO IMPROVE REAR BRAKE, VERY SHORT GEARBOX
VOGE 300 RALLY
SINGLE-CYLINDER DOHC ENGINE, LIQUID COOLING
DISPLACEMENT 292CC
POWER 28.5HP AT 9000 RPM
TORQUE 25 NM AT 6500 RPM
6-SPEED GEARBOX
MULTI-TUBULAR FRAME
FUEL TANK 11 LITERS
FRONT SUSPENSION 41 MM INVERTED FORK, 240 MM OF EFFECTIVE TRAVEL (205 MM OF HOMOLOGATED TRAVEL)
REAR SUSPENSION MONOSHOCK WITH PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE, TOTAL TRAVEL OF 240 MM
FRONT BRAKE 265 MM DISC, 2-PISTON CALIPER, ABS
REAR BRAKE 220MM DISC, 1-PISTON CALIPER, ABS
FRONT TIRE 3.00-21
REAR TIRE 5.10-18
WHEELBASE 1,430MM
SEAT HEIGHT 915MM
WEIGHT 158KG (READY TO RIDE)
MSRP 4795€
