28/03/2025

MOTORING

MOTORING FRIDAY | MAR 28, 2025

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Powering the dual-purpose bike is an 895cc, twin-cylinder, four-stroke and eight valves engine. It delivers an impressive 94hp at 8250rpm and 95Nm of torque from just 6000rpm. As mentioned earlier, the Voge DS900X is loosely based on the BMW F900 series, and in fact shares major engine components as well. In the BMW, the same 895cc engine produces 105hp at 8500rpm and 93Nm of torque from 6750rpm. There is no way that Loncin would have outshone BMW, so the slight detune is understandable. But what the Voge loses out on power, it makes up for with a bigger thank, measuring in at 17-litres over the 14.5-litres of the BMW F900 GS. We will stop the BMW references here since the Voge DS900X should be treated on its own, thought the transfer of knowledge from years of building BMWs definitely helps. The suspension of the DS900X is supplied by Kayaba (KYB) and is made up of upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock for the rear, but of which are adjustable for pre-load and damping. As for handling, the front wheel measures in at 21-inches while the rear at 17-inches, a clear nod to the dual purpose market this Voge wants to operate in. Stopping power on the other hand will probably grip you the hardest because the front two discs measure in at 305mm with Brembo callipers together with Cornering ABS. The rear disc measures in 265mm gripped by a Brembo calliper as well. An electronic safety net in the form of a traction control system is also present, as is a tyre pressure monitoring system to ensure grip is always at its optimum. As for electronic safety nets, the DS900X also offers four riding modes – rain, road, sport and enduro, each of which adjusts the electronic parameters such as power delivery and traction control to ensure maximum fun and safety in all situations. Fun is further factored in with the quick shifter system, which is offered as standard and the fact that you get it as standard while some premium brands charge you upwards of RM3,000 for it is truly remarkable for a bike of this price point. Other notable features include a keyless start system, seven-inch full colour TFT display, front dashcam that is neatly tucked away into the body work, LED lights all around, dual USB charging ports, heated grips and seat, and an adjustable windscreen (manual). So, how does it ride? Let’s make one thing clear before we dive into this topic. After the factory

tour to show how Loncin builds BMW as well as Voge products, we were taken for lunch and then to the test track. The oval track is roughly about a kilometre long, with some obstacles thrown in for good measure. Riding around in circles isn’t exactly the best way to tell how the bike feels like, but we have been promised more seat time later. But as a first impression, power delivery is ballistic in nature though most of the power is produced on the opposite side of the power band. Braking power can only be described as face morphing while the suspension remains stable under heavy braking, yet does a spectacular job at soaking up bumps, which is not exactly surprising considering that it is supplied by KYB. Low speed balance is quite good as well, which is important for a dual purpose bike that weighs in at 238kg. The quick shifter works like a charm, while the seat is placed 835mm off the ground, which is great for medium to tall builds. According to the spec sheet, the DS900X also comes with a blind spot monitoring system, though we were unable to put this system to the test. But the fact that it exists put the other premium motorcycle makers to shame because to date, the only two motorcycles to offer it are the Ducati Multistrada V4S and the BMW R1300GS. Both of which are priced well past RM120,000. Even the overall quality seems good, but only time will tell how the Voge DS900X stands the ultimate test of adventure riding in the hands of pros. Should you put your money down? As a brand, Voge still has a lot to do to build its reputation against other brands like CFMoto, and even the Japanese competitors. But there is no doubt that the DS900X has plenty to offer. For those on a budget, the DS900X makes a lot of sense. And even for those with money, why spend more when you can buy a Voge DS900X for just under RM50,000 and spend the rest of it on an epic adventure. Isn’t that the true essence of buying a dual-purpose machine? Specifications Engine: 895cc, Twin-cylinder, DOHC, Power: 94hp @ 8250rpm Torque: 95Nm @ 6250rpm Transmission: Six-speed with quickshifter Suspension: Kayaba front and back, adjustable for pre-load and damping Price (As tested): RM49,998 We like: Offers everything that most premium brands offer. We don’t like: Difficult to fault.

You also get multiple USB ports.

Windscreen works well to keep wind away from the rider.

Brembo brakes for front and rear wheels are incredibly rare for bikes with this price point.

Stock exhaust sounds great.

The DS900X engine is based on the engine of the BMW F900 series.

Suspension is adjustable for pre-load and damping.

The quick shifter system works like a charm.