Voge DS800X Rally Review: The Dirt-Flinging Daredevil Your Wallet Approves Of
Welcome to the world of dual-sport motorcycles, where adventure knows no bounds—and neither do repair bills. That is, unless you’re riding the Voge DS800X Rally, a motorcycle that practically elbow-drops the competition with affordability, tech, and rugged good looks.
If you’ve been pining for an adventure bike that won’t force you to remortgage your house or survive on instant noodles for the next six months, sit down, grab a coffee, and let’s talk about the underdog champion that’s taken the ADV world by surprise.
Who (or What) Is Voge Again?
Let’s clear the air. If you’re wondering, “Isn’t Voge that brand that sounds like a high-fashion magazine but makes motorcycles?” — yes, and you’re not alone. Voge is the premium sub-brand of Chinese motorcycle titan Loncin, who, fun fact, also makes engines for BMW. Yes, that BMW. The one with the GS that costs as much as a small family car.
So if you think the DS800X Rally looks like a love child between a GS and a Ténéré, you’re not wrong. But what’s different? The price. The accessibility. And the fact that it’s not trying to upsell you heated seats or Bluetooth-enabled tire valves.
The DS800X Rally at a Glance: Specs for Trail Glory
Before we get into the thrills, here’s the quick rundown for the nerds (we see you, and we love you):
- Engine: 799cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
- Power: ~95 hp @ 9,000 rpm
- Torque: ~80 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Top Speed: 200+ km/h (125+ mph)
- Suspension: KYB long-travel adjustable USD fork and rear monoshock
- Wheels: 21” front / 18” rear (spoked, tubeless)
- Brakes: Dual front discs with Brembo calipers + rear disc
- Seat Height: 875mm (bring a stepladder if you’re vertically challenged)
- Dry Weight: ~210 kg
- Fuel Capacity: 22 liters
In short, the DS800X Rally is built for real off-road performance. This isn’t a city poser in adventure cosplay—it’s designed to go places that require grit, guts, and occasionally GPS apologies.
Design: Rally Looks Without the Rally Budget
Let’s address the elephant in the showroom: this thing looks epic. With aggressive rally styling, a tall windscreen, skid plate, and spoked wheels straight from Dakar dreams, the DS800X Rally looks ready to tackle both Siberia and your morning commute.
Voge didn’t just slap some ADV decals on a commuter bike and call it a day. The beefy crash protection, high ground clearance, adjustable windscreen, and angular body panels scream “I’ve got unfinished business with the wilderness.”
And those LED lights? Sharp enough to signal Batman in a fog storm.
Performance: Built for Bravado
Let’s talk about that 799cc engine. It’s not just a random lump Voge pulled out of the parts bin. This is a reverse-engineered version of KTM’s LC8c twin, and it shows. It’s torquey, responsive, and more eager than a Labrador on espresso.
Whether you’re hitting 130 km/h on the highway or bouncing along a goat trail with a GoPro strapped to your helmet, the DS800X Rally holds its own. The 6-speed transmission shifts cleanly, the clutch is forgiving, and it doesn’t feel like a soggy sponge on rough terrain.
The ride-by-wire throttle means smoother fueling, and the multiple ride modes (Road, Off-Road, Rain) adapt to whatever chaos you’re steering into. Add to that switchable ABS and traction control, and you’ve got a setup that’s forgiving for beginners but satisfying for seasoned adventurers.
Suspension & Off-Road Capabilities: Jump First, Ask Later
Voge didn’t cheap out on suspension. You get KYB long-travel USD forks in the front and a monoshock rear setup with preload and rebound adjustability. Translation: whether you’re tackling baby-head rocks or launching off curbs like a hooligan, the bike can take it.
The spoked tubeless wheels (21” front, 18” rear) are ADV staples, and with Metzeler Tourance tires, you’ve got plenty of bite for gravel, mud, and mild-to-moderate sand tantrums.
Ground clearance is a generous 245mm, so go ahead—ride over logs, potholes, or your neighbor’s garden gnome. The DS800X Rally eats it all up with a smirk.
Tech Features: Affordable Doesn’t Mean Amish
Here’s where Voge surprises the skeptics. Despite being the “budget” choice, the DS800X Rally is not tech-starved. In fact, it’s got more gadgets than your uncle’s camping van.
📱 Features You Actually Want:
- 7” Full-Color TFT Display (with day/night mode and Bluetooth)
- Ride Modes: Road, Off-Road, Rain
- Cruise Control (Adventure bike holy grail)
- USB Charging Port and 12V outlet
- Keyless Ignition (because pockets are for snacks, not keys)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The interface is intuitive, clean, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re programming a microwave just to change ride modes. Plus, with smartphone integration, you can get navigation on the dash or take hands-free calls (ideal for calling your mate to brag mid-mountain).
Ergonomics & Comfort: Tall, But Not Terrifying
Adventure bikes tend to have one flaw: they’re tall. Like giraffe-on-stilts tall. The 875mm seat height on the DS800X Rally is no exception, but thanks to a narrow waist and good peg positioning, it’s surprisingly manageable.
Once aboard, you’re rewarded with:
- A commanding view of the road (or trail, or riverbed)
- Wide handlebars for superior leverage and off-road control
- Comfortable saddle (firm, but not cruel)
- Roomy ergonomics for both seated and standing positions
Two-up touring is possible, though your pillion might request regular snack breaks if you decide to cross a continent in one go.
Fuel Economy & Range: Big Tank, Bigger Horizons
Fuel efficiency is very decent for a middleweight adventure bike. Expect around 4.5–5.0L/100km under mixed conditions. With a 22-liter fuel tank, that’s a range of 400–450km before you even start worrying about the next gas station.
That’s enough to cross a small country or three. Or at least get really lost in the woods before you need to turn around.
Price Tag: Budget ADV Has Entered the Chat
Let’s face it—ADV bikes from established brands come with a badge tax. But the DS800X Rally? It undercuts the big boys by thousands while offering 90% of the capability.
Estimated Pricing (as of 2025):
- UK: ~£8,500–£9,500
- EU: ~€9,500–€10,500
- US (expected): ~$10,000–$11,000
That’s a steal considering it has premium components (KYB, Brembo), advanced electronics, and the real-world capability of bikes twice the price.
DS800X Rally vs. The Usual Suspects
| Model | Engine | HP | Suspension | Price (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voge DS800X Rally | 799cc Twin | 95 hp | KYB Adjustable | £8.5–9.5k |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 689cc Twin | 73 hp | KYB Long Travel | £10.5k |
| KTM 890 Adventure | 889cc Twin | 105 hp | WP Suspension | £13.5k |
| BMW F850GS | 853cc Twin | 95 hp | Marzocchi/WP | £12–13k |
The Voge holds its ground. No, it doesn’t have the same dealer network or legacy—but it also won’t have you dodging your bank manager.
The Verdict: Voge DS800X Rally — Laughing in the Face of Limits
The Voge DS800X Rally is a serious bike for riders who want adventure without absurd price tags. It’s not just “good for a Chinese bike.” It’s good, period.
It’s the kind of motorcycle that makes you ask: “Why am I paying double for a bike that does the same thing with less gear?”
Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first real ADV machine or a seasoned veteran wanting a no-BS second bike to beat up on the weekends, this Rally is a riot—and an absolute bargain.
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Join the Vogevolution
Looking to meet fellow DS800X riders, swap trail tips, or show off your latest mud-coated adventure? Head over to VogeForums.com — the ultimate online hub for Voge owners and ADV obsessives.
Because life’s too short for boring bikes and overpriced spark plugs.
