In the ever-evolving world of adventure bikes, the VOGE DS800X Rally has stirred quite the buzz. Positioned as a mid-weight ADV machine with serious off-road intentions, it comes loaded with specs that punch above its price point. Below is a deep dive into what makes the DS800X Rally both intriguing—and potentially game-changing.
A New Contender in the ADV Arena
VOGE, a brand under the Chinese manufacturer Loncin, has been steadily expanding its presence in the adventure/motorcycling market. The DS800X Rally is their bold entry into the so-called “rally” or “raid-inspired” segment—more aggressive, more off-road capable, and more feature-rich than a standard adventure bike.
What’s remarkable is how VOGE is packaging high-end features at a competitive price. In the UK, the DS800X Rally’s launch price is set at £6,999 + £200 OTR.
Let’s peel back the layers and examine the core specs and features that justify the buzz.
Heart & Powertrain
Engine type: 798 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valves, parallel-twin
Power output: 93.8 hp (≈ 70 kW) @ 9,000 rpm
Torque: 81 N·m @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed with hydraulic slipper clutch
Firing order/character: The motor uses a 270° firing interval
This engine places the DS800X Rally directly in the competitive mid-weight ADV category—enough grunt for highway cruising, but with enough flexibility for off-road torque.
Chassis, Suspension & Geometry
Frame & Swingarm: Double-cradle steel frame with cast-aluminum swingarm
Front suspension: KYB 43 mm inverted forks, fully adjustable, 200 mm travel
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock with preload and damping adjustments, 190 mm travel
Ground clearance: 220 mm
Wheelbase & dimensions: 1,576 mm wheelbase; overall size 2,380 × 915 × 1,450 mm
Wet weight: 213 kg (net / ready to ride)
These numbers suggest the Rally is built to handle rough terrain while retaining on-road manners. Its suspension travel is generous for this segment, and the ground clearance is very competitive.
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
Wheels: Spoked (cross) wheels with tubeless setup — 21″ front, 18″ rear
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR — designed to straddle between road and trail use
Brakes (front): Dual 298 mm discs + four-piston radial Nissin calipers with ABS
Brake (rear): Single 240 mm disc + Nissin caliper
ABS/electronics: Dual-channel ABS and traction control (TCS), both of which can be switched off or modulated for off-road usage
Other aids: Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), riding modes, switchable ABS behavior, etc.
This setup gives the DS800X Rally a balanced approach: confident stopping for road work, with flexibility to dial out ABS aids when dirt calling.
Electronics, Comfort & Features
What sets the Rally apart are the features that are often optional on rivals:
Instrument cluster: 7-inch full color TFT display, portrait orientation
Connectivity: Bluetooth / smartphone pairing, USB-A & USB-C ports
Heated grips & heated seat: Fitted as standard
1080p dash camera: Integrated forward-facing camera with audio recording, stored via microSD (fitted under seat)
LED lighting: Full LED headlight, tail, indicators, and additional DRL / spot lights
Auxiliary hardware: Engine bars, bash plate/skid plate, handguards, foldable mirrors (vertical folding)
Switch gear & controls: Backlit controls, mode toggles, etc.
These extras push the VOGE DS800X Rally closer to premium offerings; VOGE seems to aim at giving “full spec out of the box” rather than making riders choose expensive options later.
Real-World Impressions & Caveats
From early test rides and media coverage, some patterns emerge:
What’s working well:
The suspension feel is praised: absorbing harsh terrain while maintaining composure on the road.
Ergonomics strike a good balance: comfortable for seated touring, while still practical when standing on off-road stretches.
Some reported quirks or limitations:
Throttle sensitivity: On dirt sections, small inputs can translate into abrupt power delivery. Riders suggest a need for delicate throttle control or slightly altered mapping.
ABS behavior off-road: Even when ABS is active only at the front, its programming still feels road-biased, sometimes interfering with braking in loose terrain.
As with many debut machines, long-term reliability, parts availability, and servicing remain unproven at the time of writing.
Summary
The VOGE DS800X Rally is more than just a concept or marketing buzz machine. On paper and in early rides, it delivers an impressive bundle: a robust mid-size powerplant, serious suspension geometry, and a stacked feature set rarely seen at its price. It’s not without areas of refinement, especially in throttle response and ABS tuning off-road—but for riders seeking an ADV bike with rally DNA and strong value, it stands out.
China manufacturers 