2024 VOGE DS900X: Final thoughts upon returning the bike

[@tomperry6053]

Hi Kate, great previous review on the bike. It certainly looks great value. Keep up the reviews.

[@stephenrogers3562]

I am really tempted with this bike seems to cover most bases, you mentioned the tingling hands which I used to get but fixed with a pair of big grips. Just basically a set of foam grips over the regular grips, made a massive difference much more comfortable.

[@UsernameKate]

I can't get on with them. They defo help but I've got child size hands haha

[@ringonotts]

I think i need one. Insane value. Thanks for the video! Subbed! Ringo

[@millinutz]

Many have spoken well of this bike, but none have done it so proud as you have done, on both of your review rides. Knowing your middle name is BMW, plus the affection you have towards KTM, these positve reviews of this Voge carry a lot of weight, and certainly have me interested in finding a bike to test ride as soon as the weather gets better here. This seems to be, the perfect all-round bike, and although i'm one of the gold fork haters, they seem to work on this bike, especially with this colour scheme.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks Steve :) Appreciate the words!

[@heinerrambold8889]

fuel efficiency would be even better with 30kg less weight. Thanks for the review!

[@zegrze]

Thanks for your content on this bike Kate, it has been very informative. As an owner I pretty much agree with most of your comments and it has been a pleasure to watch your reviews.

[@nigeldean3315]

Software update to 4.4 and also now 4.7 just realised according to existing user improves fueling dramatically which you can download as spk file and install yourself 😊

[@UsernameKate]

Awesome! This had 4.4 but i haven't heard of 4.7!

[@chrisjones8832]

Another interesting review. I understand there's an update for the software that sorts the throttle a lot 👍🏍️

[@UsernameKate]

This had the 4.4 which didnt improve it for me but apparently there's a 4.7 now!

[@123miffed]

@@UsernameKateyes there is

[@chrisjones8832]

That's showing the company is listening to complaints from users, refreshing nowadays 😊

[@zegrze]

MotechRevolution? shows how to do a simple throttle reset (no tools needed and super quick) which sorts out this problem on his YT channel.

[@richhatch2950]

Brilliant bike love everything about it. The only gripe I have is the lack of physical owners manuals and the fact that everything has to be done through an APP which I can never get to work. Keep up the excellent work Kate.

[@motechRevolution]

Current ECU MCU Map 4.7 makes this bike a beast. I've just uploaded the install files and install video Kate.

[@UsernameKate]

Awesome :) This video was filmed from when I had it a while back. I didn't even realise there was a 4.7 now! Guys and girls - check out @motechRevolution 's channel for this update! :)

[@motechRevolution]

Keep up the great work from my old stopping ground. ✌️

[@airotechuk7261]

Nice video Kate, you do a great job on reviewing motorcycles, a lot of the newer bikes seem to bother with fuelling issues probably due to emission laws which don't make sense as bikes are never tested for emissions in the UK, but ecu flashes normally cure this, and there is a 4.7 update for this bike that is available there is a couple of videos I have seen on this,

[@bobf711]

I had a similar fuelling issue on a 950 Multistrada, also 'ride by wire' - turned out with them to be due to a bit slack in the throttle meaning there was a bit of initial travel before the throttle responded, leading to a bit of lurching when it 'bit'. Was able to fix it by adding a throttle stop which took out the 'slack'.

[@nickbetts2244]

Great review. Can't believe how many great reviews this bike is getting. 👍

[@paulgarritty8978]

Great review! Really enjoy all your content 🤗 bought this bike last week after your initial review and she’s now sitting in the company of my other bikes 😎👌 it was really lovely for me to go down memory lane as you rode past Botany Bay and Hoghton Arms…. 😊 all the best from 🇨🇭

[@mariofortes1014]

Love your reviews.... congrats keep the good work! Mine Voge is on the way!

[@KranjskaRider]

I have had an itch to get a high featured Chinese bike. I was choosing between 900DSX and CFmoto 800MT explore. After checking them both out, the built quality of the CFmoto was better than Voge. The components were stronger, better put together and it was fully comparable to the Euro and Japanese brands. The Voge, not bad tho, had some clearly visible cost cutting measures, as wery weak stock crash bars, thin casting on the passenger pegs, weird finishing on some parts... I went for the CFmoto as it seemed to be a clear winner for me.

[@mikewright2041]

Hi Kate, I ride an F850gsa and live in the land of 20mph. The fueling issue at this speed also exists on the BMW. As you say, Its no deal breaker and you quickly learn to ride around that. I wish they threw in luggage with my bike!

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks for confirming I am indeed, not, talking out my backside 🤣

[@ferkle1980]

My wife's F900R is exactly the same as well. Like you say, you quickly learn to ride around it. I'm 95% certain its the same architecture, if not the same engine. Just seems to hate that low speed snaking about, and you're on the clutch way more than it feels like it should need. That said for 20s the BMW cruise I am told is a godsend!

[@UsernameKate]

So interesting as I don't recall feeling it on any of the 900s. Next time I'm out, I'll put some conscious thought into it!

[@ferkle1980]

@@UsernameKate to be fair I think if you've been around them a bit and are a reasonably experienced rider, it's just a thing that you acknowledge and get past without thinking, but in our case she's been absolutely spoilt doing her test on and then owning a z650 which will drag itself along at idle then stepped up, and this just requires a sniff of finesse that's easy to overlook if you've not needed it previously. Still a cracker of a motor!

[@ferkle1980]

Holy run on sentences batman. Sorry 😬

[@grahamhill9770]

Really enjoyed this review, I have been looking for an affordable Adventure bike for 2 up touring Philippines with my wife. My current 2 wheeler is an MV Dragster and it's certainly no tourer. Theres no way I am gonna spend silly money on a bike thats going to get monsoon rains, dirt and gravel track roads thrown at it. I was looking at the CFMoto800mt but this Voge 900 and especially the black knight edition has really captured my interest. Your review may well have sealed it for me. I have found a dealer in Manila and they have one in stock. Thank you for such an open review. Ride safe.

[@alecmcclure195]

The 850GS does have a snatchy throttle/engine at low speeds in Dynamic mode , it is smoother in road and rain modes

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Bought my Eliminator from KD great dealership, as for the bike well you just can't knock it for that price, these Chinese bikes are looking very desirable now.

[@thelazyadventurers6510]

Great review I do really like it. I'm like u bit on the short side normally I wouldn't even consider this kind of bike but u seem to get on with it great defo need to consider it.

I have the f850 gs and I don’t have any low speed throttle issues at all but I have removed the mid box and silencer and put a race pipe on it. I also ride an early Mt09 so maybe I’ve learnt to ignore poor low speed throttle. 😂 great review Kate.

[@quigonjay9]

Incredible value bike, becoming very popular in Europe, can not build them quick enough so I hear

[@mikebreen2890]

I was looking at one here in Spain, good looking and seems well built.

[@gregbreeze-hatchett6115]

Great looking bike, wouldn't mind a bike with cruise control, and good looking dash, yeah need to do something with your parachute 🪂🤣 take off get you to Spain😊

[@geoffgill3240]

I looked at one yesterday, I thought the seat was like a 'church pew', as an oldie, I prefer a comfortable seat.

[@UsernameKate]

Seat is one of the comfiest seats I've experienced! 😊

[@zegrze]

Geoff, I thought and felt the same as you when I first sat on the bike in the showroom. My thought was 'damn it feels like sitting astride a wooden bench'. That feeling lasts only as long as you first sit on the bike. As soon as you start riding it becomes really comfy, I cannot explain it but it just is. I was used to my really comfy Triumph America seat, it sure is softer and wider for my rather large arse but this seat combined with the different posture makes for a really comfortable ride. I'm a 58 year- old at 6' 1'' and 18 stone.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks for confirming I'm not going mad because I found it ridiculously comfy the day I was out on it lol!

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! As far as the jacket hood. I wonder if you took it to a seamstress they could remove it and stitch it back? May be worth a shot. Best!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i took a 525 dsx out from the bike sanctuary and they strongly recommended E5 premium as standard maybe that's something others may know about

[@wanderlpnw]

I'd think the fueling would be annoying off-road. Maybe shops will make ECU maps soon and you'll be able to fix it with a retune.

[@kevindarkstar]

the throttle issue is largely resolved by updating the firmwear to 4.4 or the newer 4.7

[@nickryan1522]

Being able to upgrade your own firmware is unheard of and a really big bonus. I own a Triumph and wasn’t even called in for a recall - only found out about it once it was done during annual service.

[@gk73man51]

If they get the reliability and dealer support right for these then I think they’ll do well. A cheaper alternative, packed with features in a very popular market.

[@KevParry]

The bad fuelling is probably down to the Euro5 ECU mapping. I have the Benelli TRK702 and it’s seriously bad. Between 2500-3500 rpm the bike engine jerks and struggles. Dealers, MotoGb and Benelli advise to just stay out of that rev range which is pretty impossible in 20 mph and 30 mph zones. Gutted that the Voge also seems to suffer similar issues.

[@NickyLong89]

Have you ridden the CF Moto 800MT Kate? Interested to hear your comparison’s as they’re quite a similar bike really. Enjoying my 800MT so far, it also has a bit of jerkiness on part throttle but i am told there is a software update for it now that can make it a lot better.

[@brucemckinlay2814]

Would have liked a 19" front wheel just for tyre choice..

[@UsernameKate]

i feel ya

[@rudolfkallang4085]

Hi Kate,i hope you review with new CBR600 someday.

[@mageprometheus]

If the springs are based on an 80kg rider as with most new bikes, they will most likely need replacing for actual rider weight, luggage (and pillion) to get the sag right. Sending love to you both 💜

[@aftersales-k3n]

The suspension / spring rate is superb. I'm a waif like (Some would say borderline anorexic...) 110 kilos and the suspension copes brilliantly with my man sized frame and fast and smooth riding style, It also copes remarkably well with my 'as fast as it will physically Go' riding style when I'm running late and has coped with everyone from waif like Kate who's as heavy as a bucket of fog to me and my 9 stone Missus riding pillion or to Chris Northover on a mission beasting it around Enduro World Wales for 6 hours straight. The KYB suspension is superb.

[@mageprometheus]

@@aftersales-k3n Thank you for the reply. Me and my gf are tall and train a lot. With luggage and a tent, it's a lot of weight. Can you imagine her face if I had her carry a rucksack full of weights for a test 🤣

[@grachoderunwiderstehlichen]

👍 agv k-6 with customfit guards ...still quite compfortable 😁 also with raindrop driving ...dainese gloves wet wet wet 💦 🤮 , bmw jacket dry ...dainese textil trousers medium-wet few parts are NOT dry ...but hey yeah we are today closer to the next season 2025 ✌️🍀

[@KennethSwaby-j9d]

It looks to be a good bike 🏍 👍👍👍

[@_Archambaud]

Looks good.I think there is only 1 dealer atm.that’s a problem

[@davesmith7748]

I think many ride by wire bikes struggle with small thottle openings. We have a 20mph lane where I am and my R1200RT is not perfect.

[@spangoz1000]

Of course the one thing against all the Chinese/Indian brands, is dealer network or to be more precise, Lack of. Until there is an established network trade in part ex and second hand sales will be pretty horrific. Buy one and keep it, but you won't have much option to do anything else.

[@aftersales-k3n]

There are currently just over 60 VOGE dealers in the UK and that number is increasing, not decreasing. The DS900X is exactly half the cost of an equivalent specification BMW F900GS - so which bike will depreciate more the minute you roll it out of the showroom??? IF the VOGE depreciates at let's say a grand per year then it's still worth 6k after 3 years - How much will the BMW have depreciated in the same period? More than the entire cost of the VOGE is the answer.... Still - it's Only money.

[@Greggspies]

Tried the clutch lever in Robinons today, found it heavy for a new bike which would go harder after more miles

[@aftersales-k3n]

The DS900X has one of the lightest cable clutches I've ever felt, no one has Ever remarked that it's a heavy clutch to operate...

[@mac22011964]

@@aftersales-k3nAgree, having ridden (and now ordered) this bike the clutch for me was a non issue. Light with plenty of feel.

[@TheZanshen]

Well done Kate get yourself a nice ktm lol .

[@suefarmer91]

I think this may be my next bike, can you recommend a dealer?

[@mauriceridesout]

Looks great but think I'd be looking at the Kove in this segment. P.s try and review the Rieju but think availability is low. I might try and find one in Spain to review.

[@Whatreally123]

Kove's future imo is a gamble now that the passionate founder is no longer part of the company (either he quit, I wouldn't understand why or was ousted by the board). He has already forced a new company. Having said that, the Kove 800 is something even I am looking forward to but id feel that is targeted more towards a more offroad crowd than tourers.

[@mauriceridesout]

@Whatreally123 oh really didnt know that! P.s yeah am more off road than tourer, well both. Think I need two bikes (dont we all😂)

[@adam8236]

I know i comment a lot on bikes. Im so torn on what to buy next year! There are no bad bikes out there anymore. I really like this one for the price! Only question is the seat adjustable upwards? Also will you be doing the 1000 hornet soon. Same price but honda! Love the channel kate!

[@UsernameKate]

In a weeks time, I'll be flying round Spain on one :)

[@martinhughes9769]

Enjoyed your views on the bike , I'm still a bit concerned about reliability and the amountit it will devalue, yes it's a cheap bike with loads of extras, Another concern is , What happens now if KTM fold, 🤔 .not very comfortable but tuck the hood in your jacket,

[@davidhall3503]

Nothing to do with KTM.

[@bizbouk]

baby hands, thats funny made me chuckle...whats the build quality like from a Chinese maker?

[@rlw85]

I do like this bike maybe it needs a trip to a tuners. How do you manage to do anything with those claws 😌

[@petersimmonds4319]

Kate I am looking for a bike that I can do some of road but I would have to do some road miles to get there. Have you tried the 450 version not as specked up obs or do you think the comfort and extras outweigh size and off road capability.I ideally would like a Tourag 😊

[@ianhockington7289]

If you took all logos of them and asked people what they thought it was, Most people would think it's a Beemer. For the Money it's exceptional value. When you of too Spain for the Honda Hornet 1000 ride🤔

[@UsernameKate]

Next week :)

[@paulneedham3608]

Their has been reports of hunting on the throttle in Europe and a couple of updates. But seems to come back. Sort of put me of abit.but not had a test ride. So still in 2 minds about this bike.

[@UsernameKate]

Give it a try, it might not bother you all that much 😊

[@rbmedia771]

The "Traditional" manufacturers must e REALLY feeling the pressure from the Chinese-great looking, fabulously specced and built bikes at an insanely affordable price are just what the market needs and sales can only go one way. Will be interesting to see if KTM get snapped up by a Chinese manufacturer and what that does to prices on a known name brand.

[@user-woolfallD]

Good u talk about bikes hi 👋 😊

[@mrsuperduke6684]

Great review Kate, the switch gear looks very KTM??? 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@philwilliams8459]

Just been to look at one in the flesh and quite impressed but never owned an adventure bike after always having sports or naked bikes so would you recommend one of these over a Suzuki Vstrom DE 800 as a first dip into the adventure market?

[@ProphetAndLoss]

The Suzuki has a 4 + 3 year warranty and true Made in Japan quality. Good deals on it at the moment, cheaper than the Voge.

[@snakesocks]

Does this UK model come with the integrated front camera? Several markets across the world get it.

[@UsernameKate]

Yup! That's all in the detailed review 👌

[@dnfielding]

73.66cm inside leg, to the nearest 0.6mm! Blimey, a bit of wear on the sole of your boots would change that LOL

[@UsernameKate]

Just googled it and thats what it pumped out for me 🤣

[@keepyourdatatoolsafe]

It's a plastic fork better than a wooden fork but not quite a metal one. Tight spinkters save lives.

[@chema1546]

Ok 👏🎉👍🌹

[@neiljarvis8911]

So between the DS900 X and the DS525X, with your own money, which would yo go for?

[@UsernameKate]

900 for me, only because the extra power is nice, along with all the heated equipment 😊

[@neiljarvis8911]

​@@UsernameKate Interesting...🤔! Thankyou for my 10% discount on moulded earplugs... I got moulds taken at NEC. Take care!😁

[@UsernameKate]

Excellent stuff! You're welcome 😊

[@PhilStonewallTiger]

.. parachute woman .. Rolling Stones 🎙️🈳🎶🎵 😅🤩👍

[@loreljacq5744]

Better to get a small car smart etc. Doors and roof 4:wheels helps in the wet plus seatbelt heater Bluetooth 🔵 comfy seat. Coffee holder airbag. Windows. 😂

[@seanobrien5520]

Why you here???

[@robertkoper3039]

Yes…and where do you buy a new car for 9 K😂

[@UsernameKate]

sign me UP

[@richardbarton2709]

What is that thing sticking out of the front like a nose ?

[@PaulCornish]

I have decided NOT to buy the Voge because of that throttle issue... It's blinking horrible I love in a 20 zone and SO many of the roads around me are 20 so... The KTM 790 Adventure is going to be what I buy.

[@Northernbiker64]

So would you sell your GS and buy one of these?

[@UsernameKate]

I prefer the boxer twin over the parallel :)

[@Northernbiker64]

@ so not rushing down to the dealers just yet then! I reckon my next bike will be the boxer twin version

[@phil111ify]

Get some soft grips the finger tingle will stop.

[@luciano76464]

Ciao ! Quanto sei alta ? Grazie.

[@mart7798]

I wonder how many people who agree with how good this bike is,will actually buy one when it comes down to it?i paid 5k more for a tiger 900 rally pro and i would again tbh!

[@hollowaysteve]

I’ve not ridden the Voge but I have ridden the Triumph. I can’t see the triumph being £5k better. I actually found it a bit boring. I’d take the Voge and use the spare cash on fuel and trips

[@mart7798]

@hollowaysteve the voge is less powerful,so if you find the tiger a bit boring the voge certainly will be!all adv's are boring anyway,not a superduke r are they!

[@hollowaysteve]

@@mart7798 Clearly not an SDR. No one in their right mind would compare it with one. My perception of the tiger had nothing to do with power. The triumph has an extra 10hp but as you say it’s an adventure bike so it’s somewhat academic. I recently sold all my bikes and bought a 2011 GS to hack around on for a while. It’s a heavy old lump but surprisingly good fun. So ‘for me’ the extra 10hp of the Tiger isn’t a consideration. The Voge has a bit more torque and arrives earlier than the triumph so more in keeping with the type of bike. In the real world of day to day riding you’ll notice the benefit of the Voge’s torque over the power of the triumph I feel. And it’s £5k less. Someone that ‘wants’ the triumph will buy the triumph. It’s a nice bike but it just didn’t ’light my fire’ as it were. Perhaps the Voge won’t either. I’m not bothered about the badge. If the Voge does everything the triumph does for £5k less, that’s where ‘my’ money would go.

[@mart7798]

@hollowaysteve different engines aswell,the triumphs triple suprised me higher up the rev range.i moved from the gen 3 superduke r last year to the tiger 900 rally pro.wanted the new model aswell,just better than the older model.i wanted something to take my 8 and 9 year old out on,and needed to restrict myself as much as possible.and after dealing with ktm,I wanted something that had decent backup.voge just made me feel nervous with regards to customer support.hence spending more and having my dealer just up the road.i won't lie,I've needed them aswell but it's been so easy dealing with triumph.

[@hollowaysteve]

@ I completely get the dealer back up. That’s the only downside for Voge at present I feel. TBH I’ve had a mixed bag with triumph. On the one hand they were excellent when I needed a new tank under warrantee for my speed twin (even though they fitted the fuel cap back to front) but they returned it on another occasion with no coolant in it after a major service… I hate main dealers of any brand (car or bike) I’ve had BMW’s returned with fasteners missing and panels incorrectly fitted and damaged on a few occasions as well.

[@Smile-3223]

is that the dji action 4 or 5?

[@UsernameKate]

4 :)

[@Smile-3223]

@@UsernameKate can you recommend a good chin mount? i recently got the Action 5, i dont want to get a chin mount that is potentially bad

[@UsernameKate]

Mine is a ride tech one 😊 never let me down

[@brendonchase9460]

❤

[@motogordo1903]

First

[@UsernameKate]

Boom!

[@thecornishbiker9323]

2nd 😉

[@UsernameKate]

Boom Shacka!

[@56Spookdog]

👍👍

[@dionoliveira4058]

OMG really so freakin nit picky ...I'd love to know what your perfect daily is that runs smooth as butter under 2000rpm in 3rd pffft 12:22 bailed out.

[@UsernameKate]

LOL if I wasn't nit picky... sHe NeVeR SaYs AnYtHiNg BaD AbOuT aNyThInG...

[@UsernameKate]

Also, with respect - I put thousands of miles on a vast array of bikes. I can get a good feeling for if one bike is snatchier on the throttle than another :)

[@dionoliveira4058]

@@UsernameKate Gotcha .....just me

[@almightybilly]

Brand name 无极 that sounds like "woo jee"

[@danweston6043]

Ow do Kate. I did have a good look around that bike at Motorcycle live. Couldn't fault it especially for the price. Definitely booking a test ride in the new year. 😊

[@UsernameKate]

Build quality is ace isn't it!!

[@danweston6043]

@@UsernameKate indeed Great last review on it . Thanks again for your replies ☺️🤙👍

[@wanderlpnw]

I just realized Voge and Kove are different companies. 😂 Maybe I'm dyslexic.

[@kevinf-b5065]

Taxi driver probably using the "family" driving licence 😂

[@LukeBrackenbury]

I love a gaping 12v 😂

[@UsernameKate]

oh yes

[@roberthardy4385]

Looks very good but I still see it as a Chinese copy of a BMW, which seems to be Chinas response to everything, copy and make it cheaper.

[@motechRevolution]

Loncin who make Voge motorcycles also make motorcycles for BMW, the engine in this bike is the same as the BMW engine, loncin have made all BMW parallel twin engines for 20 years since Rotax stopped making them. 😉

[@roberthardy4385]

@ yes I knew about the engine, although not for the past 20 years, the point I was making was it might look good and do all the right things but it’s still a copy, if I was in the market for an Adv Bike, I’d still be looking at BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki etc before Voge. Would anyone swap their BMW for a Voge?

[@plumpii7177]

No road going vehicle has ever been designed to sit at 20mph... the 20 mph experience tragic.. educate pedestrians or cyclists? Naaaaaa let them be dumber and blame motorists when they walk onto the tarmac of steel impact objects.

[@m2menuiserie540]

Cyclists should be educated. They should be taught how to overtake safely.

[@BORDIKCB]

I'm not rich enough to buy Chinese motorbikes...😉