2022 VOGE 650DSX Review

[@marktaylor720]

Great review I picked mine up a week ago, I’ve put around 200 miles on it so far. I’m hoping it’ll grow on me a little more as the miles progress, as first impressions are not ideal. Coming from an 1150gs, the lack of power is a huge difference, it’ll do 85 easy enough,but getting there is hard work, and makes overtakes a little interesting. But, I knew this before purchasing so no surprises really. My biggest issue is with the low speed fuelling,,it’s truly dire, I’ve never had to slip a clutch this much before to keep the motor spinning, , in town, it’s a real issue. The seat is a plank, I’ve ordered an air hawk to hopefully sort that. I noticed you kicked the pannier getting on it, I’m 6 foot and struggled to get on it with the top box etc, so I’ve removed them,,,the pillion seat sticks up a bit too, so that gets caught with a misplaced boot when getting on. Brakes,,hmm,,,it’s new ,I’ll reserve judgment on that until the pads have bedded in a bit, and hopefully the squeaks gone from the front brake. Indicators,,hmm, they look fancy,,but are very small, not the easiest to spot on roundabouts etc. The tyres are interesting,,,they grip very well, I rode in rain and hail yesterday and they were fine,,,my issue is with the gap in the tread on the edges,,it feels like a small step when banking the bike over, I’ll see how that goes, as overall I quite like the tyres... Lots of negatives , but for the money,(I got the panniers etc free) nothing comes close. The list of standard equipment is unreal, and attention to detail is very very good. Span adjustable levers, removable foot peg rubbers, bracket to mount a sat nav on etc etc Yeah , if I can sort the low rev fuelling,,(I’m wondering if a booster plug will fit?) it’ll be ok for gentle mini adventures. Fuel economy is nothing mega, but It’s had its legs stretched shall we say I reckon around 50mpg Be interested if you take it off road, how you get on with the fuelling After years of riding Mx and enduro, I’m not going near a lane with it just yet, but I will once it’s a little better fuelling

[@exeterrider]

Brilliant post Mark Thank you. I am glad you said what you have there because it is good to get a second opinion and it is pretty much what I was saying in the video. Yes the tyres are superb, It will be interesting to see how many miles the back lasts for. As you say the standard equipment list is very surprising for a bike at this price and the free luggage makes it a no brainer. Low-end fuelling will always be the hitch on this bike I think. As you know you get used to it but takes time to re-adjust. I have a last ride video for this one too but not sure if I will release it as yet. I cut out the part where I mention the removable footpegs and adjustable span on the levers,but again that is pretty good. I mention in the last ride why I didn't take this bike off-road, but in short, I think it would be brill(considering it a big bike , and quite heavy) The bike was off to another reviewer after me so didn't want to risk dropping it! As you say for the money its very good. For a similar speced bike then you would have to chuck another 4k at it I expect at least. Thanks so much for your very useful comment.

[@generaldistrust]

consider *sintered* brake pads

[@exeterrider]

Do you still have this bike Mark? How are you getting on ? how many miles now? Any issues?

[@livelongrideonover70]

Thanks for a great review. Based on this it’s a possible contender for my next bike.

[@exeterrider]

Make sure you try one first . Its a nice bike to ride, but the fuelling is subjective. Thanks

[@livelongrideonover70]

@@exeterrider thanks. I have since been looking at other reviews and there are different opinions. The only way is to try one, as you say.

[@The_Arby]

Great bike and a Great Review Exeter Rider :-)

[@exeterrider]

Thanks! 👍

[@Crossers76]

Am struggling with this one! I know it's aimed at the off road/adventure market and has a decent spec but it's so near to a CB500x in price which you could add some semi knobby tyres if needs be. The power isn't any different to the Voge 500's just delivered in a different way so I would say this is a £1000 to much and I'd just go for the 500 which would be cheaper to run ie fuel economy/tax/insurance etc.

[@exeterrider]

I think many world day the same mate. The 650 is slightly more "niche" I would say. Thanks for watching the video 👍📺

[@alvindavenport5657]

Regarding torque on single cylinder engines, I think I commented on a previous video on this bike that my 650 BMW has a similar engine that also seems to lack low-end torque. I’ve had several other single cylinder bikes, and nearly all had plenty of low down pull. That’s why I noticed the lack of torque from this engine. As a rule, large single cylinder engines typically have a relatively high amount of low- end power. That’s why you normally find 5 speed gearboxes rather than 6 speeds on singles. They have enough torque to reach and maintain highway speeds with less shifting. As far as mileage, my BMW is the most fuel efficient non scooter I’ve ever owned. It gets low to mid 70’s in mpg (with US gallons). Apparently the Voge is either less aerodynamic, heavier, or geared lower (or all of the above). Anyway, good summary.

[@exeterrider]

Yes I remember your last post Alvin, Thanks for coming back. Its a shame really that there is no torque low down, you certainly miss it don't you when riding around the city. Great to have your input on this engine. It clarified things for me. Thanks

[@hiyadroogs]

​@exeterrider I think perhaps the torque deficiency below 2,500 is a design feature, rather than any inherent design fault. Since its 'cousin', the BMW 650 uses the same engine, & has the same characteristics, it's probably the fuelling map, & not the engine itself. Any chip remap would sort it. The modern obsession with emissions effects singles more than multiple cylinder engines, which generally have far wider rev bands & much shorter gearing which helps to obscure the effect better. You quote the maximum power, (legally restricted) at 47 bhp @ 6750. Interestingly, maximum torque, of 60 NM @ 5,500, produces 46 bhp. So chasing the last 1250 rpm is completely unnecessary, & less efficient, - since an engine's best fuel efficiency relative to the best power it can produce from that fuel, is always peak torque revs. Engines are generally at their smoothest at peak torque.

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

I’ve been living in Thailand for the last 5 years and flew into London on Wednesday. I’d never heard of this brand but stumbling on it this afternoon and absolutely love it the look of it and would definitely buy one

[@exeterrider]

Yes they look great don't they. Ride well too👍🍻

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice one ER I like this one and I would have one not as my only ride but for those mucky days definitely the price ain't half bad either well done there good honest review and it has a good quality engine mmm food for thought : )

[@exeterrider]

It is, I bet it would be fun off-road, it felt a very capable mile muncher. It actually gets 52MPG not 38 as mentioned in the vid. Have a good week.

[@RevBombUK]

Great review buddy, looks a nice machine

[@exeterrider]

Thanks RB, Last ride and thoughts vid coming soon

[@davidhawkins120]

They have taken their time to produce a well sorted range of bikes, I'm sure they will sell well🎯

[@exeterrider]

Should do mate, Just getting it off the ground and getting it to snowball.

[@Saddlebags73]

Very thorough review ER. I think you covered everything a potential buyer would want to know. But I was expecting a wheelie or two after the skids 🙂

[@exeterrider]

I employed someone for the ride-by shots but he was crap and couldn't get the wheel up sorry😅

[@Saddlebags73]

@@exeterrider I reckon if you up the wages, he’d up the front wheel 😬

[@exeterrider]

@@Saddlebags73 na I have plenty more workers lined up 😜

[@Saddlebags73]

@@exeterrider 🤣 touché 👏🏻

[@economicalrides]

Thanks for this very thorough review ER. This does look like a very good bike for somebody thinking about putting a toe into ADV waters. It's not a huge investment. Buy it, try it and if you decide ADV bikes are not your thing, sell it ( you probably wouldn't stand to lose too much money ) and buy something else instead. It has everything you need to be able to decide if ADV bikes are your thing and if they are, you can upgrade to something better later on. I'd be tempted if I knew there would be long term dealer support near to where I live. I think the dealer network will be a crucial factor for Voge. They need to get the bikes out there but also be able to support their customers as well as most other manufacturers can. They are coming up with good products at good prices, so it would be nice to see them grab a foothold in the UK and European markets. It is a good looking bike and I would not be at all embarrassed to be seen out and about riding one ! I do enjoy your reviews ER, always entertaining and informative. Cheers, El Otro

[@exeterrider]

Thank you mate, Yes I agree with the dealer support thing 100%. The brand seems to be run quite well and I like the direction they are going in. It seems to be doing well and taking off slowly but in a sure footed way. I think in this world we need to have affordable bike's like this and the 500 DS ( which I thought was superb!) to and Royal Enfield of course to keep the youngens coming in. Have a good week E.R El outro

[@economicalrides]

@@exeterrider “El outro” 😂👍👍👍

[@exeterrider]

@@economicalrides Ahh , yes thats the one. I'm getting there😂

[@dave8204]

Great review and some good points made. I've owned a few big singles, Honda SLR650,Suzuki DR650 and one of the last XT600's that I bought new as Yamaha slashed the price to clear them before EU emission regs came in. They're totally different to ride than anything with 2 or more cylinders but once you get the hang of them they're great fun. They also take a while to run in properly but as they're not built for speed anyway that's not a big deal and they'll run forever if you do,the XT was the bike of choice for several round the world travellers. I had an indicated 105 on my XT going down Haldon Hill,which I'd guess was a good 10 mph more than it was doing,the frame felt as if it had turned into spaghetti and it was one of the scariest experiences I've had on a motorbike,pretty stupid really as it wasn't made for that and it was quite stable in normal use. I was there,I wondered what it would do basically. The answer was......try to kill me.The DR,while a very similar machine,was quite happy being thrashed around the lanes and actually handled quite well.

[@exeterrider]

Good post Dave Thank you. Yes I am a fan of the XT. 105MPH going down there haha! that was brave. If you see me around please say hellp : )

[@quarkiepo]

Thank you ER, really interesting 👍🏼👍🏼☺️

[@exeterrider]

My pleasure!

[@TL1000S97]

Another great review 👍These reviews of the 500DS and 650DSX make me consider an extra "cheap" bike in my otherwise not-so-sensible bike collection. 🤪

[@exeterrider]

Ha, sensible comes with age I think lol

[@paulroseveare5206]

I've actually just bought this bike from a guy in Reading and it's now got 2900 miles but no luggage now lol

[@exeterrider]

Ohh really! Do stay in contact ,I'd be interested in how you get on with it.

[@paulroseveare5206]

Tbh its ok if you accept it for what it is I think people expect alot more... only drawback is the seat imho

[@jamesprice7470]

Great honest review ER,not bad looking bike.its for people who dont want to spend a fortune.

[@exeterrider]

Exactly that James. Its a good solid bike. Have a good week mate

[@bruisingSpartan]

I really enjoyed watching the review of the Voge 500DS, and the Voge 650DSX, can you do a review of the Voge 500AC please?

[@exeterrider]

Thank you. I think the 500 AC will be my favourite. I saw one yesterday and they are superb... If VOGE can get me one then yes, I will be up for trying it, definitely!

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Very good review. I was wondering why the brake side pannier opens front to back? Usually most open back to front like the clutch side does. The functionality of the bike probably rates a higher pricing. Theses days it is hard for me to justify more money to China when there other choices are available all be at higher prices.

[@exeterrider]

Yes , I was thinking the same, very good quality boxes though. So much choice for bikes these days isnt there!

[@PhilipKerry]

Great review mate :) I did notice that when you refuelled the 500 DS last year you put E10 in when there was a sticker on the filler cap that said E5 :) Just be careful at the petrol Station :)

[@exeterrider]

Yes , I did ask VOGE and they said either is fine, many mentioned that but all fine mate.

[@PhilipKerry]

@@exeterrider The thing is my Car says E10 inside the fuel flap but it runs a LOT better on E5 and uses less fuel .

[@exeterrider]

@@PhilipKerry OK, I chuck in the cheapest lol

[@KODEGREY]

Real good review Exeter!! For someone who is trying to get into that type of riding, this would be a really good option! Especially if you are on a budget! ( And who isn't really ). Plus it's a pretty good looking bike as well!

[@exeterrider]

It is. I enjoyed my time with it. I wonder if it will reach your shores?!?

[@NooBiker]

That's quite a nice line you left on that road! 🤣

[@exeterrider]

For test purposes only😅😉

[@JW-ym5yb]

Have to agree with some of the other comments that the price point makes it somewhat less then competitive in the market place. That said it is still a nice option.

[@exeterrider]

👍Thanks for your opinion and watching the video

[@p305-mrworldwide9]

So i was stuck between this bike and the cb 500 x i wanted the voge 650 because it has 5 gears not 6 and its a single and the fuel tank is 0.5 liters bigger than the cb 500 x but when you look compare these in the long run you are better off with the cb 500 x Cb 500 x 47 hp Voge 650 47 hp Cb 500 x 2 cylinders Voge 650 1 cylinder Cb 500 x kw 35 Voge 650 kw 35 Cb 500 x tourqe 45 nm Voge 650 60 nm Cb 500 x 17.5 liters Voge 650 18 liters So for day to day use and relability plodding round town touring and highway your best option is Cb 500 x For offroad usage and quick low down power/ acceleration off the line your best option of Voge 650 I ended up purchasing the cb500x but my next bike i will either go higher hp bike or just go for the voge 650 and have more tourqe

[@exeterrider]

Sadly the VOGE 650 is no where near as good as the other bikes. The engine lets it down....the other options are better- I know the figures are better in places but still its not all about the figures in this case. Thanks for watching :)

[@tomstc]

Great stuff, great bike for the money I reckon

[@exeterrider]

For the money, nothing can touch it mate for sure : )

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

The fuel economy is woeful, 52mpg on a modern bike is crap. My XT660R returned 73mpg, my Honda CRF250L Rally returns 80mpg and Mt Honda CRF300L returns 100mpg. I was sold on the vogue until the fuel economy was shared. Good review all said.

[@exeterrider]

I was "Hoofing" it around mind. Maybe other reviewers will return a different figure?!?!?

[@CuriousGoose]

It's really growing on me.

[@exeterrider]

I honestly think you would like it , but still think the 500DSX is for you

[@jimsadler8704]

I've always had an affection for big singles, ER, ever since my days on a Velocette Venom. However this Voge sounded like the engine was lifted out of a dump truck and it appeared to lack low down torque.

[@exeterrider]

Amazing bikes you have owned Jim. I'm impressed.....Yes it lacks the important low down power that we all like.

[@MarioAna2112]

Are you sure that the seat height is 805. Im pretty sure its way taller. I am 167 cm. Am i going to be ok with this bike? Thank you in advance. Great review

[@exeterrider]

Hi, some say it 805mm and some say 830mm, I think the new versions are 830mm...Try one forst before you buy because as I say the engine could be better for sure!

[@guystevens162]

Nice review. Yes was looking at these. But nice as it is its then name not keen on sounds more like high end magazine lol. But the price and spec is good and gives bit more than other makes out there. Do like cb500x. But with shoulder pain and age I don't need something as big. So thinking of the KTM390 Adventure. Price very close. But its horses for courses every one has different opinions. That Said good review good bike. 👍

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Guy, yes this was a nice change to have something which is a big single 👍

[@nealeburgess6756]

Thanks for the review ER. However, I question your comments about big singles being inherantly poor at low down torque. I believe the opposite is true in general with engines. Usually the less cylinders there are for a given size the more low torque there is, and the more cylinders there are (same cc) the less torque there is, but more free reving and better top end. So why is this engine lacking low end torque? There are quite a few possibilities. Poor valve timing caused by poorly designed cam profiles. Lean mixture (under fuelling). Poor ignition timing. Even small valves (especially inlet). Another possibility is short stroke, large bore. Long stroke engines tend to have better torque. Could be any mixture of these. Just to illustrate my point, years ago I had two different large cars. A Citroen CX 2,400 cc 4 cylinders. The other a Rover SD1 3,500cc 8 cylinders. Both were pretty good at pulling my caravan, but the Citroen was the best, because of its considerable amount of low torque, despite being a much smaller capacity engine. Sorry to illustrate with car engines, but the same principles apply to bikes too. The old British large singles were renowned for their pulling power, especially with a sidecar to lug around.

[@exeterrider]

Good post Neale, I think it's a mixture of bore and stoke and perhaps underfuelling.... I could be wrong but that's my take on it. The old 650gs engine which is very much the same engine was the same so I'm told. Not forgetting the euro 5 throttle bodies which will also not help. Good input there mate thanks

[@stevepalmer5670]

Or it could be because it's Chinese crap.

[@mikehorton8603]

Seems like the Chinese bigger bikes are upping their game a bit. What were your thoughts on the engine, I kniw its a single but didn't sound like a thumper, sounded a bit like a 125. My old himalayan used to sound like a real single. In this catagory I still think the Nc750x is king.

[@exeterrider]

Yes the VOGE brand are knocking out some very nice looking bikes, the engine isnt for me because I'm a low down torque city rider , but it will have its appeal to many others that do a bit of adventure travel. The bike it self is nice and very solid.

[@yorkshireperson]

it's a good looking bike, I can't see them selling many though as it's very niche, free coconut if you ever spot one out in the wild! 😄

[@exeterrider]

😂I'll keep a lookout

[@markpulling12]

Go on then ...I'll ask it before someone else does ;) This or the 2022 cb500x There is only a couple of hundred quid in it ! I guess this is a very nice alternative as it's a single cylinder and is decent quality.. im hopefully reviewing one soon from Southampton mcs Cheers ER ......mark

[@exeterrider]

Hi Mark, for me the 650 is overkill for what I would use a bike for . The VOGE 500 DSX is much more my type of riding because I mainly stay on Tarmac and like the low-end grunt the 500 makes. In fact, I thought the 500DS was better than the 500X so did Nathan millward. So to answer the question - it would be the 500 DSX for me not the 500X which I respect but dont really get on with due to the way the engine behaves higher up and seems to run out of puff quickly, where as the VOGE 500DS and DSX can handle that a lot better. I will be interested in your thoughts on it. Cheers

[@markpulling12]

@@exeterrider yes I too really enjoyed the voge 500 ....really nice standard equipment decent forks and brakes ..ive reviewed the new 2022 cb500x and that is a great improvement with it's new forks and twin discs ....it's a tough choice because the voge 500 is over a grand cheaper. :) They both ride great 👍 Cheers mark

[@generaldistrust]

anyone? Ténéré 660XTZ vibes?? or is it the what-was-supposed-to-be a modernized DR650??

[@exeterrider]

No where near as good as the 660 tbh

[@generaldistrust]

@@exeterrider ooh! gives me an idea.. hahahaha

[@peterprior1]

Another good review. Based on price alone I think I'd lean towards the Honda 500CX if I was in the market for an affordable adventure style bike. Still interesting to see and hear about different options so thank you.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for for time again much appreciated 👍🙏🍻

[@fcalin21]

Hello! Can the engine be retuned in order to give it low down torque? Can this be a competitor to DR650 for off road? On the Voge website , the weight is stated at 150 kg . Who is wrong?

[@exeterrider]

It's more difficult to tune this type of engine. The dr650 is a better bike.

[@fcalin21]

@@exeterrider As for the weight discrepancy , can you say something? Thank you for the effort.

[@andywing2030]

I’d stick to a used Kawasaki Versys 650. Much more power, and a proven machine. Resale values on these Chinese bikes must be dreadful. They do look good though and come with decent spec compared to similar Japanese bikes. I head service intervals are very frequent and the valves need checking every 3k miles. Not ideal for long treks. Give it a few more years and these will be vastly improved no doubt.

[@exeterrider]

Yes the whole VOGE affair ended badly in the end anyway. They have now moved to a different distribution company. I would have a Versys over the DSX650 anyday.....the engine really let this bike down.

[@clangerbasher]

Aren't they obliged to have stock of spares available? Either by law or SMMT membership I think.

[@exeterrider]

Loosely I think. But that's watered down a bit at the moment due supply chain issues. The difference is with VOGE is you can buy the parts direct to my knowledge, the parts are very nicely priced for the consumer and avaliable quite quickly. That is the case with the 500 DS anyway. Very good 👌🍻

[@clangerbasher]

@@exeterrider I know we live in interesting times. :)

[@bonesworld7178]

Did I hear you say its a 5-speed?

[@exeterrider]

Correct 👍

[@simongilbert2704]

odd power delivery for a big single ,; fit and finish looks good , like most other adv bikes = throw the screen away ;;; nice roads for the review . thanks ;

[@exeterrider]

My thoughts exactly, Thanks for your time watching.

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

Nice enough bike but 38mpg that seems a bit much, or rather not very much at all. In comparison I have a 750GS current mpg 68.7, a 1250GS 51mpg and a car with a turbo charged 1.6l gets 41mpg.

[@exeterrider]

Yeap, maybe I was a bit heavy on the throttle

[@exeterrider]

My mistake sorry, it was about 52MPG I was getting from it.

[@stevelynes8058]

Goid review but not for me at 38 mog if that’s correct

[@stevelynes8058]

Just read other comments but still not great fuel consumption for a single

[@exeterrider]

Fair enough mate 👍🍻

[@grumpysprout3505]

very interested until you got to 38mpg 😱 my old xt660z did 83mpg on average! so its a no no for me at & £1.65 l average.

[@exeterrider]

Maybe I was being heavy handed with the throttle.

[@exeterrider]

My mistake sorry, it was about 52MPG I was getting from it.

[@fcalin21]

This or the 500 for off road?

[@exeterrider]

This id say but the 500 is a better bike overall.

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

What is the weight of the 650?

[@exeterrider]

219 fuelled👍

[@PhilipKerry]

Aging Biker suffers from skidmark problems , next test the Immodium 650 .............

[@exeterrider]

😂😂 spot on!

[@donasnipper1318]

una moto 650cc con 46cv sono pochissimi, in autostrada già a 130 chilometri orari le vibrazioni sono tante, nel 2022 non si può fare un motore così fiacco

[@exeterrider]

Ho trovato le vibrazioni non troppo male. Ha tenuto 75 MPH molto bene per essere onesti

[@Mongoose118]

38mpg. That is rubbish

[@exeterrider]

Shocking isn't it. The whole engine was pretty lame tbh

[@safayatjamil2719]

you lost me at 5 speed

[@exeterrider]

This bike is pretty much dead now anyway👍