VOGE 300 Rally Test Ride Off Road

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Enjoyed that Steve. Looking around for something like this again as I do miss the CRF300.

[@exeterrider]

Glad it was helpful Dave. For the money it's a good option...it has the normal issues with getting spares etc,but as you said iin your recent video you mention something along the lines of "being able to use it" Perhaps it worth putting something that slightly more road bias but that you can still use offroad. Please if you can...even if its not you're thing try the Himalayan 450...I think it could be a game changer for you...then again I could be wrong...I know it may not be your thing but when you try it ,you will apprciate it and it does more than the likes of the CRF and everybody should have a RE in their garage.. Give it a go, Thanks for stopping by : )

[@WheelieGoodTV]

@@exeterrider 🤣🤣 Weirdly Steve, I’m also looking at the Himalayan 450! We are too alike mate.

[@exeterrider]

@@WheelieGoodTV You don't wwant to be like me, I'm a wrongen.... It will do it all, Handles so much better than these 2, lush suspension, goes well, you can travel on it,and parts are not too bad to get. I hope you get a chance to have a play on one even if it's just on the road : )

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Really interesting bike, had my eye on it since it came out. Great to hear your thoughts and see it ride! On a crf300 id need to get a rear suspension sorted so it would be another 1k on top then all the extras. The vige sounds even better having said that! Thanks for sharing 😊🙏

[@exeterrider]

3.8k and its ready to go. A lot of fun to be had : )

[@craigyllyn]

The CRF didn’t work for me. I’m still upset about it. Having said that I saw someone at the ABR on a CRF250. It was so low I’d say a seat height in the mid to high 700’s.

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

@@craigyllyn the seat height I'm ok with, I'm a big bloke and the suspension was too soft and would need sorting, as well as a lot of other things. I didn't see the point of spending loads more - it felt like an unfinished bike, what do you think?

[@exeterrider]

The 250 was aboit the same height, they must have lowered it I think. Many people have done that.

[@craigyllyn]

@@quinnpeaksbiker it’s a very good description you’ve come up with. If it was a competition thoroughbred that you tailor to your own needs then yes I’d understand the suspension but it isn’t. It’s a “budget” commuter/off road friendly bike. I put my issues with it firmly in my body’s limitations but when I went to Saddlebags ride you’ll see from videos that I was sitting with bent legs at standstill yet getting on and off the height gain was so big it was horrible. It was OK when on tarmac unloaded but add in luggage’s weight and it should have been fine but it felt higher and likely to topple over.

[@BeansOnToast_YT]

Thanks for making this, I was glued, well at least a bit sticky. What an interesting bike to be tempted by, it's a fun little thrasher. 14:25 The audio special effects must have taken ages to do, you should have done the 'for mash gets smash' laughter in that 70's advert. I see so far I'm the only one to mention this, why am I so different from all the others in the playground😂 BTW I just listened to your long podcast done by a channel I think is called something like the Exasperated Rider well something with an E in it, he lives in Spain. I got a mention when it was thought that I logged on to the podcast, honestly can't remember logging onto a live podcast in ages, I seldom have the time when they're being done - have to catch up later.

[@exeterrider]

No special effects beans. Ive been singing for the last 7 years and the voicebox training is really kicking in now. If there is a re-release of Buck Rodgers ,then I have twiki sown up. Thanks for noticing. Yes , Economical Rides hes called but he was exasperated by the time he was finished with me but most people are after 4 hours....well 4 minutes in most cases with me. The LIVES are difficult to be in or there on as you say with the time slots. I appreciate people have other (better) things to do . Your always welcome though. Thanks

[@BeansOnToast_YT]

@@exeterrider The pod I got was only about 2 and a half hours long so I think some of the salacious bits were removed ☹ I think I may have the same wireless headphones as you if they're Sony. I bought them on impulse at the checkout of Audi or Lidle, a bargain, though they're a bit loose which is a problem if I wiggle my head too quickly. I've found the solution is to not wiggle my head too quickly, hope that helps 👍😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Really nice to see you having so much fun on this one. Im a Voge owner 500DSX and its been an interesting ride with the politics from Lexmoto being dropped and MotoGB coming on board. My understanding of it is that the new models coming in Lexmoto had the feedback from the dealers they couldnt shift the bikes at MRSP. The 500 was miles ahead of the CB500x but then the 2022 model Honda addressed a lot of the shortcomings and evened it up a lot. The 650DS is quite vibey from memory. Funny you mentioned the vibes on this, thats a deal breaker for me. Cheers

[@exeterrider]

Its unfair how Lexmoto and VOGE dealt with the whole situation. I hear all sorts of reasons why it went flat but yes I think your on the right track there. Thanks

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

@@exeterrider I'm guessing my bike the 500DSX won't be imported by MotoGB, the replacement model the 525DSX seems to be termed Voge Valico and looks really different to my bike so I assume that there won't be much cross over of parts. Perhaps MotoGB will stick with the 300 Rally and the 650DS and just go for broke on the 300 sales as it is so much cheaper than the Honda, this would make sense given they had 10 300s at ABR and I didnt see a 650 or a 500 on test... For my bike 500DSX parts are still in stock for the moment with CMPO (Llexmoto), but when they are gone they are gone. I'll have to trade it in eventually and go back to an established manufacturer, shame as it is a lovely bike and I'll miss it...

[@exeterrider]

It really sucks mate. Search for the LEXMOTO pioneer, same engine etc as the VOGE 500 range. Not sure what the score is there but same bike different name. It's a total mess. Started out so well, then disaster. Sorry to hear you have to put up with it. Gets right on my nerves that the owners have to pick up the pieces. I know they had a good spares back up, a full container load. Also you should be able to get bits from Greece etc where VOGE are a big name.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

@@exeterrider Thanks for sharing that, I had no idea they had rebranded the bike under a Lexmoto flag essentially. This probably explains why it's £4999 again. Definitely a business move to reduce cost, it's the same lump, suspension, brakes and probably more. The bash guard is nice, exhaust end can is different and they've dropped the TFT in favour of an LCD... I would be able to use this bike spares line as a source for engine parts like gaskets etc so that's for mentioning it, that might be useful in the future 🙏🙏.

[@davidmatthews3093]

I’m not sure the Voge 500 was streets ahead of the 500X, that sounds like the sort of thing a Voge 500 owner would have to say. The 2022 ‘updates’ on the Honda were cosmetic not really a move forward at all. In fact the front forks are considered to be inferior off-road and the twin front discs weren’t needed, they are simply an added cost when it comes to servicing.

[@Saddlebags73]

Not about me? I was engrossed up to that point 🧐 Get one! Let’s cover each other in mud n’ stuff 😀 I’m impressed 👌🏼 Not as good an all rounder as the Himmy but I’m sure better for the trails.

[@exeterrider]

😂Yes I'd like one, your right though , the Himmy offers more all rounderness. Very enjoyable bike though. Ive come to the point now where I know even if i had a off roader, I dont think I'd use it enough.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I look forward to see you riding on some of those green lanes with Saddlebags 73, it should be entertaining.

[@exeterrider]

That would be awesome. It may happen👍😉😉

[@Galf506]

I'll add some bits of personal input coming from me, as I own a bike with the same engine, the 300 AC (though rated for slightly less hp, which may explain the problem I've talked about in my other post, which may or may not be a real issue): I've owned the 300 AC for 1 year and change, it was always kept outside for this whole time, in Rome, so it got plenty of scorching hot summer, rain, humidity. I ran 6200 km on it, mostly commuting, here's my pros and cons: Pros: - I've never had a real mechanical issue with the bike. It just works. I mean it's only 1 year, but aside from a leaking gear sensor gasket coming from the dealership (replaced under warranty in a couple of weeks), the engine and transmission just run happily. - the materials have faced all kinds of city abuse and held up fine, the plastics show no sign of fading, the screen is intact, the exhaust is clear, nothing has ruined. On some chinese bikes you could see stuff oxidize and ruin in a few months, not on this. No rust either. - the engine (on the 300 AC so different gearing I think and slightly less power) will give you a good riding experience from 0 to 110 km/h, after that it runs out of steam, but you can push it to 130 for overtakes no problem. - this is mostly for the 300 AC as this one has a different exhaust, but I find it sounds amazing! After a few km's of riding at high RPM you'll have it go "pop" at almost every downshift, it's so satisfying sounding! Cons - The engine gets hot and will have the fan on very often. This is due to Euro 5 limitations, which require minimal fueling at idle, so the engine is undercooled (fuel acts as coolant too). I think anyone really interested in bikes with this engine should do a cat delete and tune if possible without getting into issues ;) I'm fairly sure there's a lot of untapped potential strangled by regulations. These 300's are really meant for unregulated markets. - While in general the materials appear very good, the fuel tank paint is super thin and gets scratched and ruined super easy. Idk about the Rally though, but still worth mentioning. - I've had my rear LED brake light break under warranty on my 300 AC. I could have sourced a new one in 2 weeks on Aliexpress, while warranty coverage took 4 months to replace it. Position light was still working fine, so not overly dangerous, but still this is something you have to expect. Voge takes time to get the parts over.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for this , I will pin your comment to the top.

[@Galf506]

@@exeterrider thx! :D

[@thepeakybiker]

Great review here mukka

[@exeterrider]

Thanks mate, Hope your doing OK. I have re-edited this one and cut out the intro....it was dishwater but seemed a good idea at the time

[@thepeakybiker]

@@exeterrider o righty how How’s tricks hope your Ok I am doing ok 👍🏻

[@ExeterCenturion]

this was such a good weekend. I wish I'd understood the gearing better on this bike, as I just couldn't get into it properly as a result. Next time!

[@exeterrider]

Some bikes just take more time to adjust too...I have had the same thing loads of times....Yeap next time : )

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi there ER, very good review, you obviously had loads of fun. Do you remember how many miles on the clock of this bike when you rode it? I only ask as my Himalayan was really vibey and tight at first but now it's got 10,500 kms it's super smooth, maybe the Voge will be the same ? I'm testing a Voge 300 Rally next week with a view of swapping the Himmie for a Voge.

[@exeterrider]

Hi Dave, I think it was about 600, yes the vibes will die down alot for sure after a while. A jolly good thrashing is what's needed ☺️😛

[@Dave-in-France]

@@exeterrider 😀😆🤣🙃 That's what I'm hoping for ...

[@lucasbillington2604]

Just bought one and running it in the engine will smooth out with some miles on it my honda was the same from new awesome bike for the money

[@exeterrider]

Great value for money, I could do with one myself.

[@Galf506]

One thing worth mentioning (I've got to hurry to work so I haven't watched the full video but I will later) is that a chinese user on the Voge group on Facebook has been posting a bunch of addons for the 300 Rally and one such addon is an oil cooler because apparently the 300 Rally in EU spec has a three way catalytic converter which isn't properly calculated for the 300cc engine and the oil ends up running hot and burning the head gasket, so what he suggested was either buying a dedicated oil cooler radiator or doing a cat delete. I cannot verify this so take it with a grain of salt but I did notice che 300cc in Rally form has more hp than the other versions (Euro 5 AC and DS) so it may be a little more high strung and in theory it makes sense that the cat might influence negatively the engine if not accounted for, especially since it appears that the 300c is VERY choked by the cat in general.

[@exeterrider]

I have known many Euro5 bikes that have felt chocked but I didn't notice that on this bike. fuelling was good and responsive even at low RPM. Ill keep my eye on what your saying though, if it is the case then its not too good!

[@Galf506]

@@exeterrider I have an AC 300 and the Euro 4 engine had 31hp vs the 26 of the Euro 5 version so there's something going on, I'm satisfied with the bike anyhow, I just don't super trust the brakes

[@SUPERGOOSE-LLC]

When will these be available in the US?

[@SUPERGOOSE-LLC]

Can they be ordered from Alibaba?

[@exeterrider]

Nope not from alibaba, and they haven't released if and when they will be launching in the U. S

[@CosmikDebriis]

Let's talk parts prices Voge to CRF. Dropped your bike? Front mud Guard Voge £42. Honda £210. Indeed you can buy both front and rear Voge wheels complete for considerably less than the front rim of the Honda.

[@exeterrider]

Yes 100%, getting the parts is another thing.

[@CosmikDebriis]

Currently MotoGB seem to have stock of the majority of parts one might need. Of course Chinese bikes have tended to become obsolete relatively quickly and parts become unobtainable. I suppose you could argue that, at the price, you just throw the bike away and buy the next new model. @@exeterrider

[@exeterrider]

@@CosmikDebriis that's good news and imperitive for this bikes quality of sales.

[@jimsadler8704]

Quite a nifty little scratcher, ER, which would be well at home on Devon's quality roads!

[@exeterrider]

The way its going I think we will be all riding on mud again Jim.

[@economicalrides]

Another bike of interest to me over here in France 👍 I think it would definitely have been an option, if there was an established and loyal Voge dealer anywhere near to me. It sounds as though you quite fancied one for green lane hijinks in the environs of Exmouth 🤔 Nice job matey, love from France 🇫🇷 El Outro and Roby 🐕

[@exeterrider]

Its a cracking bike for the money ER. Its my first choice for a off-roady. I'd give me right arm to ride along exmouth beech on this one.

[@economicalrides]

@@exeterrider 😂👍🏻

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi there, don't know where you are situated in France - i'm in 36 - but there is a Voge dealer in Chateauroux.

[@economicalrides]

@@Dave-in-France Hi Dave, thanks for that 🙂 Sorry, it looks like we confused you with our "little thing". Steve lives in Exeter but I always say Exmouth. I live in Spain and to get revenge, he always calls it France. 😂 It's just a thing that we do 🤷‍♂ Thanks for giving me the heads up though. Very kind of you ! If I ever move to France, I will be sure to pay the Voge dealer a visit. Actually, I recently found one here ( in Spain ) but in the meantime I have bought a 411 Himalayan and the Voge Rally would be slightly superfluous. I was interested in one before that though. Would have been a great budget option to see if I actually enjoyed the off-road thing. As it turns out, I DO ! And Norman the Himalayan has been an excellent introduction to riding ( and crashing ) on the trails around here. Thanks Dave and sorry for any confusion caused by our stupidity 🤗 Garry.

[@greengoblindave]

Went to check this bike out the other day. It looks great up in person. Also freely good. O nearly put a deposit on one. I went then the compare the crf L Felt slightly different. Well in fact it suited my brother better than the Voge.. So we both opted for that. But I would say if I could afford two bikes. Or even when I can. I’m also going to buy this voge…

[@exeterrider]

Yeap it's a good bike I think. 👍

[@xenoaltrax485]

Asks the guy who fell if he's alright... then laughs about the guy as he rides past... my faith in humanity's meanness is restored 🤣🤣🤣

[@exeterrider]

😂😂I never passed my paramedic course

[@lilynorthover8378]

"I wish we was going a bit faster. I wanna go faster" I think I've heard you say that before at ABR 😂😂😂 Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself. At that height, it would mean falling off if you got unbalanced at all. For the money, great. A bit more prepared to give it a go on a cheaper bike I would have thought.

[@exeterrider]

Yes I like to get my moneys worth on my ticket! Yes it was really good fun : )

[@gabrielkopp2036]

How come no one has ever mentioned the gear box??? Is it a 6 speed or 5???

[@exeterrider]

If they give me one for a decent amount of time then I can run through that. It's a 6 speed to my memory. 👍

[@davidhawkins120]

Looks an impressive bike at that price ER! Looking forward to your full review👍

[@exeterrider]

Its a lot of fun for the money Dave, Thanks

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

Personally I think with the way the market is going, £3800 isn't too bad for what you get. Metals seems to be the biggest cheap out factor for these Chinese bikes, VOGE, Benealli, AJS, Lexmoto etc I think it's great for what it is, a budget user friendly off rally, however I don't know if I'd have it over the CRF300l. Great to see you having a blast and enjoying yourself fella. Ahah I thought that poor fella had it saved at one point, poor bugger🤣 Oooo I will keep my eyes peeled for you eventually buying one of these for yourself 😂 Looks like its causing a bit of a headache for other riders as well mate. Great video mate, hope you're doing well.

[@exeterrider]

Yes for 6.7k with the Honda ,you can bet it will last forever well but reality is that most would spend that 6.7k for a bike that they will 99% use ON road which its not really too good at and the suspension is so soft, or 3.8k saving 2.7k for a bike which I would argue rides better and the suspension isnt too soft like on the CRF and you have 2.7k left to get some off road gear,plan a big trip ,give Exeter Rider and Rythmic biker £100 tip each and still have loads left over. Not to mention the crash bars, handlebar covers and rear rack are already on the VOGE...... tough call really if it were my money. Would I pay 6.7k for a bike I wouldn't use properly and not enjoy on the road ....no.....would I pay 3.8k for a bike I enjoy but may not use a lot, but always look forward to taking it out...yes : ) Thanks RB , hope all is well your end. Fond memory of meeting you a few months back. miss ya already x

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

@@exeterrider The price difference is truly amazing from VOGE, plus the fact it also already comes with the rear rack and other extras means you’ll have less to buy to really make it your own bike, with so much left over money I would up our tip to £200 each 😂 Aww thanks mate, I really do miss the great down to earth chat we had, definitely need to get down your way again soon 🤘

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

Jeez, that’s nearly 100kg lighter than my GS. It looks good in blue. You should buy one.

[@exeterrider]

I'd like to, reality is I ahrdly ever use my own bikes let alone buying a offroader which I will never have the time to use : (

[@Saddlebags73]

Good fun ER 😁

[@exeterrider]

Sure is : )_ !

[@kenbrooks7794]

Well.... Were I in the market for a new bike I think I'd be giving this one some serious consideration. They're hitting hard with their price and it comes kitted out with several hundred quids worth of add-ons with would widen the price gap with more well known manufacturers even further! Its got all you need in a trailie and its cheap enough to "have a go" at some of the more gnarly stuff that you might be tempted to bypass on much more expensive machinery. However the old spares/backup problem still lurks in the background, if only the oriental manufactures could get that sorted there'd be much more confidence in the product. Haven't the Chinese come on a loooong way recently though? If only they'd hit the market in the first place with the quality that they're producing today they would have a huge slice of the market by now instead of trying to rebuild reputations!

[@exeterrider]

So true Ken, They keep shooting themselves in the foot dont they. Motogb are a big outfit so I would hope they will sirt the parts etc...Time will tell......

[@NooBiker]

You're almost making me regret having the Royal Enfield Himalayan now...

[@exeterrider]

The himalayan is tried and tested , The VOGE still has a reputation to build. You made the right choice.

[@kenbrooks7794]

The Voge is new and exciting, an out of the box new trailie ready to roll maybe it'll be really good, early reports suggest so. However your Himmi is 'safe', its been tried and tested, there's a dealer network, spares backup and aftermarket goodies available. I've been trail riding with guys that run Himmis and they take everything that you can throw at them.... Good all round bikes

[@NooBiker]

@@kenbrooks7794 good points, Ken 👍

[@Saddlebags73]

@NooBiker wash your mouth out 🤣

[@kenbrooks7794]

@@Saddlebags73 🤣🤣

[@craigyllyn]

Looks good value. Way too tall for me sadly. If I’d got up early I’d have tried a Himalayan, this and the Benelli trx. I would have been fascinated to compare with the CRF.

[@exeterrider]

Your comparison would have made3 a good video for sure : )

[@simongilbert2704]

at the start of this you looked right down and fed up , as the show went on you seemed a lot happier ;; some hondas are NOT very well finished and have big rust problems , while some are ok , anyone doubting this would have a shock if they saw a friends africa twin with rust all over inc the abs ring ,,, honda said - go and do one ;;;;; the voge is not perfect , - but appears to be about 500 quid cheaper than a jap [ badged ] chinese built 125 ,;;;; so a no brainer ???

[@exeterrider]

Yes I must admit I was a bit flat, I was filming all day then stayed up to get this video edited but I was a bit puffed out! I did enjoy this bike, and your right you can get issues on any bike .

[@simongilbert2704]

@@exeterrider ah, i see ,,,if your filming when at the rally no wonder your tired , do you agree with me that at 4 g that is better value than a 125 at 4,5 g , i think it is about the best priced out there - for close on 30 bhp anyway ;;

[@exeterrider]

Yes for sure, it's almost like they are selling that cheap just to get ahead of the game.

[@1960ARC]

​@@simongilbert2704I'm looking at this and thinking, how much? I paid almost £3800 for my SH125i in 2021 with extras ie heated grips and screen. No test ride available and screen took months to arrive after me e-mailing honda in Japan.