2024 Voge 525DSX review | This low-priced, high-spec mini-adventurer from China might surprise you

Highlights

  • Incredibly high spec list
  • Known-brand components
  • Very affordable price tag

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Power: 47 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Medium (454 lbs / 206 kg)

Prices

New £6,199
Used £6,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Voge 525DSX adventure bike (variously known as the DS525X and the Valico 525 DSX) marks the start of a new era for the Chinese brand. A subsidiary of Chinese mega-company Loncin, who build over 3,000,000 complete motorcycles a year as well as a similar number of engines, Voge Motorcycles was founded in 2018 and is Loncin’s high-end motorcycle subsidiary with its eye firmly on the European market.

Launched in Europe in the early 2020s, the Voge brand initially used a 471cc parallel twin for their middleweight bikes that was basically a clone of Honda’s CB500 motor however with the launch of their all-new 525 motor (which is actually 494cc), they have upped their game. And if the 525DSX is anything to go by, they look set to make quite an impression.

As the 525DSX is built to appeal to European buyers, Voge have been keen to include lots of eye-catching ‘known brand’ components to make it stand out and enhance the ride quality in all the important areas. With Metzeler Tourance tyres, Nissin brake calipers and KYB suspension, the Voge certainly impresses and that’s before you read the rest of the spec list.

Voge 525DSX adventure bike static

Dig deeper and you discover the Voge comes with switchable traction control and ABS, connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, auxiliary lights, crash protection, brush guards, a centre stand, luggage rack, adjustable screen, spoke wheels, 12V and USB sockets and even a forward-facing camera as standard! That’s an incredibly impressive line-up for a bike costing £6199. And, far from just a collection of parts, the Voge rides and responds like a thoroughly considered bike.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The first thing you spot about the Voge is its physical size. A big and roomy bike, when you sit on it is feels anything but a middleweight adventurer and yet at low speed it is far from cumbersome. How? Look behind the Voge’s fairing you discover lots of big air gaps as Voge have stuck oversized bodywork on a small bike to give the impression of something more substantial but without its associated extra weight. In fact, the 525DSX weighs just 206kg wet and has a seat height of 810mm.

On the go you spot the fact Voge have invested in items that matter with the KYB suspension and Metzeler Tourance tyres ensuring everything remains nice and composed as it tracks through bends with precision.

You can ride the Voge hard and it gives loads of feedback (its brakes are disappointingly dead-feeling) and it feels anything but a ‘budget’ bike. It also has good weather protection thanks to brush guards and a two-stage adjustable screen as standard (although it lacks a handle and our courier crushed his thumb in it).

Voge 525DSX tested for MCN by Jon Urry

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The all-new 525 parallel twin engine, which is actually 494cc, is a very impressive motor with lots of mid-range and a friendly, if a touch raw at times, character. More than happy to cruise at 70mph, it has a few vibrations but nothing too unpleasant and is noticeably peppier than its main rival, the Honda NX500, when it comes to top-gear roll-on acceleration.

Producing 46.9bhp with 32.5ftlb of torque, it is easily able to record 60mpg and comes with traction control and two (pointless) power modes but our test bike did hop out of gear a few times, which may simply be down to a poorly-adjusted gear lever. Considering Loncin’s engineering background, it is unlikely to be anything major.

Voge 525DSX engine

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

If you were to take the Voge badge off the 525DSX, you would be hard-pushed to know its Chinese-origin. There again, most of its Japanese-branded rivals are built in the Far East so does it matter anyway?

Overall the build quality seems high on the Voge with money spent where it matters, however only time will really tell. That said, it is worth noting that as far back as 2005, Loncin started to make the G650GS engine for BMW and nowadays they manufacture the F-Series parallel twin engines for the German firm as well as their single-cylinder C400X scooter. And they make around 3,000,000 bikes every year. They really do know their stuff...

Voge 525DSX right side action shot

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

There is no denying the Voge is a very keenly priced bike and at £6199 it is £600 cheaper than its main rival, the Honda NX500. However this price difference doesn’t take into account the spec of the Voge and to bring the Honda up to its level (brush guards, centre stand etc) costs over £1500, making the Voge seem remarkable value.

It’s slightly less economical than the Honda, which is no drama, but the major worry is the Chinese-brand’s residual value. As Voge are still very much a fledgling brand in the UK (they do have 52 dealers), the used market isn’t crying out for them and selling a used Voge will be considerably harder than a used NX500 or ‘known branded’ motorcycle. This will change with time as the brand expands and gains popularity but as it currently stands, that’s the situation. Read more about this rivalry in our Honda NX500 vs Voge 525DSX twin test.

A KTM 390 Adventure costs £6,599 (2024) and is slightly down on power thanks to its smaller engine capacity, too. A Sinnis Terrain 380 comes in at £4495 (plus OTR) but can't hold a candle to the spec and finish of the Voge.

Voge 525DSX turning right on the road

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

It is very hard to think of anything Voge have left off the 525DSX. It comes with Metzeler Tourance tyres, Nissin brake calipers, KYB suspension (with fully-adjustable forks), two power modes, switchable traction control and ABS, connectivity, auxiliary lights, crash protection, brush guards, a centre stand, luggage rack, adjustable screen, spoke wheels, 12V and USB sockets and even a forward-facing camera. Wow!

Voge 525DSX dash

Specs

Engine size 494cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel twin
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 206kg
Front suspension KYB forks, fully-adjustable
Rear suspension Single rear shock, adjustable preload
Front brake 2 x 298mm wave discs with Nissin two-piston calipers. ABS
Rear brake 240mm single wave disc with single-piston caliper. ABS.
Front tyre size 110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 63 mpg
Annual road tax £84
Annual service cost -
New price £6,199
Used price £6,000
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 47 bhp
Max torque 32.5 ft-lb
Top speed 100 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 251 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2024: Voge 525DSX: Brand new model.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the VOGE 525DSX (2024 - on)

3 owners have reviewed their VOGE 525DSX (2024 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your VOGE 525DSX (2024 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Engine: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Value vs rivals: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Equipment: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
5 out of 5 VOGE TÜRKİYE
30 September 2024 by VOGE525 TÜRKİYE

Year: 2024

They took every best parts of the bikes and VOGE born. What a bike!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Day I bought I ride it to home and felt like we were together all our life!! Felt soooo safe on it!!

Engine 5 out of 5

I dön^t know what they done to this engine but never seen anything like it! Sound sooo good and soo different in every rev!! Woooww woww...

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

What you see tells you the level off quality!! no doubt ..

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Early to say anything about that but 2 years guaranty!?

Equipment 4 out of 5

Everything thougt but passenger sit and foot rest could be better!!

Buying experience: From a dealer and paid 410 K Türkish LİRA

5 out of 5 Happy with it so far. Other biking mates views & comments have also been positive
21 August 2024 by Paul

Year: 2024

Very easy to get on with from Day 1. I think it's looks are much better than a lot of the competition, which is why I bought it, but it does have a lot of features as standard, so it's a bargain difficult to argue against. Sure I'd like a bit more power, but I didn't buy it expecting raucous performance. My idea was a bike for local, commuter, shorter trips kinda bike, which suits fine, but it can handle longer trips no problem, especially with the luggage it came with.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I'd like the seat to be a bit softer, and could easily accommodate a thicker, taller seat height, but may try some gel pants! The brakes are great now they've bedded in

Engine 4 out of 5

I like the motor so far, (although I'm still running in), it does go through the gears very quickly, so gear ratios could be better. Apparently, a tune-up kit gives over 10% increase in power, and a change of front drive sprocket will help reduce revs & potential vibes.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I haven't had it long enough to comment on reliability, but so far so good, no issues. The 2 year warranty is comforting

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

As regards economy, mine is doing an average of 3.7litres/100kms, or about 76mpg, which is likely to give a good touring range.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I like the instrument panel (TFT display) which amongst the usual, displays ambient temperature, fuel economy & tyre pressures. It's likely got even more features I haven't fully explored yet, as it's Bluetooth compatible, and there are sockets for accessories, but it could do with a shade/cowl extension on the screen to improve visibility in bright sunshine

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer, who has experience of other Chinese built bikes. They can handle the servicing

4 out of 5 You pay a lot less for what you get
14 February 2024 by George M

Year: 2024

You can't go wrong for this kind of pricing.- Strong and frugal engine (around 4.4 litres/100 kilometers on heavy traffic and riding as quickly as possible) - Good suspension set up, that does amazing on twisties and provide good comfort on badly made roads -Strong front brake with good feeling and an average back brake -Good wind protection from the torso and below (put a windshield extension and you get full coverage) -Wide rider seat but needs a bit more cushion and a very comfortable pillion seat - No need to spend $$$ on equipment, this bike is fully packed - The main beam along with the Fog Lights really turns night into day - Metzeler Tourance is a very good tyre, that works very well on dry and wet roads, it is surprisingly good when cornering and can help you do a bit off-roading - Build quality is very good overall, the only nagging is that some bolts are not made from good material - The rear suspension is a pain to adjust (very little room to work) - There are vibrations, that become less and less intense after 3000 kilometres to the point where you only feel a buzz at 4000 RPMs.Overall, if it proves to be reliable, it will be one of the best bargains on the motorcycle market.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

It rides beautifully, although some stupid vibrations disrupt the experience a bit. Front brakes are very good, rear brake is average. What this bike needs is a premium set of metallic brake pads.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is reduced to 48 bhp in order to be available for A2 licence riders. It naturally produces 55 bhp (the ECU is restricted) and by fitting an aftermarket air filter and removing the 3 catalysts (2 on the cylinders and 1 big one before the exhaust pipe), you get 60 bhp from this engine (it's been tested by a friend of mine).

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Great overall quality, reliability is something unknown for now, but I have seen the previous Voge 500DS/DSX with 45,000 kilometers that had almost no issues.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Maintenence is every 5000 kilometers and you change the oil (2.7 litres), the oil filter and check the rest of the bike. Spark plugs and air filter are changed every 10,000 kilometres.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Best future has to be the Traction Control, but what I like the most is the combination of the engine guard with the side protection rubber mounts, without making the bike wide at all.

Buying experience: I bought it brand new for 5,995€ (Greece) and I got a 47 litre topcase and a good alarm system.

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