The agreement between the Loncin group, to which Voge belongs, and BMW will bear a third fruit this spring: the 900DSX. An adventure trail bike powered by an 895 cc, 94 hp in-line twin-cylinder engine, with many ingredients that could make it a highly desirable machine: attractive aesthetics, a large footprint, a high-performance engine, extensive equipment, electronic aids, top brand components and an extremely competitive price!
The Loncin group, to which Voge belongs, has been trusted by the German brand BMW as a technological partner since 2005 for its high standards of manufacturing quality, first producing the 650 cc single-cylinder engine used in the Voge 650DS/650DSX models. Then, in 2015, it took on the complete manufacture of the C400 scooter, which served as the basis for the Voge SR4 Max, and, more recently, the Bavarian brand’s range of in-line twin-cylinder engines. It was precisely this last joint project that enabled Voge to produce the largest displacement model in its range: the 900DSX.
Voge’s new top-of-the-range model, unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan last November, has a very attractive design, along the lines of the big adventure trail bikes, characterized by a “duck-billed” front end, aggressive dual optics with LED headlights and a windscreen that can be easily adjusted manually without tools in two positions. The design continues with a muscular tank and a low riding position, with the seat only 825 mm from the ground, making it accessible to most users.
In its off-road vocation, the Voge 900DSX stands out for its side guards, sump protection, hand guards, exhaust with raised silencer and spoke rims for tubeless tires, measuring 21 inches at the front and 17” at the rear. As for the passenger, he or she has a seat that is higher than the driver’s seat and a luggage rack with side grab handles.
This model is powered by a liquid-cooled in-line twin-cylinder engine with double overhead camshaft heads and 4 valves per cylinder, with a high compression ratio of 13:1, balance shaft to reduce vibrations, 270-degree crankshaft offset, highly durable forged pistons and injection management developed by Bosch. The engine has a maximum power of 70 kW (94 hp) at 8,250 rpm, and a version limited to 35 kW is available for A2 license holders. The engine comes complete with a slipper clutch and bidirectional quickshifter as standard.
The frame uses a perimeter structure made of laminated steel, with the engine as its structural element, and a tubular subframe also made of steel. Attached is an asymmetrical cast aluminum swingarm. As is traditional with Voge models, there are also components from the best brands on the market. The suspension is supplied by the Japanese company Kayaba: an inverted fork on the front axle with 43 mm sheaths and 194 mm of travel, adjustable for preload and hydraulics, while the rear axle is fitted with a monoshock from the same brand with progressive operation via connecting rods, which provides 198 mm of travel and is also adjustable for preload and hydraulics. Braking has been entrusted to the prestigious Brembo brand, with a 305 mm diameter double floating front disc with twin piston calipers and a 265 mm rear disc with single piston calipers. A dual-channel ABS modulator is added to the braking system. As far as tires are concerned, Voge has chosen the excellent Pirelli Scorpion Rally for its golden tubeless spoke rims, which allow mixed road-road use with high grip on all types of road surfaces.
In terms of electronic safety equipment, in addition to ABS, there is also TCS traction control, both of which can be disconnected for off-road use. On the road, there’s the LCS system, which helps the user when changing lanes by indicating the presence of other vehicles behind via a light in the rearview mirror. Tire pressure is monitored and the CCS cruise control, which keeps driving at a constant speed, is very useful for highway use.
Electronic throttle control via Ride-by-Wire enables four different driving modes: rain, economy, sport and off-road. The instrument panel is based on a large 7-inch high-resolution color TFT screen, with different displays and plenty of information available for quick reference. The screen also features cell phone connectivity, allowing you to manage calls and receive messages, as well as simplified Turn-by-Turn navigation. It also includes a 1080p HD front camera for recording your journeys. Rounding off the electronic line-up is a proximity Keyless electronic key.
The Voge 900DSX also comes with a heated seat and grips, which can be adjusted to different intensities, and 5V USB or 12V cigarette lighter sockets. As an option, you can complete the 900DSX with original aluminum side cases and top case, with the corresponding mountings, for a promotional price.