At present, there are a few interesting options in the 300cc to 400cc adventure segment. Of course, bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan suite those who prefer a raw, barebones riding experience. On the other end of the spectrum, bikes like the KTM 390 Adventure offer novices a tech-laden package filled with features found on more advanced, premium machines.
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Loncin
wants in on the action too, with its own interpretation of an entry-level
adventure tourer in the form of the Voge 300 DS. Just recently, Loncin launched
its bigger sibling, the 500 DS, in the European market. This time around, the
Voge 300 DS makes its debut in France as an extremely affordable machine which
boasts impressive performance and versatility. At first glance, the Voge 300 DS
could trick you into thinking that it packs more punch than it really does.
Shod beneath the bikes muscular bodywork
and adventure-ready aesthetic lies a 292.4cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
engine which churns out an adequate 26 horsepower. In order to keep the price
competitive, Loncin has equipped the Voge 300 DS with the bare essentials when
it comes to touring ability. That said, we find a simple LCD digital display, a
built-in USB charger, a luggage rack, and LED lighting as standard equipment.
On paper, the Voge 300 DS seems most closely matched to the BMW G 310 GS, which
gets similar tech and features, albeit slightly more grunt.
As usual, however, the Chinese-made
adventurer undercuts the Bavarian’s price tag by a substantial margin. The Voge
300 DS retails for € 4,295, or the equivalent of US$ 5,187, as opposed to the
BMW G 310 GS, which comes with a sticker price of € 6,100, or just north of US$ 7,300. That said, the Voge 300 DS will surely appeal to the more
budget-conscious consumer looking for a versatile, beginner-friendly
all-rounder.
