From the Inside Out
Bike Reviews with Carnaby
VOGE RALLY 300
February 2024
Being a bit of a newbie to off roading, with my only limited experience to date being getting stuck in deep mud (and being rescued by a farmers daughter with a tractor) and dropping heavy ADV bikes only in places where there's no one around to assist with the lift, I was a little apprehensive about this test ride.
After giving it some thought I figured that by being a newbie to the green lanes, of which we have plenty here in West Berkshire, I can give some honest feed back without having been swayed by other popular bikes that are out there in this class.
So, here we go folks!
After giving it some thought I figured that by being a newbie to the green lanes, of which we have plenty here in West Berkshire, I can give some honest feed back without having been swayed by other popular bikes that are out there in this class.
So, here we go folks!
In keeping with the "Inside Out" review theme, lets start with the 292cc power unit that creates
28bhp and 25 NM torque at 6500 rpm. The engine is built by Chinese Company, Loncin, who have an association with BMW and are involved in some of their engines, so we are confident that we have a reliable unit powering this bike.
For some, I am sure, this engine will feel underpowered, but I always ride and encourage customers to ride each bike for what it is. As the Voge Rally 300 is massively cheaper than its rivals one has to expect some compromise, but I feel that for the price tag of just £3949.00 on the road (or off it as the case may be) it's a lot of bike for the money. I suggest that if you expect the performance of a decent 250, you will not be disappointed.
28bhp and 25 NM torque at 6500 rpm. The engine is built by Chinese Company, Loncin, who have an association with BMW and are involved in some of their engines, so we are confident that we have a reliable unit powering this bike.
For some, I am sure, this engine will feel underpowered, but I always ride and encourage customers to ride each bike for what it is. As the Voge Rally 300 is massively cheaper than its rivals one has to expect some compromise, but I feel that for the price tag of just £3949.00 on the road (or off it as the case may be) it's a lot of bike for the money. I suggest that if you expect the performance of a decent 250, you will not be disappointed.
I first rode the tarmac along the A4 from The Carnaby Motorcycle Centre towards Reading, taking it up to 70mph. After reading a few press reviews I was actually surprised to realise that it's absolutely fine at these speeds and certainly stable enough, contrary to some articles that I've read.
Through the gears, which I find quite smooth the bike pulls as one would expect. I can't say that I would all day on the motorway or even on tarmac on this bike, but I can say that it's capable of doing so.
The bike is tall, I am tall, and therefore I did find that I was getting hit in the chest by the wind. This issue has now been solved with the addition of a simple screen extender. Once fitted, problem solved.
Lighting all round is good, riding around the dark lanes was no issue for the twin headlights and I felt safe in the knowledge that the indicators and rear light are nice bright LED. No need to switch off the ABS yet as I'm still on tarmac but I found the braking very responsive.
My initial view of on road riding is that I would probably hold it at around 65mph on the open road with some luggage on board, hold back the addition power to get out of a "hole" should I need to.
I first rode the tarmac along the A4 from The Carnaby Motorcycle Centre towards Reading, taking it up to 70mph. After reading a few press reviews I was actually surprised to realise that it's absolutely fine at these speeds and certainly stable enough, contrary to some articles that I've read.
Through the gears, which I find quite smooth the bike pulls as one would expect. I can't say that I would all day on the motorway or even on tarmac on this bike, but I can say that it's capable of doing so.
The bike is tall, I am tall, and therefore I did find that I was getting hit in the chest by the wind. This issue has now been solved with the addition of a simple screen extender. Once fitted, problem solved.
Lighting all round is good, riding around the dark lanes was no issue for the twin headlights and I felt safe in the knowledge that the indicators and rear light are nice bright LED. No need to switch off the ABS yet as I'm still on tarmac but I found the braking very responsive.
My initial view of on road riding is that I would probably hold it at around 65mph on the open road with some luggage on board, hold back the addition power to get out of a "hole" should I need to.
Up to this point, my review presents an off road bike being ridden on road, so what about the handling off road?
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Again, I will remind you that I am not by any means an experienced off roader, although that may change in the very near future. The reason for this potential change is the fact that I have been enjoying the green lanes so much that I have spoken in depth with a trail riding school and will soon take the Voge Rally 300 and I for an introductory course to learn how to do this properly. This will give me the opportunity to ride other bikes from this class and draw some real comparisons, but for now...
Covering some 25 miles of green lanes, crossing over and taking on some remote country lanes I got a good feel for different surfaces, including gravel, dirt, mud, lots and lots of mud that is, together with plenty flooded lanes and deep puddles. With the recent heavy rain came some deep ruts too, together with fallen branches across Byways. So here I am, a novice to this style of riding yet I came out of it with a huge smile across my face, which I feel in part is down to the capability of the Voge Rally 300. |
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At no time did I feel uncomfortable, out of control or dissatisfied in any way. I pointed the bike where I wanted to go, stood on the pegs, hugged the tank, pulled the throttle, and it went exactly where I'd pointed it with no trouble. I particularly enjoyed the lightness of the Rally 300. Weighing in at just 158kg it felt like a feather in comparison to larger adventure bikes I've ridden and gave me a new wave of confidence in tackling areas and surfaces that I would have may be diverted away from previously.
ACCESSORIES FOR THE VOGE RALLY 300 WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE
THROUGH OUR ONLINE SHOP
THROUGH OUR ONLINE SHOP
The Voge Rally 300 may not be considered by some as being "up there" with the big boys, but, if you are looking for a capable green lane/off roader for some weekend fun you can get yourself a lot of bike for a very good price when compared to its competitors in the class. In fact, its £2500 cheaper than Honda's CFR 300. This alone has to make you want to look at this bike in greater detail. Feedback from existing customers which I have to agree with is that there is not £2500 worth of difference when comparing the overall package that you pay for.
Being a dealer, I have to look out for what I think fits the bill for a number of activities. I am very pleased that I discovered the Voge Rally 300 and proud to introduce this brand to you via our range for 2024.
Author: R J Cooney. Dealer Principal & Owner of Carnaby Scooters
Copyright - All Rights Reserved
Being a dealer, I have to look out for what I think fits the bill for a number of activities. I am very pleased that I discovered the Voge Rally 300 and proud to introduce this brand to you via our range for 2024.
Author: R J Cooney. Dealer Principal & Owner of Carnaby Scooters
Copyright - All Rights Reserved
