It’s so refreshing hearing and actually seeing small capacity bikes touring to the Alps and beyond, whilst also being able to do the trails as well. My bike weighs nearly 260 KG’s and I’m not sure I’d ever be able to pick it up if I dropped it. Brilliant channel, always so informative.
Im 18 looking at my a2 bike this year and this channel is amazing for it . the voge 300 caught my eye at bike live mainly for the price tag to get a brand new bike with all the gear afterwards i watched a few reviews and sided against it because of the low geared engine , currently having a 125 with overheating issues that redlines at 60 my range is quite minimal and was scared of a similar situation, and looked at the cf moto 450. But after your videos ive leant back to the voge as your honest take on trail riding being better with light bikes really helped as well as the truth that you dont need a big engine to go on an adventure as seen by you going to the alps. The hard suspension and low price tag are really good to me as a young person im probably going to abuse it as well as drop it a ton. The sheer amount of reviews and comparisons on this channel is unmatched to any other bike channel or media and is so good as well as your honest take on not just the original ride but the reality of riding it for thousands of miles afterwards. Watching the kle 300 review was great as seeing you explain how to pick the bike up and the reality of a 'light bike' still being a challenge to pick up is really eye opening to the decision of what to ride especially as this will be common to me in the future as a beginner.
Sprockets are cheap and easy. Unless I'm missing something, engines don't make the bike low geared if you have chain and sprockets. Edit- I see a comment below where somebody switched to a 45T rear sprocket and they liked it.
@@jerrym3261 I think changing a gearbox sprocket is usually easier, is cheaper and (often) doesn’t need a new chain, just a readjustment of the rear wheel. Also carrying the old gearbox sprocket in the toolkit is easy and if needed for serious off-road (lower-geared) work during a trip it can be changed in 30 minutes while supping a coffee! Les
@@leslieaustin151 It looks like stock sprockets are 14 and 48. There is a comment where somebody changed to a 15 tooth front sprocket to raise the gearing. Whether you can raise the gearing with a larger front sprocket without a longer chain remains to be seen, raising the gearing by putting a smaller sprocket on the back would have you shortening the chain you have. Might be an idea to see what you can do on your bike and pick an option. There are half links and pieces of chain with 2 master links.
@@jerrym3261 yes. Just so. But I wrote about changing the gearbox sprocket as the easier option because it is. I’ve done it on both my bikes (twice on one of them) and if I want to enter certain events with 5he smaller bike (125) I will certainly have to take the original smaller gearbox sprocket with me for the difficult parts that require a bit of torque and climbing / mud-plugging ability. But, as I say, I’ve done it on both my bikes.. so ‘experience’. Les
don't buy a new bike. buy second hand. you will ride it, you will enjoy it, you will crash it, repair it, then sell it and move upwards. brand new bikes don't make sense for beginners.
Having jumped onto your Blue test Rally, that distant day in the Alps. I think it’s excellent, easy to ride and sounds great. My beloved Crf250L is now 11yrs old. Still works, I still have faith in her. The Voge is a great option, if I didn’t have a Crf. I’d buy a Voge Rally. You could TRF it or TET/ACT routes across Europe and why not Transalp Morocco. Hope all is good with you Nathan 😊
Another fascinating episode, keeping us up to date with the fleet. Freddie Dobbs has just mentioned the Kurz FS 250, using old Honda aircooled 250 tech and costing £2500. Sounds worthy of investigation. I hope you have a happy new year.
Great end of year review Nathan, at the price point its a cracking bargain, i have been using it on some pretty knarly stuff here in Spain and it performs well. For a bike to sling in the back of a truck or your camper van its perfect. Ok a bit heavier than say a WR 450 but the price difference is crazy. Here in Spain most guys are really into Eduro trails and even the most expensive KTM, Yamaha bikes are a bit beat up. I have had my DSX 900 down, now that takes some lifting with the luggage at 255kg. The Voge 300 by comparison is so light, its also user friendly out of the box to most levels of off road skill. Happy new year buddy 👍
Thanks for another year of great content. You cover the detail, the niggles and how the bikes 'feel'...riding bikes is not all about tech figures it's how they feel. You nail it
450excf in the right trim is the perfect adv. 107kf full of fuel (weighed my 2019 bike with proper scales). Beast power and light. Add a decent fairing and bits and bobs and 130-140kg with 55-60hp would be a weapon. There’s a few 500excf that have 80,000klms and been around the planet now. Manufacturers have just given us what they want to sell us rather than sell us what we’ve been asking for for 20yrs, especially here in Oz. Hence the success of the 450mt. You hit the nail on the head. Chinese haven’t invented anything, they’ve added in the ingredients that we wanted and made the bike we have asked for when the Austrians and Japanese haven’t.
Ha. It was the stick coming out the hedge that jousted me off. I ended up picking it up with the bum to the seat approach as I couldn't quite get underneath it
Thank you very much! That is THE bike I have an interest in. Here in the US I am neither able to get one or have anything other than tarmac to ride it on. Looking to Ecuador, I think the Voge 300 Rally or the much less money Loncin 300 Rally are the sane choices. If I have it right, the off-roading is abundant and the distances are short so, it may be a paradise. I'm hoping 2025 is the year I at least visit for my 90 days with the possibility of staying if I like it.
For lightweight trailbikes I choose the vintage option. I've currently got a 1977 TT500 (with lighting kit) & a 1980 Fantic/Hiro 250. No MOT to worry about, £0 for tax, & they're unlikely to depreciate. There are still plenty of old XL's/XR's/XT's/DR's etc around.
THE Best mod for the Voge is a 45T rear sprocket - and putting 4000m on it which smooths the engine significantly. The bonus is it helps extend the service intervals.. Also it can be lowered for zero money
Hi Nathan, I bought the Voge on the strength of your Stella Alpina trip report, and I'm sure glad I did. Such a great fun machine. I have done about the same mileage in a year. Yes it's tall! Im 6 foot and still dropped it when putting my foot down on wrong side of camber. A little heavy I agree, but a capable machine only limited by my riding expertise. Timsuns do the job with the right pressures and I dropped a couple of teeth off the rear sprocket which helps to cruise around that 60/65 mph mark. My only rear worry was getting insurance. Only Bikesure would insure and for third party only! I know personal circumstance differ, but I would advise checking before buying! I think it's a good all round travel bike. Cheers.
Hi Clunky. Yes I've heard that about the insurance. Same with the CF Moto. I have mine on a fleet policy so a bit immune from the insurance woes. I tend to find brokers are a good place to go. They're a bit more flexible towards new machines, though you wouldn't think the Voge would be problematic. Anyone else reading this had similar issues?
@@nathanthepostman I've had my voge since march and done 3500 miles and the only issue I've had was a side stand switch..easy fix and didn't stop me for more than 10 mins to sort it. I haven't got much faith in the timsums on trails as I live in muddy Yorkshire and I'm not the most skilled but on the road and gravel tracks they are great. Insurance wasn't an issue for me so maybe something to do with locations in the country?? I've put a 15 tooth sprocket on the front and takes the 6th gear rpm down to 6k at 60mph. The size of the bike is great for me at 6 foot 6. I love riding the bike for miles and it's my go to small travel bike for b roads and adventure.
@@2wheelwonderer I live in Salford, which can be Gunfight at the OK Corral...lol. All insurance seems to be steep here. I also have a GS1200, silly money asked for that as well.
Great summary of a year with the Voge - thank you 🤙I have the dilemma of a "used CRF/other suitable" vs a "new Voge". The only thing putting me off the Voge is its saddle height. As a 56 year old newbie Green Laner I want to be able to plant my feet down as and when I need to. At 5'8" with a 31" inside leg I am worried the Voge might be a bit tall. I'm trying to get a test ride but I can't find a Norfolk dealer with a demo bike. Any thoughts very welcome - thanks. My other options are a second hand CRF250L or a Himalayan 411. I'm looking for something for 50/50 - A and B roads versus Norfolk / Suffolk green lanes. CHEERS.
@@tomrushforth3856 I got a fantastic deal from Jamie at Holt Motorcycles - trading in my 2018 Honda CB500F. It is a tiny bit too high - but I think I can get used to it. If not - I hope to find a set of lowering "dog bones" or get someone to make me a pair - it looks easy enough.
Hopefully do my full license this month and I looked high and low for a decent bike. Came across this a few days ago. Been over to dealer and sat on one. I think it’s a fantastic bike for the money 2 year warranty and gen 2 as a few better features like fuel gauge etc. A fantastic first bike I reckon. Would’ve loved a 125 but they sort of struggled to keep at 60 don’t fancy that on a dual carriageway with a lorry trying to overtake me. Prefer a bit more power with economy and adventure
I currently own a cb300r and im so tempted to get some adventure type tyres for it and to see what it can do on some green lanes, the bike only weighs 140kg and apart from losing out in the ground clearance and suspension travel im sure it would be quite capable of at most of the green lanes ive seen.
Yeah give it a go. It won't be ideal. Wheel size will make hard work of some of it, and you won't be able to stand up too easy, but I'll go along a lot of stuff at a steady pace with a bit of paddling
I am almost at the point of clicking that buy it now button. I want something with longer legs than my mt230, as have some European trips planned for this year. The idea is to be able to use it on the road and on the trails. Still would use my mt for local lane bashing. The Voge would make my v strom 650 completely redundant , but it literally sits in the garage not being used at all anyway. I have been considering the crf as well but don’t really like the plastics on the rally and getting the l as an adventure bike doesn’t really make sense for me. Good video Regards Raf
Raf, I'm also looking at swapping my Vstrom 650XT for something smaller and lighter. The Vstrom is such a lump to manhandle in and out of the garage I don't use it anywhere near as much as I would like. Voge or CRF300 Rally...hmmm.
Lots of parts on aliexpress for at least the engine. One point related to comparison with the honda prices, if the buy the bike as a keeper with the intention to repair when it fails, the honda spare parts prices are 3 or 4x higher. Even hondas fail when the kms go above 100,000
A big thing that's happening is that the Chinese are now getting a foothold in dealerships. This is key for me, because when i buy any bike i need to know the support is there for warranty, spares or servicing. It wasn't the case 10 years ago. So you also have somewhere to go when it's time to trade it in,too. With a lot of premium dealers very sadly closing, this might be where the future is. Times are hard and a better value Chinese bike is better than no bike. I remember when everyone laughed at Skoda or Hyundai. Look at them now. South America hasn't really got going yet, but like Asia, small bikes will be the market. If you want small but not Chinese, Triumph and RE will offer you that. For myself I bought the best bike that fitted all my needs. It happened to be RE. If I'd had a CF or Reiju dealer nearby, it might have been one of those. Biking will survive, but maybe with a different face. Ride safe and happy new year all 👍
I'm 5 8, found the Voge was too tall for me, the seat is wider than an enduro so was a bit too hard for me to throw the cheeks across in a hurry - got an MT450 on order and just picked up a 310GS second hand with all the bells and whistles on it from the previous owner to keep myself busy while waiting for the MT450 to work its way over from China.
Hi Nathan My wife isn't that tall She has had 3 x crf 250l and had the suspension link drilled to lower the bikes Is it possible to do the same on the 300 rally Bargain bike really
Its interesting that you dont want an Enduro style bike, they do look uncompromising. The lighter bikes like CRFs go the closer they get like an enduro. The Voge 300 is similar, only that it has more plastic and a different road biased looking headlight. Tank range lets enduro bikes down but on some you can get larger tanks. The tyres are also compromised on the road but you can fit 50/50s which helps road riding. Ive gone from a Himi to a GPX Moto 450 which is around 130kg, they are around £3000 second hand. We do about 100 miles on a Saturday 50 road and 50 green lanes. I have to fill up on the way and then on the way back so it works fine. Other two friends run Himalayans still and love them, if i swap bikes for a lane or two i can't believe how alien and out of place the Himi now feels, on the road the GPX feels fine up to 55 - 60mph so does work in most situations, you just wouldn't wont to ride for hours on a motorway so touring wouldn't be good. Im not a good off road rider so this Enduro style light weight bike real helps me get down the lanes without making me feel like giving up, also its easy to pick up and plastics is £100 for a complete set, its also good if yiu can do your own maintenance. Its like you say Nathan, it all depends on what you want to do on the bike. You need to be able to enjoy the ride, if it makes you feel like you are going to get yourself stuck and in trouble, it's probably the wrong bike for you.
Nathan can I ask what you think may happen in the near future with ice bike sales? Due to this crazy net zero policy. Does it concern you or should I say worry you? Obviously the government is now putting restrictions of the % of new cars sold with ice and I’m guessing it’ll be implemented to motorbikes. My guess personally is very soon we may not be able to afford to purchase new bikes because of supply/ demand restrictions being forced on retailers. I’m asking this because I’m thinking I may need to buy a bit sooner than planned for a Voge
Yes, 140kg 40bhp is my sweetspot, where my Unicorn lives. So I'd like to see you put the CCM on a decent set of scales live. Im sure its old enough not to upset anybody at CCM now if it turns out to be on the high side as you suspect? Interestingly, its where I'm expecting the new DRZ 400cc to fit in, and where the old one has actually lived for a while. The industry has certainly led us down a dead end for some years.
@nathanthepostman Hi, Happy New Year Nathan!. So is that about 150kg with a 'normal' amount of fuel? I think it would be a good idea if weights were standardised to enough for 100 miles in any particular bike. As manufacturers don't seem to be able to state the weight or tank size with any degree of accuracy, I'd say this is highly unlikely to happen!
My bike is at 13000 km now. Last October i did 4500km tour. Most of it road cruising. No problem at all. My horn stopped working. I changed. I changed shifter food lever because boot not fitting. And navigation bar holder. When it comes the sprocket. 2. Gear is short on greenlaining. Need to change 44 tooth. But i am ok. I don't like the mechanics in my country. I maintain my bike myself according to the manual.
Tend to agree with you there! My nearly 20 year old Kawasaki Super Sherpa only weighs 130 kg with tank full to brim. Same power, wide ratio 6 speed gearbox, low seat and totally reliable. Not much progress in the last 20 years?
the ktm 390 enduro R may well be the bike that fills the gap between the voge/crf and the lightweight enduro bikes like my 500 exc - it should be a nice bike that little 390, NOT talking about the adventure version - of course they won't be low cost so there's that , also the new DRZ400 will be about 140, maybe a tad less
@ Road and Green Lane only in Britain. Mostly between 60 and 120 miles of road riding to get to the trails. Yorkshire Moors/Dales/Lakes/Northumberland. Once a year a longer ride to mid wales which would require some motorway work. I’m finding the Serrow a bit cramped wearing MX boots, it’s great on the trails, a good little work horse, easy to pick up and 90mpg, but…
@@nockianlifter661 I'd go for the Voge. CF Moto is 40 kilos heavier. Better on the road. But you're not doing a huge amount of that. And benefit of Voge is more manageable on trails. And a lot cheaper.
It's virtually half the price of the Honda, has better suspension and, as a bike you are very likely to drop and damage, the bits are cheap. Will it last ten years, hold it's value like the Honda... Who cares. Cheap, cheerful and does the job remarkably well. A no brainer really. My only real gripe, would have liked a petrol gauge rather than a warning light.
@@nathanthepostman Maybe, mine is first gen? Still going strong but the CF Moto is my main ride now. Voge for the really gnarly stuff though and, like you say, who cares if you scratch it up a bit? If ever you're up Dorset way... Give me a shout.
The problem with all the Chinese bikes is lack of parts support and dealer networks. And Chinese metallurgy and quality control still lacking. Electrical systems suck too.
great video thanks , I know you love the 411 Himalayan but for a 2 week euro trip which would you prefer for touring trail holiday ? thanks happy new year
It’s so refreshing hearing and actually seeing small capacity bikes touring to the Alps and beyond, whilst also being able to do the trails as well. My bike weighs nearly 260 KG’s and I’m not sure I’d ever be able to pick it up if I dropped it. Brilliant channel, always so informative.
Im 18 looking at my a2 bike this year and this channel is amazing for it . the voge 300 caught my eye at bike live mainly for the price tag to get a brand new bike with all the gear afterwards i watched a few reviews and sided against it because of the low geared engine , currently having a 125 with overheating issues that redlines at 60 my range is quite minimal and was scared of a similar situation, and looked at the cf moto 450. But after your videos ive leant back to the voge as your honest take on trail riding being better with light bikes really helped as well as the truth that you dont need a big engine to go on an adventure as seen by you going to the alps. The hard suspension and low price tag are really good to me as a young person im probably going to abuse it as well as drop it a ton. The sheer amount of reviews and comparisons on this channel is unmatched to any other bike channel or media and is so good as well as your honest take on not just the original ride but the reality of riding it for thousands of miles afterwards. Watching the kle 300 review was great as seeing you explain how to pick the bike up and the reality of a 'light bike' still being a challenge to pick up is really eye opening to the decision of what to ride especially as this will be common to me in the future as a beginner.
Sprockets are cheap and easy. Unless I'm missing something, engines don't make the bike low geared if you have chain and sprockets. Edit- I see a comment below where somebody switched to a 45T rear sprocket and they liked it.
@@jerrym3261 I think changing a gearbox sprocket is usually easier, is cheaper and (often) doesn’t need a new chain, just a readjustment of the rear wheel. Also carrying the old gearbox sprocket in the toolkit is easy and if needed for serious off-road (lower-geared) work during a trip it can be changed in 30 minutes while supping a coffee! Les
@@leslieaustin151 It looks like stock sprockets are 14 and 48. There is a comment where somebody changed to a 15 tooth front sprocket to raise the gearing. Whether you can raise the gearing with a larger front sprocket without a longer chain remains to be seen, raising the gearing by putting a smaller sprocket on the back would have you shortening the chain you have. Might be an idea to see what you can do on your bike and pick an option. There are half links and pieces of chain with 2 master links.
@@jerrym3261 yes. Just so. But I wrote about changing the gearbox sprocket as the easier option because it is. I’ve done it on both my bikes (twice on one of them) and if I want to enter certain events with 5he smaller bike (125) I will certainly have to take the original smaller gearbox sprocket with me for the difficult parts that require a bit of torque and climbing / mud-plugging ability. But, as I say, I’ve done it on both my bikes.. so ‘experience’. Les
don't buy a new bike. buy second hand. you will ride it, you will enjoy it, you will crash it, repair it, then sell it and move upwards. brand new bikes don't make sense for beginners.
Having jumped onto your Blue test Rally, that distant day in the Alps. I think it’s excellent, easy to ride and sounds great. My beloved Crf250L is now 11yrs old. Still works, I still have faith in her. The Voge is a great option, if I didn’t have a Crf. I’d buy a Voge Rally. You could TRF it or TET/ACT routes across Europe and why not Transalp Morocco.
Hope all is good with you Nathan 😊
Another fascinating episode, keeping us up to date with the fleet. Freddie Dobbs has just mentioned the Kurz FS 250, using old Honda aircooled 250 tech and costing £2500. Sounds worthy of investigation. I hope you have a happy new year.
Yes I've seen those a few times. Almost bought one.
Loving these end of year round ups. Thanks Nathan
Great end of year review Nathan, at the price point its a cracking bargain, i have been using it on some pretty knarly stuff here in Spain and it performs well. For a bike to sling in the back of a truck or your camper van its perfect. Ok a bit heavier than say a WR 450 but the price difference is crazy. Here in Spain most guys are really into Eduro trails and even the most expensive KTM, Yamaha bikes are a bit beat up. I have had my DSX 900 down, now that takes some lifting with the luggage at 255kg. The Voge 300 by comparison is so light, its also user friendly out of the box to most levels of off road skill. Happy new year buddy 👍
Was very impressed with the Voge at one of Nathan's ride out days. Pretty much trail ready out of the box.
Thanks for another year of great content. You cover the detail, the niggles and how the bikes 'feel'...riding bikes is not all about tech figures it's how they feel. You nail it
450excf in the right trim is the perfect adv.
107kf full of fuel (weighed my 2019 bike with proper scales).
Beast power and light.
Add a decent fairing and bits and bobs and 130-140kg with 55-60hp would be a weapon.
There’s a few 500excf that have 80,000klms and been around the planet now.
Manufacturers have just given us what they want to sell us rather than sell us what we’ve been asking for for 20yrs, especially here in Oz.
Hence the success of the 450mt.
You hit the nail on the head.
Chinese haven’t invented anything, they’ve added in the ingredients that we wanted and made the bike we have asked for when the Austrians and Japanese haven’t.
Happy New Year Nathan - and thanks for all your valued output (Oh, and I'll be looking at winning one of those 125's - as it's my birthday that day!)
Thanks Cosmic. Have a great evening and hope you enjoy the new CT!
I love the high tech stick for jacking up the bike. I have a range of them in different lengths
Ha. It was the stick coming out the hedge that jousted me off. I ended up picking it up with the bum to the seat approach as I couldn't quite get underneath it
Thank you very much! That is THE bike I have an interest in. Here in the US I am neither able to get one or have anything other than tarmac to ride it on. Looking to Ecuador, I think the Voge 300 Rally or the much less money Loncin 300 Rally are the sane choices. If I have it right, the off-roading is abundant and the distances are short so, it may be a paradise. I'm hoping 2025 is the year I at least visit for my 90 days with the possibility of staying if I like it.
Good conclusion, at that price point just get on and use it whilst the classic beauty is left in the warm and dry appreciating!
Excellent impartial review as per usual! I’d love to hear your opinion on the Beta Alp 200.
Looking forward to you geting the Hero Xpulse. Would love to know where it stands for European use.👍🏻
For lightweight trailbikes I choose the vintage option. I've currently got a 1977 TT500 (with lighting kit) & a 1980 Fantic/Hiro 250. No MOT to worry about, £0 for tax, & they're unlikely to depreciate. There are still plenty of old XL's/XR's/XT's/DR's etc around.
Klx 300 rally!❤👍👍 if it were available in the states i would love to test ride one and most likely own one. Great vid.
Thanks Brian. Yes that's effectively all it is isn't it; a klx 300 Rally. Shame Kawasaki didn't get into the game with one
THE Best mod for the Voge is a 45T rear sprocket - and putting 4000m on it which smooths the engine significantly. The bonus is it helps extend the service intervals.. Also it can be lowered for zero money
Hi, i'm interested; what is possible to do a DIY lowering of the rear?
@@markusludwig6023 you will need mechanical work. Some welding drilling. No holes for lowering suspension.
Hi Nathan, I bought the Voge on the strength of your Stella Alpina trip report, and I'm sure glad I did. Such a great fun machine. I have done about the same mileage in a year. Yes it's tall! Im 6 foot and still dropped it when putting my foot down on wrong side of camber. A little heavy I agree, but a capable machine only limited by my riding expertise. Timsuns do the job with the right pressures and I dropped a couple of teeth off the rear sprocket which helps to cruise around that 60/65 mph mark. My only rear worry was getting insurance. Only Bikesure would insure and for third party only! I know personal circumstance differ, but I would advise checking before buying! I think it's a good all round travel bike. Cheers.
Hi Clunky. Yes I've heard that about the insurance. Same with the CF Moto. I have mine on a fleet policy so a bit immune from the insurance woes. I tend to find brokers are a good place to go. They're a bit more flexible towards new machines, though you wouldn't think the Voge would be problematic. Anyone else reading this had similar issues?
@@nathanthepostman I've had my voge since march and done 3500 miles and the only issue I've had was a side stand switch..easy fix and didn't stop me for more than 10 mins to sort it. I haven't got much faith in the timsums on trails as I live in muddy Yorkshire and I'm not the most skilled but on the road and gravel tracks they are great. Insurance wasn't an issue for me so maybe something to do with locations in the country?? I've put a 15 tooth sprocket on the front and takes the 6th gear rpm down to 6k at 60mph. The size of the bike is great for me at 6 foot 6. I love riding the bike for miles and it's my go to small travel bike for b roads and adventure.
@@2wheelwonderer I live in Salford, which can be Gunfight at the OK Corral...lol. All insurance seems to be steep here. I also have a GS1200, silly money asked for that as well.
Great summary of a year with the Voge - thank you 🤙I have the dilemma of a "used CRF/other suitable" vs a "new Voge". The only thing putting me off the Voge is its saddle height. As a 56 year old newbie Green Laner I want to be able to plant my feet down as and when I need to. At 5'8" with a 31" inside leg I am worried the Voge might be a bit tall. I'm trying to get a test ride but I can't find a Norfolk dealer with a demo bike. Any thoughts very welcome - thanks. My other options are a second hand CRF250L or a Himalayan 411. I'm looking for something for 50/50 - A and B roads versus Norfolk / Suffolk green lanes. CHEERS.
Moonraker in Norwich are meant to be getting them in the next few weeks. Worth a look.
@@tomrushforth3856 I got a fantastic deal from Jamie at Holt Motorcycles - trading in my 2018 Honda CB500F. It is a tiny bit too high - but I think I can get used to it. If not - I hope to find a set of lowering "dog bones" or get someone to make me a pair - it looks easy enough.
Hopefully do my full license this month and I looked high and low for a decent bike. Came across this a few days ago. Been over to dealer and sat on one. I think it’s a fantastic bike for the money 2 year warranty and gen 2 as a few better features like fuel gauge etc. A fantastic first bike I reckon. Would’ve loved a 125 but they sort of struggled to keep at 60 don’t fancy that on a dual carriageway with a lorry trying to overtake me. Prefer a bit more power with economy and adventure
The xpulse 200 is available in South Africa, it is a fantastic bike and affordable. I look forward to your review of it when you get it there.
You should look at a beta alp 4.0 ,135kg ,40bhp, it is perfect for the green lanes
I did - but it doesn't ravel as well as the Voge
I currently own a cb300r and im so tempted to get some adventure type tyres for it and to see what it can do on some green lanes, the bike only weighs 140kg and apart from losing out in the ground clearance and suspension travel im sure it would be quite capable of at most of the green lanes ive seen.
Yeah give it a go. It won't be ideal. Wheel size will make hard work of some of it, and you won't be able to stand up too easy, but I'll go along a lot of stuff at a steady pace with a bit of paddling
Kurtz 250? Looks good for 2.5k
I am almost at the point of clicking that buy it now button. I want something with longer legs than my mt230, as have some European trips planned for this year. The idea is to be able to use it on the road and on the trails. Still would use my mt for local lane bashing. The Voge would make my v strom 650 completely redundant , but it literally sits in the garage not being used at all anyway.
I have been considering the crf as well but don’t really like the plastics on the rally and getting the l as an adventure bike doesn’t really make sense for me.
Good video
Regards
Raf
Raf, I'm also looking at swapping my Vstrom 650XT for something smaller and lighter. The Vstrom is such a lump to manhandle in and out of the garage I don't use it anywhere near as much as I would like. Voge or CRF300 Rally...hmmm.
Lots of parts on aliexpress for at least the engine. One point related to comparison with the honda prices, if the buy the bike as a keeper with the intention to repair when it fails, the honda spare parts prices are 3 or 4x higher. Even hondas fail when the kms go above 100,000
A big thing that's happening is that the Chinese are now getting a foothold in dealerships.
This is key for me, because when i buy any bike i need to know the support is there for warranty, spares or servicing.
It wasn't the case 10 years ago.
So you also have somewhere to go when it's time to trade it in,too.
With a lot of premium dealers very sadly closing, this might be where the future is.
Times are hard and a better value Chinese bike is better than no bike.
I remember when everyone laughed at Skoda or Hyundai. Look at them now.
South America hasn't really got going yet, but like Asia, small bikes will be the market.
If you want small but not Chinese, Triumph and RE will offer you that.
For myself I bought the best bike that fitted all my needs. It happened to be RE. If I'd had a CF or Reiju dealer nearby, it might have been one of those.
Biking will survive, but maybe with a different face.
Ride safe and happy new year all 👍
The Voge looks better. I'd get the oil changed every 3,000 miles if I had one. Happy NY, Nathan. Nick
I'm 5 8, found the Voge was too tall for me, the seat is wider than an enduro so was a bit too hard for me to throw the cheeks across in a hurry - got an MT450 on order and just picked up a 310GS second hand with all the bells and whistles on it from the previous owner to keep myself busy while waiting for the MT450 to work its way over from China.
Hi Nathan
My wife isn't that tall
She has had 3 x crf 250l and had the suspension link drilled to lower the bikes
Is it possible to do the same on the 300 rally
Bargain bike really
Its interesting that you dont want an Enduro style bike, they do look uncompromising. The lighter bikes like CRFs go the closer they get like an enduro. The Voge 300 is similar, only that it has more plastic and a different road biased looking headlight. Tank range lets enduro bikes down but on some you can get larger tanks. The tyres are also compromised on the road but you can fit 50/50s which helps road riding. Ive gone from a Himi to a GPX Moto 450 which is around 130kg, they are around £3000 second hand. We do about 100 miles on a Saturday 50 road and 50 green lanes. I have to fill up on the way and then on the way back so it works fine. Other two friends run Himalayans still and love them, if i swap bikes for a lane or two i can't believe how alien and out of place the Himi now feels, on the road the GPX feels fine up to 55 - 60mph so does work in most situations, you just wouldn't wont to ride for hours on a motorway so touring wouldn't be good. Im not a good off road rider so this Enduro style light weight bike real helps me get down the lanes without making me feel like giving up, also its easy to pick up and plastics is £100 for a complete set, its also good if yiu can do your own maintenance. Its like you say Nathan, it all depends on what you want to do on the bike. You need to be able to enjoy the ride, if it makes you feel like you are going to get yourself stuck and in trouble, it's probably the wrong bike for you.
Is the new DRZ going to be the bike we are looking for at the right weight to power etc?, ktm 390 2025, if KTM are still with us
Nathan can I ask what you think may happen in the near future with ice bike sales? Due to this crazy net zero policy. Does it concern you or should I say worry you? Obviously the government is now putting restrictions of the % of new cars sold with ice and I’m guessing it’ll be implemented to motorbikes. My guess personally is very soon we may not be able to afford to purchase new bikes because of supply/ demand restrictions being forced on retailers. I’m asking this because I’m thinking I may need to buy a bit sooner than planned for a Voge
In life generally we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. So may as well buy that bike
Yes, 140kg 40bhp is my sweetspot, where my Unicorn lives. So I'd like to see you put the CCM on a decent set of scales live. Im sure its old enough not to upset anybody at CCM now if it turns out to be on the high side as you suspect? Interestingly, its where I'm expecting the new DRZ 400cc to fit in, and where the old one has actually lived for a while. The industry has certainly led us down a dead end for some years.
Yes, ccm is 160 kilos or thereabouts fully fuelled. I think they claimed 128 kilos when it came out, but was obviously dry.
@nathanthepostman Hi, Happy New Year Nathan!. So is that about 150kg with a 'normal' amount of fuel? I think it would be a good idea if weights were standardised to enough for 100 miles in any particular bike. As manufacturers don't seem to be able to state the weight or tank size with any degree of accuracy, I'd say this is highly unlikely to happen!
My bike is at 13000 km now. Last October i did 4500km tour. Most of it road cruising. No problem at all. My horn stopped working. I changed. I changed shifter food lever because boot not fitting. And navigation bar holder. When it comes the sprocket. 2. Gear is short on greenlaining. Need to change 44 tooth. But i am ok. I don't like the mechanics in my country. I maintain my bike myself according to the manual.
It looks the business, but too heavy for me. I’ll stick with my Serow! (And Innova special). HNY Nathan. Les
Tend to agree with you there! My nearly 20 year old Kawasaki Super Sherpa only weighs 130 kg with tank full to brim. Same power, wide ratio 6 speed gearbox, low seat and totally reliable. Not much progress in the last 20 years?
Great bike. Absolute bargain! You can buy two for the price of an equivalently capable CRF300, so there's the spares issue solved in one fell swoop. 😅
Is Hero coming to the EU market?
Moto GB has suggested it will do. Saw it on their website the other day
This one is more pain-free. Hero has some issues with oil leakage.
the ktm 390 enduro R may well be the bike that fills the gap between the voge/crf and the lightweight enduro bikes like my 500 exc - it should be a nice bike that little 390, NOT talking about the adventure version - of course they won't be low cost so there's that , also the new DRZ400 will be about 140, maybe a tad less
Yeah that 390 looks really interesting and as you say, could plug the hap nicely
@@nathanthepostman yah let's see, won't be cheap but it's got promise - great rundown as always fella , no bollox and to the point
MT450 or Voge 300
For what usage?
@ Road and Green Lane only in Britain. Mostly between 60 and 120 miles of road riding to get to the trails. Yorkshire Moors/Dales/Lakes/Northumberland. Once a year a longer ride to mid wales which would require some motorway work. I’m finding the Serrow a bit cramped wearing MX boots, it’s great on the trails, a good little work horse, easy to pick up and 90mpg, but…
@@nockianlifter661 I'd go for the Voge. CF Moto is 40 kilos heavier. Better on the road. But you're not doing a huge amount of that. And benefit of Voge is more manageable on trails. And a lot cheaper.
@ Good advice. I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide if the MT is the right bike and as I ride a lot on my own, the weight concerned me.
@@nockianlifter661voge it is
The 2025 Voge 300 Rally 5+ is identical to the 2024 bike - less the fuel gauge tho.
Oh so it loses the fuel gauge again?
@nathanthepostman ua-cam.com/video/G6ixRINHQME/v-deo.html&si=rFLslLdLfaxJq5Te
@nathanthepostman it would seem that way Nathan .
It's virtually half the price of the Honda, has better suspension and, as a bike you are very likely to drop and damage, the bits are cheap.
Will it last ten years, hold it's value like the Honda... Who cares. Cheap, cheerful and does the job remarkably well. A no brainer really.
My only real gripe, would have liked a petrol gauge rather than a warning light.
I think the latest ones have one don't they?
@@nathanthepostman Maybe, mine is first gen? Still going strong but the CF Moto is my main ride now. Voge for the really gnarly stuff though and, like you say, who cares if you scratch it up a bit?
If ever you're up Dorset way... Give me a shout.
Deffo agreed... stand is a very weak point...joke almost!!...and out of stock...😱 shocking!!
But apart from that, as a fun bike it's ok.
Yeah that's crap if they haven't got any in stock
It might be they haven’t got stock as they are in progress of making a more robust one and don’t want to release any further “less than robust “ones ?
@@grahamwright8447 oh...I do hope that you are correct...it's going going....???
It’s definitely cheap.
And definitely good to ride.
The problem with all the Chinese bikes is lack of parts support and dealer networks. And Chinese metallurgy and quality control still lacking. Electrical systems suck too.
Which Chinese bikes have you owned Carl?
great video thanks , I know you love the 411 Himalayan but for a 2 week euro trip which would you prefer for touring trail holiday ? thanks happy new year
sound quality terrible
Sorry about that. Used my usual microphone. Dunno
Just seen that you said the same thing on another video Trudy. Maybe my microphone. Maybe your speakers. Haven't a clue. Will have a look into it
Just watched on TV and phone nathan nowt wrong with sound
Sounded fine to me.
@@nathanthepostman It sounds fine here too.