BMW is no stranger to partnerships. Kate’s G310 GS was built by TVS out of India. China’s Loncin builds engines for BMW’s scooters, as well as the F850 GS. Now, it seems that Loncin’s premium brand may be getting their own version of this bike, the Voge 900 DS.
Spy shots, published by Motociclismo among others, have revealed an adventure bike that bears a striking resemblance to the F850 GS. Strangely, the DS badge is typically used for Voge’s touring bike lineup, with the DSX name reserved for their adventure bikes. This may not be the final name, or version of this bike. Regardless, its similarity to BMW’s GS line is certainly no coincidence. Voge already uses a BMW engine in their 650 DSX. It’s no stretch at all for a 900 DS to use BMW tech as well, especially since they build the primary components for BMW already.
What’s the Same?
Naturally, it’s the same engine, though we don’t know whether this is a true 900 as the model name implies, or the same 850 as the BMW. Loncin makes both versions of this engine, so either is possible. The Voge engine may also be detuned a bit to allow the BMW version to remain the most powerful, as is the case in their scooters. The 900 DS chassis looks quite similar to the F850 GS, as well as the spoked wheels (an ADV-friendly 21-inch front, 18-inch rear, it looks like), brakes, and swingarm. Mechanically speaking, this is mostly the same bike as the BMW version.
What’s Different?
The styling is unique to Voge, closely resembling their smaller ADV models, and with symmetrical headlights instead of BMW’s asymmetric ones. I’ve never been a fan of those (to each their own), and actually like the look of the Voge better. Motorrad points out that the engine cover and mounting plate are slightly different as well.
Further details on the Voge 900 DS are sketchy, at best, but we might get the answers we’re looking for at EICMA. Motociclismo and other Italian media seem to have broken this story, and EICMA takes place in Milan in less than a month. This would give Italian spy photographers the motive, means, and opportunity to clandestinely snap these shots ahead of the show. It would also be reasonable, if this is a show bike, that this may not be the production version or name. We’ll have to wait to find out.
