Kove 800X Rally vs Voge DS800 Rally: Which is the best lightweight trail bike for adventure and off-roading?

Engine: same block, different sensations

Both bikes share the same 799cc Loncin-sourced inline-twin engine (similar to that of the BMW F800GS). However, the Kove's power delivery is more direct and aggressive , prioritizing off-road performance and featuring a sharper high-rev curve. The Voge offers a smoother, more manageable power delivery, designed for riders who frequently alternate between road and trail riding .

✅ Kove 800X Rally: ideal if you're looking for thrills, sporty driving, or are used to pushing the gas on open tracks.

✅ Voge DS800 Rally: best for long trips with a passenger, relaxed riding, or those looking for efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Suspensions: Kove plays in another league

The most striking difference between the two bikes is their suspension. The Kove 800X Rally features KYB suspension with a 270 mm suspension at the front and a 240 mm suspension at the rear , fully adjustable and of the highest standard. It's designed to fly over rough terrain, dunes, and technical sections .

The Voge also features Kayaba, but with 210/200 mm of travel , which is somewhat more limited for extreme off-roading. It handles excellently on asphalt, but on very rough terrain, it can't keep up with the Kove.

💥 If your priority is demanding off-roading, the difference in suspension makes a world of difference .

Chassis and weight: radically different

The Kove 800X Rally impresses with a dry weight of 145 kg , which translates to less than 170 kg with all fluids. It's the lightest maxi-trail on the market , surpassed only by some single-cylinder bikes. The multi-tubular frame and removable subframe reinforce its competitive focus.

The Kove DS800 Rally, on the other hand, weighs up to 205 kg in running order , which puts it on a par with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the Aprilia Tuareg. It's not a heavy bike, but compared to the Kove, it feels less agile.

🔧 Weight makes a difference in maneuverability, fatigue after hours in the field, and risk of falling. Here, the Kove wins by technical knockout .

Ergonomics and comfort

Both bikes have been designed for real trail riding, but with different approaches:

• The Kove 800X Rally has a higher riding position, with a high seat (880 mm) and rear-set footpegs, which encourages standing riding . The seat is firm, designed for action, not comfort.

• The Voge DS800 Rally offers more touring-oriented ergonomics, with a lower, wider, and more cushioned seat. This is better for road use and long journeys.

🏍️ If you're going to ride technical routes and don't mind the hardness of the seat: Kove .

🛣️ If you do trail running, but also many km on the road: Voge .

Equipment: minimalism or technology?

Here the tables are turned. The Kove sticks to the basics: no driving modes, no traction control, no TFT display . Just enough to ensure nothing goes wrong in the middle of the desert.

The Voge, on the other hand, comes very well equipped : color TFT display, riding modes, traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, full LED lights and more.

📲 If you value technology and comfort on the road, the Voge has more features. If you prefer a simple bike, without electronics that can get in the way or fail, the Kove is your ally.

Road behavior

Both behave correctly on asphalt, but with nuances:

• Kove 800X Rally : very long suspension and very light front wheel, which reduces precision at high speeds. It doesn't vibrate, but it's not its favorite terrain.

• Voge DS800 Rally : improved stability, neutral handling, and great comfort at 120-130 km/h. Ideal for connecting stages.

🛣️ If you're going to be riding more than 50% on the road: the Voge is better.

Field behavior

This is the Kove 800X Rally 's natural setting. With its lightweight, long suspension, lively front wheel, and rally-inspired design, you can ride it through light enduro terrain . It can overcome rocks, mud, sand, mud, or roots without flinching.

The Voge DS800 Rally also offers reasonable off-road riding, but its limitations emerge on technical terrain or trials . It's fine for fast, firm tracks, but it's not designed for extreme situations .

🛻 If you're going on advanced courses, challenging routes, or tough TETs: choose Kove.

Autonomy

Both bikes have good autonomy, but the Kove has a 19-liter tank and can exceed 350 km without refueling .

The Voge has a 24-litre tank and offers a range of around 450 km , more than enough for most, but without any extras.

⛽ If you're going to remote areas without gas, the Voge DS800 Rally is safer.

Maintenance and reliability

Both bikes are manufactured in China to modern standards. Kove has proven its reliability in rallies like the Dakar, although its service network is still small in Europe. Parts aren't difficult to obtain, but they require planning.

Voge, being part of Loncin, has a better presence and distribution, which facilitates inspections, replacements, and warranty. Furthermore, its mechanics are based on a proven engine.

🔧 For those who don't want complications: Voge .

Price and value for money