This Gorgeous New Entry-Level Motorcycle Punches Well Above Its Weight

You may not know the brand (yet), but this beguiling bike claims some compelling performance traits you wouldn’t guess from its specs.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 5 hours ago

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Exciting as it is on its own, the rise of small-displacement adventure bikes is not what you’d call an independent event.

It’s actually part of a bigger trend, largely driven by overseas brands, toward more approachable and affordable motorcycles that newer riders aren’t afraid to swing a leg over.

voge rr400s black beauty — Though Voge pushes the white and red editions more in its marketing, the black RR500S looks like a beauty to me.

Latest example? A new sportbike from Voge, a moto-focused Chongqing, China-based premium sub-brand of the large industrial company Loncin.

The Voge RR500S follows in the tracks of small-engined speed machines such as Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-4RR, CFMoto’s 500SR Voom, Kove’s 450RR and a bunch of QJMotors models.

Not unlike those bikes, it’s out to prove you don’t have to be big to be badass — with a twist.

Uncork the torque

As you most likely surmised from the nomenclature, the RR500S packs an engine in that neighborhood: a compact 475cc inline-four making 76 hp at 12,500 rpm and 35 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,000 rpm — and redlining at 14,000 rpm.

Beyond those numbers, it’s worth noting that Voge says 80 percent of said torque can be accessed from 5,000rpm upward, meaning more flex than you might guess.

voge rr500s 475cc engine detail — According to Voge, this 475cc engine is a bit livelier and more versatile than others in its class.

The bike also claims a top speed of 136 miles per hour, which is pretty damn speedy for the power plant size.

Surrounding that little engine that could is a sturdy steel frame with a tubular front section, plus a cast-aluminum swingarm and an upside-down fork set.

Voge RR500S knee drag — The brand clearly wants to appeal to not only noobs but also serious track riders yearning to drag a knee.

For sure handling, the bike’s front brake features pretty standard Nissin four-piston calipers, paired with ABS and traction control.

Also in the works is a premium version boasting cornering ABS, tire-pressure monitors and a titanium exhaust.

Ain’t noise pollution

Perhaps even more notable than an engine promising more than your average sub-500cc, the RR500S has a unique tweak you really don’t encounter every day.

See, its exhaust valve can be controlled with the press of a button, as opposed to standard systems, where the valve opens automatically during aggressive riding.

voge rr500s exhaust detail — No matter how the exhaust system operates, there’s no question that its silencer adds visual flair.

Voge itself hypes this “RR family exclusive variable valve exhaust” and, as the cheeky lads at Visor Down point out, the English translation of its function is a doozy.

“When attacking the mountains, the high-speed sound awakens the mountains, like the beating of war drums, and the riding atmosphere is full. When returning to the city, close the valve exhaust with one button, return home without disturbing others, showing the knight’s demeanour.”

Voge RR500S action — Just make sure you take off your helmet before entering the castle, Sir Revs-a-Lot.

In other words, the button helps you reduce the bike’s noise, enabling you to cruise through town with chivalry rather than a blast to bystanders’ eardrums.

Whether the bike itself is a blast remains to be seen, but if it happens to to reach the States with a four-figure price tag intact, it’s certainly worth a test ride.

Availability and pricing

Initially available only in China, the Voge RR500S is expected to cost the equivalent of $4,000 to $4,500, figures that will see a big jump if/when it is exported.

While Voge is not yet distributed in the US, it has expanded throughout Asia and Europe, plus Central and South America, so it certainly could make its way to our shores at some point.

Voge RR500S

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.