Voge 525CU marks entry to cruiser market
Sports bikes aren't the only leisure-focused part of the motorcycle market that's grabbed the Chinese industry's attention recently. Cruisers are also attracting an increasing number of brands, and Voge is on the verge of releasing its first attempt at that segment.
The Voge 525CU has already passed Chinese type-approval and, since Voge is the export-focused part of Loncin's empire, it's sure to be offered internationally once officially launched. The bike shares the same 494 cc parallel twin engine as Voge's other '525' models, an upgraded version of the Honda-derived 471 cc motor used in the earlier '500' bikes. In the 525CU, it puts out 39.6 kW (53.1 hp) and has a surprisingly light, 178 kg bike to pull along, suggesting performance should be sprightly.
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The styling, revealed in detail by recent Loncin design registrations and photos accompanying the type-approval, is also "confident" - avoiding the trap of slavishly copying rival machines. The overall look is perhaps influenced by Harley's Fat Bob, with a short tail, wide tyres, low seat and straight bars, putting it up against models like Kawasaki's Vulcan S. The headlight's stretched shape is also reminiscent of the Fat Bob, but with a twist as it's pinched in the centre and features three distinct lamps behind the single front lens, edged by LED running lights. The headlight shape is also reflected in the unusual LED indicators, which are loops with a hole in the centre.
Unusually, Loncin has type-approved two versions of the bike, one with a belt final drive, the other with a chain. The design drawings all show the belt version, which makes more sense in the cruiser market. Forward footpegs and controls and stacked exhausts on the left-hand side continue the Fat Bob influences.
The suspension includes inverted forks and twin rear shocks, while the single front brake caliper is a radial-mounted, four-piston design.
Voge's model plan shows that the 525CU is intended to be the smallest of a three-model cruiser range. There will be a larger bike above it featuring similar styling, and an even bigger model with full-dress tourer bodywork at the top of the line.
