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VOGE DS800X Rally Claims Adventure Motorcycle Sales Scalp in UK

The VOGE DS800X Rally has scored a major win in the UK motorcycle market, by becoming the best-selling 750cc-1000cc adventure model in October.

According to UK-based Visordown, Voge dealerships already could not keep up with the orders for the bigger DS900X, and as such, the DS800X Rally turned out to be popular, too. It is even more impressive to see that although the latter model had only arrived in the UK in August, it had helped to push VOGE’s sales up by 165% compared to October 2024.

Additionally, VOGE’s sales surge last month was amidst a 9% drop in the overall UK motorcycle market.

VOGE’s success has also seen the brand climb the market share ladder to seventh place.

VOGE has been a major player in the adventure motorcycle segment for a few years in the UK, mainly due to their DS900X, which uses the same engine as the BMW F 900 GS.

VOGE is the high-end in-house brand of Chongqing-based Loncin Holdings, which has had a partnership with BMW for roughly 20 years, building a number of its bikes, including the current F 900 R, F 900 XR, and F 900 GS. Loncin also used to make the engines for the BMW C-series scooters and F 750, F 800, F 850.

VOGE is distributed by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. The DS800X is set to be launched in Malaysia in 2026.

JAWI Investigates Use of Motorcycle Brake Disc with Obscene Symbols

The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) is conducting a further investigation regarding a viral video involving the production and use of motorcycle brake discs bearing obscene symbols.

Its Director, Hanifuddin Roslan, said that it involves the production of indecent goods which are contrary to the morals of the Malaysian people.

However, he said the production location of the goods in question has not been disclosed.
“Therefore, our party will conduct a further investigation and cooperate with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNKK).

“JAWI also advises manufacturers and users not to use any obscene symbols on their products and goods for use,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, he said his team detected the issue through a video uploaded by a social media user named Shinji Nagato.

Through the post, the said user expressed frustration regarding the production and use of motorcycle brake discs bearing obscene symbols and urged the authorities to act immediately.

However, Shinji Nagato appeared to mock the report in response through a post stating that he could not show the front brake disc of a motorcycle because it was “too obscene.”

Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 Launched, from RM49,888

Finally, the best of the best. the flagship Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 was launched during the same event, and at an unbelievable price of RM49,888.

Although the in-house developed and built 1200 engine does not produce as much power as its European competition, it still produces a lot of useable torque, while graced with great handling, brakes, and top-notch features. So, it is a great starting point.

Highlights:

Powered by a 1187cc, 87° V2, DOCHC, 8-valve engine which produces 129 hp @ 8,750 RPM and 106 Nm @ 7,000 RPM.
This V2 engine, called the CorsaCorta has been continuously developed and produced in-house since 2005, but the X-Cape 1200 uses the evolved CorsaCorta Evo version.

The engine is mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission, with a bidirectional quickshifter.
Front brakes are twin 320mm discs gripped by Brembo 4.32 Monobloc calipers.

The rear brake consists of a Brembo 280mm disc.
The front suspension utilises Marzocchi fully-adjustable inverted forks, while the rear uses a fully-adjustable and progressive monoshock.

The Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 has many electronic features, making it a legit challenger it in the modern adventure-tourer segment.
A six-axis intertial measurement unit (IMU) provides the data for cornering ABS, cornering lights, and cornering traction control.

Radar assisted cruise control is also standard and the radar also provides blindspot detection.
As per Chinese motorcycles, a front facing dashcam is a standard feature.

Photo gallery

Moto Morini X-Cape 700 Launched, from RM33,888

Continuing with the Moto Morini launch, the next model was the Moto Morini X-Cape 700, before we move on to the X-Cape 1200.

Click: Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 Launched

The X-Cape 700 sees several upgrades from the previous X-Cape 650. It could be said that the 650 was the breakthrough model for Moto Morini’s reemergence is several markets, so this upgrade is important for the brand in many respects.

The bike is marketed as both a road and off-road-going adventure-tourer.

Highlights:

Powered by a 693cc, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin which produces 73.7 hp @ 8,500 RPM and 68 Nm @ 6,500 RPM.
The engine strikes a good balance between strong torque and peak horsepower.

The front suspension system consists of Marzocchi ø50mm USD forks that are adjustable for spring preload, and rebound and compression damping.
At the back, there is a Kayaba monoshock which is adjustable for spring preload (remote adjuster for the spoke rims version), and rebound damping.

Brakes are 298 mm double discs gripped by 2 piston Brembo calipers in front, and a 255mm disc gripped by a 2 piston caliper the back.
Tyre sizes are 110/80-19 (front) and 150/70-17 (rear) in alloy or spoked options, and fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR for spoked rims.

The fuel tank has an 18-litre capacity.
Moto Morini claims the dry weight is 218 kg.

7-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation.
Manually adjustable windshield for two positions.

The Moto Morini X-Cape 700 was launched at a selling price of RM33,888. The price includes three Moto Morini-branded aluminium storage cases.

MOTO MORINI AllTrhike 450 Launched for Malaysian Market, from RM28,888

The last, but not least, motorcycle brand we sampled during our trip to China was Moto Morini. It was followed by the launched of three models, namely to Moto Morini AllTrhike 450, X-Cape 700, and X-Cape 1200. But we shall start with the AllTrhike 450, first.

A (very) brief history of Moto Morini

Before moving on further, Moto Morini is one of the legendary Italian motorcycle brands, and was established in 1937 by Alfonso Morini in Bologna, Italy. Bologna should sound familiar to you because it is also where Ducati’s headquarters is located and oh, where the world famous Bolognese pasta sauce originated from.

Back to the modern day, the brand went several episodes of growth and decline, which saw it change hands several times, including a stint under the Cagiva group, before Cagiva fully sold the Ducati brand to the Texas Pacific Group to concentrate on the MV Agusta name. Ultimately, Moto Morini was purchased by the Zhongneng Vehicle Group (better known as ZNEN) in 2018.

However, while production was moved to Taizhou in the Zhejian Province in China, the brand’s design and R&D departments remain in Italy.

Right, back to the bikes.

1. Moto Morini AllTrhike 450 (RM28,800)

The all-new AllTrhike 450 is a lightweight adventure model which puts it squarely in the off-road biased midrange adventure tourer to challenge the likes of the CFMoto 450 MT and KTM 390 Adventure.

Power is supplied by a 449cc, DOHC, 8-valved, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which produces 44.2 hp (33 kW) @ 8,000 RPM and 44 Nm at 6,250 RPM.
It is apparent that engine is tuned for strong torque delivery for off-road duties and long-distance touring while carrying cargo.

The bike uses fully-adjustable 41mm Kayaba USD forks with 210mm travel up front.
Rear suspension consists of an adjustable Kayaba monoshock, mounted to a progressive linkage and offers 190mm of travel.

The front wheel has a 21-inch diameter, while the rear wheel is 17-inches.
Braking duties are handled by a single 320mm disc gripped by a J.Juan 4-piston caliper up front, and a 255mm disc gripped by a 2-piston caliper at the back.

Dual-channel ABS is a standard feature.
There is also a TFT screen which provides connectivity, including a smartphone screen-mirroring navigation.

18-litre fuel tank.
Moto Morini claims that the AllTrhike 450 weighs 170 kg, wet.

A sturdy centrestand is included.
The selling price includes three aluminium cases.

Photo gallery

ARIIC Touch 250, ARIIC Gobi 250, ARIIC 400GS First Look

Another treat awaited the Malaysian motorcycle media during our tour among Chinese motorcycle manufacturers in China. This time, it was ARIIC where we previewed the ARIIC Touch 250, and ARIIC Gobi 250 during a visit to their factory, while the ARIIC 400GS prototype was revealed at the ARIIC mega party later.

The brand made their first appearance in Malaysia with ARIIC 318 GT earlier this year. Local distributor, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. said that it has been seeing encouraging sales.

Here is the preview of the models we saw today:

1. ARIIC Gobi 250

Named after the Gobi desert which is located inn Central Asia, covering some 1.2 million square kilometres and spanning across southern Mongolia and northwestern China, the bike is the latest addition to adventure scooter segment.

Powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine.
It produces 22.5 hp @ 7,500 RPM and 23.5 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.
The engine is mated to a 2-stage CVT with belt final drive.

A dual-channel ABS supports the 240mm front and rear brakes.
The fuel tank has a 12.5-litre capacity.
Seat height is 780 mm.

ARIIC claims a 176kg curb weight.
Adjustable windscreen which moves by up to 60mm front/back.
7″ TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.

Front facing dashcam camera.
One-touch start button.

2. ARIIC Touch 250

Compared to the 318 GT, the Touch 250 is more of an urban scooter, due to its compact size.

Powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine.
It produces 22.5 hp @ 7,500 RPM and 23.5 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.

The engine is mated to a 2-stage CVT with belt final drive.
A dual-channel ABS supports the 240mm front and rear brakes.

The fuel tank has a 11-litre capacity.
Seat height is 760 mm.

ARIIC claims a 147kg curb weight.
Adjustable windscreen which moves vertically.

7″ TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.
Front facing dashcam camera.

One-touch start button.
The most novel feature of this model is the expandable storage space.

3. ARIIC 400GS

The bike is still in its prototype stage at this moment, although it appears to be almost ready for production. Not much was revealed apart from that it is powered by a 469cc single-cylinder engine.

Interestingly, MForce is proud of this model as they have a direct role in its development. As such, the production-ready bike will be officially launched at the upcoming MForce Autoshow in May 2026.