Voge SR4 Max T test: Introduction, positioning and rivals
It is known that Voge is the premium brand of the Chinese giant Loncin, manufacturer, among others, of several BMW models. One of them is the BMW C 400 X/GT, a scooter with which this Voge SR4 Max T shares an engine and chassis. Despite the name of both scooters, both have a capacity of 350 cc, so they are immersed in a bloody war to be the best medium-displacement scooter, which includes models such as the Honda Forza 350 (29 HP, €6,350 ), Yamaha X-Max 300 (28 HP, €6,499) or the pioneering Suzuki Burgman 400 (29 HP, €8,695) if we talk about Japanese scooters. Among the Taiwanese ones are the Kymco VS 400 (33.39 HP, €6,999), SYM Cruisym Alpha 300 (26 HP, €5,799) or the SYM Maxsym 400 (34 HP, €6,999). In Europe there are its cousins the BMW C400X (34 HP, €7,250) and BMW C400GT (€8,290) or the Piaggio Beverly 300 (25.8 HP, €5,099) or Piaggio Beverly 400 (35.4 HP, €6,099). We cannot forget the Zontes D 350 (36.7 HP, €4,787), tested on this page in January, or its more touristy brother the Zontes E 350 (36.7 HP, €5,087).
As you can read, there are many contenders for the throne. In this ecosystem, Voge has reacted by introducing comfort improvements and solving some youthful sin, such as the introduction of traction control too early, to offer a better scooter (which was already magnificent) without changing the price.
Voge SR4 Max T test: Technical characteristics and equipment
The design of the scooter has not changed, it follows the same lines set by the Italian designer Alessandro Zaniboni, as Voge wanted to take European tastes into account.
The engine does not change either: it is the well-known 349.8 cc SOHC single-cylinder, with 4 water-cooled valves and 34 HP at 7,500 rpm and 35 Nm at 6,000 rpm. It is equipped with a balance shaft system in the opposite direction to the crankshaft, which transforms the vibrations typical of a single-cylinder into a smooth and silky ride. The declared consumption, in the absence of a long-term test, is 3.6 liters/100 km, which gives a theoretical range of more than 350 kilometers. The actual consumption, driving without consideration, is between 3.9 and 4 liters per 100 kilometers, so the real range will be around 300 kilometers. The transmission is continuously variable with centrifugal clutch and the crankcase itself, which houses the transmission, acts as a swing arm for the rear suspension.
The chassis is a double steel cradle that combines reinforced circular and rectangular sections, converging up to four tubes in key areas, such as the steering head. In fact, the entire front part of the chassis (fork post, head tube and steering axle) have been manufactured from a solid block, to minimize flexibility in those areas and thus guarantee rigidity, stability and maneuverability of the scooter.
The suspensions are still KYB (Kayaba). The front fork has bars with a diameter of 242 mm and 112 mm of travel; The rear shock absorbers have 5 positions of preload adjustment and double-step springs, with a travel of 127 mm.
The brakes are magnificent 265 mm J.Juan discs, two on the front axle and one on the rear. The calipers (4 pistons at the front, single piston at the rear) are also signed by J. Juan. The entire braking system is assisted by independent dual-channel ABS, which now comes in at a certain time between hard braking and emergency braking, which is where it should be on a scooter. The modulator electronics incorporate the TCS traction control system, which detects if the rear wheel is spinning faster than the front. Here the changes are noticeable, because if before the TCS entered at minimum (even on a straight line when going over potholes), now it is perfectly calibrated; I could not notice the injection cut-off associated with the TCS at any time.
The standard tires are the magnificent Pirelli Angel Scooter in sizes 120/70-15 and 150/70-14, also responsible for the dynamic performance that we will discuss later.
The ergonomics have been thoroughly studied in the SR4 Max T. I am 178 cm tall, that is, practically in the center of the range between 165 and 190 cm that has been taken as a reference to comfortably accommodate its users. The seat sits at 761 mm and widens as it moves back to provide practical lumbar support for the driver. The feet can go on the usual platforms or against the shield; It is very comfortable in both positions and there is no interference with any element of the shield or handlebars. The passenger also has a comfortable seat and wide platforms to rest his feet. Although the passenger is on the second floor, the position is comfortable, with perfect handholds.
The screen is one of the points of improvement. It is now electrically adjustable (previously only with a tool) and no longer distorts in its lower part. It is a fact worth highlighting that a brand solves the aspects to improve in a model only one year after its launch. Other brands wait for a subsequent restyling to adapt production processes. Reacting quickly conveys several messages, all good. On the one hand, it shows Voge's interest in offering a round product; In addition, it boasts reaction capacity, flexibility and productive muscle, providing the image that the brand needs to position itself in the premium segment of the market.
The driving position is the same. The handlebars are placed at a suitable distance so that the general position is natural and restful. The height of the grips and mirrors is also correct for driving between cars. The handlebars turn quite a bit, but the distance between the axles somewhat limits the ability to mouse, which is the exclusive preserve of some 125 ccs.
Instrumentation and cones remain exemplary. The simplicity of the controls and buttons to control the magnificent 7¨ TFT screen is appreciated, in which the information appears organized and judicious. It is compatible via Bluetooth with our mobile phone and the intercom system we use. Pineapples are proof that less is often more; Getting around the interface is quite intuitive in any of the two views to choose from. The amount of information is remarkable. I can only criticize that, to reset the trips to zero, the route is cumbersome: it requires entering the vehicle settings and to do this it is necessary to long press the corresponding button, reach the odometer and reset it. It seems inappropriate if you are in a hurry when leaving the pump at a gas station.
To the well-known speedometer, rev counter, odometer, consumption, ambient temperature, voltage, seat opening warning light, temperature warning close to 0º, extended kickstand and maintenance warning, we must add the infrequent real-time monitoring of the fuel pressure. the tires, extremely useful on an urban scooter. This system, added to ABS and TCS traction control, make up a very welcome defensive trident, now better than before due to the aforementioned better calibration. The rear light warns with an intense flashing (ESS Emergence Stop Signal) in the most forceful braking.
The front light is magnificent. It is an ellipsoidal LED focus in each headlight optic that complements the low beams and changes with the turn, providing a better light beam when driving at night. The turn signals are dynamic, that is, they show a moving orange light that moves along a line, like on some cars.
In addition to offering an electronic smart key, the SR4 Max has a gadget unknown on scooters: it incorporates an HD video camera on the front of the shield that records on a microSD card, housed in the right glove compartment, next to the charging sockets ( fast USB 5V and standard 12V). It allows you to record until the card is full, at which point it begins to be rewritten in a loop. It is also possible to take photographs by pressing a shutter button located on the right pineapple.
If we have talked about the right glove box before, it is because there is also a left glove box (and between them a bag hook that holds up to 5 kilos). Both allow them to be opened with the scooter activated and close when the smart key is out of action. They add to the space under the seat of 41.5 liters and which fits a full face helmet and a jet type helmet or a wet suit. It opens by pressing a button. A hydraulic piston supports the seat when it is open. The truth is that more than a large volume, there are two spaces, one under each seat, because there is hardly any continuity in the space and it prevents long objects from fitting, such as a loaf of bread.
Between the seat and the bag holder hook is the fuel filler neck, which opens by pressing a button, avoiding having to use keys, take off gloves, etc. To facilitate the refueling maneuver, parking on a hill or stopping on the garage ramp, there is a small lever next to the left brake lever that activates the parking brake, which is none other than the rear brake. It is a cheap, simple and useful system that should be seen more often, because a scooter is supposed to make your life easier.
Voge SR4 Max T test: How the Vogue SR4 Max T performs
The Voge SR4 Max T is a wide scooter, in the sense that it is long between the axles, although its geometries seek a compromise between straight-line stability and agility. That its cousin the BMW C 400 has two versions (sports and GT) of the same chassis makes it clear that this balance exists. On the move, it is a scooter with impeccable straight-line stability. It is capable of traveling at very low speeds without hardly having to make direction corrections, but at the same time it is attentive to changes in direction. The 15-inch wheels at the front and 14 at the rear help with that feeling of lightness, to which is added the behavior of the Pirelli Angel Scooter, most suitable for the SR4 Max T. They provide a sensation of grip and information about what is happening under the wheel. front axle. Stability in fast corners is another of its strengths; with good poise, shows the ability to follow the chosen path.
It is not a sporty scooter, however it is easy to ride fast with it. The driving position is certainly neutral. The hands fall into place and the feet can be held in various positions, including fully stretched. The lumbar support is greatly appreciated, but if it is cold (as during the days of this test), the heated grips and seat are decisive. With them and the adjustable screen alone, the SR4 Max T is better than it was, without taking into account the improvements in the fit of the TCS. The engine remains the same. Without being the most powerful in the category, it is very effective throughout the entire rev range, always without vibrating. It has thrust from below, gently but without hesitation. Acceleration and recoveries stand out above the maximum speed, around 145 km/h, more than enough for a medium-displacement scooter.
Last year Voge presented a very good scooter with the SR4 Max. So we baptize them in these lines as “the smartest in the class.” After the improvements introduced so quickly, it has earned the test headline, “a brilliant well polished”.
