Voge Sfida Sr16 200, the Sh challenge from China
Voge throws down the gauntlet to the Honda Sh family with a well-equipped model offered at a competitive price
Contending for the podium in the scooter sector with the Honda Sh, which has been at the top of the sales charts for years, came the Sr16 200 from the Chinese Voge (€3,000), a premium brand of the Loncin group; the latest generation high-wheel scooter well represents the philosophy of the brand, created to compete with Japanese and European models by offering very complete equipment at a more accessible price. This model is in the intermediate range between the classic 125 and 300, a category that is increasingly in demand by those who want a scooter that can be used every day but is also powerful enough to tackle ring roads, suburban roads and medium-long journeys without difficulty.
What it looks like
The Sr16 200 is powered by a 174 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with four-valve timing and electronic fuel injection. Power output is 17 horsepower, which makes it considerably brighter than classic 125 scooters. One of the most interesting elements of the scooter is the chassis, designed with a 16-inch front wheel, a typical solution for high-wheel scooters that favour stability and safety, especially on cobblestones, potholes and uneven roads. Even the suspension is calibrated for our city streets, which are often not very... urban for the back of a two-wheeler: the telescopic fork and the two rear shock absorbers are set in a rather soft way, which penalises a little in sporty riding, when you feel a little more movement than on stiffer models. The back, however, gives thanks. In terms of braking, the equipment is above average for the category: a disc brake on both wheels (240 mm diameter at the front, 220 mm at the rear) with dual-channel Abs and traction control, a rare device on scooters of this size and price range. Also standard are full LED lighting, keyless start, digital instrumentation, USB socket, windscreen and hand guards.
How's it going
The seat, 800 mm above the ground and well padded, is comfortable and shaped so that everyone can touch the ground with two feet; even the tallest riders find enough legroom (their knees touch the back of the shield), with their knees not interfering with the handlebars when manoeuvring at low speed. The riding position is natural and relaxed, with the windscreen protecting riders up to six feet tall well from the air. The ground clearance is not excessive, so the scooter is easy to use even for those who are not very tall. The under-seat compartment is not huge but allows storage of a jet helmet and a few objects, while the tank of about 8 litres allows a good autonomy thanks to the low fuel consumption, which can exceed 35 km with one litre if you ride in a relaxed manner (very good autonomy with the almost 8 litre tank). In city use, its elective habitat, the Sfida Sr16 200 proves to be a well-balanced scooter: it is agile (thanks also to its approximately 145 kg in running order), has a small turning radius, excellent acceleration and short braking distances. Outside the city, the power allows you to tackle ring roads without any problems, while on the motorway a few more horsepower would not hurt, especially in (rare) overtaking passages: the top speed is about 115 km/h; in any case, even at top speed, the Chinese scooter remains stable and precise.
In short, the Sfida Sr16 200 is not a maxi-scooter, but it is definitely more versatile than a 125 and can be an ideal choice for those who want a unique vehicle for short and medium-haul travel.
