How China Built The Perfect Dual Sport Motorcycle 

At least they are trying to build something that so many are asking for. If that inspires the big brands to do the same, great!

Maybe the recent Chinese high altitude balloon was researching were to establish a Kove dealership network 🎈.

I've been fortunate enough to hammer one of two Kove 450 rallies on American soil for a little over a week. It will absolutely change moto in the US. It is a legitimate rally bike. Review coming within a week. Spoiler alert: I've reserved one already after riding it :)

I had to overcome a lot of demons to objectively look at this bike for what it is. Built by enthusiasts, just like you and me. I am convinced this bike will be a marketing success and more importantly a wake up call to the rest of the industry. Build bikes we want to ride not what they want us to. I have watched every single review out there on the 450 rally and while it isn’t perfect, the accolades about the build quality and capabilities are nothing but positive. it is one heck of a bike. Ordered mine three days ago and was lucky to snag one on the second container due in early Sep. can’t wait.

I think the most important point you missed is the real reason people will buy this bike & I lay odds on they will. Lots of people are not opting for the Aprilia because it's in direct competition with a Tenere which has proven reliability and a vast dealer network & is also a bloody good bike. The Kove on the other hand has no competition and promises something that many a mere mortals have only ever dreamt of till this bike. The chance to own & ride a true Dakar rally bike. That alone is worth for some of us it's weight in gold. Dealer networks and reliable parts supplies are of minor concerns. It's not as if it's going to be our daily commute mule. It's not a cobbled together Frankenstein duel sport wannabe. It's an in the metal real Dakar rally bike and that is it's genius and exactly why lots of us will buy one.

I really want this bike to succeed. Even if for no other reason than to show the big manufacturers that there is a market for bikes like this. Imagine a ktm 500 rally edition or a crf450 rally etc. Even a bike purpose built from a big name manufacturer that isn't just a dual sport with a nav tower and a bigger fuel tank. A bike like this really could make a whole new segment of motorcycles possible.

Another banger by Mr. Goon! Honestly what excites me about this is not that there will finally be a bike I actually want to buy, but that if it’s successful, it could force the Japanese heavyweights to finally give us the lightweight unicorn we’ve all been waiting for. I guess at the end of the day, I wouldn’t buy it until it’s been in the market for awhile and the dealer network was developed…. Which is essentially why I also won’t buy a Tuareg 😆

I have ordered one to be delivered to UK. All we can do is wait and see how it performs and how reliable it's going to be.

great video overall, u can see u put a lot of effort into it ;

If I was pulling the trigger today, a beta 430 rrs would be on my short list. If I could jump though enough hoops with success, a Yamaha WR 450 would be at the top. The Kove looks super promising and was off my radar until now. Nicely put together video, it was informative and entertaining. I'm my leanings I suppose I'm aiming dirt with legality. The Kove seems to aim more at the dirt too.

I bought a Beta 500 RR-S and I love it!

Great editing and content on theme. Nice job.

Awesome video! It reminds me of the oldest Chinese proverb, "He who laughs last, didnt get the joke..." You're right about everything. I love that this Kove bike has come out. I would buy one in a heartbeat because it is EXACTLY what we have been wanting... BUT... And it's a big but, when I'm out alone in the Death Valley desert, and Im on this bike, I dont know if I can handle not being confident that it might break down. Sure, the Dakar race results are a great indicator of reliability, but how do we even know if the production version will be as reliable? To be honest, when I'm out there in the desert all alone, and its 100 degrees out, I'd rather be on my modified DRZ. But on the other hand, isnt rally racing and motorcycle riding supposed to be about pushing the limits? Arent motorcycles supposed to test our metal? If you want excitement and adventure, isnt breaking down part of the adventure for a bike with such huge potential? As one Chinese master said long time ago, "Buy the Kove 450 rally, not because it is reliable, but because it is cool looking." Let's all buy one of these not because it's safe, but because it's risky.... Let's give the big manufacturers the finger and get them back for holding back. Push the limits. Go the distance. And support a manufacturer who is giving all of us what we really want. I think I just talked myself into buying one...

Omg keep making these entertaining and informative videos. Love em

I loved this video. Everide also did a great review on this bike! I can say that I am very interested in this bike, and thank you for briefly showing me the other bikes Kove offers. I will be keeping an eye on this company...GREAT VIDEO!

You crack me up dude, got my sub 🤟✨ I live in Japan and my friend is a motor bike nut so gunna introduce your channel to him.... cheers to you 🤟🎶

Thank you, love the channel, like 2Vintage, always a learning moment

First time follower. Great writing and delivery. A good video edit too.

hola Amigo ! really good video I like your reserge well done !

Ordered one in UK, its just left the factory, looking forward to it arriving

I ride and own an AJP PR7, but would surely give the Kove 450 Rally a go too!

💙 the Zenful introduction.. lol

Street legal, reliable and parts available, I absolutely will buy this bike. No one else seems willing to make what we want.

A very good analysis. I am a lucky man. I have a 701 with a Rally Raid Nomad fairing and luggage kit at 5kg [about 11lbs for those Americans who struggle with metric] and an FE350 with the same set up. Both bikes are fantastic lightweight ADV bikes. The 701 for long trips, the 350 for multidays but a 3 day oil change is a pain in the arse [ass for Yanks]. So would I buy the Kove? If I were starting from scratch, I think so. But with 2 Husqvarnas in the garage, no. For the life of me, why don't KTM make a factory version of the 701/690 as an ADV? Nomad, Rade and about 10 other small companies have already made the kits. BTW, Goon, you are one of the few unicorn hunters who actually thinks out of our lightweight ADV echo chamber. Motorcyclists are a small market. ADV riders a small subset of that small market. And we riders who genuinely want to get into the really snotty stuff are an uber minority of dirt perverts. Why do we expect a mass market unicorn? We are a tiny group of weirdos. Why would anyone tool up an assembly line for us?

I want to see what they look like after a few years. I ride a ktm 450 in mx competition and a yamaha t7 on/off road and the moment i heard about the kove my ears perked up. I see the vision and the potential, but until its proven im gonna stick with my t7

I recently bought a Templar 250 I am very very impressed with the quality. This bike you are speaking of looks great and I would purchase one at around$5,000 looks like there was a company building 14 this price if they are to come back I would probably buy.

Don't sleep on Chinese, I love and standby my CFMOTO, I have no doubt KOVE will kick butt, the question is just HOW well. I would strongly consider buying this motorcycle to add to my collection.

Well put article Goon. It took me years to gather the courage to switch from Japanese motorcycles to European motorcycles (Moto Guzzi Griso & Beta 500). Both rock solid, so far. I’m 63 and honestly will leave the purchase decision to the younger generation, it will take too long to win me over on a Chinese motorcycle. I would pursue a Sherco or Husqvarna/KTM hopefully w/Austrian built motor or another Japanese m/c any brand. I have a local Beta and Moto Guzzi dealership within 30 minutes of where I live, and that does matter. Parts and service come as a necessity w/m/c ownership. “ Keep your friends close, and your enemy’s closer”. Sun Tzu

I would love to see a dealer network in the european continent. I know there is great service from ddealers of GPX machines in GB but import tarrifs make it very combersome to ride/own. Subbed to your channel. Love your fresh style of no nonsence contend. Love it.

Bought a lotery ticket because of this bike. Modern version of KLE 500. LOVE it.

I'll just be blunt and say this is the perfect bike for the Northwest where most of our trails are not that easy to get to and usually you need an off-road truck to get where you want that's where this bike is awesome. Hit the freeway and then hit the trails

The kove 450 has checked a lot of the boxes I'm looking for. I do most of my riding on road because I commute on my triumph thruxton. But my passion for riding is on dirt roads and single track. I don't plan on getting rid of either of my current bikes, but if I pull the trigger on this, I could see it replacing my dr350. I will be waiting for more reviews and videos of average joes like myself riding it. But I'm hopeful!

Refreshing to see something different... Can't wait to see a Triumph mx bike tbh

Hi I need to see and try first to buy but it´s in my wish list for this year 🙂

I don't understand why Honda can't build this bike? They are 2/3 there with the 450RL. Until Honda builds one, I will keep building my 450RL to become a great lightweight ADV bike.

I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by reviews of this bike, some by guys I trust...this is progress folks!

Hey there! Just wanted to drop a comment to let you know that I've placed an order for the incredible Kove 450 Rally. I can hardly contain my excitement! This bike seems like an absolute travel motorcycle unicorn, and I can't wait to experience the thrill of owning it. I've decided that the Kove 450 Rally will be my one and only bike, and I believe it will exceed all my expectations. Here's to amazing adventures ahead with this remarkable machine! 🏍🔥

The fact that it made it through the Dakar makes me want to buy it. Like you said for me this would be third motorcycle but yes I want it

You make a fantastic point that the Kove 450 Rally costs as much as a KTM/Husky 690/701 with a full rally kit. Who in their right mind is going to buy a Kove over a tricked out Husky 701?

I am one of the riders you mention who can only afford to have 1 bike. I would put a deposit down on this machine right now if I have the disposable income to be a "beta tester". This thing would be an absolute BDR killer. I have to ride to all the trails I want to get to as I don't have a truck or a van so I'd love a machine like this once I decide to upgrade from my 250l rally. I really hope they succeed and prove that there's a market for these bikes. If KTM wants to make some money they'll put out a 390adv rally model before this thing gets a foothold in the market. They have an 890r and a 1290r, they need to do a 390r.

I like what I see . Would like more owner feed back , Get some here and see how they hold up .

Not anytime soon could I see myself buying any Chinese bike. For this particular brand if in around 5 years of production, and if they were selling well, and if they built a reputation for reliability then I'd consider one. Maybe. FWIW, i'd do unspeakable things for a Beta 650. I'd go almost as far for an injected 6 speed XR650R. Love your video's by the way. Cheers from Australia.

12:00 I ALMOST bought aprillia tuareg so i guess i have a say in it. Yes it being aprilia was considered con BUT not dealbreaker. in the end i wanted it because of great reviews, great suspension, tech, engine. Im not brand snob and i think most people in adv community arent. ALso i dont like very unconventional looks, especially lights. In the end i couldnt find used one in my budget and went with 2018 AfricaTwin dct and dont regret. But still, i have to try tuareg one day ; Ideally id want 890r but with dct and Honda reliability 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻

The kung fu memes are on point. lol Born A Goon is just criminally underrated.

The specs are perfect. I don't have any preconceived notions about what Chinese manufacturing is capable of (never have a problem with my iphone), so if they can roll out a decent dealer network in a reasonable time, I'd certainly consider one. People saying it's too small to ride on the freeway obviously have never ridden a modern thumper.

yes, I would absolutely buy I’ve been on dirt bikes since the 80s and racing desert till this day, My Ducati DS can handle a lot of single track however, the weight

Research the engineer who started and runs the company, you will come away impressed I guarantee it. And look at their entire Dakar effort and results, best damn test in the world in my book.

60 years ago motorcycles from Japan were thought of as junk. I've owned several Chinese bikes and all worked well. I'd gladly own one of these and sell my Africa twin.

I want one, I just hope they don't go up in price to quickly. From all the reviews I have seen it is an interesting blend of qualities and it is the combination that interests me.

I would go the 701 and rally kit…it will be interesting to see Kove’s go to market strategy, esp dealer network.

like the quotes 😄

I fell in love with Kove during last EICMA in Milan, all their bikes looked so perfect! And I was happy to see Italian journalists supporting them at the Dakar, because the company story looks like the script from a movie and we Italians have a soft spot for stories like this. Aprilia is an amazing bike, in Italy I would feel safe about customer care (exspecially if you live 50km far from their headquarters...) and everybody says the same thng: "it would be my first choice in the cathegory but it's uglier than the ugliest KTM" (and yes, I own and love a 1190 Adventure I will never leave behind untill it will e legal to ride one in EU) By the way, I just found your channel a few days ago and I totally LOVE your videos. I find a lot of sense in your opinions and I like yougoing from the MotoGP history to the Rally raid world with the same passion and a quiet, lucid approach. I hope you will get to try this bike and do a follow-up video in a year or so

Your pronunciation of Chinese in the end surprised me!😆

There's a lot of promise. Good for competition, so long as the quality is there.

About the AJP (not APJ, as you stated second time).. Thank you for telling me that's portuguese! (I'm portuguese and I did saw those bikes in the Expo-Moto in Lisbon, but never thought it was a home-country company). Just so you know how it is.

In many markets (not all)these style bikes are very niche with low volume demand/sales. There are so many brands chasing fewer and fewer buyers in the west you would think Chinas own booming market is the one with the most sales potential.

I'm from Mexico so I hope it does well to be able to buy one.

I’m going to wait till next year to see how things are going. It’s an insane value when you consider all the items like the rear tanks, long oil changes, rally tower, etc etc.

I'm absolutely going for the Kove. Do I wish Yamaha or Honda got there first? 100%. The fact is each of the big manufacturers has considered building this bike, only to have it killed by the bean counters. If this bike is successful it forces the hand of sales competition. And that is good for all consumers, regardless of what drives your purchasing decisions.

If ktm or Honda made the same bike at the same price I would go out and buy one tomorrow, but I don't know who kove are nor there Build quality so I'd be waiting for others to buy and review and test. But chines doesn't necessarily mean bad or no, it just means a lot more research on my end needs to be done

"The Most Hyped" Ive never heard of it.

As of writing (4/4/2023), the deltas for the stock are as follows: Rally Edition - 97 (meaning 1 pre-ordered) Low Seat - 95 (3 pre-ordered) Unfortunately, Goon didn't show the standard seat, which is sitting at "87 available".

Hello from India. I'm waiting for RE Himalayan 450

I'm waiting for the coV2!

It seems very promising. On the other hand, I've seen too many pre-orders not work out, even from the big 3 automotive companies and tons from want-to-be start-ups. There is a lot to manage and a lot of risk. Add to that I'd rather buy used and save even more. Still the pricing is promising when your just a couple thousand more than dual sports and a less than most adventure bikes but you're spec'd out somewhere between, a dual sport with a little wind protection and more range, it is really appealing if you don't want two bikes to sometimes do both of those things.

will be buying one very soon

i'll be working in china for the next few year, so i will buy both kove 450 rally and kove 800x. however, as for my planned excursion to mongolia and or crossing siberia in the near future, i won't know which bike to pick for those trips until i owned and rode on both and have had a first hand comparison my self.

I'd rather get AJP PR7, at least it has proven engine. BTW I am already fed up with heavy adventure bikes maybe honda, yamaha, bmw will learn a lesson finally.

I also discovered this motorcycle some weeks ago and I am really intrigued by it. Wonder when and how they will come to europe. This motorcycle seemed to exist before it became a KOVE. see Colove 450 Rally or Excelle ZF450LS Rally. Of course this would't be the 100% bike, but it could be the offroad travelling addition to some nice naked bike ;) Buying? hard to say, my last 2 bikes were 20 years old one japanese ones :D

I would take a risk. The big and known brands are too heavy and they don't listen to customers..... AJP PR7 or Kove rally - any time, but because I am from Europe - I will buy local.

Brilliant script and well read. Love the Chinese wisdom and saying thrown in! Answer: I try my best to avoid Made in China manufacturing for political reasons. This is an oppressive regime engaged in a motorcycle industry take over, not a manufacturer engaged in product development.

i would like to buy it and i would buy it, but as from financial stand it will take me few years (unfortunately) to save up so by that time it will be some info about its reliability and then i will know for sure is it worth it... but it looks like a perfect bike for anyone especially for beginners

I would by this Chinese brand, as it seems to target high quality, similar to what we’ve seen in the car segment with NIO, Li Auto, etc. If i’d be in the market for a rally bike, probably this would be it vs the 2x price alternatives that make no sense commercially.

I gotta agree with everything u sed 💯

We got re branded colove 500 adv to bristol venturi and veloce 500cc bike some owner got a 37000 miles on it got no problems so far. Just regular change oil.

This wouldn't be my second or third bike, it would be my only bike. As would be the AJP PR7, assuming I could find either.

Contrary to previous beliefs over Chinese Motorcycles and because of your video. I’d definitely buy one.

Deposit paid. Will fit between my Beta si gle teack/light ADV and my BMW adventure

Already put a deposit down through everides affiliate link. Makes the deposit only $500. I was gonna wait till next spring but I figured better to be higher on the wait list

I'd like to see Aprillia build a rally on the SXV 550 platform.

It would be awesome if they can make it Euro compliant as well, but that would probably restrict it's power a lot. Anyway I'm really considering a Kove based on all the reviews I've seen so far... unless a US-China war starts soon... 😢

I guess the question is why not the Honda, or others mentioned, and add on the Rally Kit; Today and not wait! Hell a DRZ400 with the three common mods and the build as featured on Rock Mtn ATV page would still be less; old but bullet proof bike! Just an option. The Honda, et al Prolly work for the majority or less than pro type riders. Would be nice to buy something ready to go however. At 63 I guess the ol man will stick with his XR600, lol.

They are doing something very smart by focusing on the "unicorn," 450cc size. That provides them an entry. Will it be enough? The Japanese are playing with fire by ignoring the wants and needs of their customers. Honda needs to make a more reliable 450 or an updated XR650 with fuel injection, Yamaha a larger WR, etc. My guess is no, though, the Chinese won't succeed. I won't buy one, but that doesn't mean I don't like the concept.

I put down one of the first deposits on the KOVE, I am a multi bike owner looking for the unicorn. I do enjoy adventure riding BDR routes and TAT and others on my bucket list. Have a Rally Raid 500x which I really enjoy until the terrain get rough then the 550lbs becomes a real pain to manage in my old age. Fun bike to run down the road at 75 or 80 and goes thru the curves nicely and Honda reliable when you hit the go button. (Made in Taiwan by the way) I have a Beta 390 RRS that is a quick bike tons of power but at 75 mph on the road feels like your walking a tight rope and even with a larger gas tank you are praying for a gas station in 80 miles. I’d like to do a run down to Baja, but 500x is to heavy to deal with for a thousand miles of sand. Picking it up 5-6 times a day is no fun. Beta 390 will need a air refueling station to make it to the next bottle of fuel from who knows where. Not to mention a few oil changes to make the 2000k mile trek. The KOVE strikes a mid point for me 250+ range, 5k service interval, reasonable weight and offered with lowered seat height, tower for gps mount and wind protection. Should be ready to go with minimal mods for me. I might be sorely disappointed on delivery but I have to a few that have ridden the test bikes and they are impressed with it. So I took a gamble on it. Main thing I hate is that its made in china but the story behind the owner of Kove is inspiring and think it has his heart and sole into creating a great bike. Time will tell I’m will to be a test dummy for it.

absolutely!!

My desert riding buddy ordered one in Dubai, delivery expected in nov 23

I would decide depending on the specs

I just took delivery of a 2023 GPX FES 250e and it beats the pants off all the Jap air cooled bikes. The fully adjustab;e suspension is super plush and the engine pulls a lot harder than the Jap bikes and the low end response is snappy with an even bigger hit at 4000 rpm

I hope they make it and it’s the greatest bike ever, because I really want a cheaper bike with a nav tower

Yep. I'll buy one.

I seem to remember Mason Klein’s Kove breaking down a few times during Dakar and he had to retire DNF???

I'll probably buy one when they come to the USA just gotta figure out where a dealership is going to be

I would be more interested in the 800 bike. That also seems like an interesting one.

As a mid 50 year old, I can say this is the most exciting time to be into motorcycles because it feels exactly like the 1970's Japanese invasion that gave America a left hook, no political puns just out of nowhere there was the CB750. I see Chinese bikes doing the same, BUT the mountain is tall, and a lot of brands need to fall off in order to which ones make it to the top of the mountain. I have no doubt Chinese bikes are coming.

It is the same weight as my KLX300 dual sport and almost twice the horseposer and has better suspensions. It is 150 lbs less than my Tenere 700 and will be much easier to ride off road. Road trips might be harder but you can have a better seat made. Might not be as reliable as my T7 but will be more reiable than the KTMs. Started with a Tenere 1200, wanted lighter so I got the Tenere 700. Wanted more laughes and less pucker off road so I added the KLX 300. This to me is the unicorn specification. I will definetely by the road legal version

501 with rally kit all the way

Petite suggestion de test d'un modèle qu'on ne verra bien sûr pas chez Omio: la Kove Rally 450 (première Dakar ready chinoise)

Knowing how well the Japanese bikes/brands turned out, I am very tempted to say I would have a crack at this bike! It is not in my segment, but it looks damned interesting. I have dabbled in some two wheeled machines a few decades ago, and while they were truly terrible in many ways, you got what you paid for!!😁 I have no doubt they can compete with the Japanese and Europeans at the same price point.

It took Benelli (made in China) 15 years, but now they're one of the fastest growing motorcycle companies. Maybe buying the Italian brand name helped, and certainly their low cost is a big factor. Kove don't have either of those... could be a difficult path for sales out of Asia... 🤔

Pretty tough market to break into. I would be interested in a test ride but very hesitant to purchase.