I personally would not own one, but I 100% believe a bike like this was needed. Too many people have been priced out of the sport, we need a cheaper but still capable option. Bike seems plenty capable for the majority of riders. If reliability is solid, and the parts network is sufficient it will be a great option for those getting into the sport or looking to ride on a budget.
@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443Exactly. A used 250cc two stroke in decent condition made in the last 20 years would be easy to find, even cheaper, and would walk all over this thing. It would be simpler, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain as well.
Awesome to see this tested. Most of the parts on your japanese bikes are sourced in china anyway, its time to get over the stigma. Its not a podium bike but for almost half the price its a geat option for anyone that wants to have fun. Thanks for the info
That bike is not the current model MX250. It is the previous years model and is nothing at all like the MX250 featured at the Milan motorcycle show. It has not been released yet.
The Gen 2 MX250 is yet to arrive, but will be more expensive. The Gen 1 version featured here will continue to be sold along side the new version at the lower price.
One recommendation for future videos: Could you please obliterate all exhaust notes of the bikes? I just love the snappy overbearing music soundtracks, could you please make them even more overbearing? Thank you, and keep up the good work. Super Hunky would be proud.
@@DirtBikeMagazine I like hearing the bike. Don't worry about guys who haven't been laid in a year and feel the need to complain about shit on the internet.
This bike is needed imo to get people into the sport that just don't have 8-10k and want a new motorcycle. I've been impressed with the r&d they are putting into the bikes and appreciate them for answering any questions you have. Would love to see a test of the gpx 300 2stroke as I've heard positive things about those as well. This bike was never marketed as a race bike, it was marketed for those who are weekend warriors. The rally 450 on the other hand has been proven as it's competed at dakar.
Very interesting. I will be buying the 450 Rally soon as their is nothing else like it on the market for the price range it is at. Curious to see how their MX450 will perform.
It's still way underpowered compared to a Yamaha, KTM or anything else and only a little more powerful than most Chinese bikes running Zongshen engines, not much, but a little. Definitely not a race bike, just a rec bike..
@@Cali_Livin_916 You seem to be showing your lack of understanding for how power works on dirtbikes... It's not about numbers, it's about your ability to keep a bike planted and get the power to the ground. the bike has 37.5 maximum hp, compared to a KTM at nearly double the price at 45.2 hp with the same displacement... Yes it will be a little heavier, yes it will be a little slower, the tires on the bike they were riding are prolly el-cheapo knock offs and not proper tired specced for that muddy situation.. Did you not see in the video how much it is roostertailing? It cannot keep the power planted to the ground because not only the conditions, but the operator is whacking it full throttle out of every single turn before the bike gets a chance to hook.
The reality is most D class, and even some C class beginner riders wont use all the power that a new Yz250f or even the rmz250 has, and having something this affordable on the market allows a lot more people to start enjoying the sport, as long as they prove to be reliable and have longevity I think it’s the best beginner option on the market right now
Thanks for doing a review of this bike..it definitely has a place in the market...we could use more lower cost options...the big 5 brands have gotten out of control with price. If I can make a suggestion try the GPX TSE300L 2 Stroke.😁👍
I know a little late but are these bikes fuel injected. And personally for an entry ruder as my self i can see my self buying one of these bikes if they arent to bad
If you look at the power numbers they are 5-hp up from a carbureted 2005 CRF 250R and theoretically should be faster on the top end thanks to DOHC and a 6 speed gearbox. Granted it isn't 2020 CRF or KTM 250 spec but for someone looking for an inexpensive leisure bike to just enjoy occasional trips to local tracks with it is spot on. I mean when you consider the cost of used Japanese or European MX bikes that may or may not run as good as their new plastics might suggest they should, this is a brand new machine for about the same price. If you are looking for an inexpensive weekend warrior MX bike for solely having fun the Kove and Kayo 250 MX models are going to be your best bang for buck for track use without having to remortgage the homestead to afford a new ride. I think that as time goes on the gap between Chinese MX and the rest of the world will begin to close dramatically. The biggest hurdle they have to overcome is lack of power because their frames and suspension have already caught up to the likes of the rest of the pack IMO. I have thrashed around on a Kayo 250 and to be fair it was comparable to an early 2000s CRF250r in power with a better chassis in my opinion. I wouldn't mind throwing a leg over a Kove at a track and riding it back to back with the Kayo just to see which is the better bike coming out of China.
Looks like it might make a decent trail bike.. I know GPX Moto has some decent Chinese built 2-stroke and 4-stroke trail bikes. Maybe these guys should come with a 300cc Enduro bike.
Dude that thing can't get out of its own way. If you're strapped for cash there's always deals on suzukis. I'd be blown away if this company lasts more than 2 years in the states
The owners of the company are serious Offroad Motorcycle Enthusiast and try to compete KTM at the Dakar. It is possible that they get underestimated remember the times when Japanese stepped on the Stage first time. Why shouldn't a Chinese Company with serious ambitions not come to stay? Remember KTM
@@DrBob-gs1ngJapanese manufacturing industry have a totally different mindset than the “mainland asia” manufacturers. Who are scandalous and fraudulent in many industries. There’s very little innovation from them only cheap copies and Temu-promises
Im still sticking with my 2001 Yamaha yz426f. It's ''THE'' most fun motocross bike I've owned and driven in my entire life. 47 rwhp. 116kg wet. 5 speed. Decomp lever (No g#y Electric start) with kick start.
A used 250cc (or even 125cc) two stroke motocross bike in decent condition made in the last 20 years by any of the established brands would be easy to find, even cheaper, and would walk all over this thing. It would be simpler, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain as well.
I think you’re missing an important point. No one who spends most of their time on moto is gonna buy this thing. You just give up too much…. But a guy who might buy crf250f not the r model…… this bike is brilliant for that guy.
it looks like its kinda struggling to get around (although thats def some deep loose dirt/sand) and the dude looks like hes really struggling to clear the jumps haha. is that really the case?
Idk if I would buy one, but I can really back what they’re doing. Not everyone can afford a 10k bike. So if someone can get out and ride for around $6k with dealer backing, could be a big jump in riders
Regarding the power level, around 35 horses might sound a little low today. But I bought a new 07 kxf 250 and 2 years later the 09 kxf 250. They were at that power and no one complained. They ripped. I think this bike will appeal to a lot of riders. Racers will go for something else. 👍
We have always praised the Suzuki on its strengths but it does have some weaknesses as well. The Kove is a new bike and we aren't comparing it to the other 250s in the class. Some other media outlets are much much harsher on the Suzuki than we are.
@@gg4760-k5nand it's literally the first ever dirt bike they've made and Suzuki has been making dirt bikes sense before I was alive. Apples and oranges for sure.
@@ThiefOfOranges your point being ? Being new didn't stop Stark and Triumph to make super expensive bikes. Of the Kove is 10% slower than the Suzuki and 20% cheaper I don't see the problem, new brand or not.
@@gg4760-k5n my point is I agree with you. I think you misunderstood my comment. They're being assessed on a different scale for their first ever dirt bike than a brand would get assessed who has been producing dirt bikes for decades.
It is funny reading comments of dedicated patriots, ignoring a good product, just because it is built in a country, which does not comply with their standards. Trull a free motorcycle spirit😢
That motor is insanely reliable. I put 250hrs on one with just oil changes. The carbed model of that engine runs better from the sound of it that was tuned very lean. After a solid efi map an advanced timing key and a sprocket swap to 12 53 that thing will stomp 144cc 2 strokes and hang with every 250 4 stroke out there. I had no problem leading the pack on group rides with 450's in the woods either. I had to ride it hard but it takes the abuse.
I personally wouldn't spend my money on one. But, I'm sure it's affordability will tempt many into seeing what's it's about. After all, a few name brands these days are made in "mainland Asia".
Good price. But it looks twitchy, the chassis looks soft. Front dives like the men's drive team. Race, no. But it still looks fun to play around on and at that price, yo.
If you need to save money, then buy a YZ two stroke even a second hand one. Reliable and you may re-sell it anytime you wish. Not so with these Chinese.
No way I would risk my life on a mx track jumping some chinesium over and over again. Better off buying a used Japanese bike than this. Besides, I only buy chinese c**p if theres no way around it.
That's a lot of 4 stroke tech from the past few years, for under 6K??? 😅 $weet, for the old dudes wanting something to trail race' for kicks... I'd buy it 💸
Pretty impressive for the price, and for a first effort. Nice test, thank you. On another note...is there a worse sound in the ICE world than a 250 4T mx bike? I say no, there's not.
Ive worked at a dealership that sold Chinese dirt bikes. They are cheap for a reason. Inferior metals and poor design features. Ive seen so many new Chinese bikes break on the first weekend out its not even funny. Stuff like clutch and brake perches snapping off to break and shift levers bending and yes an occasional engine failure too.
The Zongshen engine isnt fast, but reliable. One thing the Chinese bikes get right. There's a reason the engines exsist all around the world in so called "cheap" bikes. This bike on the other hand belongs off road, not really a track bike
We were showing that it is possible to ride it on a track. You can see there is a mini stadium track and and a large outdoor track in the video for a reason. Showing the possibilities.
Maybe a little bit more RnD to get those HP numbers up and it could hang with the other manufactures, the price itself though is a steal for what you are getting. You guys definitely noted some very good highlights about it's capabilities. I think anyone with two wheels in their garage should have atleast one Chinese bike to ride. They have come a long way and it would be nice to get rid of the stigma towards the bikes and appreciate them for what they are. Great video thanks!@@DirtBikeMagazine
I'm guessing the transmission is already past it's design limit. I had this same motor (bottom end) in another bike and third gear took a crap after 6 months of hard off road. Hope they have addressed that. @@spoolyz0296
I think its cool a more affordable price segment could be established by this brand. Also intresting usually everything succesful from the CCP is "new energy" related. Since batteries are China's "oil". Substities for companies are huge this is why the EV market, batteries for storage, PV panels etc... over there booms. That could mean Kove's leadership actually is driven by intrinsic pashoin to enter the dirt market, which would be a good thing imo.
