Kove 450 Rally Review UK | A Rally Bike For The Masses?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- The Kove 450 Rally regular. A true rally machine for less than the price of an enduro bike. Is it too good to be true? What is this bike like for riding in the Uk? We discuss all this and more.
Normally a purpose made factory rally bike would be the reserve of elite riders, and priced beyond consideration for most. But since it isn't priced beyond, what is the bike like in the hands of your average trail rider?
To make up your own mind you can contact Off the Kerb who will be able to facilitate test rides on the Kove 450 Rally Regular:
www.offthekerbtrailriding.com...
00:00 Intro
00:52 What is a Rally Bike?
01:40 Kove breaking the mould
02:13 Spec Overview
03:40 What it's like to ride?
03:53 seating position
04:17 Controls and 'rideability'
05:01 The Chinese debate
06:39 Owning a Kove
09:47 Who is the Target Customer?
11:07 How it feels on the road
11:54 Kove as as Adventure Bike?
12:28 Who should actually buy this bike?
13:25 Final Thoughts - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Great review, spot on! I'm over 5,000km into a trip across Europe from UK on TET on the Kove, camping. Great bike, no problems so far.
Well that's great to hear. Have an amazing rest of the trip! Andrew
I hope to be able to do like you on the TET and with a KOVE at the beginning of 2025.
It will be from France to Spain and Italy to start. Have a good ride !!!
I see lots of references to the oil plug shearing in two and a axle block bending. The person that had both these issues by his own admission on the video's does not use a torque wrench but instead uses his experience and calibrated arm to tighten things up. In addition, he applied Loctite to the axle nut (not specified in the workshop manual) which did not help the release torque of the bolt. Aluminium will bend and steel will shear if load is applied to failure. The only way to be sure the part was at fault is a full metallurgical study combined with repeat testing to view scatter results. I recently brought a Kove because it intrigued me. Time will tell how reliable it is. I have done quite a lot of planned spannering on it and the quality seems to be at least on a par with my 3 KTM's. The only people that know if Kove suffers from poor quality are the warranty assessors. They see the failures and volume of failures against bikes sold. It's TOO early to make sweeping judgements - especially is you don't have the bike and are getting all your information second hand.
What a good review. Having not had a bike for 38 years I purchased a CRF 300 Rally to do the UK Tet and general green laning, to me it felt heavy, awkward and I couldn't get on with it. It is sat in the garage with less than 400 miles on the clock. I got my Kove in November 23 and instantly this bike for me felt so much better, the weight distribution, riding position, geometry everything feels right and as you said confidence inspiring!
I have done 1000 miles on the bike more off road than on, I'm no Pol Tarres but I will say the bike makes me feel 20 again! Yes the finish is not quite to Japanese or European standard and only time will tell if the bike has the longevity but so far so good.
Thanks for the feedback. This is exactly it. It puts a smile on your face and can elevate your riding. - Andrew
What is the maintenance interval of the bike?
Thank you for such a thoughtful and insightful review. Like you, I would love to own one in future.
I saw this review (amongst others) and drove up to "Off the Kerb" (great guys!) with a mate - we had a couple of hours test ride off road and the next day we both bought one. Can't wait for it to arrive !!🙂
Great in depth review. Subscribed
Good review, subscribed!
That’s a fairy accurate review. Had mine since December, 1200 miles in and I love it ! Ride Surrey and Hampshire too. Dropped to a 12t front sprocket and that’s better suited for green laning.
Definite unicorn 🦄!
How is the service intervals? Is it a expensive bike to service and maintain?
@@CruiserSnooker oil and filter change every 500km for first 2000km then every 2000km thereafter. However there was some chat about those being revised, currently though; those are the official numbers.
Slight faff with having to remove exhaust to access filter but in all honesty, it takes seconds and isn’t difficult to remove. Even easier and quicker now I have the Ti Pro exhaust as it’s just springs then 2 bolts.
Oil filter approx £8-£10 (cheaper from Uncle Wangs Shop in China)
Air filter takes seconds to access; remove seat via a cable pull and it’s staring you straight in the face.
Fully synthetic 10W/40 was the oil I used for first 2000km but now on fully synthetic 10W/50 as per manual. No issues.
Love it.
@@bikemad75 Love it! Thank you
Have you ever tried taking a passenger on it? using one of those universal passenger pegs?
@@CruiserSnooker you’re welcome mate.
No, never tried or even thought about taking a pillion tbh !
@@CruiserSnooker I spoke to a KOVE dealer here in Portugal & he informed me the 450 Rally is street legal for two riders & pegs are available.
Good review bud
Now subscribed from Australia
thank for explaining the terms im still new to this haha
Great video
I see you're still loving the Rev'it Stratum GTX jacket.. at least the under layer.. :)
I am indeed! I had the overlayer in the morning when it was cold, and ripped out the mesh for the sun, perfect! - Andrew
Wish I could afford one!
Hmm. I thought the 145 is "kerb weight" so basically with fluids. "Kerbweight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include the weight of any passengers, cargo, or optional equipment."
Fascinating! Just discovered the Kove brand, looks like a real unicorn indeed 🤔
It is definitely an interesting machine. Sadly not available in Germany.
A comparison to the AJP PR7 would be interesting! ;)
Hallo Karl, nervt mich, dass es in DEU keine Händler gibt. Ich würde sofort zuschlagen. 😢
@@horst-horstmannHey Horst. noch nicht! Ich habe gelesen, dass die Kove in 4 Ländern verfügbar gemacht werden soll (Frankreich, Spanien, Italien und ?? glaube ich, bin mir aber nicht ganz sicher).
Deutschland is nicht dabei, aber es ist ein Anfang ;)
@@karlkrebs4386 Serbia, Slovenia, Greece have them available
@@karlkrebs4386 Soweit ich mitbekommen habe, gibt es in nahezu allen Ländern rund um Deutschland Kove-Händler, auf jeden Fall ist noch Polen dabei.
Hello! thanks for the review, how long are the service intervals? oil, filter,& valve clearance? thank you in advance
Have same question. Making a comment to follow the this question.
First 3 oil services at 300, 600, 900 miles then every 1200. Takes 1.6 litres of oil. I'm waiting for more detailed info, maybe an owner can advise what the service manual states? - Andrew
How did you find the handlebar vibes and seat comfort in comparison to say, your T7?
It's so much less refined than the T7 generally, but that said, there was nothing about the vibes or seat I found uncomfortable. - Andrew
Currently on a DR650 for my adventure riding, was considering a T7 to replace it. How do you find the T7 compares to the Kove?
The T7 is a more all rounded adventure bike. If I could only have one it would be the T7. The Kove is vastly superior for the more focused off road work though so it just totally depends what kind of riding you want or need it for.
@@AdventureRiderMotoLove it mate! I suspected the T7 is a pretty good all rounder. Have you ridden anything like a bmw 800gs? they are kinda similar
Fair review… lovely wee bike, but £pound for £pound I will keep my AJP PR7…👍🏍🏴👌
For sure if you're already on an AJP I don't think it justifies a switch.
@@AdventureRiderMotonot sure man, tank capacity in the Kove 450 would be a good reason to switch from the AJP PR7
I am interested in the 800 rally X, the standard rally is around 20 kg lighter than the T7, and the rally X is 15 kg lighter again, be interested to see you compare them both to your T7.
Same, let’s see them compared 👍
Good shout. I'll see what I can do! - Andrew
I saw a video were the bike meltet next to the pipe coming out of the engine, and where the gas started boiling, and the tabkngot sucked in..
Will they fix these problem for the bike?
I reference this issue in the vid, and I believe the manufacturer has provided heat shields to existing owners and will have these fitted on incoming shipments but I'm going off second hand info on this one. - Andrew
Sounds like the Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers need to step it up. This bike has everything I want. Would love it if Honda or KTM would make something equivalent, without spending thousands on mods.
I think a lot more needs to be made of the ABS turning back on each time the bike is off. It's not required by law so why are manufacturers doing it. It's just plain dangerous off road. As an example the KTM 790/890 remember the ABS setting and if turned off it will stay off after a power cycle.
I wish Kove well and I think they've made a solid effort at a unicorn but if I'm on the TET in, say, the Duoro Valley, and a key component breaks, how am I going to sort it? I seriously looked at a Kove but opted instead for a Husqvarna 501 with a Nomad Tower and luggage system. I was out today on my local lanes and the 501 is just a joy to ride. Like you, I'm an intermediate off road rider. Riders with trials, MX or enduro experience are massively better than me but I'm alright and steady. I hope the Kove does well but I'm not going to be an early adopter.
You are speaking about breakdown, and then buy a white ktm ?😅
@@scannorse well, my hasn't broken down from Arctic Finland to Saharan Morocco and has 60,000 km on it. Tell me, what is your direct experience of KTMs whether white or orange, breaking down? I kinda joined in with the joke but I've had 4, 3 white, one orange and I've had no problems apart from connections shaking loose which I accept on a thumper used off road.
@@TheIdlesurferThe Kove's engine is reliable. How do I know? It's the Zongshen NC450, well, a modified version of it. But still an NC450. Fantic uses the same engine, but without the modifications, and I have not heard about any issues with them. I have worked with these engines in the past (swapping out old engines with NC450's) and can safely say they are well built and reliable. Though not ground breaking when it comes to performance. It holds a massive amount of oil, so you wont do as much maintenance, but the stock version makes somewhere between 40 and 45 HP, with the road going Kove going 53 HP I believe, with a new DOHC cylindre head. Still nout ground breaking considering it's a 450, so if you want a rocketship, choose something else. Other than that, I certainly recommend it. But ofcourse a KTM is no bad choice either. Though you have to mod the KTM with a windscreen, fairing, larger fuel tanks etc, that comes standard with the Kove. Can't deny though that the KTM makes quite a bit more power. I think it is almost unfair to even compare them, as they're built for different categories altogether.
@@darko_lengkeek-jakupovicbeing reliable, witch I believe it might be, doesn’t negate the fact as the op said that it can be of need of parts. We all see how the chain will react to that, looking forward
@@darko_lengkeek-jakupovic I took all of this into account. I really seriously considered the KOVE but by pure good luck, and leaving my bike in Holland for about 3 months, my 501 was the test mule for Nomad so I got all the Nomad bling (tower, luggage, increased volume clutch cover) fitted without cost, turning my 24 501 into a beautiful light adventure bike. You are a much better mechanic than I am. You'd have the skills to field repair problems I don't have the skills to manage. I think KOVE may well become dominant in light adventure riding but I don't think there will be a big dealer network as what we do is pretty special interest.
Or have wotse dealerships?
how does it work with luggage and long distance road work?
It has mounting points for the luggage at the rear already fitted. It'll take any soft luggage under 50litres just fine. Long distance road work - it can do it but it's not where it's at its best - Andrew
Cruise at 100 mph? Its flat out at 100 mph on stock gearing with will cruise at 70 possibly 80 mph
Correct, wrong term, my bad! - Andrew
My landlord owns one, and I’ve gotten the opportunity to ride it. It’s one of the easiest bikes to ride I’ve ever been on, regardless of the terrain.
If he ever decides to sell it I plan to be top of the list of buyers.
I’m 5’5”, and while I have a fair amount of experience on big bikes already, it’s incredibly easy to ride at extremely slow speeds and that’s where many riders struggle the most.
It’s the perfect 2nd bike for adults, and it’ll stay with you all the way to expert/professional level.
Thanks for confirming! This is a far more succinct summary of my 15 mins! - Andrew
No reviews from Australia. We don't have them......yet.
Apologies, must have all been the US then - Andrew
What are the intervals of this bike?
First 3 oil services at 300, 600, 900 miles then every 1200. Takes 1.6 litres of oil.
Imagine building an engine without the ability to check the oil accurately. There is no dip stick or sight glass. Totally unbelievable.
I just don't understand where Kove are coming from.
Agreed, but kove dibuild the engine
It's not an issue. You use a marked zip tie. Easy and simple. It removes the sight glass failure point.
@@OverlandTheSlowWay Who wants to spend thousands on a bike and then have to use a zip tie to check the oil? Never once had a sigh glass fail and pretty much everyone uses them
@@elobiretvIf you think about it, it's how we check the engine oil on all car engines...it's just a dipstick! Takes a few seconds to check. It's the least important issue on the bike, and after 10,000km hard off-road use, I do actually know some of the real issues..
It can't be less reliable than a KTM!!!
I know this is a standard gripe but I've had 3 Husqvarnas and 1 KTM (1290 SA*) and none have been anything other than reliable. Compare that to my experience with BMW and I'd have KTM/Husqvarna reliability every day of the week. I've a 701 2016 which has 40k miles 60k km much of which has been off road, and apart from shaking loose some bits and bobs, it has been rock solid. But I have added a Nomad ADV tower and a Seat Concepts seat. *Actually, in response to a comment I did have an annoying key issue which didn't strand me but meant a few minutes of messing about on the 1290 when the key played up.
People that make stupid comments like this never owned a motorcycle nevermind a KTM.
@@TheIdlesurfermy 2018 1290 adv S has broken down and left me stranded at the side of the road 6x since I bought it. Currently I cannot crank the engine because of an ecu/mtc fault (no its not the battery). Also I have had 5x replacement start/stop/ready to race button switchgear units since I bought the bike because of the ongoing issue that KTM won't fix which is water leaks into the handlebar switchgear. No I don't pressure wash the switchgear, they let the rain in. My 1190 adv R was way more reliable than the over electronic 1290.
@@pandora1360 wow. That is a catalogue of horror. Actually, my electronic key was unreliable on the 1290 but would play up for a few minutes and I had some weird ritual which involved popping the battery out of the key 10 metres away from the bike to reset the key so the point about electrics is a good (but frustrating) one. The trouble free bikes I have had are FE350, FE501 and 701. All relatively simple, minimal electronics and designed for off road use. My experience and that of my friends is with dirt bikes and they have all been fine. So I should have limited my point to dirt biased, simple bikes.
I don't doubt that you have been sensible and ruled out obvious issues. You have reminded me that my original battery lasted 2 years, but cranking improved hugely with a lithium battery, leaving the obvious question why do the bikes leave the factory with a lead battery? And you should be able to jet wash a bike. All my bikes get jetwashed. Every bike I've had has been jetwashed and the only one which objected was a battered Kawasaki GT750 which I sold after putting 120,000 despatch rider miles on it with minimal servicing apart from 3000 miles oil and filter changes. When bikes are so complicated they do need to be reliable. I guess you'll not be a KTM customer again!
I won't buy one, but I hope it sells well. Competition and options are good for all motorcyclists.
A non-polarised opinion, how refreshing! Cheers, Andrew
No dipstick or sight glass for oil level.
You just use a marked zip tie. It's easy.
99+ % of the masses, dont ride Rally. They like the drama and the idea of it.
Before the Kove 99% couldn’t afford and/or justify owning a true Rally bike.
AJP PR7?
I had a piece on this comparison in the edit originally but needed to keep the video to an entertaining length (I could waffle on forever)! This is the closest competitor for sure. The AJP is, in my opinion, and of those I've spoken to who have ridden it, a more aggressive offering being a bigger thumper type engine. The AJP certainly needs a bit of patience to own from what I've heard and read. I'd love to do a comparison. Without having ridden one all I can say is I would imagine the 450 of the Kove being better suited to the kinds of 'low speed' trails we have in the UK in the form of green lanes, and possibly easier for the non-pros out there. The good news is more of these kinds of bikes are being made! - Andrew
@@AdventureRiderMoto The biggest differences between PR7 and the 450 Rally is comfort. Seat an suspension on PR7 is definately more comfy, and i would rate the Sachs fork of the PR7 higher and more responsive. Engine of PR7 is easily driven, but the bike turning radius is higher. The bikes are quite different even though it can be used for the same, both on/off road. The 450 Rally feels and drive more like an endurobike, nimble, easy, feels more “racy” without being too “racy”, if that gives any meaning, always out for a play. And it feels lighter in any way, even from the ground pushing the bike around. I like the PR7 on road, gravel and tricky tracks, and it is easier to get loaded with travel gear. As the AJP-racedriver said “it`s safe at high speed off-tarmac”, which i find correct…feels like the bike takes care of you. Nowadays the engine characteristic of the PR7/ecu is smooth, where the 450 is not that smooth (euro5) more on/off characteristic following traffic at 50 km/h, but wind the throttle and itgives joy immediatly :-). Would i choose the one over the other ? Hmmm….hard to choose…..so i took both.
Fantastic feedback@@scannorse . I'm more than a little envious! - Andrew
You called it, if this were a Japanese bike it would be sold out everywhere. Hopefully they take notice of all the buzz Kove is getting and offer something up. I'd like to see another 100cc and passenger pegs but have to tip my hat to Kove for this design. We need more dual sports with fuel tanks at shin height.
They are sold out everywhere, global dealers are really asking for more bikes, but have to wait.
Exactly! At the very least, I hope it signals some attention and drives more competition in this area. - Andrew
I won't wait for a Japanese bike that most likely won't exists in the next 2 years. I'll hone my skills and enjoy this bike and if and when the Japanese bike rise I'll maybe switch
@@Berecutecu in 2 years absolutely no need to go to Japan. (Seen all the recalls for jap bikes ?)
I was thinking of getting one , but now the founder has left Kove ; I feel that the passion has gone from the company and now I’m not so sure.
He's still a major shareholder, just stepped down, it's in his interest to make kove work
Yeah i know, just think the bike will need a bit more development ie sight glass or dip stick , soft metal on the chain adjusters etc , the mk1 will always be the test mule , maybe the MK2 will iron out all the issues . I had the same when i got a brand new mk1 ktm sdgt , that had a few issues but then again it is a “ktm”😂
If you use the kill switch or stall the bike without powering off the battery you do not have to reset your ABS mode selection.
Great to know, thanks for pointing out! - Andrew
You people that are comped to take the bike out for a couple hours and come back with this comprehensive review . You tell people all the tech specs and how great it is and the value is unheard of! You get a bunch of younger kids and people that cant afford to buy a new European dualsport believing it is on the same level with KTM , Beta , and the Japanese big 4. Only if you actually spent the $9k and bought it , instead of taking a half day spin on it , you would find out pretty quick its made of pot metal! That is a fact! Everything from , oil plugs to wheel axles to engine cases. They are cracking , twisting and bending. It is far from the machine they are sending to the Dakar Rally. These reviews really hurt consumers and the people.who can least afford to get screwed over.
interesting perspective, not being facetious but i haven't seen any such issues in any social media? if you are able, please point me to where you get this information from. As a prospective Kove owner id be very interested in seeing evidence of these issues. thanks in advance.
@@nick1bb1I believe he has never seen or touch this bike. There are of course some chinese quality parts (like some bolts for example or oil cap) but everyone with a bit of common sense would expect that from a chinese bike in this price range. Instead of some random dude I recommend "Dirt Byk" channel on youtube - there is a lot of riding and comments from a guy who is not sponsored and he paid for the bike with his own money.
@@garrived5658 yes, I've seen Dirt Byk ( very impressive!), I think I've probably seen almost all the social media coverage of the Kove all of which is broadly positive, it's why I'd like some evidence to support these claims of poor quality.
@Matthew-wn8oq I get nothing for doing this review, these are just my own opinions. I'm not connected to Kove in any way. I was filming for a separate piece with the place that has them for test rides, they asked if I wanted to try it, I said yes, was impressed enough to ask for another go to get a proper look at the bike, hence this review. I've ridden and owned all the bikes you list except Beta and nothing struck me as pot metal, or notably inferior about the build quality here. I doubt you're one to change your views easily but I want to point out I have no agenda behind this review -it's just a bike I liked that there's not much info on currently. As I say in the video, I can't fully comment on long term use because it's not old enough yet but this test bike has done 1000 miles and been ridden by numerous different people so it's better than nothing - Andrew
@AdventureRiderMoto I wasn't implying you had some kind of connection with Kove. I'm just saying , you guys that go out on a 2 hr ride and then come back with a bull 30 min review is crap. It's not helpful , you come out praising a bike and it's value when you have no idea about it's " value " or what it's like to live day to day with it. Of course nothing would " strike " you as pot metal because you didn't put a wrench on anything or maybe I'm wrong and you did an oil change with your extensive testing? What you do isn't a positive thing and that's not an opinion.
Buy a used 701 fact!
I think i should have bought one of these instead of my klx300. I do enjoy my klx300 though
You made the right choice. The kove will fall apart.
I went from a KLX 300 to the Kove 450 Rally. The difference is night and day. The KLX is a big toy for adults, designed for beginners and very casual riders (nothing wrong with that, btw). The Kove is a purpose built machine that is incredibly capable and has the range to explore anything and will massively progress your skills as a rider if you are just starting to get to the intermediate level, like myself. My KLX would already be up for sale, but I'm keeping it temporarily to make a comparison video and teach my friend to ride.
@@BraapTales very useful reply thank you!
Agree with BraapTales... got a brand new '22 KLX300R almost two years ago as my first bike to learn on and picked up a Kove 450 Rally at begining of this year after researching it for a solid month in December '23. Really liked starting my learning on the KLX300R but after first ride on the Kove I knew that was it absolutely over for the KLX300R.
Prepping the KLX300R now to sell (waiting on some parts). While the Kove is heavier and a bit taller... it simple handles better and the center of mass of the fuel tanks (front and rear the same height) is actually about 7" lower than the KLX300R tank...much quicker to respond while being more stable and getting on the throttle is much more fun and exhaust note sounds waaay better. Also ergonomics are much better for a taller rider...Kove feels perfect for my 6'2" height with 32" inseam while the KLX300R doesn't. The Kove 450 Rally build quality is at least as good as the Thailand built KLX300R.
Looking to get a used mid 2000's carbed Yamaha WR450F to replace the KLX300R as a project bike. Noticeably lighter and 450cc power that is a very inexpensive buy-in and has great parts availability and inexpensive upgrades. Even adding a Lectron Pro carb upgrade, will come in ~ $2k cheaper than a used KLX300R.
Rally bikes more like approaching £35k, not £20k…
Cruise at 100 mph? No way, it's maybe top speed 4:52
Yes correct. That's what I meant! It can get there. You can cruise 70 maybe 80 at a push. - Andrew
Finished the DAKAR XDDD
It MEANS nearly NOTHING.
The engines of this factory bikes will not be a massproduction engines. But hand made, or at least completly checked to the ground before the race... the main problem is to deliver quality in massproduction. (i work in a big company, in quality control, for car manufacturas in europe)
So every one who tells me, a racing car or bike is the reason for them to buy a massproduction bike or car is just not knowing, how they get build.
Still needs to have the specs, design, and performance to finish and compete in the race, which it did, and it has been winning smaller rallies and enduros this year on small privateer teams. No amount of mechanics checking it can change the basic specs and the Kove delivers there.
If this was a Japanese Motorcycle they would be selling them in large numbers. Id be selling my left kidney as we speak lol
Its overprized for a chinese product (as well as KTM) and it would annoy me to be an advertising billboard for kove.