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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻
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 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.
I've certainly sat down to pen many a rant on this very subject..... & it turns out (at least for me anyway) that I prefer my bikes to be more on the extreme end of the off road spectrum of street legal, & once I see in the suspension specs where they've trimmed the wheel travel down to below ten inches, I'm out........(They're all glorified KLR's at that point)..... So, the only way for me to be happy was to build my own........ (I would be curious if anyone has outfitted the T7 with YZ450 suspension though)
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!
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
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...
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
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
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?
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.
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 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.
@@BornAGoon Wouldn't Honda benefit by selling more total motorcycles while producing fewer models? If they made the 450RL, they'd eat up sales of not only their other models...but every other brand's models as well. DR, XR, KLR, some KTM 500s, 690s, a bunch of lightweight adventure bikes, and some midweights...
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.
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?
Im lucky to say that I have a similar set up as yours. A 701 and a GasGas 350. It’s a perfect garage for me, but I was ever was forced to only own one motorcycle, then a 450 rally would fit the bill
@@finno2980 We're lucky people. I'd seriously consider the Kove when my 2016 bikes die, but they're a long way from dying. Both bikes are much more capable than I am, so chasing a new bike, which will show my limitations in even harsher light, isn't going to happen! I am treating the 701 to a dyno remapping though.
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.
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.
8:50 i say total BS thats no argument at all... imo reason is a little conspiracy but thats only one i can think of: its rally/racing industry. for some reason it doesnt want average consumer to be able to get 450-600cc rally bike. KTM went out of their way to not make such bike. it was ONLY logical to do adv version of 690 yet they didnt.... nobody will tell thats not intentially avoiding ... factory racing teams dont want to allow this, but why is that we can only guess. Maybe that would undercut value of true rally bikes? But nobody buys them anyway so that also doesnt make sense... i dont know .... when business starts logic goes out of the window and money talk.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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! 🏍🔥
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 also try to avoid Chinese product, for similar reasons. But you can’t avoid them altogether, with Chinese parts in nearly everything. I agree that they don’t seem to want to just compete, but send everyone else to the wall. However, Kove have a great backstory and it’ll be interesting to see where this leads.
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 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'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.
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.
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.
Ajp is Portuguese, they have less history in motorcycle construction than China and look how sought after they are. precisely they do not have a gigantic distribution network, nor to serve their parts beyond Europe. China will end up devouring us. Saludos desde el sur de España!
They been around for decades. They began on racing, modifying motorcycles to suit their needs and then started building their own motorcycles. They are still in business thanks to the A1 bikes they sell, the PR7 doesn't keep the lights on.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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
i got a DRZ400 someone just tried to trade me their T7 yesterday haha. I almost did it but I love my DRZ. got it to 43hp rn working on pushing it closer to 60 then going to widen out the gear ratio to keep the rpms down on the highway and see if this can push it a little closer to unicorn status. it's already almost there it maxes out at 94 on the highway but if like to see if I can get her to top out at 110 without secrificing too much bottom end. T7 is a great bike almost unicorn status too coming from the opposite angle as the drz. take away a little weight and you're golden.
It's 320 lbs. dry per the specifications on their website. Given the fuel capacity, add about 50 lbs. to get a curb weight ~370 lbs. So, still way lighter than a T7, but it's not magic despite the "unicorn" moniker. Considerably heavier than the 302 lbs. curb weight of your KLX300...
When the crank bearing spin , you now have a Chinese boat anchor . No parts , chineesieum metals , language barrier . China has never ever made a product to last !
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.
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
If I’m anymore then 50/50 street biased I buy the Transalp. If I’m truly 50/50 I’d look at the Kove over a Husky 501 etc. I like the idea of the KTM 690 / 701 but the price maintenance and that rear fuel tank always turn me off!
I'd buy it if I saw good reviews after enough 10, 15 or 20k mile reviews. That also gives time for the Japanese to come up with some affordable competition. If they don't, thier loss.
Very well done video discussion of the Kove. Excellent questions and a balanced view of products made in China. The reality as you said is that everyone buys Chinese products and they make some of the best and some of the worst. Would I buy one? Sure I would if I was looking for a bike like that when I had confidence in the parts supply chain and the long term reliability of the design. I am not an early adapter for anything though, I let others be the first and I watch to see what time shows. I grew up in the era where anything that was "Made in Japan" was viewed as cheap junk and many people were very vocal that they would never buy anything to support Japan (or Germany) because of WWII. It is very much the same today regarding China.
I grew up in the same time period when 'made in Japan' was considered derogatory -- but I don't remember Japan ever building their products with slave labor or harvesting the organs of dissenters.
@@alang4193 Hmmm, not after WW2 they didn't, but during and prior to WW2 the Japanese were as bad if not worse than what China is doing. History records of what the Japanese atrocities were put them right up with Nazi Germany. Most citizens believe their country is doing right and they are not told the truth by their governments. The USA has many periods that most people want to forget such as the internment camps for Japanese people during WW2. And the despicable treatment of the First Nation people. Not that anyone has the right to treat people as expendables. Even today in 2023 many countries around the earth treat their citizens inhumanely and justify it it as tradition, culture, or religion. It is a personal choice if we feel buying products made there is okay or not. Many American companies have been found guilty of using sweat shop slave labor in other countries to make their products. It is a terrible situation wherever it happens. The truth is none of us gets to choose what country we are born in. In my travels I have found people everywhere to be good, kind, and helpful. Generally that is, some with government jobs tend to the opposite extreme. And most people are not happy with their government. Does buying products made there help or hurt the people who live in that country? Would they be better off without a job? That probably depends on many factors far beyond our control.
I talked to Kove an they currently dont have a Date for Homologation for Europe. may Your Nxt Video go more to techical Details. The Dakar Version seems to be improved. What i had seen in Italy... Dec. 2022 i wont buy !! By now i stay to my CRF450L Custommade
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... 🤔
G’day, I have been looking for a reliable and efficient motorcycle for some time now, I have been researching motorcycles for a trip I am planing to do, First Touring Thailand and Vietnam by bike, if that goes well I hope to tour more of the Asia continent, I was originally was looking to buy a bigger touring bike but due to a shoulder injury my thoughts are now focused on a lighter bike to fit my needs, and as I post this reply I have just send an email of to the Kove motorcycle company in China to express my interest, I should also mention I have expressed my interest in the KTM690 R enduro also. Cheers Michael
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!
Yes maybe it will make others build one
This!
Maybe the recent Chinese high altitude balloon was researching were to establish a Kove dealership network 🎈.
lol maybe
a lot cheaper than the u2 or sr71 i guess........
Now that Mon Ami, is solid gold! Lets hope the US Gov don't shoot this Kove down as well 😅
@@jdhart111 but no where near as cool as the sr71
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 :)
Freaking awesome video, BTW! I'm rarely on TH-cam anymore, but when I am I'll definitely be watching whatever you put out!
Wow the Kove is that good I can’t wait to see your video that will be awesome
Thank you for the kind words
Good oneIs it finally replacing the old"cant bear to part with it drz400??"
Watching your video got me looking at them, I also have a KTM 500 that I’ve been setting up for light adventures, but this Kove looks pretty good 👍🏽
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.
Unfortunately, didnt meet the demands of Mason Klein in the Dakar these past few weeks.
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 would be on the Beta too
Beta 430 and KTM/Husq 500 are serviceable in hours intervals. A rally bike is more convenient in this sense.
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.
sweet let me know how it goes
@@BornAGoon sure will - due to land in May.
Who did you order it through? Thanks
@Finn O I ordered through GPX moto in the UK. Its GPX in the USA as well. Other European countries now have dealers
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.
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.
You ain’t wrong. I am genuinely interested in this bike specifically because it survived Dakar.
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 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻
I bought a Beta 500 RR-S and I love it!
nice I love those betas
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 think people will wait as well Thanks for watching Matthew
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.
It is good to have it in the mix
It would be great,problem is manufacturers often want to give us what they want to flog us for the highest profit,not what we actually want.......
I've certainly sat down to pen many a rant on this very subject..... & it turns out (at least for me anyway) that I prefer my bikes to be more on the extreme end of the off road spectrum of street legal, & once I see in the suspension specs where they've trimmed the wheel travel down to below ten inches, I'm out........(They're all glorified KLR's at that point)..... So, the only way for me to be happy was to build my own........ (I would be curious if anyone has outfitted the T7 with YZ450 suspension though)
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!
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 think people feel the same way
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...
Thanks for watching Coach I appreciate it
Time will reveal how well of a job they’ve done or not done.
great video overall, u can see u put a lot of effort into it ;
Fantic 450 rally just released in Europe .... 13 000 base model . It has Yamaha engine ....
This one could be good .....
Omg keep making these entertaining and informative videos. Love em
Thanks! Will do!
Street legal, reliable and parts available, I absolutely will buy this bike. No one else seems willing to make what we want.
Lets see if they deliver
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 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
😂😂😂😂 dakar winner ktm duke 390 is selling in india @$4000
That’s the thing I don’t think it did. I remember Mason Klein retiring because his kept breaking down resulting in a DNF
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
Thank you and nice quote there at the end
First time follower. Great writing and delivery. A good video edit too.
Thanks and welcome
"The Most Hyped" Ive never heard of 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?
exactly
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.
That is why I think a lot of people will hold off on it
"an injected 6 speed XR650R" would be amazing
@@alinn.4341 with electric start of course
I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by reviews of this bike, some by guys I trust...this is progress folks!
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 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.
probably because it would hurt sales of the other models they have
@@BornAGoon Wouldn't Honda benefit by selling more total motorcycles while producing fewer models? If they made the 450RL, they'd eat up sales of not only their other models...but every other brand's models as well. DR, XR, KLR, some KTM 500s, 690s, a bunch of lightweight adventure bikes, and some midweights...
I ride and own an AJP PR7, but would surely give the Kove 450 Rally a go too!
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 🤟🎶
Awesome thank you!
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.
That is true
Ordered one in UK, its just left the factory, looking forward to it arriving
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?
thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
Im lucky to say that I have a similar set up as yours. A 701 and a GasGas 350. It’s a perfect garage for me, but I was ever was forced to only own one motorcycle, then a 450 rally would fit the bill
@@finno2980 We're lucky people. I'd seriously consider the Kove when my 2016 bikes die, but they're a long way from dying. Both bikes are much more capable than I am, so chasing a new bike, which will show my limitations in even harsher light, isn't going to happen! I am treating the 701 to a dyno remapping though.
Hello from India. I'm waiting for RE Himalayan 450
Good choice
me too buddy. me too
I think secretly and deeply everyone is....and for good merit. RE have truly changed the game. Congrats to them!
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.
Refreshing to see something different...
Can't wait to see a Triumph mx bike tbh
You and me both!
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.
8:50 i say total BS thats no argument at all...
imo reason is a little conspiracy but thats only one i can think of: its rally/racing industry. for some reason it doesnt want average consumer to be able to get 450-600cc rally bike.
KTM went out of their way to not make such bike. it was ONLY logical to do adv version of 690 yet they didnt.... nobody will tell thats not intentially avoiding ...
factory racing teams dont want to allow this, but why is that we can only guess. Maybe that would undercut value of true rally bikes? But nobody buys them anyway so that also doesnt make sense... i dont know .... when business starts logic goes out of the window and money talk.
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.
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.
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
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
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
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.
Thank you, love the channel, like 2Vintage, always a learning moment
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate 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".
Great editing and content on theme. Nice job.
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.
Good to hear excited to see this bike
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.
I would go the 701 and rally kit…it will be interesting to see Kove’s go to market strategy, esp dealer network.
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.
I like what I see . Would like more owner feed back , Get some here and see how they hold up .
Your pronunciation of Chinese in the end surprised me!😆
The kung fu memes are on point. lol Born A Goon is just criminally underrated.
Your words are too kind Chad
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.
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!
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.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Andrew
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! 🏍🔥
did you ever get your 450?
have you heard of Yamaha yz450/ wr450 .
Contrary to previous beliefs over Chinese Motorcycles and because of your video. I’d definitely buy one.
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.
Thank you I appreciate the kind words
I also try to avoid Chinese product, for similar reasons. But you can’t avoid them altogether, with Chinese parts in nearly everything. I agree that they don’t seem to want to just compete, but send everyone else to the wall. However, Kove have a great backstory and it’ll be interesting to see where this leads.
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.
hola Amigo ! really good video I like your reserge well done !
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.
Pretty tough market to break into. I would be interested in a test ride but very hesitant to purchase.
You and me both!
Hi I need to see and try first to buy but it´s in my wish list for this year 🙂
I would buy one only after you did and then tell me it is as good or better then my 450RL.........
lol I may do that
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.
There's a lot of promise. Good for competition, so long as the quality is there.
Yep excoted to see this thing
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'm from Mexico so I hope it does well to be able to buy one.
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.
Agree I would rather put a windscreen on a dual sport
I seem to remember Mason Klein’s Kove breaking down a few times during Dakar and he had to retire DNF???
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.
They need to trim the weight. I wont buy one either, too heavy
Ajp is Portuguese, they have less history in motorcycle construction than China and look how sought after they are. precisely they do not have a gigantic distribution network, nor to serve their parts beyond Europe. China will end up devouring us.
Saludos desde el sur de España!
They been around for decades.
They began on racing, modifying motorcycles to suit their needs and then started building their own motorcycles.
They are still in business thanks to the A1 bikes they sell, the PR7 doesn't keep the lights on.
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
Petite suggestion de test d'un modèle qu'on ne verra bien sûr pas chez Omio:
la Kove Rally 450 (première Dakar ready chinoise)
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
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Marek
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.
Nice interested in you experience when you get it
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.
I'd like to see Aprillia build a rally on the SXV 550 platform.
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.
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
i got a DRZ400 someone just tried to trade me their T7 yesterday haha. I almost did it but I love my DRZ. got it to 43hp rn working on pushing it closer to 60 then going to widen out the gear ratio to keep the rpms down on the highway and see if this can push it a little closer to unicorn status. it's already almost there it maxes out at 94 on the highway but if like to see if I can get her to top out at 110 without secrificing too much bottom end. T7 is a great bike almost unicorn status too coming from the opposite angle as the drz. take away a little weight and you're golden.
XR650L
Your KLX300 is far lighter. This weighs 365lbs with a 15L tank full. Its fat like a DR650.
It's 320 lbs. dry per the specifications on their website. Given the fuel capacity, add about 50 lbs. to get a curb weight ~370 lbs. So, still way lighter than a T7, but it's not magic despite the "unicorn" moniker. Considerably heavier than the 302 lbs. curb weight of your KLX300...
When the crank bearing spin , you now have a Chinese boat anchor . No parts , chineesieum metals , language barrier . China has never ever made a product to last !
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.
I'll probably buy one when they come to the USA just gotta figure out where a dealership is going to be
Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
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
If I’m anymore then 50/50 street biased I buy the Transalp. If I’m truly 50/50 I’d look at the Kove over a Husky 501 etc. I like the idea of the KTM 690 / 701 but the price maintenance and that rear fuel tank always turn me off!
I'd buy it if I saw good reviews after enough 10, 15 or 20k mile reviews. That also gives time for the Japanese to come up with some affordable competition. If they don't, thier loss.
Very well done video discussion of the Kove.
Excellent questions and a balanced view of products made in China.
The reality as you said is that everyone buys Chinese products and they make some of the best and some of the worst.
Would I buy one?
Sure I would if I was looking for a bike like that when I had confidence in the parts supply chain and the long term reliability of the design. I am not an early adapter for anything though, I let others be the first and I watch to see what time shows.
I grew up in the era where anything that was "Made in Japan" was viewed as cheap junk and many people were very vocal that they would never buy anything to support Japan (or Germany) because of WWII. It is very much the same today regarding China.
I grew up in the same time period when 'made in Japan' was considered derogatory -- but I don't remember Japan ever building their products with slave labor or harvesting the organs of dissenters.
@@alang4193 Hmmm, not after WW2 they didn't, but during and prior to WW2 the Japanese were as bad if not worse than what China is doing. History records of what the Japanese atrocities were put them right up with Nazi Germany. Most citizens believe their country is doing right and they are not told the truth by their governments. The USA has many periods that most people want to forget such as the internment camps for Japanese people during WW2. And the despicable treatment of the First Nation people.
Not that anyone has the right to treat people as expendables. Even today in 2023 many countries around the earth treat their citizens inhumanely and justify it it as tradition, culture, or religion.
It is a personal choice if we feel buying products made there is okay or not. Many American companies have been found guilty of using sweat shop slave labor in other countries to make their products. It is a terrible situation wherever it happens.
The truth is none of us gets to choose what country we are born in. In my travels I have found people everywhere to be good, kind, and helpful. Generally that is, some with government jobs tend to the opposite extreme.
And most people are not happy with their government.
Does buying products made there help or hurt the people who live in that country? Would they be better off without a job? That probably depends on many factors far beyond our control.
Most of the reviews of this bike seem to be of the full rally version yet quoting the $9k price.
I talked to Kove an they currently dont have a Date for Homologation for Europe. may Your Nxt Video go more to techical Details. The Dakar Version seems to be improved. What i had seen in Italy... Dec. 2022 i wont buy !! By now i stay to my CRF450L Custommade
Yea that is the issue may not see it until 2024
💙 the Zenful introduction.. lol
thank you
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... 🤔
Ktm is on top spot in india for 390 cc at $4000
G’day, I have been looking for a reliable and efficient motorcycle for some time now, I have been researching motorcycles for a trip I am planing to do, First Touring Thailand and Vietnam by bike, if that goes well I hope to tour more of the Asia continent, I was originally was looking to buy a bigger touring bike but due to a shoulder injury my thoughts are now focused on a lighter bike to fit my needs, and as I post this reply I have just send an email of to the Kove motorcycle company in China to express my interest, I should also mention I have expressed my interest in the KTM690 R enduro also. Cheers Michael
I'm prepared to order a standard model if they get it to pass emissions.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment