Battle of the 450s : KOVE 450 Rally vs KTM 450 XCF-W : Mud, Sweat, and Gears

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

Just finished a month long 4,500km ride across Europes trails and byways on a Kove 450 rally. UK to Romania. As you say it's right in the middle, fine on dirt, excellent on faster tracks, and fine on backroads. I think it's a great out of the box dirt oriented adv touring bike, that's good value. It's also been 100% reliable so far too.

[@AndreaFast]

maintenence (oil/filter) in the middle ? Are you with a stage 1/2?

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

@@AndreaFast every 500km until 2,000km, then every 2,000km. It an hour max, easy.

[@314adv]

I have watched several Kove reviews now. Thanks for showing what I ride. Like most 450’s - it seems to shine between 15-50 mph. It can ride 5-15 mph stuff, single track, loose uphill, etc - reminds me of my CRF450RL- just better looking and lower priced. Thanks

[@bmwe30guy]

Sucks the guy did adventure palooza on a Kove but didn't ride till the end

[@SnowBikeNation]

Funny enough I just rode a CRF 450 rl today! I liked it but a much different bike than the Kove. The Kove is just this entirely different animal. Which makes sense since it's a rally bike.

[@Michael_Shay]

I've lived in Idaho my whole life, my first time being up in North Idaho was in August when I solo'd the IDBDR. Man it is beautiful up there. I appreciate this video and the T7 video because it's just nice to see that terrain again. Even though it was rainy, it might be even prettier. I hope I can make it up there again soon.

[@jfarlandutube]

Great video guys. I am going to be a dealer in Denver, exciting to see how well they perform. We just got our first unit and my sister took delivery and bought it out to Moab for little work over.. first thing they had to do was adjust that rear suspension.

[@mfranquemont1884]

I also live in Denver area. When do you plan on having bikes to sell?

[@krashnpa]

Definitely brings new meaning to riding red!

[@greenfaring2501]

Thanks. Cracking video. Thanks for doing a riding comparison, not technical listing and pontificating about build differences. Very few do proper riding differences, just getting in the bikes, riding hard, and commenting on how the bikes feel there and then.

[@SnowBikeNation]

Thanks man! KC and I both love to ride hard and there's nothing like getting on the bike and straight ripping! I'll leave it to the other guys to get into the technical details, I like to ride hard.

[@aqeeqansari]

That rear ABS off while front on does magic downhill.

[@ogasi1798]

it's a rally bike, it wants to go hard, that's by design - power curves and gearing should help owners dictate the best terrain and how to treat it - tech climbs in 10mph singletrack are not its playground even if it can do them, 65mph + and it will make my 500 exc work hard- horses and courses - great video

[@SnowBikeNation]

100% man. It likes to move fast but is extremely capable in the technical stuff if you can ride. I'm so impressed with it.

[@fozzy1717]

I love the suspension on mine , sure its stiff , but the faster you go the better it gets , suspension is the best part of the bike out if the crate

[@SnowBikeNation]

Agreed man it just wants to go fast and handle it beautifully! It's wild.

[@joelaimone1325]

Kalispell? Love it. I'll be in Superior within the next 2 months. Would love to ride one. Great video!! Do you own the dealership that sells Kove in Kalispell?

[@TWDStroke]

Man…. My soul yearns to ride that terrain.. the scenery is stunning

[@SnowBikeNation]

Come on up next summer man and ride with us! I'll have multiple Koves waiting ;-)

[@TWDStroke]

@@SnowBikeNation just checked out the website.. I’ll talk to you at some point in the next few months without a doubt.. now I’m excited..

[@SnowBikeNation]

@@TWDStroke Hell ya bro. You should come up this winter and rip Snowbikes with us! It'll blow your freaking mind.

[@Timboslicce]

The Kove loves the speed so much it should require an airbag vest to ride lol

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Hahaha true

[@oldwildandfree]

First time i've seen you guys. great video. My Himalayan 411 would match those bikes on that terrain, just maybe a bit bleddy heavier to pick up. Once I have outgrown the Himmy, the Kove seems to be the next best thing for my needs., which includes trail riding, roadbook rallying and adventure touring

[@SnowBikeNation]

I personally wouldn't want to take the 411 on the terrain here. I feel like it would get a bit beat up but I could be wrong as I've never ridden one. Just looking at it doesn't have that same Dirtbike like vibe. Would be fun to ride one for sure!

[@fozzy1717]

The kove is running stock road gearing , change the sprockets go up two on the rear , also decat and a race evu its £78 in the uk

[@rustyspiker3569]

Thanks guys! Great comparison.

[@bobbybecker8834]

If you still have some squealing check your abs sensor. I thought mine wasn't touching but after removing it and inspecting the sensor it self it indeed was squealing and not the brakes themselves

[@Thumpermad]

In my experience with KTMS and a WR450F they have a much lower ratio gearbox that suits your needs in the bush the Kove looks to have much wider ratios and as you guys say loved the more open Trails. I ride a KTM 690R at the moment and straight away threw a 52T sprocket on it and it handles almost anything I throw at it my mate runs a 14T countershaft sprocket on his 690R Enduro which equates to around the same final drive ratio and I found it to be nothing like mine with the 52T rear sprocket. The reviews I've seen on the Kove mostly don't like the dodgy gearboxes on them and found a lot of false nuetrals in the lower gears but probably no worse than the 690 between 4th-5th maybe it's a simple fix like the KTM with a selecter spring. Cheers Boyz Happy Trails

[@SnowBikeNation]

Yeah I for sure would throw a 51 or 52T sprocket on this for more riding. I just wanted to see what it could do with the stock setup. Honestly the neutrals weren't bad. I think I only hit one once or twice. No biggie.

[@aqeeqansari]

Contact Gary in UTAH, he's selling a 51T rear for the Kove, it changes the whole game, of course the TOP comes down like 10 km/hr minus, but the complains go away

[@troyforklifthill9254]

Awesome video y’all. Yeah I got a 2009 Husky 510 I’d like to ride both and compare.

[@matd9605]

Nice bike the Kove, i would love to try one. But i don't think the power is even close that a 690/701 delivers like you said. The weight of the 701 is 322 dry vs 319 dry for the Kove. I can chug a steep hill in thrid gear if i whant on my 701, or rip it in 1st or second, it always goes.

[@russellburlington]

just ordered my Kove 450 rally... would be interested in what ODI grips you mounted on the kove... thanks Russ New Hampshire...

[@lost_track_moto]

Zero regrest subscribing to your channel, loving the content!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks so for trusting. Welcome

[@robertgyetvai5926]

Husky 701 comparison. Weight (dry): Kove 145 kg, 701 147kg. Power: Kove 51 horsepower at 9500 rpm, 701 74 hp at 8,000 rpm. Torque: Kove 40 Nm, 701: 73.5 Nm. Power/torque wise Husky seems superior and there is no significant difference in the weight. Kove requires far more frequent maintenance . Would be curious how do they compare in real life.

[@AL20101000]

I agree for the power part, even if you add the same fuel capacity the ratio of the power will handle that extra wigh, but the thing is that they are playing with the cost cleverly as I think.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I agree, the 701/690 platform is phenomenal. The only real competitive difference is to ad more fuel and faring you need to spend upwards of $15k or more US. For the money. The Kove is a great option.

[@GranXian669]

And then comes the heating problems and suspension behavior in 690/701 platform

[@robertgyetvai5926]

Another thing I like with 710/690 is the relative easiness of maintenance. Like valve clearance check and adjustment. Do not know for Love though. But indeed, there is a significant difference in the price, especially if you add the bigger tank, steering damper, some wind protection and the exhaust that won't get so hot 🔥.

[@UnicornMoto]

I’ve ridden the Kove for about two hours. I’d love more comparison with the 690/701 in terms of handling.

[@aGentleUser]

I ride nakeds, bought an old suzuki freewind to try to leave the pavement and thinking of such a kove to replace the freewind and to learn some offroad riding.

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Funny thing is... I can't make up my mind between these two bikes... I have a "Mild Adventure Bike" gravel roads and easier stuff for my CFMOTO 800T.... but I'd like to get more into the woods on either a dirt bike or the KOVE....

[@UnicornMoto]

Overall good video. I appreciate the perspective but based on the title - I expected more of a comparison to the 450 - and I didn't get that. Discussion of the difference in chassis and riding/engine characteristics would have been appreciated.

[@SnowBikeNation]

Sorry we def can't please everyone. I thought we hit on it enough. The KTM 450 XCF-W is a dirtbike and rides like a dirtbike. Not much more to be said. Like we mentioned it has so much low end torque and grunt and the KTM straight rips. It's not meant for riding roads but still does it great. I'm working on my video and will touch on a few more items.

[@johannescarlsson4559]

When's the 701 benchmark coming? The battle of the unicorns 🦄 (and PR7?)

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I like it! I need to get my hands on a 701

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Confidence inspiring, that tells it all. Does the Kove sometimes stall? Looks a fabulous bike. Pity we have to wait for the Euro 5 edition in Germany. Thanks for your review, Günter/Nürnberg

[@SnowBikeNation]

I didn't think it felt tall at all. And I did get the shorter one. I honestly would prefer the taller bike just for a bit more ground clearance. I'm 5'10"

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@SnowBikeNation Oops, I'm 5'10" as well. And I think the 910 mm of a KTM 690 feels high. That's good news that the high Kove version fits you. It's not possible to try the Kove in Germany. No importer, no dealer. Just one in the North who might get an Italien which is Euro 5 compliant and loses 9 hp. Pity that I don't live in the US or the UK (Euro 4 is okay since Brexit). Thanks, Günter/Nürnberg

[@SnowBikeNation]

@@enduromotorradtouren I ride Dirtbikes mainly and don't mind a bit taller bike for ground clearance. The shorter Kove did fit perfectly though and I bought it so it would be more comfortable for more people in our rental fleet.

[@wildmartesanachannel7792]

Euro 5 only 42 cv in Europe... Have to change airbox and ecu for 300 euro to do 51 cv!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@wildmartesanachannel7792 And the necessity to build back every two years because of MOT (emission test included) ;-)

[@gianlucajandelli6387]

Thanks 👍. I am more and more impressed with the Kove 450 Rally. It needs a spy glass for oil change and the soon to be maps for lower grunt. Other than that, are you goind to try a 52T sprocket on it? I will be interested to hear your report...

[@backcountryadvmoto]

He’s got one on order. We will report back about the difference.

[@Michael_Shay]

Rumor is that CamelADV is developing a spy glass

[@davidh1314]

NIce video. Such a nice area there in Idaho. What kind of chest rig/pack are you running? Looking for something like that. Thanks

[@SnowBikeNation]

I'm running the Klim Arsenal Vest. LOVE IT! I know KC has the WLF Enduro one and it is legit.

[@gpxmotoukgpxmotouk4002]

Kove is geared for 105 top end. Thats way faster that the KTM . Change the front sprocket from 13 to 12 and itll handle the hills easier and be more on par with the KTM top speed or maybe still more

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks, this stock version is good, but with some modifications this bike can and will be better

[@ozidaho]

Great vids as always. What’s the modular helmet Kyle is using?

[@SnowBikeNation]

It's the Scorpion EXO AT950. I love Modular helmets. So nice to just flip them up and not have to take off your helmet.

[@AA-wd2or]

To Compare 701/690 to AJP PR7 and not to Kove 450 make more sense to me

[@nathanbanks7091]

I ❤ my PR7.

[@AA-wd2or]

@@nathanbanks7091 i bet you do.. in my EU country is 2 or more years delivery time..so no PR7 for me. I live next to Italy, diler is just 10km from me .. so i will buy (for same price as PR7 is ) Tuareg 660 instead

[@istra70]

Would you ride Tenere on this paths and climbs where did you go now with Kove ? I know bike can do it , but would you go ?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yes, I would take the T7 on all of this terrain. It would be more work for sure but it would be doable and slot of fun in my opinion

[@SnowBikeNation]

What Cooper said. Doable but not as fun IMO and just more bike to pick up if you go down. I prefer the lower center of gravity and Dirtbike like feel of the KOVE 450 over any other bike I've ridden outside of a straight Dirtbike. I feel super confident and comfortable on it. Recently just rode it on some decent singletrack and it was a breeze.

[@verenchook]

How do I contact you about renting a bike?

[@victorsturdivant4731]

Impressive

[@thejourneyretold]

Almost seems like the sprocket gearing is just tall for some of those hill climbs...?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yeah with an easy sprocket mod you make the bike do what you want it to do for sure.

[@SnowBikeNation]

It def was. I wanted to see how it performed with the stock sprocket but more teeth for sure in this kind of terrain.

[@Laurchitos]

great video guys. Thanks for doing this. That being said, I think you guys both need some off-road/dirt motorcycle training or more time in the saddle on technical terrain. Amateur hour over here.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for the tips! Never said or even hinted that we were pros.

[@SnowBikeNation]

Haha, thanks bud. Yep we don't ride enough. Come on out anytime to Montana and I'll take ya into the goodies. ;-)

[@kenkl5204]

Did you guys grow up on dirt bike?? Or did you get in as adults? Great looking country.

[@SnowBikeNation]

I grew up Mountain biking Singletrack in the Mountains of Northern Idaho and then Montana. I didn't start dirtbiking until I was 33 (Now 41) and absolutely fell in love with it and took right to it. The gnarlier, tighter, and more technical singletrack the better. Just felt like Mountain Biking with a motor. I just started riding Adventure Bikes 2 years ago so I'm a newb to those. I personally prefer Singletrack Dirtbiking but do enjoy getting after it on the Adventure Bikes and the Kove 450 is the perfect "ADV" Bike for me. Smaller and easier to throw around in the gnar.

[@kenkl5204]

Yeh. You can't ride a 2stroke like that. You should try. This chugging all the time thing must be the 4stroke era. No momentum or rpms when you need it.

[@dealaparty]

What hydration pack/ accersory vest is Kyle wearing please?

[@SnowBikeNation]

It's the Klim Arsenal Vest. It's badass!

[@dealaparty]

@@SnowBikeNation thank you!

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Love is geared to tall for trail riding. I bet it would run just fine with a bigger rear sprocket.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Kove not love. Siri is not up to speed

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yeah, that’s the plan. Will report back about the taller sprocket. I’m sure it’ll make a big difference.

[@golfncars5094]

Just needed better tires on the move

[@mandreachefai]

Slightly off topic but do you guys ride with both Bluetooth comms and radio?

[@SnowBikeNation]

Yes we use the Cardo comms. They are badass.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

The main reason we use both is that the Cardo edge is great for line of sight, but in the real thick stuff, and especially the snow, where the signal is absorbed, the radios work well for when you can’t see each other. Also, for somebody like myself who is constantly filming I can ride ahead and then get set up and let other riders know when I’m ready.

[@mandreachefai]

@@backcountryadvmoto so cool thank you both!

[@marcielindustries9225]

At what point did we compare the two? We just kinda talked only about the Kove for almost 25 minutes.

[@SnowBikeNation]

We compared both bikes at the end and throughout. What do you feel was missed?

[@marcielindustries9225]

​@SnowBikeNation , That was not at all a "comparison " We are just jerking off the Kove because it was clearly purchased for our little rental company. Not once did you talk about what the KTM had to offer.

[@SnowBikeNation]

@@marcielindustries9225 haha ok dude 👍 Also have the KTM 450 XCF-W for my rental and tour business. Both serve a purpose. We literally talked about the KTM 450 about how much torquier it was and how it felt as a dirtbike... They are two different animals. What is it you are you looking for? It's ok if it wasn't to your liking 🤛

[@SnowBikeNation]

@@marcielindustries9225 also I purchased it not knowing exactly what I was getting into or what it would be like. I rolled the dice, took a risk and am glad I did because it's a freaking gem.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

Did you guys air them rears down?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

100%

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

@@backcountryadvmoto I really like the kove, coming from a klr that would be a fuckin rocket ship lol

[@SnowBikeNation]

@@MontanaDirtRoads Oh it is. No comparison to a KLR. It's a different class of bike.

[@sorenmelchior]

I wonder if there is an alternate tuning for the Kove to give it more bottom end grunt? I have considered one of these, but I need the bottom end grunt for where I ride here in interior Alaska.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

There is. Kove tells me there is a tune coming very soon.

[@johannescarlsson4559]

Maybe some other cams for lower rpm peak. Would be cool as a kit with a tune

[@SnowBikeNation]

I'm gonna swap sprockets but honestly dude, I'm ripping the piss out of it and it does great. Just get the Rs up and it hangs! Bigger rear sprocket will also help.

[@johannescarlsson4559]

​@@SnowBikeNation how fast is afront sprocket swap on the go?

[@fozzy1717]

Yes I've done it, factory ECU and titanium exhaust system only around £770 in the UK more hp and more torque, it's the same as the race rally pro then performance wise

[@orical2832]

This me, the Kove makes sense. 50hp is more than enough for trails and day to day use - including motorway riding. And i never thought I'd say this, but I'd trust more the Chinese bike for reliability than the KTM.... Plus there is that price difference thing... To get the KTM dialed in you either have to buy the Enduro R version, or upgrade lots of components. Kove seems to make the most sense.

[@thambu19]

Would you recommend the lower version because its a bigger bike and not really meant for pure singletrack?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

No, I think mainly it’s simply because it’s a tall bike and for new riders, being able to place both feet on the ground give them more confidence. The low version is still tall for a dual sport

[@thambu19]

@@backcountryadvmoto thank you. I am 6ft but i think i may go with the lower version. I don't know of ill go to gnarly trails that would need that extra suspension+ u feel it may be more planted on the highway

[@gronkvbs2795]

Is the overall gearing too tall or is it just that you would like a little more jam in 1st/2nd without changing the rest of the gearing? I'm curious to know what a sprocket change does to the hwy cruising RPMs. I'd be very interested in a comparison with the CRF300 Rally. They are both in the same weight class and seem to (on paper anyway) interchange favourably for most of the kind of riding one would do on these kinds of bikes. The Kove certainly has more power but your description of the power delivery (like a WR250R) sounds like the motor is perhaps more in a "longevity" tune than an outright "performance" tune like the 450XCF-W.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

It’s geared more like a wide open rally bike. So the gearing is a little tall for what we do, but it can be manipulated with a sprocket swap

[@hibob841]

CRF300 is not remotely in the same class as either of these bikes. Power difference is one thing, but the suspension is the real issue. Unless you're horse-jockey sized, the Honda is going to be WAY under-sprung. There's no adjustability either. It's totally fine for relaxed trail riding and quite nice for newer riders (provided they aren't too heavy), but will greatly limit what an intermediate-or-above rider can do. You'd have to spend $3-5k to bring it up to par and that's the main reason I bought a 450L instead. Don't get me wrong-the CRF300 is a *great* bike overall, it's just not a high-performance bike. Not everyone needs or wants that (really most don't) so I'm glad they make it.

[@gronkvbs2795]

@@hibob841 These bikes absolutely compare, I'm looking at them right now. And the reason for getting one of these two bikes is because they are relatively the same weight and offer the same range, I'm literally not looking at any other opening criteria. I know for a fact that others are thinking the same. Personally I would probably mod the 300 Rally suspension over time but it's not really a factor for me. That performance discrepancy and the price difference are moot points as far as I'm concerned. Even if I left it stock I'd be money ahead. Six of one and half-dozen of the other and all that. I have a KTM 950 Adventure but I don't want to wrestle 500lbs off-road anymore and I want more range. $2000 for a set of Safari tanks doesn't make sense if the rest of the bike falls outside of the intended usage. I have a 40 year old Honda XL250R that is great for exploring and mapping old trails but there's something to be said about disc brakes, a little more power, electric start, more range and some wind protection. Love the bike as it is for what it does but it has nothing in reserve. So that is the hole I'm looking to plug, and yes it's a very big hole indeed but it's closer to the XL250 since that's the bike that it would directly replace. I have a plated 2005 KTM 525EXC but I have had it since basically new and it's perfect just the way it is so I don't want to "rally" it. I have a 2021 Beta 500RR-S but it's honestly not that good of a bike and the parts are crazy expensive. Also, I don't want to "rally" that thing either. In fact I'll just sell it to fund the new bike. The KTM 690 platform is not something I'm interested in. I don't like the handling and the gearbox is not ideal for what I want to do. It's a compromise bike that does nothing well. What else is out there that I need to look at?

[@jaimemetcher388]

@@hibob841 CRF300 - just assume you're going to replace the suspension. It absolutely is not going to cost $3-5K to fix that. With that out of the way: if the category is "bikes that can handle most trails but you don't hate life after two hours on the highway" the CRF300, Kove and 701 are all in that category, and not much else is. It kinda depends on who you are: some people are fine with a 500EXC-F on the highway, and some people will take an 890 anywhere. But mainstream, it's not a big category.

[@gophop]

Not bad. My 450xcfw tops out at 94mph. Uncorked 500 is at 104mph.

[@jonwoodworker]

I will take the KTM all day everyday.

[@seanmoore7207]

That type of terrain seems better suited for a 4-Wheeler.

[@SnowBikeNation]

Naw... way more fun on a bike.

[@JorgeGonzalezC10]

I'm sure you guys sold the Kove to so many people with these reviews. It feels like it falls right in between the T7 and the KTM, right where it was meant to be. Now, would you have taken the T7 to shoot this part of the review? And a final question, do you guys think the Kove is the unicorn?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

The camera doesn’t do it justice. The terrain was pretty dang steep and really loose in a lot of places. Would I have taken the T7, for those who know me, they would agree, yes I would take it on these trails. Would it be more difficult, absolutely and a lot more work and probably not as fun after a bit. Is the Kove the unicorn? No, it is right in the middle between a proper dirtbike, and adventure bike, but the “unicorn” is still not available in my opinion

[@SnowBikeNation]

I'll add to Kyle's comments and add some of my own. It all depends on what Unicorn means to you. For me it is a Unicorn. I haven't seen or ridden a bike that is like this. For singletrack I'm ripping my 300 2 Strokes. For a long Adventure ride on more Dirt Roads and Road, the T7 is awesome. But if I want to hit every damn trail/road I can find while on a long ride I'd feel confident and capable on the Kove 450 whereas no way in Hell I would want to ride the T7 at the speeds and on some of the terrain I've riddent the Kove on. I'm no Pol Torres and the T7 would just be a lot of bike to handle some of the stuff I've taken the Kove through. I wouldn;t want to ride it on our technical singletrack in Montana because frankly it would be hitting the sides of the trail in some spots and wouldn;t even make it through some sections. But I'd ride a lot with the Kove I'd never take a T7 on. So for me it is a Unicorn bike. I'd love to try one out that was similar.

[@bluestripes1]

its unfair to compare the kove to bikes with less fuel capacity

[@usuariouser224]

Enduro ground😅

[@edithdriver2094]

Kove Just needs lower gearing and decent tyres, just sayin 🤷‍♂️

[@tnbrfller]

And drop 70 lbs compared to the 450 ?

[@182mcg1]

Ktm life's be end after 100 hour's

[@jemirandav]

Great performance for a bike designed for the Dakar.

[@LuckyNikitaBoba]

Stock tires?

[@SnowBikeNation]

Just stock front tire. I swapped to the Better Tusk Dualsport Tire. Made a big difference.