Kove 800X Pro Review | The Lightweight Unicorn Adventure Bike ??

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@tomtraynor5384]

Does the motor have the known KTM cam issues?

[@gunnarnissen6202]

@@tomtraynor5384 it's my understanding they changed the cams and fixed some oiling

[@rideordietheyretring2tranx382]

In ancient times in china you never weigh a motorcycle with tires fuel tank or seat....

[@LuvADuc]

@@BigRockMoto never buy a first year anything.

[@MickH60]

@@tomtraynor5384 Redesigned head, different cams, redesigned bottom end, larger volume oil pump, basically a new engine....

[@GarysJourneyYT]

I am travelling South America on the Kove 800x Pro. Exactly what you said not to do haha. I wrote a long review and posted the comment but it just disappeared :/ Anyway, key points: - Your assessment is fair and pretty accurate. - I have 4,500km done. So far no issues. - Weight: This is why I picked the bike. I am travelling solo and after riding the tenere I was pretty nervous of its weight after test riding it. I have dropped the Kove and it is easy to pick up. - Maintenance parts so far are easy to get, KTM dealers or CF Moto have them. I got them in Buenos Aires. Emergency parts I have not yet needed. *Touch wood.* - Suspension: The front is a little hard but is fine. - Jerky throttle: I have the Euro 5 cat model and jerky throttle was a bit of an issue. Remapping has helped but I also think the throttle grip itself is an issue with the amount of play. I am going to try fix this in Chile and make some kind of custom made throttle tamer. I will release a video this week of remap and rolling road. Anyway, I am currently at Trelew in Argentina about to cross to Chile. This is off the beaten path a little so lets see how it holds up. Wish me luck!! :D

[@oliviermagere]

All the best on your travels, will look you up

[@BigRockMoto]

Thank you for sharing.

[@jckacy]

Go Gary!

[@nighthawk695476]

I have been following your journey as a potential kove buyer. Great content, please keep it up!

[@gavinberry9662]

Up the Rebels, Gary! That night ride in Buenos Aires was an mhaith.

[@AdventureBronson]

Ian, in future tests it would be really nice if you could provide your own dry and wet weight test results. Even for bikes that you end up modifying with extra protection and luggage. I think it would be very interesting to see the end result and how it differs from what the manufacturers typically provide. Thanks again for all your excellent content.

[@BigRockMoto]

That's a great idea, I'll try to make that happen!

[@MERMBRAMA]

Had a t7, now i have a Kove800x pro. The difference in suspension, weight,brakes and engine is night and day. Kove is much more fun to ride on and off road.

[@VegasRoManiacReviews]

That's a lie - it's not that light you are just really really really REALLY STRONG :D

[@tearsinthesun799]

😂

[@maxmustang2]

ITS with luggage Rack and Front bumpers.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

It is definitely head turning. The awesome thing about the market......is that most guys value weight over just about anything. That means these things will sell well. That is also good for guys like me who will wait for people to put 10k-20k miles on some so long term durability can be evaluated. From what I understand, it has a different head than the 790Adv(R), so we'll have to wait and see. It's promising, and can probably be made even lighter with a de-cat header, slip on, lithium battery, tail tidy, and remove rear rack and pegs. Another bike to the midsized market isn't a bad thing either. Competition is good. Rising tides-raise all ships. So far-well done Kove

[@PieroZanetti]

@@PisgahGravelProject yeah you're right, engine head is totally different and they increased oil pressure to solve the camshaft issue of ktm engines. It already comes with a lithium battery. On mine I already installed a decat titanium exhaust (plus the kove competitive ECU), and I saved 5 kg more. Now it's an airplane, it's crazy fast 😁

[@PisgahGravelProject]

I'll caveat my comment above with this. I fully understand how manufacturers achieve the low weight-low cost combo..... It's by using thin and less dense metals, thinner wiring, thin walled tubing, low grade fasteners, thin plastics ect ect. It isn't necessarily a bad thing if proper R&D is done and many different parts and materials are used. There is a fine line between 'just produced well enough to last a year' and 'super light but falls apart'. I tend to believe that extensive R&D wasn't done- I think that based on Chinas business model which is..... -buy or steal existing products -find new ways to make the product cheaper -money is saved by not doing extensive R&D or testing -money is saved by sourcing the cheapest materials possible -money is saved with slave labor That's been China's business model for decades-minus a few exceptions. The thing with China is......although not perfect compared to the Japanese, Italian and Austrian bikes, the Chinese bikes have gotten much better than what they offered even five years ago. They are definitely trying to bring a product to market. I might not appreciate their main business model- but I do respect them for bringing better products than their previous offerings

[@Diwcha]

@@PieroZanetti did ECU replacement solve jerkiness of the on/off throttle? also where did you get exhaust and ECU? Kove official or Uncle Wang?

[@PieroZanetti]

@Diwcha yes totally, it's another bike now! I got it on uncle wang, but it was the original titanium exhaust from kove, with their competitive ECU. Now it's not available anymore, they sell an aftermarket one with their ecu which is different

[@Diwcha]

@PieroZanetti thank you for your answer! :)

[@paulvandervyver4223]

I just started following an Irish KZbinr that just bought a KOVE 800X and he is currently touring South America. I think it will be a good gauge as to the reliability of the bike

[@IronHorseRider007]

What’s the name of his channel?

[@jayfk1579]

Lol, he commented on this video up above

[@podunkman2709]

Dear people, even badly made engine will works after 20 000 or so. So do not get excited about such "tests" or "reviews". This engines suffers same problem as KTM's

[@dcxplant]

Excellent content per usual Ian. You are one of the very few social media people that actually can wring a bike out to give informed and detailed opinions presented in a clear and entertaining way. Note; Dear Western motorcycle OEM's: Big heavy expensive is OUT. I just bought a ZX 4RR to ride with my teen son with a motorcycle learner's permit on his Ninja 400 beginner twin. I've been riding big heavy expensive EU ADV's for over a decade. To my very pleasant and huge surprise not only had I forgotten how amazing sport bikes are, but how in credibly FUN a small lightweight motorcycle is to ride.

[@mattbeatty3263]

Nice review, Ian. Sharing this with my step-dad so he can see it in action. Definitely a head-turner for sure. Quick scan of the comments and it does appear that others (outside of the U.S.) already have this bike and have offered good insight to the machine, mainly surrounding reliability which would be my sticking point. Looking forward to more content with this bike as I could see myself selling my 2024 Transalp to get one of these. Cheers!

[@BigRockMoto]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@FuttFel]

Gosh, my Suzuki 800DE really looks like a chonker now. I've only ridden it once since buying it at the tail end of this season, so next season I will find out what it really feels like to have a 230kg bike. (more after I add a metal skid plate, crash bars and bags...) It's a great bike, that I already know, so it's unlikely I'll regret my purchase. But the weight is needlessly high.

[@podunkman2709]

Yep, this is dilema: heavy as hell or light one with engine that will be scrap after 30k. Hard to choose.

[@fiucik1]

Ian any chances of testing a Moto Guzzi V85? That's like the only adventure bike that looks nice and has some character.

[@sargoii]

I'd love V85 and Stelvio reviews from Ian. I am curious about DIY maintenance possibilities of those transverse cylinder heads.

[@jakaberdajs4378]

Not here to defend the brand, before anyone goes that route, just want to mention, official number in EU was 185, we put 6 models on our scales all ranging from 184-188kg, but that is no crash bars, no rack, no hand guards,... Either way, with those extra pieces on i can totaly see it getting an extra 10kg's or so.

[@YuriWimar]

does that weight include all the fluid, like oil and 20L (CMIIW if it's 18 or 20, but i just use the number they show at EICMA) fuel capacity?

[@MickH60]

@@YuriWimar wet

[@jakaberdajs4378]

@@YuriWimar yes thats including an almost full tank of gas (saying almost since we just filled the bikes up with a can) and all other fluids topped off propery. So yes the bike was ready to ride.

[@YuriWimar]

@@jakaberdajs4378 considering Ian's video in the past which show Tuareg 660 weigh around 204kg, that's 15 kg less weigh, well yes you have to take off some part of the bike, but still that's very impressive by Kove. Hope they stood the test of reliability

[@krob-sn7ek]

Good job as always !! I saw your "Big Rock Moto" sticker on the sign at the top of Cinnamin Pass this summer. I think we were there right after you ?Late July/ Early August !! It was a lot of fun and rocks !! Be safe

[@BigRockMoto]

i've been there a few times lately

[@FrankLeblanc]

It's always a good thing hearing a rider laugh his heart out, that is a good sign! :) But yeah.. to me reliability and dealer network is a non-negociable condition to buy.Looking forward seing this bike being tested in long-terme, real life conditions. Keep it up!

[@RTRrentals]

@3:19 were you receiving the Offroad rally weights of 400? Cuz the rally and pro are about 30lbs in difference due to their set ups. The pro is heavier with its more street bias parts. The rally that I rode in moab was weighed in at 388 fully fueled with mousses, in person, and a ktm 890 was weight in on same scale at 485 lbs for comparison. The rally is lighter than the pro cuz it has no abs, no cats, skinny wheels that'll fit mousses, full titanium exhaust, and few other little changes to get it lighter. but it had no catytlitic converter and no abs. I'm told for the rally version to be street legal in USA it needs abs and catalytic converter which will be added on to the production models, which will bump the weight up to about 400lbs, as you were quoted. But the pro street biased version you rode is heavier than than rally, closer to 430 because it has several more addons such as dual front rotors, wider wheels, rear rack, etc.

[@BigRockMoto]

This is part of the difference, I'm sure. However the Kove website needs to clarify.

[@RTRrentals]

@ 100% agree

[@mariopeguerop]

As a Kove user for 2 years I can tell they are extremely reliable. now I have the 800x pro and is an of road beast very good review. By the way the suspension on the 800pro are K&B 48mm

[@BigRockMoto]

awesome

[@ascutt]

He means KYB

[@dylanmccallister1888]

How many miles/hours is that I didn't own a car for 4 years and rode 15,000-20,000 miles a year going between different jobsites in the SW. if it could meet honda dualsport reliability while being this light and powerful i would be all in. Africa twin too heavy. Tenere can be lighter and faster. He said it. Feels like a tenere with 50 less pounds 20 more hp and better kyb 48mm suspension

[@podunkman2709]

Well, how about not? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIayn2WPaNyefKssi=FgW8wGOrQRh4CT06

[@mariopeguerop]

@@dylanmccallister1888 in my case 21,000 miles.

[@kkhalifah1019]

Anything under 200kg is bloody fantastic already for an 800cc ADV, all things considered. Especially with a proper 19L fuel tank! Another curious observation - I'm not hearing anybody complaining about camshaft failures in the Chinese bikes that run on engines based on KTM's LC8C. I wonder why!

[@ricardovieira3385]

I think Cfmoto fixed it 😂

[@maxmustang2]

The x has 20L, the Rally 19L

[@crozatier333]

Great review as ever Ian. Just some production feedback. Not loving the dark background with random bikes. I get that its winter but I much prefer the 'Ian, in lounger next to bike being reviewed, with garage or yard background' setup.' We really want to be eyeing the bike itself while you're talking. If you've had to give it back before your summary put a couple of other bikes there but set them up so we can ogle them. You've got an interesting stable right now. Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@samhill3496]

It's a lot of where the weight is. Tenere is a monster to pick up totally dry. The steering head is shoulder high. Good test Ian. looks a lot like you are geting what you pay for. It has a cheap built finished look about it. We'll see how they do in the Dakar Rally in a few weeks. They blew up last year so a finish would be a major improvement. All good from east Kentucky.USA. Looking good in the desert. Looking like shit here with rain snow today. later

[@Larpy1933]

You’re doing great work with your channel. The greater weight of a T7 is definitely a downer (sic). It’s always tough to manufacture something strong (& reliable), light, inexpensive. The “sophisticated simplicity” of a T7 appeals to me more than any of these early Chinese bikes.

[@ascutt]

I tried the T7 before getting the 800 and it's not just the weight, it's how it carries that weight. The T7 is sooo top heavy

[@dracer35]

@@ascutt Agreed. I've ridden almost all of the adv bikes and was super excited for a T7. Then I rode one and quickly decided I didn't like it and its top heavy feel.

[@mfranquemont1884]

@@ascuttway too top heavy!!!

[@bigjoe4020]

I am following an Irish chap on KZbin that is currently on RTW trip on a Kove 800. So some people are taking these bikes on big trips. I understand that its got a KTM engine so at least the engine and parts for the engine should be no problem in most countries. So THAT will be an excellent torture test for this bike.

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

Sorry, but for me the biggest problem of the bike is the KTM engine, it is know for it bad quality

[@closedcasketcustoms]

@@ruedigerfriebel8454 Different cylinder head and increased oil pressure, same bottom end. This bike's going to be the guinea pig to see if they really did solve the issue. IF this doesn't KTM will sink into bankruptcy.

[@bryanmathew2079]

😮Irish Cupcakes

[@GCTO239]

Sophisticated simplicity: quality, reliability, dealers at every corner, no electronic bullshit, beauty, a peach of an engine, superb suspension, a large fuel tank, Öhlins, KYB, Brembo and Akrapovic parts, unquestioned capability, Japanese attention to detail…that’s what my T7 World Rally gives me and this Kove would never deliver. Don’t get me wrong. This Kove is decent and has a place…but fit and finish look absolutely horrible. Paint quality is horrendous. It looks cheap. I would not trust this bike at all. We don’t even have Kove dealers here in Germany. More than 26 years of riding Japanese bikes: Zero issues and tons of fun. Why would I give that up? I gave the Europeans a chance this year (first time) but sold my Tiger 1200 Rally Pro after a few months due to several issues. Got my 2024 T7 World Rally and it’s all smiles since then. Again. Would Chinese bikes give me that? No! I grew up with Japanese bikes…history, heritage, reliabilty and quality are very important to me. And I am not even getting into politics. I will not open that box…

[@bryanmathew2079]

Ya it's a $7,244.00 bike, Not 10-k.

[@GCTO239]

@bryanmathew2079 so? In a few years this difference is gone due to the Tenere holding her value much better. Worth every penny and I know that Yamaha will always be around as a company. Priceless!

[@youtubeaccount9058]

The T700 is down on horsepower, although that probably does boost the reliability. It would be hard to choose a bike with this KTM/CFMoto engine because there have been problems with it.

[@HendrikMorkel-v2p]

Thanks for, as usual, a great review. I have been waiting for this since hearing about the 800 a year ago! Thanks. You are a gem!

[@advredbikes]

Hi Ian, thank you very much for that review. It’s great to see different bikes on the channel and in North America if I was in the market for this type of bike, yes I would buy it the weight of the bike the speed and you can always add cruise control. thank you looking forward to your next review.

[@bkrashisbdelegs2763]

I don't know about the situation on your end and haven't watched the video you mentioned, but as far as I know, there are actually four versions of the kove 800x in China. These four versions are: standard 183kg cross185kg、rally176kg、 Travel 195kg. Just to mention, under Chinese law, there is a margin of error of up to 10kg when declaring the weight of a vehicle. This is because China is very willing to marginalize motorcycles, which may only be a margin of error for cars but can be fatal for motorcycles. Chinese motorcycle manufacturers often take advantage of this, but recently there has been some improvement. In the past, there was even a margin of error of 23kg because no one actually weighed the vehicle

[@toltod]

Looks like you had a blast! After doing offroading in Arizona on the 800DE, I really wanted a lighter bike so i could tackle the harder trails. I ride solo and not getting stuck on steeper rock trails is important. At the same time, i want to be able to travel highway without having to unload & load a dirt bike. Dealer network is really going to kill that. Wish they would partner with CFMoto dealerships....but I understand the competition against the bigger ibex. Cheers!

[@bikenavbm1229]

I have read somewhere that the max load carry limit is relatively low, weaker frame? for less weight? where have they saved the weight is a very interesting question even more so as they use a shared engine. you spoke of the weight but it appears to have a conventional tank so still high c of g? it seems Kove maybe the new KTM in the market, but perhaps sacrificing a little quality/cost for an exciting lighter more practical bike. something important you did not mention front ABS is it not possible to disable it and if if not is it good enough for the trails? a short ride hopefullly more to follow. thanks BRM.

[@SiempreConTrasto]

Max load of 162kg. This is where you find the strings attached. This is too low for travelling with pillon or even some bigger guys with equipment. More, the load capacity of topcase must not exceed 5kgs with topcase itself included. So what could you possibly put there? A few rolls of toilet paper?

[@bikenavbm1229]

@@SiempreConTrasto thanks for that, all bikes have max load few including me have any idea what it is, I know the rear rack is quite low and I have likely exceeded it many times. I would imagine there is a good safety margin not the best way to look at it though.

[@SiempreConTrasto]

@@bikenavbm1229 For contrast I checked my former Honda CBF600 PC38. Now hold on: Max total weight 444kgs. The motorcycle itself weighs 204kgs. Rear rack 15 kgs of load capacity. So the total payload is 240 kgs which is WAY more than Kove. Keep in mind that Honda is just a daily commuter. Not intended for distant tours I used her for. With my pillon, me and full luggage pack I wasn't even close to 240 kgs of payload.

[@alecdigirolamo6927]

Hey Ian! I was able to take this bike out at the last moment on the saturday of the rally. I was really impressed with the performance. The stability on sand is better than I've felt from the other ADVs I've ridden. I did notice the low speed throttle response, but I might just be used to my 890. Would love to trade my 890 for the kove, but if I stick with my plan to ride to Alaska, I probably need to be a bit more practical... Can't wait until you get more time on it and can do an in-depth review.

[@BigRockMoto]

I was really impressed by the sand handling too.

[@jasonhumphries6131]

I would buy one no probs. I think the Rally version with a lithium battery and full header is gonna be the one for me. Just waiting for a Los Angeles area dealer really....

[@BigRockMoto]

san diego has one

[@Showza83]

The QS downshift feature may just be a small adjustment to the hall sensor. My ktm started to get a bit jerky during shifts under power. Loosened the bolt, moved the sensor about 1mm and it fixed everything. Nice review 👍👍

[@BigRockMoto]

Good tip, thanks!

[@SiempreConTrasto]

What about camshafts issue in these engines? Is it fixed or still wearing abnormally? I watched somewhat teardown of this engine after 20000km in Polish youtube. Camshaft looked worse than in my 20 year Honda R4.

[@CrOwbaRVids]

Will you be testing the CFMoto 450MT if you get the chance?

[@BigRockMoto]

yes, whey they come to the USA. they are not in my country yet

[@CrOwbaRVids]

@ Thank you for your answer. I hope that they get to California soon. Best regards, and keep up the good work. Your channel is amazing!!!

[@ethan5985]

@@BigRockMoto Isn't the 450MT called the Ibex 450 here in the states?

[@vaerenbergh]

I hope we can see what you did with the himi soon :) I got the hanle black tubeless version with the rally bashplate and engineguard. Love the video, i hope kove doesn't eat its cams like ktm does

[@DatBikerDude]

Nice video, a few things. Gary Goodwin at Kove Moto USA did the full tank weight and it came down to 192 Kilos (however many lbs that is) on the scale. You can check out the video. I'll be doing a weight scale test myself once it gets here next month. The brakes need a little pumping and pressing harder, but they dont let you down. These TAISKO brakes are the ones that ran Dakar , so dont worry. The outer finish on the metals might be worth pointing yes. But the overall package is the best compromise you can find. I think you should try doing a weigh scale test yourself. There's a misunderstanding on what a "Wet weight" is to different folk , is it just the basic oils or with a full tank of High octane gas?

[@SiempreConTrasto]

It is light and it feels light. There is other problem nobody talks about. Maximum available payload, which is 162kg. Forget about trips with your pillon and camping equipment. This bike is for soloists only.

[@LuvADuc]

Nice MSR shirt, he did so much for the motorcycle community. He will be missed.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for noticing! He's a legend.

[@gbner9991]

What happened :o

[@juliansteyn2282]

Please do a review of the Voge 300 rally in the future. Seems to be a capable adventure bike for beginners at a great price. Would love to see a video on it🙏🙏

[@sercio994]

The KLR/Hima background, this is a touch you don't see everywhere 😉

[@steveh545]

OT, but loving the new studio (lighting). Excellent!

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you like it!

[@frostbitevinnie]

Great review! Its great having lighter bikes available.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Crazy when you list the features it's like check check check check. Too bad no cruise control though. Pretty impressive. Not going to be pulling me away from the T7 though. The light weight feel you are mentioning alone will sell many of these.

[@jakaberdajs4378]

Next YM should be TBW said our dealer, and with that xruise controll. But nothning confirmed by Kove afcourse.

[@Trailfocused]

I rode that bike in June at touratech. In my 30 minute test ride(pavement, singletrack, paved roads) it was so easy to maneuver and position the bike where I wanted. I could spin it around on a gravel road easier about as easy as my 300 2 stroke. It didn't ever feel top heavy like the T7 and I had great visibility on the front end compared to many bikes in its's class. I am strongly considering buying one in 2025

[@zachchadwick8323]

Same motor as the KTM but no one is blasting it? Are we worried about oil pressure and failed cams

[@wayno23]

Yeah I'm searching for those comments.

[@zachchadwick8323]

@ I saw on their fb page that someone is having that issue already

[@SkintSNIPER262]

I don't know why but the weight seems to vary with this bike. I've seen others weigh the pro version and it as closer to the advertised number than what MCN got.

[@jessrumblin]

But why worry about parts, even when traveling abroad when it’s just a KTM 790 motor , you can find them everywhere. Plus those Chinese parts are also used in many other Chinese motorcycles which are now around the world. I once had a Chinese knockoff of a Honda 125 cc “underbone” bike and I could interchange with the real Honda parts. Am in the Philippines and live in a remote province now and I found that my Africa Twin oil filter is the same as that of a KLX230, the clutch plates on my Husqvarna 650 Strada is the same as a Yamaha 650 and the motor is the same parts as the BMW 650 gs … we’ll find a way

[@RayzGarage]

Ian, what video editing software do you use? Just getting started, I want sometime I can grow with.

[@JayCeaupes]

Another banger from the best reviewer on KZbin. Do you think you’ll be doing one on the MG stelvio?

[@BigRockMoto]

yes

[@JayCeaupes]

🥳

[@sargoii]

Awesome! Please do the Stelvio, we all trust your reviews above all others.

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

My main question is, this is the very bad KTM engine with cam shaft problems. Does this version of the engine has this issue.

[@ianmoone6562]

Are they using older stock of ktm 790 engines? Because if they are using anything 2021+ I think the problem is solved. It's not every bike before 2021 either.

[@PogingSweet]

here in our country. my friend has kove 500x for 4 yrs now, 180k km odo on it, thats why i buy this instead of transalp 750 or versys650, . as daily bike. since the service center is near at my place. many 500x users here waiting to release the 800x here cuz they already trusted the brand. but for me, i dont know if ill ever upgrade cuz im not into speed.😁

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Good to know

[@cablecutter12]

Think I might try to pick one up later this winter closer to spring and give it a shot. Looks promising. Thanks BRM!

[@Ingloriousingletrack]

I had such a bad experience owning a Chinese built bike(GPX) with its quality, reliability, parts fitment\availability and even getting information that I'm forever soured to these machines. I feel like China is expert at wrapping fluff around poop when it comes vehicles.

Great review!! just a note: every1 keeps mentioning CFMOto 450 weight... The cfmoto 450 ibex has half the power to weight ratio but it costs 6k... it also comes with two wheels, a frame, a tank, a sceeen, everything that kove has... just 2 cilinders of shorter capacity in 400 cc... where would people expect CFMoto to cut weight?

[@OlliR1602]

Heard, that Kove fixed some 790/890 engine issues. You know something about that?

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

I'm more interested in the Kove 450 Rally but I wish it was less of a race bike and more of an ADV with longer service intervals. I love the 8 gallon fuel capacity, though. The dzus fasteners that allow plastic fairings to be quickly removed without tools and the air filter mounted high and easy to access is a great tough although it does cause more induction noise.

[@Whatreally123]

Not sure how realistic was MCN's weighing method. Also considering the 450 rally has held up really well in terms of quality of parts, shouldnt be surprising if this also holds up well. And if this goes on to be reliable, then this should be the benchmark. Even at 196 kgs, an 800cc bike is awesome considering the Himalayan 450 also weighs in at 196 kgs.

[@silverdale3207]

Not sure why anyone would buy the CFMoto 450 over this, same weight ,half the power.

[@Whatreally123]

@@silverdale3207 who said anything about the CF Moto 450?

[@adrianbeacon6421]

@@silverdale3207 In EU CFMoto 450 is almost half the price...

[@silverdale3207]

@@Whatreally123 I did, I was pointing out the hype over the 450 which doesn't make sense when you have this bike at the same weight at twice the horsepower and in my opinion looks similar.

[@marcusgilliam3269]

@@silverdale3207 I agree. Ibex 450 was top of my list list until this review from Ian. Now im reconsidering.

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

I'm a tourer, and not a racer. I'm not a dirt rider, and can accept slow speed when road is muddy and slippery. I need bike with long suspension when travelling over rutted roads. I'm looking at CFMoto 450 MT. What is your advice? I'm also considering new Suzuki DR-Z4S.

[@byronchesebro3125]

Ian very good review. I like the way you think. With an adventure bike reliability is of utmost concern.

[@alessandroroca8113]

Thanks for this video: on curvy roads, do you find more top heavy the Aprilia Touareg 660 or the Kove? Which one has better suspensions? Thanks

[@BigRockMoto]

Kove feels lighter. Suspension is great on both.

[@Theywantofof]

The ending of the video is spot on.

[@PieroZanetti]

I'm not sure why you quoted MCN when all other sources available online agrees on around 191kg wet (I weighted mine at 191.4 with the tank at max fuel). The rally version is 14 kg less. Suspensions are from Kayaba

[@martyn_g]

Kove on their website quote 185kg kerb weight.

[@PieroZanetti]

@martyn_g on the Italian website it's quoted 190 kg with full tank. Considering 3 kg of oil and 19 liter of gasoline, 185 kg curb weight it's higher than the reality, it should be around 176 kg curb weight

[@Whatreally123]

MCN did it in a manner which I'm not sure is the right way to measure the weight. They put the rear wheel on the scale first and then the front. I might be wrong but that doesn't seem to be the best way to measure a bike's weight.

[@jesses1589]

He also tested a standard Adventure model not a Pro. Not that it matters that much.

[@wanderlpnw]

Yeah, I wonder if the rally comes in at 400 since they claim 360. If so, that's really impressive.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

“ give it the beans” like Sarah N Tune ? Excellent review Ian. Thanks

[@closedcasketcustoms]

Allegedly this has a different cylinder head and increased oil pressure to deal with the ongoing issue KTM has. That being said, great video and I'm really excited for this bike. As much as I don't want to get political with my financials, I could see myself picking one of these up. We all have been asking for lighter middleweight ADV bikes. Even if KOVE is inaccurate with the advertised weight, most of us know, it's not so much the weight as opposed to where it's centralized. The design is pretty cool, I like the twin projections, sounds good, bang for the buck is good, suspension performs well from everyone testing it... I like it.

[@lessmore444]

Exhaust hanger may be bolt on, but it’s also integrated with the pillion peg which I’d rather to remove. Looks low slung & wide too, so prone to taking the hits when dropped on that side.

[@ATstrmboui53]

A fair and detailed review. Well done.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@skyecooleyartwork]

What is the lightest weight, best-suspended bike w/ a larger fuel tank that you could ride for a week straight without seat pain on and offroad? Priorities are Weight, Fuel, Suspension. All current offerings are lacking a key ingredient. The solution is almost certainly a ~500cc, 45hp, sub-400 lb. platform that borrows the best parts from 450MT, 450RL, Kove 650, 690/701, Himalayan, PR7, and DR650. The Chinese are closest.

[@wonkywheels103]

Thanks for the quick review. Is the fuel tank metal or plastic?

[@RedRupert64]

Why do you worry about cruise control? I did over 14k miles this year, and never once wished for it. I'm in Europe, so perhaps we have a wider choice of exciting roads to ride.

[@slalomking]

In the states we have hours of superslab (highways) !

[@SCakey]

Nice review and they look like good bikes that I'd like to ride but I don't see it ever happening because of the non-existent dealer network. You mentioned the CFMoto 450 and I'd bet that we'll see those bikes on dealer floors before a Kove 800.

[@jonwoodworker]

So, you order it from the importer and he sends it to you in a crate. And he doesn't stock parts. If you need parts, he has to take them off of other bikes. Research GPX. Not a good scenario for the purchaser. I don't mind the crate to keep costs down, but the 800x is as much as any other bike in the class.

[@BigRockMoto]

That’s a good point, I hadn’t heard that before.

[@danilabagrov3831]

👍KOVE 800X PRO 196kg is the lightest touranduro of all in its class.

[@edsyphan3425]

The only thing that would make me nervous, is the possible camshaft failure? Also, as an eastern US rider, it seems crazy that you would have to worry about speed traps on a remote road like that.

[@bitterlifes]

Simply awesome bike! I am waiting for an other more detailed review.

[@grantleyteakle634]

Ian, when your talking to kove next, can you ask them to bring there bikes to Australia. We need more choice and options in our motorcycling.

[@antoinedoinell]

Packaging is important but materials are too. Cheap light and strong. It’s usually only 2 out of 3. Hope someone peels back the onion in the future.

[@MickH60]

Lots of reviews now over 10k miles...

[@bulentberksan9888]

This is also nice but is the 10 kg difference worth the risk? I am lying in wait for the rally model. If it is really 170 kg as they say, it is a revolution and worth both giving more and taking the risk for me.

[@emerikcalmels3971]

Do you think the weight announced is accurate for the rally version?

[@4CEYLON]

Once again great information. Thank you.

[@genxgamerdad141]

Throttle by wire or cable? If it's by cable, that's the reason for no QS when downshifting. If by wire, adding cruise shouldn't be hard.

[@eliasstergiou3051]

how you find it comparing with the aprilia tuareg that you had??

[@RandomGRK]

Does it suffer from the 790/890 engine heat issues?

[@yowser8780]

There is no gas tank 'surrounding' the engine... don't think it would get as hot (fuel boilover) as the KTM's.

[@PieroZanetti]

@@RandomGRK as a owner, it gets hot (especially the left side), but I notice it only in heavy traffic. Also I live in central America, so 30+ degrees C all year and extremely high humidity...

[@DynaMikeDK]

Good review but I cant seem to find any of the models on Temu?

[@suspiciousdoge9yand104]

2:19 Just WOW! It has a setting for setting the TCS “Once off”, “long term off” and just “off”, which not only makes the bike remember the setting but also gives it additional option. Seriously Honda should learn a thing or two from Kove

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

Fair judgement review. Thank you,

[@omegaalpha2974]

Im very excited about both Kove bikes. As for the 800x, i believe that the Rally is lighter than the Pro. But I dont think it is street legal?? As always I look fwd ro thw upcoming reviews.

[@vgl402]

Hello what about fuel consumption?

[@wudntulike2no32]

I don't fullly trust MCN scales. It's been weighed by multiple other people and it was never more than 5kg off. Edit- 8kg off. I had 186 in my head as a baseline but multiple people weighed theirs at 191kg fully fueled and bone stock.

[@heirvon_558]

I like the Kove 800. It would be an interesting machine to try. I wouldn't have any issues with it if it didn't fit the slot. It's fairly cheap. Imagine doing various upgrades like we all like to do. And then working out the bugs. A year or two, ditch it and get something else. IMHO 😂

[@AlshahriW]

Does it carry the issue with ktm engine?... the cam shaft issue.

[@maxmustang2]

With the 20 litre tank its closer to the t7 world raid which indeed weights 20 kilos more.

[@BigRockMoto]

That's a good point, I hadn't thought of that.

[@maxmustang2]

also notice the luggage Rack and Front bumbers t7 diesnt have,, maybe 3 Kilos.

[@maxmustang2]

the world RAID even wrights 28 Kilos more (i Just calculated it, the Standard wrights indeed 20 Kilos more)

[@straightup1234]

I used to mock Chinese bikes , now with kove cf moto im very impressed with improved quality & value for money 👌👌

[@BigRockMoto]

Same here

[@ianmoone6562]

Their play in europe hasn't been kove specific dealerships, they've been entering via more established brands so If they do the same in US I think dealership network won't be an issue. Yamaha biggest dealership in my country sells zontes bikes.

[@maxmustang2]

My yamaha-Dealer in Switzerland sells Kove.

[@ericbraun4652]

I dunno... I'd be really surprised if the placebo effect of the weight was that strong with you. I mean... you talk about actual weight differences that seem real. Does a placebo effect make it possible to pick this bike up so much easier that others?

[@maximusmiles8435]

The brakes may be fine. I noticed it doesn't look like steel braided lines. Which could give that squishy feeling.

[@beejoutbush3322]

Re curb weight issue. The same thing happened with the Cf Moto450MT. Might be a Chinese thing??

[@MoodSwingZX]

Eninge was already disasembled in Poland .Cams well. U should look at the wide.o

[@Brad-RB]

Nice review. I might give one of these a try. However, not having a place to mount a nav unit on an adventure bike is a poor design decision.

[@jesses1589]

The aftermarket has already developed solutions, search Uncle Wang.

[@vanjasimunko708]

I think it doesn’t matter if it’s 400 or 430 pounds if it feels so light, and obviously it does when we see how you played with it with one hand. Or rather to say, maybe MCNs measurement was wrong after all. I have a Himalayan 450 that is about 430 lbs as you say and while it is not really heavy, I can’t even imagine leaning it so much and then lifting so easily.

[@david.pedro.]

its my bike!! And i LOVE IT

[@Rhetorical346]

For anyone wondering since he doesn't address it at the beginning of the video, this bike is about 10 kg / 20 lbs lighter than a T7.

[@slalomking]

That’s all, then why does a T7 seem so heavy?

[@Rhetorical346]

@@slalomking it doesn't

[@charliequach6399]

I wish Kove open shop here in Australia. We cannot get this bike or any Kove at this moment. However, CFMOTO is releasing 800MT-X soon in early 2025. This should be very much comparable to the Kove 800X.

[@maxmustang2]

214 Kilo with 22.5 Liter Tank, compared to 191 with 20 Liter, so around Same 20 Kilo difference Like to T7

[@charliequach6399]

No choice mate. We don't get Kove in Australia.

[@maxmustang2]

@@charliequach6399 June 2022 Kove sold only in China and now already in USA, Israel, Irland, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, spain and Others, so they are very fast See Kove Motorcycles Going Global? Chinese brand is looking outside its home market.

[@JDSFLA]

If soon to be President Trump follows thorough with his tariffs, that retail price is going to be considerably higher early 2025.

[@jesses1589]

China is already doing a currency manipulation to forgo the tariffs.

[@elitecorsair]

Yep, add 25% so about 12,499

[@jpdninja5501]

So be it

[@Roberta_Esposito]

gfym

[@exothermal.sprocket]

About ready for China to quit R@PING the USA.