Kove 450 Rally Review (Street Legal) | A Lightweight, Highly Capable ADV

[@BigRockMoto]

Viewed as an adventure bike, I'd say this is the most off-road capable I've ever tested. For adventure riding, this make a TON more sense than trying to turn a KTM 500, 690 or similar into an ADV with expensive modifications. Here are some pros and cons I missed: ✔It is very stable and relatively comfortable at high speeds 70 mph and above, unlike a KTM 500 or similar enduro bike ✔The shifting was rough, and the brakes felt soft. ➕SUPPORT➕ (affiliate links) ⚡ Bookmark my Link Tree: linktr.ee/bigrockmoto ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Carpuride: tinyurl.com/bdmjxacc (use code BIGROCKMOTO for 30% off) ⚡ Lone Rider: bit.ly/4erYJeC ⚡ MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=tv7aUA86wYMVPp ⚡ Veridian Cruise: veridiancruise.com/?coupon=bigrockmoto ⚡ Insta360: tinyurl.com/whtd6ubt ⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640 ⚡ Chigee: tinyurl.com/486mm38k ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

[@brentswartzentruber5565]

Curious why it's so much better for adv than a 690, because of the rally tower? Definitely more interesting than the Kove 800.... plenty of better bikes already in that category.

[@kenkl5204]

What event was this?

[@magaudion]

@@brentswartzentruber5565lighter,better balanced ?

[@magaudion]

Ian, stop pontificating, man ! Christmas has come early . Just do it !

[@meder07]

Wheelbase is 6-8 inches longer than my 500 depending on where the axle is in your dropouts. I've lengthened the chain to get on a larger rear sprocket and get to the back half of the dropout. This bike is so fantastically stable at speed in all sorts of the scrubby stuff you have to push the bars over and de-weight one footpeg to get the bike to lean over. Buy one already and let's all meet in Mesquite, there's miles of great riding eastward on the Arizona strip all the way across to Kaibab or west of I-15 into the great unknown.

[@youknowwhattimeitis1735]

I don’t know about other people, but I would LOVE a long term review of either Kove. You are one of the most detailed and straight to the point content creators out there. With your skills and vast experience with many different motorcycles, it would add much context to how ownership and serviceability of the Kove would differ from other manufacturers. I would also wager that in terms of reliability testing, it would be more favorable to test the 450, seeing how it has a brand new engine (at least here in the States) as opposed to the 800X, which unless I’m mistaken, is a modified KTM unit. Either way, whichever bike you choose next for a long term review, even if it isn’t one of the Koves, I know I’ll be sticking around for more great content! Cheers from Missouri!

[@johannescarlsson4559]

The 450 engine is the same bottom as RX4 etc. Very reliable Zongshen NC450. Just new head, and they have a solid reliability record here in europe. Thankfully the 800 engine is not the same as KTM, just similar and don't seem to have the same camshaft problem

[@ridesmort]

Missouri? I got one in St Louis 👀 I'm really digging it so far

[@podunkman2709]

U already have "long time reviews" of this motorcycle on Internet. Not top of quality.

[@blubbertalk]

​@@podunkman2709would love for you to source this, because I've never seen a review saying anything of the sort.

[@crozatier333]

Ian, You clearly want to buy one so do it! You don't need us lot to tell you, but if it helps - yes, yes, we'd all love to see a long term test. So there - permission granted - now get your order in!

[@gronkvbs2795]

I moonlight as a wannabe bike mechanic at a multi-brand shop that sells Kove bikes. In fact I’m the one who turned the owner onto the 450 Rally because I wanted one. Anyway, I couldn’t get one this year but Kove Canada (the importer) loaned me a Pro model to race at this past Corduroy Enduro and I came away even more impressed. I knew the bike was going to be a handful and it was going to beat me up but it did survive and it came out unscathed. I ran a set of Kenda Knarly front and rear with mousse so I wouldn’t have to deal with flats and they were magic on this comparatively heavy bike. Rocks, roots, deep silty sand and slick river crossings didn’t stop it, it tractored up and through everything. The clutch can handle so much abuse it’s ridiculous. The bike never overheated even in 5mph 100% humidity forest singletrack and the suspension was awesomesauce. The bike was also equipped with full-wrap handguards and a Camel ADV skidplate that literally broke rocks when I smashed into them. The fact that it survived two days of nearly extreme Enduro abuse pretty much sealed the deal. My standard model is finally on order (as of today) and due to arrive in May of next year. The KYBs on the Pro model were so good I sprung for the upgrade for my bike. I know winter just started but now I can hardly wait until the spring. 😁

[@DangerCell]

Yes Ian, please do a long term review of this bike!!!!

[@Michael-s1b]

Absolutely add this bike to your channel. Others seem to test this as a dirt bike, you would be testing it as many of us envision actually using it and that content would be quite valuable.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll see what I can do.

[@meder07]

Finally one of my fav reviewers covers this beast! 1+ year in, still loving mine. Sounds so much quieter with the CA airbox.

[@BigRockMoto]

It is a great bike for sure!

[@jwaller1327]

Looking forward to the review of the 800 Kove too but I'd prefer you do a long-term review of the 450. There's lots of ~800 cc ADV bikes but the 450 is unique.

[@posteroonie]

I'd rather see you do a long term test on the 450 than the 800, on the grounds that you'll do KZbin's definitive review, while the 800, with it's street capability, will get more exposure on other channels. I hope that KTM can keep in business and release their off-road oriented 390 to compete with the Kove. Thanks for the video!

[@victorwinqvist4277]

Finaly u review this bike :D i want a long term review by you! This is the one bike im planning to get! Perfect complement to my xtz750 :D

[@VegasRoManiacReviews]

I subscribed when you said you don't like loud bikes .... 👍👍👍

[@Tom1Sobrero-pr3ml]

If Ian likes a bike, I love that one ;) best reviewer IN THE WORLD! Greetings from ITALIA

[@jimpartin1144]

I’ve seen this bike in person both on the road and in a shop. I, like you am very impressed by everything that you get in this bike. It seems to be very well thought out and has cool features like tool less ability to remove the seat and as you mentioned, the elastomer damped handlebars and great foot pegs. A new side case with integral sight glass is available for this bike.

[@scotthallenberg3575]

My issue with the Kove is that founder recently left the company presumably because there were cost cutting pressures rather than quality improvement priorities. The concept is the real deal with Dakar finishes and hope manufacturers will give more priority to their 450s.

[@johannescarlsson4559]

Founder is now a inline triple fanboy maybe it's good he left

[@scotthallenberg3575]

@@johannescarlsson4559 I guess only time will tell by quality levels. That said the founder was a true enthusiast and essential in the purpose built design-build of the Kove 450 that many have recently tested. The test will be those that are just now getting shipped.

[@jonwoodworker]

​@johannescarlsson4559 He signed a non compete clause and was forced to go to street bikes. Kove will be lucky to be in business in 2025.

[@NEINLIVES999]

Dig it! I have a 2023 Morini X-Cape and absolutely love it! On and off-road this bike is the best bang-for-the-buck on the market today IMO; I paid $6200 with only 3 miles on it. I've owned BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Tiger, Harley, Suzuki and now a Morini. Don't dis the Chinese bikes until you try them.

[@Clarkie1205]

I just turned 2000 miles on my 2024 450 standard Rally. I’ve added a few personal touches, Rekluse 4.0 clutch, DeCat pipe and Reflash ECU, rear rack for soft bags, a set of Dunlop Trailmax Rade tires and a SeatConcepts seat. Maintenance is very straightforward, 2 oil changes, 3 air filter cleanings and adjust the throttle cable. Suitable for Dual sport, BDR rides, trail rides and commuting. Once you set the sag and adjust clickers the suspension is excellent. IMO it’s way better than my 690r or 701 (both had Nomad towers). It’s not as powerful but it’s better at everything else. Handling is amazing, super stable at speed, power delivery is on par with a n older WR450. Cruises at 70 and can do single track on the same bike.

[@blubbertalk]

Been waiting for your opinion on this bike for awhile!! Im planning on picking one up in a few months

[@raffs_adv]

I think a long term review is warranted so that you can play with engine performance mod’s and real world fuel range maximums etc.

[@MichaelShaw206]

Like my Kove 450. Mine is the off-road version and the intake noise is loud. Put a 51 tooth c on it and it's better in the dirt. I may purchase the 800x too for those longer road trips. Both seem like good value. The 450 seems pretty agile, but I don't fully fuel it - never use the rear tank because I don't need to yet. I will look forward to your 800x review.

[@jnew3755]

Had my Kove off road version for a year. Love it, and yes i am going with an ECU reflash, its not perfect. I didn't think the shifting was to notchy during my break in with Yamalube, then i upgraded to full synthetic Motul 7100 and was shocked by the difference. I'll be doing BDRs hopefully soon. Love all people and the effort put into this machine, dont care for there government.

[@BigRockMoto]

Great info

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Definitely want a long term review. I have been interested since it came out. I ended up getting a great deal on a new Gas Gas ES500 and dropped a lot of money into it to get a light adventure build. Fully loaded with 4 gallons of gas and all the gear it weighs 318lbs, so lighter than the Kove would be with 4 gallons of gas and my stuff. That said, The Kove is such a sweet bike that I am STILL interested!

[@balladofbalfe8914]

I was nearly expecting a shout out 🙂, I recall mentioning it to you and you said...."Nah, just a dirt bike" and I said something like "I think you're missing a trick, lightweight do it all with enough tech and great range". So, I'm delighted you got to ride it and would be love it you bought one. I ordered one about 6 months ago and should have it in the next month or so. I'll keep it stock as its a licence requirement for my son, but in the longer run will probably get a different ECU, open it up, more power etc., but that said, like you, I like a quieter bike, so maybe keep stock. I'm interested in the new DRZ 400 as well, but hey, there were late to market. Will be interesting to see if, while keeping it 5 gear, they can manage to set it sufficient high to get decent speed at lowish rev.

[@solidsnake2665]

I did all the things to my WR450 and got it plated. I enjoyed doing those mods but great to see more easy options in the 450 range.

[@Pompomgrenade]

Well priced and I was waiting for someone to test it... Didn't realize it would be The chancellor 👑

[@enricocomaschi8209]

I think that thisl Kove will change the way we approach to bikes. No frills, no fancy brands, honest price, good quality.

[@toltod]

I just got back from Arizona with my vstrom 800de. Would love tooling around the desert on steeper trails riding something lighter like this....and no worry about carrying extra fuel. Ideally I wanted to wait for the Kove 800x but this lighter machine would be able to tackle more challenging routes.

[@ERUtheWINDRIDER]

I would very much like to see a long time review on both Kove bikes. The 450 engine is not a dual sport, but a modified unit from a street bike, Fantic Caballero.

[@neodurden6793]

So is it a Yamaha motor then ? As Fantic uses it

[@ERUtheWINDRIDER]

@neodurden6793 no is not the 450 that Yama uses in the WR is a street engine if I can call it like that. Look up Fantic Caballero and you will have a clue.

[@neodurden6793]

@@ERUtheWINDRIDER I cheked, indeed it is the same Zongshen 450 used by Fantic !

[@IVANOPT1]

Thanks for the review, Waiting for a long term review on this machine.

[@max_archer]

Last time I was this early, the KLR was still carbureted. These are really interesting bikes. It's always a little surprising to me that more manufacturers, especially the really big established ones, haven't targeted this crossover point between dual sport and ADV. The Honda 300L Rally is really the only other thing I can think of but it's on a much lower performance level and not really suited to longer rides on pavement. Really looking forward to that Himalayan behind you, btw.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Yea same. I'd be all over a proper rally style 450cc dual sport. I'm hoping Yamaha comes out with one but now that Suzuki have come out with the drz4s they need to do that.

[@AceCarleton]

The Kove 450 chassis is a million times nicer then the Crf300l rally. The Kove has much better mass centralization and feels much lighter

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Ah YES & YES . Test both if you wish . Very interested in one of these . Funny the 36" one is the lowered version . I guess that's what I would get . Oh and your enjoyment and laughter says yup get one !

[@richis65]

Watch most of your videos and I really enjoy them. But most of all, I enjoy my rides in your area. I live in Apple Valley and really have a great time riding the Palms to Pines Highway, with a lunch stop in Idyllwild. I did that ride yesterday and the weather was perfect.

[@rusty456]

yes, we want more Kove stuff!

[@MrToolean]

Impressed. Looking forward to long-term feedback from early adopters.

[@stevenizell6832]

Since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated with the Paris Dakar Rally. Just seeing this bike, makes me want to buy one. It’s got the look for sure.

[@RTRrentals]

Once Kove gets its review from Big Rock Moto, it's going mainstream :-) I have two of these bikes in my rental fleet, and I've personally put several thousand miles on each bike with a lot of abuse and really rough single track as well as dual sport adventures. Bikes have held up phenomenally to expert level abuse, few random small odds and ends that need tweaking or addressing, but overall a super solid bike and One I love very much Excited to hear the 800X review. I want to get one of those next. And I really think the 800 X is going to replace my $25,000 fully built T7 PS, would love a long-term review from you

[@BigRockMoto]

Your review was one I looked at, great job with your videos

[@RTRrentals]

@ thanks Ian. Appreciate all you do for us

[@marcochavane3124]

I’ve been waiting for this one!

[@advredbikes]

Thanks again for that awesome review. It’s great to see bikes. The probably I’m not gonna buy on your channel but it gives me education and knowledge if I’m chatting in my circle so I do thank you for that and looking forward to your next video thanks man.

[@AceCarleton]

Definitely pick one up for long term testing and swap to the 51 tooth rear sprocket. You’ll love it. Way more interesting than the big twin cylinder bikes. I’d ride this Kove 450 across the country or around the world without hesitation

[@BigRockMoto]

It really is a unique and capable bike.

[@ThiagoMundim]

Yes, we’d love to see a long term review!

[@Purehess]

have been waiting for you to review one of these. Thanks...really interested in the 800

[@rafaelgodinho4799]

Just bought one and it’s fantastic!!

[@DaveGottshall]

Man I would love too see this on one of your long time reviews and build it up!

[@petelafontaine4641]

Great video , I wish you could have done a more extensive test . Yes I would love a complete and extensive review! Hope we get Kove in Canada soon .

[@awakentea7295]

Ian, brother, buy one! I can’t imagine ever selling my Tuareg for this, but it is so tempting. Now that I live in southern Utah, this seems more appropriate for our desert landscape. Regardless I think this could be the ultimate BDR slayer. I would get the low version and compromise the minor penalty of not having a full 12” of travel. I think the content you’d make would send a big message to other manufacturers and I’m excited to see more in the 450 category. Do it!

[@armhead79]

How's this bike compare to the DR-Z? Thanks for doing this review! I've been waiting for your review on this bike for a while now! Very much waiting for a long term review!

[@DirtByk]

Good review of the bike. After 4k rough miles, pre running and racing one in Baja, I can attest the Kove is a legit bike on par with Japanese and Austrian bikes. Some of the metal components have been lacking but engine and overall package has been fantastic so far. It’s design has been well thought out and it’s easy to take apart and service.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@RadRaven]

Get one!!! I love the bike!! And after you get used to it, you’ll see it’s not that less agile then a enduro bike, but has a lot more of stability!! You almost like you’re riding a mid weight adventure bike when you’re going straight, but whenever you start cornering, or hit some rougher terrain, it just does it effortlessly!! 😁

[@dr.x4050]

Please do a long-term review so we can learn about actual ownership experience (buy from a dealer or shipped in a box as-is?), how easy servicing is, reliability, etc. This may be a great alternative to a DR-Z4s, KTM 390 Enduro, etc.

[@ggs0605]

Great video! Looking forward to the lower 800cc bike!❤

[@keyboarddancers7751]

This bike was designed and built specifically for the Dakar rally and all three entrants completed the whole race in Kove's first year of participation. Long term 450 and 800 please.

[@mxbadboy263]

Not one bike finished without major engine problems and repairs. So did other brands.

[@leebrandencallaghan]

Buy it. I could hear the joy while you were riding it.

[@quattrobajeena8954]

Appreciate including both measurement system!

[@4CEYLON]

Thank you Ian. Great information again 😀

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure!

[@_Makanko_]

Very nice. It's tough to be fair. I'd love for you to be able to properly test this but also many others like the new small suzuki, ktm and bmw bikes. It might be better to stick the the more "popular" brands in term of exposure instead of putting a lot of your resources in a niche brand. If you can manage it, I'd love your in-depth review

[@user-cv9my1jq2r]

Ian for me any bike you review will be interesting. I get the push back by the public but if you don’t want one watch the video and move on. You were slaying that sand haha. Thanks for your hard work.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@omegaalpha2974]

Please 🙏 a longterm review of both. A the moment I'm torn between the new 390R and this. An longterm, head to head comparison would be AMAZING!

[@meder07]

Two different bikes for different purposes. Depends on what kind of riding you're planning on. The Kove 450R comes alive and becomes increasingly more stable above 50mph. It's meant to fly and will be quite unhappy loping around below 6k rpm, compared to say a 390/500. You'll want to constantly twist that throttle, engage your brainpan speedy sensors and extend your gaze down the trail to the next few ridgelines, thinking about what your going to ride after that. Can you ride this as a lite-ADV bike? Sure, but your butt and brain will make you take a break before the 350 mile tanks will give out. I climbed a fully loaded (MM80) out of Mike's in Baja pre-tuned (susp. and motor) and it was a workout. Would have had much more fun on the knar on my 500, but when the open range beckoned the Kove came into its own. Yeehaw! PS - We don't know the 390R yet, looks interesting though.

[@thouseinthehouse]

Ian! You have to get a Kove 450! The quick turn fasteners on the fairing help you pop it off to get it in a van or something. There is a different side case I’ve seen people put on that has an easy to see sight glass.

[@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🙏🙏

[@biboandagape]

Thanks for the review, as an owner and reviewer of a fully modded Kove 450 Rally, I can agree with you that it was rushed. Please let's not call that a rally tower (not you, others) because it's not. It would be interesting to know how many teeth the rear sprocket had on the bike you tested. I changed to 52T, and performance at low revs is much improved, with still plenty of power on the highway.

[@Lightemup2005]

I so want one of these, when Im done with my T7, Im getting one.

[@Braapncamp]

Cool review Ian 👍 love your laughs when the trail and bike feedbacken to you. This is what it's all about. Having fun! Would love to try the Kove, but haven't looked up if I have the opportunity on my surroundings. Happy Trails!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks 👍

[@jfarlandutube]

Kove makes a great bike. I have the off-road version which most people are able to license depending on where they live. I put a quiet air exhaust with a better ECU. The bike makes close to 54 hp so it really rips. Otherwise, it looks just the same as what you were riding. They put a lot of work into this bike. I’ve got the street legal version two and it’s super nice. After you get a licensed, you can upgrade the exhaust and ECU to get your horse power back.

[@SKgeostrat]

Yes pls get the bike long term. Would also like to see a review of the 800 and the VOGE 900I'm in Europe, but it all applies here.

[@brianmartindale2221]

The Kove 450 is a bike I am interested in seeing more of what BRM would have to say about it long-term, for sure

[@sorenmelchior]

I myself would be interested if there was a tuning for slower more technical riding. But for now my DRZ 400s still works great. If you are going to get one... get it before any potential tariffs go into place that could jack the price up. This goes for anything that comes out of China like DJI products like action cam's, gimbals, and drones if you are planning upgrades to video equipment as well as motorcycles.

[@mxbadboy263]

That's a good point about tariffs that are sure to come. Shipping by one dealer in the U.S. shows an additional $1500 for shipping. I have a DRZ400 myself and I would trust it to go anywhere and get back.

[@scottkouns8578]

Love these reviews!! 450/800. Wow, such low weight and cheap in comparison!

[@tna--]

amazing bike, incredible price and very reliable, the engine is bulletproof totally made for your kind of terrain you have in california or west US i would live there i would buy that bike immediatly seems very fun to ride

[@garrysmith6592]

Love has been very sensible with this bike, it is exactly what KTM failed to do with the 690 platform that unbelievably they did with the 640 adventure. Better seat, bigger tank(s), fairing, it's not hard. After many modern adventure bikes I have gone back to a 640 adventure, yes it has a carb, yes it vibes, but I love it, and it has a back up kickstart.

[@SamiNami]

This is the most interesting bike right now for us. It might not be a hit with the views because it's a unkown brand, but it is THE bike right now.

[@BlazinBlades]

I wished you could opt to use just the rear fuel tank so the front end is really light. Or, they would make one without the rear fuel tank for those not wanting or needing to carry that much fuel. I rode the unrestricted one and it was a hoot 👍

[@meder07]

Those low front tanks are the secret sauce, like a 990A. Rides much better with full fronts and 0-1 gal in the back (MotionPro shut-off) but there's always the venting to consider.

[@modulate72]

Waiting for more options in this segment... looking at you, Honda.

[@Ntmoffi]

Would be nice if they made their 450 in Thailand like the 300L.

[@AceCarleton]

@@Ntmoffino, the 450 is a much higher quality bike then the Crf300l. The Crf300l is cheap and overall build quality is below Honda standards. The 450 is a great bike

[@Mark-ou8nu]

After the Kove CEO left, I think the new DRZ4S appeals to me more. The old DRZ was just such a loveable baby dinosaur.

[@getdealtwithquick]

I have a bored out XR250R with modified suspension that won't be going anywhere but this is the light ADV bike that won't run hot on the Highway or give me nerve damage in my hands from vibrations on longer rides. The Kove can span sealevel to high alpine trails (FI) and carries 8 gal (!) of fuel and is light enough to get through gnarly terrain. It's not anemic like a CRF300L or needs thousands in new suspension either. This is a TET, TAT, BDR and Baja trails slayer.

[@lincolnkaden7758]

I’m interested! Hopefully we see Kove in Australia soon 🤞

[@theosager8087]

If only KOVE had LOCAL dealers and network support.....then I would definitely buy the 450 and 800. These are high quality machines.

[@andybucher452]

Please do a longterm 450 test Ian. We need your no BS opinion. Thanks and greeting from England, AndyB

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

I am super interested in seeing long term reviews on both of the Koves! 450 first then 800. One of these two will be my BDR slayer next year.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Oooo very excited to hear your opinion. I think it's close to my unicorn but the maintenance is too frequent. A drz4s rally I would be first on the waitlist. I'm thinking in the next 1-2 years we will see something akin to that from the Japanese. Id like to see a long term review with owner experience for the kove 450. One of the most interesting motorcycles out there IMO.

[@joeysantos56]

I think the drz4s stock weighs more than this bike fully kitted. I'm not positive but pretty sure.

[@AceCarleton]

@@joeysantos56the Kove dry weight is the old Drz wet weight. Riding both back to back the Drz feels more top heavy

[@meder07]

Maintenance on the Kove ist ein Klacks. We're out there, what do you want to know?

[@grantleyteakle634]

Thats alot of bike for standard. 30 litres of fuel love that. Wish this brand was in Australia .

[@MrEtnorb]

Agree, but we have never heard anything solid about this brand selling here. If they did it would end up like the AJP brand with minimal dealers and associated issues.

[@RedRupert64]

The one I rode had the higher performance (ECU, foam filter etc.). It had a distinct power band that started at around 30%(?) up the revs. A little strange, but I liked it. Something like a two-stroke. Wide pegs as standard. I paid €170 for the KTM version of those vibration isolators, so it's good to get them thrown in.

[@mxbadboy263]

Their web site does not list KYB suspension for the rally model. You must have the pro model or your being had by Kove.

[@LuvADuc]

That front hydraulic hose looks like it would get snagged very easily with that much slack.

[@mxbadboy263]

I would like to see the KYB front fork taken apart to make sure it's a genuine top of the line KYB fork and not not some lower value KYB model.

[@Michael_Shay]

I think these bikes are pretty cool. For my money I'd probably still rather turn a 690/701 into a more rally style platform. I know its a lot more money but the service intervals on the Kove just kill it for me. Maybe once they're more established and there's a larger sample size of people that have put tons of miles on them. I know people's experiences have been positive so far, and i have no doubt they'll continue to be.

[@jjustj]

Long term please loved you giggling like a 14 year old doing their first wheelie! Ride on!

[@jasgsxr2726]

I just can't consider something with such a limited dealer network(parts?) and so new to the market. Look at the problems we can get with KTM's and they've been around forever. I will modify a Japanese bike and be happy with a reliable Frankenstein bike with parts availability and aftermarket parts on tap. I think the design is great, time for the Japanese to copy the Chinese? Love your reviews Ian you're the best!

[@mxbadboy263]

I think the only market for this bike is out west in the desert states. There's no market here in the Midwest.

[@anthonyperkins6364]

Any thoughts on the KTM situation going on??? The new bike (390) is appealing , but concerns on if KTM will even be in business to service existing bikes ???

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

KTM isn't going anywhere.

[@byronchesebro3125]

When riding in the dirt I have always been a weight weanie. If this bike proves to be reliable it would be quite a deal. When in the dirt I would rather ride a light 450 than a much heavier 900 or 1200 bike. When I rode the Ca BDR last September I left my Norden 901 home and rode my KTM 450 EXC and loved every minute in the dirt.

[@100CupsColombia]

I'm moving to Guyana-8 gallons sounds like a great idea

[@DouglasRosser]

Didn't you do a rally build on your GasGas enduro? How does it compare?

[@scottbreukel5518]

A long term on the 450 (or the 800x) would be very much appreciated!

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

Huge thanks to Kove for making a good off road oriented street legal bike. The ADV community has been begging for decades but the Big Moto cartel told us to buy their bloated mid and full size ADV bikes. I love the 8 gallon fuel capacity and 450 cc is the sweet spot between light weight for off road and highway cruising power. The Kove 450 is too race oriented for me. I want longer service intervals and it'd need a large rear rack for moto camping.

[@mxbadboy263]

All good points.

[@juliusjacob1416]

Would love you hear your opinion on more technical/slower/enduro riding. You mentioned it very briefly, that it isn’t the best option for that. That would suck cos that’s why I wanted to buy one!

[@mxbadboy263]

Nash Power Sport states $1500 shipping charge.

[@DiegoMorales-jh1qi]

The Kove is ok, but what is that white kawasaki in the back??? 😮

[@Michael_Shay]

I think the bad fueling low rpm situation is going to become increasingly common on the street legal singles. They just have to gut the fueling on the low rpms in order to pass emissions. I'm actually pretty surprised it hasn't been as bad on the KTMs. I think there's a likely future where an ECU/tune is as much of a standard mod as a skidplate. It'll end up being something you assume you have to replace. For the sake of my wallet, I hope that's not the case, but I think it's likely.

[@BigRockMoto]

very true

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

And then you will run into legality issues if it becomes a "must do" mod.

[@francesboy2]

Such an exciting time for adventure bikes with this, the upcoming KTM 390 R and the cfmoto 450mt

[@dstubby82]

I'd never buy Chinese or KTM. But I'm glad they're there to keep fresh competition in the market. :)

[@CptSlow89]

I would probably not buy KTM ever, chinese - maybe in 5+ years but I am sure I would never buy HD.

[@mattbeatty3263]

Interested to see your ride and review on the Kove 800. My step dad has an order placed for one of those at the dealer in Mona Utah, which is I believe where these bikes that you are testing are coming from. Making a hunch as you showed the license plate on the 450 and it was a Utah plate. Once that video is posted I'll definitely be sharing it with him as he's only seen it in person but hasn't ridden it yet.

[@noidreculse8906]

Why are the mirrors removed?

[@z50king29]

Feature this on the channel! This is my dream bike because it's adventure ready and I want a dirt bike that can ride on the street comfortably