Kove 450 Rally review: ultimate unicorn or Chinese crap?︱Cross Training Adventure

crosstrainingenduro.com Our Kove 450 Rally review. Three days of testing three Kove Rally bikes on all sorts of terrain. So... the Kove FSE450R. It's generating a lot of hype. The first models went to social media influencers and they are raving about it. Other riders are saying it's another cheap Chinese motorbike that will rust, break down or fall apart like earlier Chinese models. Some of the influencers are actually quite well paid so we watch their Kove FSE450R Rally reviews with a big dose of healthy scepticism. Long term reliability? Welcome to Cross Training Adventure, we are into all things dual sport and adventure on the east coast of Australia. We simply won't know until there are lots of independent long-term FSE450R reports from owners. The quality certainly looks good from initial inspection. Keen on adventure riding in Australia? Check out our vids. Instead, he decided to create a rally motorbike and send a Chinese team. All three Kove Kove FSE450R bikes finished the race. A lot of Chinese manufacturers are copying the designs of other brands without permission. But it's good to see the Kove 450 Rally appears to be an original design. Our team did find a few issues with three solid days of riding for this Kove 450R review. More on that later. A quick bit of history. The Kove 450R Rally has been created by a Chinese business man who says he always dreamed of riding in the Dakar race. We aren't sure about their other models. Kove have an 800cc adventure motorbike that is based on the KTM 790 engine. Check out our reviews of various adventure bikes and dual sport bikes. Copied with permission from KTM? We don't know. They also have a 500 adventure motorbike which largely copies the Honda CB500X. This is just a rebadged Chinese copy that a pile of manufacturers are rebranding as their own... without permission from Honda to copy the engine. Admittedly the huge fuel capacity of 31 litres is partly responsible. But the Kove still weighs about 145kg without fuel... heavier than a DRZ400. Our test rider, Chuck Harder, assessed the Kove 450R Rally purely from an enduro perspective. Back to the Kove 450R Rally. Many are hoping it is just a high performance enduro motorbike with a rally fairing and big fuel tank. If you like dual sport riding in Australia then you might like our adventure riding vids. These guys will be disappointed with the weight and lack of power. The wet weight is actually more than a Suzuki DR650. If you are a dirt rider we highly recommend watching Chuck's full Kove 450R Rally review. However, that's not the full story. Our next test rider, Dallas Shannon, assessed the Kove from a dual-sport and adventure riding perspective. Interested in the Kove 450 as a dual sport or lightweight adventure motorbike? See Dallas' full Kove Rally review. A few things contribute to the Kove's potential in this respect. The massive 31 litres or 8 gallons fuel capacity. A healthy 1.6L oil capacity for less oil changes. The detuned engine should theoretically last longer. And features such as large radiators, twin radiator fans and an oil cooler should help too. A quick look at the Kove 450R Rally engine. It's interesting to see you can buy the entire engine for just USD1900... in its original detuned mode. Suspension on the Kove 450R Rally is from Chonquing Yu-an, a Chinese company we have never heard of. Their motto? Reduce shock and become smooth. The suspension certainly works better than the website suggests. It has been set up for Dakar so dirt riders will love it. It is not Kove's design, they are using the NC450 engine from another Chinese manufacturer but in a higher state of tune. It's the Zongshen NC450 which Zongshen use in their own hideously ugly RX4 adventure model. Zongshen have also licensed its use in the new Fantic Cabarello. Dual sport riders will probably find it's too firm and may want softer springs and revalving. Kove have opted from Japanese brakes from Nissin, and Bosch EFI made in Europe. With their focus on reliability it would be interesting to see if they couldn't find reliable Chinese parts in this respect. What problems did we experience over three days with three Kove 450s? A small oil leak from the oil cooler and also a fuel leak through an overflow pipe. Easily fixed. We suspect we were to blame as we assembled these motorbikes from the crate. There was a small electronic glitch with the speedo and we would get an overheat warning signal when nothing was wrong. And if the motorbike goes on its side there is some kind of cut-off which doesn't allow the Kove to be restarted immediately. We think the last two issues are very minor glitches that will probably be resolved quickly. What about Kove 450R Rally long-term problems? We simply won't know for at least year until some owners have high mileage and can provide independent reports.
#kove450rrallyreview #kove450rally

[@crosstrainingadventure]

HOW TO PRONOUNCE KOVE? I have some viewers saying that 'kov-veh' is the wrong way to say it. That is how the Kove CEO, factory riders, and marketing team say it. If you think it should rhyme with 'stove' then argue with them lol. KOVE CEO RESIGNS! WHY? No reasons given, lets hope he wasn't protesting about cost-cutting measures or patent infringements by copying other manufacturers. motorcyclesports.net/kove-zhang-xue-steps-down-as-ceo/ The politics of buying a Chinese motorbike? Some riders refuse to buy a bike made in China. Others have no problem if it's cheap and reasonable quality. We have discussed this in previous videos. Here is our main discussion. ttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGWTaJKQnp2HbKM THE OLD ANTI-CHINESE DEBATE! Some viewers are saying why be against indirectly supporting the CCP by buying Chinese bikes when countries like the USA are just as bad, or even worse. That's a really good question for anyone interested in geopolitics, ethics and consumer choices. I'm no fan of US politics and there have been plenty of horrendous situations with their foreign affairs. And of course positive interventions too. I know anyone who leans to the left will tend to downplay China's bad behaviour and say the USA is just as bad, or even worse... a gross over-simplification in my opinion. And of course anyone leaning toward the right will see any socialist/communist country as inherently evil and the USA as the world's righteous policeman. This is also downplaying the fact that the CCP has done a lot of good such as dramatically decreasing poverty for the Chinese people. Everyone will have different opinions. Me? I think it depends on why the sanctions are applied. A lot of sanctions are applied due to human rights abuses and state-sponsored terrorism (I know all the old arguments about one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter). Generally I have no issues with those. But other sanctions are applied due to what the USA sees as unfair trade practices and this is where it can be a can of worms. At times it might be justified. At other times it can be used to simply punish a country for not acting in the USA's interest. 1 hour live chat! Replies to your Kove questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnfcknxvjZWZma8 Chuck Harder's enduro perspective kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYWZg2yIfLBlgs0 Dallas Shannon's ADV perspective kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmjZdmSOZdiHrqc Modifying enduro bikes for ADV? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabPm4etj7CNpNU

[@JimmyCall]

If you put it in the adventure category then you need to test it weighted up with adventure add-ons and gear, then test it again.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good point, Jimmy. Although like a lot of enduro and dual sport models the rear subframe won't carry a lot of weight so heavier items like panniers aren't really an option. I think adventure riders would be using soft luggage options which barely add any weight. If someone was going to adapt this for adventure riding I'm not sure if there are mods that will add a lot of weight. A comfier seat?

[@MustBePerfectForever]

I simply cannot understand why Honda and Yamaha etc have not made a bike like this. Honda 300 rally is too underpowered, and the jump to T7 and KTM 890 is too extreme. Whoever makes these first is going to be hugely successful, and if it's Kove, hats off to them for being smart and bringing this to the market.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Who knows.... It's not rocket science. But it's interesting to see a few attempts by smaller manufacturers have worked. The CCM 450 didn't sell and was discontinued. The AJP PR7 has been out for a few years but no one seems to be buying them. 🤔

[@MustBePerfectForever]

@@crosstrainingadventure I think right now a lot of people are realizing lighter weight adventure bikes are the way to go. For a while people were getting those big adv bikes but they are just too heavy. I think now is the right time for these 450 adventure bikes to come out.

[@MERMBRAMA]

​@@crosstrainingadventureif someone else ( european or japanese manucaturers ) would create such a bike, with similar components,weight...it would double the price of Kove.

[@ferkuzuel]

I think the latest version of the ktm 690 is similar to this bike, it shares the same dry weight it has less fuel capacity but way better fuel economy, also with the off road mode and non intrusive traction control it can manage very well its 74hp off road and it can cruise smoothly at highway speed

[@MERMBRAMA]

@@ferkuzuel it does not have the same weight distribution. Kove feels like a ktm 525 or 530 in motion.

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

5,000km on/off road my Kove 450 Rally, ridden for a month across some of Europes TET . 100% reliable. I would agree with most of the review. Power is "enough" , suspension is good, weight carried low even with full ranks so feels lighter. The fuel range is really a game changer when you're traveling in less populated areas. Build and design quality is up there imo. Overall it's a fantastic bike.

[@mikekolomvos2756]

How is it on road travelling??

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

It's no GS, but surprisingly good. Wind protection is excellent, no buffeting, stable and neutral handling. Was fun riding over the Swiss Alp passes too. Cruising on the highway at 75mph was smooth with almost no vibration. Then you get back on the trails and it's pretty good there too, ok it's no 300cc 2T enduro either. It just has a much wider spread of use than any other bike I've owned.

[@FreedomBaba]

How do you check your oil level?

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

​@@FreedomBabazip tie dip stick...easy

[@FreedomBaba]

@@OverlandTheSlowWay I've never heard of anything so stupid in the motorcycling world. Who builds an engine with no sight glass or dip stick. Incredible.

[@asherlito3801]

my only hope is kove 450 sells well and forces yamaha KTM and Honda to make rally bikes for the market. I think rally dual sports is the thing missing from the offroad market since the gap between dual sport and adv is rather large.

[@MERMBRAMA]

They can make them yes. But for what price? Fantic rally uses a yamaha wr450 engine and frame. But look at the price. The main problems for big ones are high costs of development and materials.

[@generaldistrust]

*underrated comment right here*

[@MrFastFarmer]

so are you buying a Kove then?

[@MERMBRAMA]

@@MrFastFarmer oh yes..i have one. Before Kove, i had t7, xt660z, drz400, husqvarna te610, ktm 990 adv,honda transalp 600,ajp pr7.

[@asherlito3801]

@@MrFastFarmer I am 19 I don't have the money to buy a kove.

[@agustincuevae]

30.000 km in 3 years with the nc450 motor on the caballero rally, very hard riding, off road at the Andes mountains in Ecuador and like 5 desert racings by the coast the motor it holding fine

[@agustincuevae]

I'm pretty sure the kove 450 is my next stallion in the stable

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good to hear. If the vast majority of owners are reporting the same thing after a lot of mileage then it will be a good indicator.

[@istra70]

Thanks for the update...

[@carlosteixeira7053]

Great video! For sure that ultimate unicorn that you are searching is the AJP PR7, perfect handling and just enough power. Please bring a review to the channel!

[@climberevan]

I certainly love my Husky TE630, on which the AJP is based. For me it's the unicorn.

[@istra70]

There is guy on YT from Oz cruising back roads of Australia on AJP PR 7. There is another guy who entered AJP PR 7 in Hellas / Rally in Greece on You tube. Bike is brilliant , but long waiting list ....

[@davidfindlay5432]

Poor Kove. People seem to think this bike has to rally like a KTM 450RR bike, cut up an enduro track like a WR250F, head across the countryside like a Goldwing, be as reliable as a Honda Cub, yet be sold for peanuts on every street corner. Hey, I went for an EXC500 to "adventurize" because I don't even know if it's coming here or not [ To OZ ]. But I also say bravo! to Kove, it looks like a pretty decent first up crack at a bike that a lot of people have been whining about, since forever. Fuel and oil capacity, twin radiators/fans, reasonable engine power, fairing/screen, decent seat/suspension, there's a lot to like.....

[@crosstrainingadventure]

For sure a bunch of riders will buy it then complain that it's not enduro-oriented enough. Or not adventure-oriented enough. Or it should be more powerful. Or be a twin cylinder for better road manners. 😂 I just hope this vid gives a bit of clue as to who it might suit... and lets hope it is actually reliable in the long term.

[@nunya9555]

Yeah, but the important question is what brand of tire and tread pattern to install for every type of riding style and terrain, lol. 😁

[@ChaohsiangChen]

I'm impressed with your ability to say Chinese and Italian names. The KTM 790 engine prolly is made by CF moto who has the license.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

谢谢！I've always been fascinated by other languages and try to learn a few words in as many as possible.

[@WhatTimeIsIt369]

Man!! I have been waiting for this review from you. Let's watch!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I just wish I could contribute my riding experience too. It will be a long time, if ever, before Kove arrives in Australia.

[@mxbadboy263]

​@@crosstrainingadventureI misunderstood. I thought you were testing it. Bummer.

[@mxbadboy263]

I went on the Kove USA importer website last night (11/28/2023) and there's a long disclaimer statement that states that the Kove Rally is a closed course competition bike only and is not for use in off road area's (California) or for street use. IMO that means it does not meet EPA regulations. One commenter wrote that the BMV could not find his vin number in the system. I know someone from Utah or similar states might have got a plate for it but that's not the real world.

[@Trailfocused]

The kove 450 is easy to plate, most states will do it without hassle. If not, go the SD or Montana route.

[@950boy2]

Buddy of mine has just got a LPR732 from Lyndon Poskitt, now that is the bike right there. Its the perfect package albeit a bit pricy. 690 rally engine bored out with wide ratio gearbox on carb (if you choose) ,adv fairing all proven and developed by Lyndon.

[@bikenavbm1229]

great and I am sure that bike is technically top notch, but many dont need that level of performance and even more can not afford it, this bike may suit a wider audience but enough to make it viable?

[@Yourfriendwasmagnificent]

Lyndon builds top notch bikes.

[@mechanicalman1068]

Seems cool I guess, if it’s actually street legal. For the weight, it seems like a sort of 690 without the big price tag and electronic rider aids. Kinda makes me miss the old Husky TE610 and 630. Others have mentioned the pointlessness of the big tank. I disagree. I like to take pretty un-aggressive multi day backroads trips in the Sierra and Cascade ranges. It’s nice to not have to get off route to dip into to town for fuel. Could take hours and detailed planning in some areas.

[@nathanbanks7091]

Have you looked at the AJP PR7? It has the same engine, built in the same factory as the TE630. (SWM) Uncorked it has plenty of power, and the AJP chassis handles beautifully. I love mine.

[@jasonb6570]

Exactly. Many dual sport riders upgrade to a bigger (and often uglier) gas tank. Having a big tank stock is a big plus for adventure riders.

[@mechanicalman1068]

@@nathanbanks7091 just took a look. Looks fantastic. They have a few nice looking bikes. Unfortunately, it looks like none are street legal for USA. Bummer. Beyond racing, I’m having a hard time seeing the broad appeal of a big bike like that if it’s off-road only. How many races like that are there, really? The riding I’d want to do with it is almost all off-road, but almost all is forest roads that require a street legal vehicle.

[@andrewyoung6507]

I have a chinese 140 pit bike bought it, brand new and I have over 70 hours on it not really had any problems yet and I’m really hard on it I have destroyed 4 wheels so far I wouldn’t blame that on the bike but because I destroy wheels on my yz250 all the time I think the chinese bakes are going to take over in the future they’re getting better and better

[@gpaull2]

As me and my knees get older I need good suspension and low maintenance more than I need maximum horsepower. Might have to give this a good look.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I must admit I have never been into power since I turned 30 and got a bit smarter lol. 40hp with the DR650? Perfect! 50hp with the Sherco 300SE for dirt riding? Way too much but I never hit the powerband and just lug it around everywhere.

[@eveRide]

Barry, have you been able to ride it personally? I'd love to hear your genuine first hand thoughts! Also, you can just say "everide" and "Megs" without referring to us as "well paid influencers" lol Everybody already knows we have sold our souls to his Excellency Emperor Xi. With all these hundreds of dollars I make from shilling a horrible Chinese bike and lying to the community I pretend to love, I should fly you to Utah and let you ride mine.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Hey Tyler, someone said you were hurt riding the Kove? I hope you're okay! Actually I don't know your financial arrangement with Kove/GPX. There's no news of anyone signing up as distributor here in Australia as yet so no Koves in the country. This 'review' is just based on a pile of comments from various riders who have ridden the three Koves that Dallas purchased.

[@eveRide]

Who is being "well paid"?

[@derekallen7928]

Tyler, I've been a huge fan of your channel and I feel quite confident that anyone who follows you did not have their view of you, your reviews, your personal integrity, or your review of the kove 450 tainted in any way. Keep it up! And I hope you get better as fast as a mangled up arm can. A bucket lit item of mine is to get out to one of your rallies some day! I'll also add you are quite justified in jumping in and defending yourself here. Second-hand information and "well paid" claims based on zero facts are definitely worth calling out

[@mxbadboy263]

You make money off of every unit sold through your affiliate link so yeah that does make you at least a commissioned sales person!

[@Megakoolguy357]

This comment is way more passive-aggressive than it needed to be.

[@sk8lucas]

The tip-over behavior is a safety thing. My Yamaha XTZ250 did that too. You had to turn it off and on again.

[@truthseeker6649]

it doesn't matter whether this bike was made in china or zimbabwe. every bike manufacturers should do what japanese and european manufacturers do : win races, prove long-term durability and provide after sales support. there are no shortcuts like buying influencers on youtube.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good point. Although Beta did take a slightly different path with no racing initially and calling it the 'play bike'. But they have started official race teams in recent years.

[@randombuilds8336]

I had a tiger 800xc, it was a great highway bike, and ok on fire roads. It liked to push the front in softer terrain, and was heavy. But it was still running strong when I sold it with 110k miles. I'm currently riding a drzr400sm. It's modded with a stroker crank, big bore, cams, ported head and bigger carb. So hopefully it'll show mid 50s when I get it on the dyno, it was high 40s with a smaller carb and no stroker crank. These Kove bikes look interesting, but I'll wait a couple years to see how well they hold up. Maybe they'll spread out and offer a SM variant, decent power, drop some of the weight from this model but keep the fuel capacity to 3-4 gallons so it's still a good street bike.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

What capacity did you get the DRZ to with the stroker crank? I know the big bore kit is 440cc....

[@randombuilds8336]

@@crosstrainingadventure a 94mm piston gets you to 434cc, the 4mm stroker crank brings that to 462cc. The combo is usually advertised as a 470 kit. The piston from wossner is a good choice for a built, it's less than 10g heavier than stock, but over 50g lighter than wiseco or vertex pistons.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

😎👍

[@jjjjrrr678]

From all I have seen so far its encouraging. What turns me off are the specs on weight and power but they seem to be addressing that in the new special limited edition one which I hope will translate into a new model which I will then get used after 4 to 10 years 😂

[@Trailfocused]

I have a Kove with 500 miles. No glitches or issues so far. Its properly rung out for most of those miles. I’ve taken off the extra emissions and electronic bits(abs, clutch/kickstand switch). Dipping my toes into the dual sport/adventure world has never been so easy, thanks to this bike. Oh ya, I’m also going to race it next year in a few enduros, just because dirt bikes got boring.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

The enduro races will be interesting with the extra weight compared to most enduro models.

[@Trailfocused]

@@crosstrainingadventure as long as it’s 80% as fast, I’ll do well.

[@mxbadboy263]

Can't be be licensed for the street in the state I live in (Indiana, USA). So no way to use it for a dual sport here.

[@Trailfocused]

@@mxbadboy263 It can be licensed in most states and if not, get an SD or Montana plate. You don't have to live in those states to get a plate and be legal. Also, the 50 state legal version will be here in a few months.

[@samcrdx8016]

A mid size ADV is always a welcome addition. CF Moto also recently launched a similar motorcycle and I heard the Himalayan has also been renewed with a complete makeover.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Just had a look at the Himalayan, it looks as though it's still very heavy but quite a bit more power now...

[@moussacompaore6576]

Super 👍 Enfin une série de test réaliste et sans intérêt financier . Merciii à toute l’équipe . Vous êtes les meilleurs essayeurs et vous savez rester neutre ❤

[@thedougies8322]

I am genuinely intrigued by this bike…only been riding adv a short time & after initially swallowing all the marketing hype around the heavy powerful adv bikes I’ve done a complete U turn on what I want…lighter more off road biased with modest rd power but enough for dirt riding. Don’t have a dirt bike background so compared to what I’ve ridden up to now 167kg wet is light. If the price is low enough in Oz should be enough left in the back pocket for any mods. American rally rider Mason Klein is riding a Kove in the next Dakar….can’t be complete shit lol

[@crosstrainingadventure]

You aren't alone. I meet so many guys who started out with the big heavy bikes then rapidly realised small is beautiful!

[@MrTreebug]

Light is right! Shout out to Adventure spec and the Trail and adventure motorbike podcast!

[@tazyt3388]

its good to see a new brand playing the game guess well see how they workout mate 👍

[@mxbadboy263]

You said it didn't look like a rip off copy but then said the suspension is exact copies of Showa suspension. If that's true there could be patent infringement problems. Also, there is no sight glass or dip stick to check the oil and the exhaust has to be removed to change the oil filter.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

The Kove bike itself. The suspension is from a different Chinese company. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a copy. I have no doubt if the bike was thoroughly pulled apart there would be some very similar, if not identical, parts from other manufacturers. Someone else has already said the upper half the engine looks like the old KTM RFS engine. I don't know what the limit is on patents and copyrights etc. I've heard it can vary from country to country and might be 10 to 15 years.

[@kaosadventures]

Would love to test one out possibly have it as a third bike in the shed I’m guessing it will be cheap enough

[@bluestripes1]

as an enduro rider i can get past the power, its enough, but its just a bit heavy for me, it needs to drop 30-50lbs to be chosen over my TDR250

[@kevinarmstrong478]

Of course we all want to know when will it be available road legal in Australia and how much would it cost if it’s sub 10K it could be a great deal. I saw that it’s fairly easy to install the same map or ECM as the Dakar model.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Going by exchane rates and the usual higher price we pay I think it might be around AUD14000 on the road if we are lucky.

[@dionisis0018]

As a novice rider who wants to get into more off-road adv riding, the

[@istra70]

Nearly 10 more Hp Kove has than Honda CRF 450 L. The nearest comparison to Kove would be AJP PR 7 which is actually 600 ccm but produces about 50 Hp - just like Kove , and it is similar stile ( adventure / dual sport / rally ) . Low compression ratio is good for reliability and economy ( unlike KTM/ Husqvarna 701 with 13:1 - you better have fun near your house ) . Great price too. I am delighted that finally someone is coming out with models people are asking for for so long .... and challenging monopoly of big and famous brands in the business . Don't worry about politics; your phone , laptop, PC, everything is already made there, and now BMW, KTM , Honda, Yamaha are all shifting production of certain models in to China.

[@xpllmmff]

I wish Kove would consider building their products to Australia just like CFmoto. Currently for oz market the closest counterpart for this 450 are CRF450R or CF 450MT

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Well we've got the AJP PR7 which has the same wet weight and a lot more power. But no one seems to be buying it.

[@andrisrepulis]

I cannot express enough how relaxing it is to hear Australian accent saying words like "liters", "kilograms" and "meters". Instead of, well you know - "size big enough to fit 6 washing machines" or "13/34 of navy short inch used back in 15th century"! 👍😆

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I have been tempted to use measurements like furlong, fathom, stone, and cubit... 😂

[@tonyrichengod9280]

"This bike is a dirt rider's dual sport." As a dirt rider myself, this is a very compelling thought!

[@holden3083]

👍. This is what the drz 400 should be now. Hopefully now this bike is out other manufacturers will catch-up.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Absolutely. Or at least Suzuki should have also created sports model or DRZ400 Rally and just slap on another $2000 for better suspension, windscreen, bigger tank, higher tuned engine etc.

[@sarahdell4042]

I think this is that unicorn adventure style bike many of us dirt bike riders have been seeking. With a tune and different exhaust, it will make more power. The bike should end up being a huge success if they stay reliable, and Kove continues to develop the brand. It would be nice to see more dealers in the states and more of backing behind the Kove brand

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I think it could suit many, if it proves to be reliable. And as long as riders don't expect it be a fully fledged dirt bike, or adventure bike! Definitely somewhere in between, with all the compromises that entails.

[@mxbadboy263]

"With just a tune and pipe" and, and, and!

[@sarahdell4042]

@@mxbadboy263 All modern 4 strokes end up needing a tune and pipe due to how strict emissions are.

[@patw9175]

@@mxbadboy263 Honda's street legal 450 and KTM's street legal 350 would shrink into the bushes like Homer Simpson right now....if they didn't flame out first.

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

@@crosstrainingadventure maybe less compromise...Vs a big ADV bike in the dirt, or an Enduro on the tarmac. The Kove can actually do both extremes relatively well, and the area in the middle exceptionally. If you're ever near Sibiu, Romania and fancy riding one in that area let me know.

[@HartyBiker]

I really want this to do well so that other big manufacturers see the market opportunity. Can you imagine how good a honda or yamaha verision of this enduro/adv bike would be?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

WR450F would be a great platform! Or if Honda could do a proper job with the CRF450L.

[@domenik8339]

$18,000 at least. Forget the Japanese bikes, they're being left in the dust at this point. Overpriced and overrated. India and China will make the bikes we want in the future, the transition is already well on its way.

[@megalomaniacdreamer]

that would be a "shut up and take my money" moment! @@crosstrainingadventure

[@xpayleskill]

I was also guessing it should be compared to the CRF450L

[@HobbitHomes263]

I know that GPX sells a 4 degree offset crankshaft key to advance the timing and it is surprising how much punch it adds to the air cooled 250cc Zongshen. If the same type of mod is possible for the Kove one might have a very lively throttle to play with. GPX sells the Kove here in the States so a call might answer that question. The High Lord Henner of all things Chinese engine mods is very responsive so if he isnt available when you call you will likely get a same day return call unless you accidentlly left your cell in the pocket of your Roo who is now bounding happily away in the general direction of Alice Springs

[@kevinarmstrong478]

What do you think will replace the DR? Can the DR be replaced? Will there ever be another reliable 150kg 40hp dual sport for less than $10k?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I doubt Suzuki will replace it with anything, they seem to have no interest in their single cylinder models. They will keep selling it in the USA and other countries though until pollution laws etc close this down.

[@Megakoolguy357]

Never giving up my xr 650L. I might actually buy another one. That said, Honda moto co will fail if they refuse to make bikes in Japan. Who wants a Honda Cb500 made in thailand when they can get a Royal Enfield for $6000 made in India? The only thing that annoys me about RE is that they wont put country of manufacture on the frame. At least Honda Thai does that much. Oh well...guess it's all vintage bikes for me from here on out 😢

[@mohba01]

the "modern bikes" - youre always going to be waiting around for a nasa qualified technician to help you diagnose whats wrong and with parts shipped from across the world ..trust me, if youre going for a "long ride" , steel framed carb bike like the XR is what you need. swap the CDI to ignitech, add some cush wheels, big tank and thats abt it. its a stop worrying start riding no nonsense approach to motorcycling. Do you know that its also the longest running production motorcycle still sold today ? i bet that has some benefits.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I'd buy one tomorrow but we can't get them in Australia.

[@glossblack1098]

Great vid thanks. This bike was designed for Dakar, so how do you think it would go at Finke and other Australian desert races? For a first timer tackling Finke, would this be a good choice or would it be too under powered? Cheers

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good question. I can't help feeling the weight would make it a bit of a struggle in all the soft sand. I think the power output would be okay for us average gumbies though.

[@bikenavbm1229]

@@crosstrainingadventure how would a distance equipped 450 enduro bike fans, loom, ignition key, tanks, screens, lights etc compare on the scales to the Kove, what I read somewhere it did not come out far from the quoted KTM 450RR weight, what do any of these bikes actually weight minus fuel, the advantage of carrying your fuel weight at a mean half tank level nice and low is not something to disregard, look at the efforts KTM have gone to for a number of years now.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I agree. There are so many issues that appear to be black or white and then you dig deeper and discover all the shades of grey!

[@MrFastFarmer]

I spoke to Kove who told me they planned to distribute them in Australia through Mojo Motorcycles. Despite my attempts to understand how I get one through Mojo, I got nothing. Unfortunately decent dealership and support is a huge issue.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

If that's true they are trying to keep it quiet I think. Someone else told me there will be a distributor soon but it's under wraps. So if it is actually Mojo, they'll be keeping quiet about it for a while.

[@bennylava8717]

my biker friend bought a brand new DR650, and then replace its suspension with modern dirt bike suspension plus other mods

[@nightcoremetal2518]

The Kove 800x uses the CFMOTO version of the 790 engine, so while KTM may not have specifically greenlit its uses, its still legitimate.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

KTM has a well documented agreement with CFMoto that allows them to copy certain KTM engines etc. KTM also issues press releases about these agreements and I can't find anything involving Kove. Possibly it's just not announced yet... but given the Kove 450X is using an unlicensed copy of Honda's CB500R engine there's a good chance their 800X could be doing the same.

[@scannorse]

No, its not the same, quite different

[@inrptn]

This bike is for the people who want it (you know who you are) and not for the people who don't. It's that simple. Unfortunately, long-term reliability is something we have to gamble on. No way around that.

[@domenik8339]

Long term reliability is going to be the same as KTM, because this is literally the same company that makes KTM engines. In a word: Poor.

[@inrptn]

@@domenik8339 Interesting. 4-5 months ago people were saying the Koves would crumble if you sneezed on them and now we are up to equal with KTM, but at thousands less and with less need for expensive adventurizing mods. Sounds good to me.

[@JesseOndego]

i guess in time we will start having aftermarket power upgrades?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I suspect Kove will provide various ECU options, Jesse. When the Traction eRag guys bought their bikes they requested different mapping options on each. But it seems the power is pretty soft down low in each case. They'll be reporting more on this soon apparently.

[@jaimemetcher388]

@@crosstrainingadventure Really looking forward to the ECU reports. The problem with the nice neat ADV-dualsport-dirt continuum, is that rally bikes are kind off to one side of that line. There's no other bike that is expected to run at 100kmh+ for hours at a time and still handle rough terrain. I'm wondering if the ECU options will clear up some of the confusion, if only by making it obvious how specialized the rally tune is.

[@martyn_g]

Reliability potentially aside, people constantly keep looking for a “unicorn” - KTM build it, the 690 bikes and its clones. 150kg wet. (With aux tank, probably add around 5kg)

[@crosstrainingadventure]

For some riders that is the unicorn. But not for others. I think it depends on the mix of enduro/dual sport/adventure you are trying to achieve. For some the unicorn is a bike that is pretty good on single track but doubles for dual sport/light adv work. The 690 is usually a bit too heavy for that.

[@DonkeyDongDoug]

I might buy one... if they ever decide to put in a sight glass or dip stick on the stupid things so you can check the oil level. That seems like a pretty huge oversight imho.

[@OverlandTheSlowWay]

It's a non issue. You open the oil cap, pop a long zip tie in and that's it. You need a zip tie so it can bend around the clutch. So far mine uses no oil (I've only 5,000km on it)

[@dallas_shannon]

Sure, but where are you going to fit your Donkey Dong? 😁

[@DonkeyDongDoug]

@@OverlandTheSlowWay does Kove sell these zip ties? Do they have a Hi/Lo mark on them? It may not be an issue for a new bike, or one that I only plan to hold on to for a season or two.. but it's pretty shit unless these things are intended to be in the dumpster in 5 years

[@DonkeyDongDoug]

@@dallas_shannon oil's too hot after warming up the engine for me to use it like that. Sometimes, on solo rides, I'll use it to knock the mud off of my brake lever, but that can be a bit painful without putting a sock on it first. LOL

[@dallas_shannon]

@@DonkeyDongDoug 🌭👍🤣

[@russpaton8877]

Barry really want to hear your i pressiins when it lands in Aus or when maybe you arrive here in Canuckdom. A small correction NC450 is the bittom end the top end is different than the NC450 and parts not compatable. Dalls interpretation is pretty spot on after 700km on my own Kove450

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I'll be very keen to try one and report back, Russ. Thanks for the notes on the NC450 top end, did you have a link for that info? I figure they must have done some special work to get all the extra hp over the stock engine. So you are enjoying the Kove so far? Does it suit your riding?

[@russpaton8877]

@crosstrainingadventure No link for you but it was discussed in an interview with Kove at Dakar and then North America importer also stayed it and it looks different to me. I am very much enjoying it and it suits my riding as I am both a hard aggressive dualsport rider and do Rally Events.

[@davidrandall2742]

I've been wishing for years for a crf400 or 450 rally, or a smaller KLR, and if Japanese manufacturers won't make it, the Kove 450 rally might be my garage soon.

[@90330]

How about sipping only 10 liters of fuel and have a light enduro bike?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Definitely a good way to go if you don't do serious mileage... and mostly off-road riding.

[@jdhart111]

as always an excellent well thought out review!!you do a fantastic job!!thank you!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Our pleasure, JD. Hats off to the Traction eRag guys for all their input and video footage.

[@mxdave]

Would you trust it hitting a sharp g out at 80+mph 😅 I do believe the price will keep increasing as they will try solve issues on the go and it will involve more $$. Aldo unless you are racing you dont need a 450, a 500-600 lightweight makes more sense for the open road section's, and being honest thats most of the riding the customers will do. The Ajp pr7 is a 600cc motor and it comes loaded with brand name components that have a proper QC, much better buy imo.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It's really weird how the AJP isn't doing better. Poor promotion? Or are there simply very few of us actually wanting bikes like this in the wider market?

[@Ammothief41]

Folks seem to like the honda 300 rally. Seems like this could be a good fit for them. Little more power and more range.

[@イエンスヨハンセン]

Mine is currently on a boat in the Suez Canal. Let’s hope the captain knows how to steer and doesn’t park it sideways!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Handbrake turns never work well in canals. 😢

[@leonstancliff7218]

The internet seems full of glowing reviews by "content creators" on every new bike they find dumped in their driveway in a crate. It is also filled with forums full of people begging for information on wiring diagrams, where to order a stator, where can they find a replacement front wheel, and where can they find a shop that will not shake their heads and refuse to touch their "Chinese crap" bike. Every internet review of any bike should include a mandatory section on "When will my parts get here?". Google and Amazon is not a good service department!

[@mxbadboy263]

Amen. I'm buying DR650 this year. It will go everywhere these bikes go and is top notch quality. People will regret buy the Kove.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

The Honda 300L has a similar cutout switch if you crash and it falls over in gear and at speed. You have to turn on and off a few times before it clears. DO NOT ask me how, I, and my knee, know...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Interesting! Who knows, Honda might be using the same Chinese electronics as the Kove... I think the Honda is built in Thailand but no doubt a few parts would come from China.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@crosstrainingadventure Been a feature on Hondas for a while. The crash lean angle sensor was on even the little CBR125R I was racing in Commuterlite class and used to cut out if you leaned too far until we figured how to neutralize it, and that was 12 years ago.

[@mxbadboy263]

My Yamaha WR250R had the same feature.

[@bennylava8717]

i don't ride anything over 150 kg. Kove's 407 lb is ain't a Dual Purpose bike

[@daddister7471]

I've watched quite a few reviews of the Kove, but no one seems to be addressing the plating/street-legality of these bikes. I'd be curious to hear feedback from owners around the world on this. Definitely can't get one plated in California, but perhaps other US states???

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I'd say it's only a matter of time, it's plated already in Europe which has tougher laws to pass.

[@mxbadboy263]

Absolutely no way of licensing it for the street in Indiana where I live. Kove USA website states that it is a "closed course competition only" motorcycle.

[@daddister7471]

I was riding in Carson City, Nevada last weekend and saw a guy with a plated one on the OHV trails. Unfortunately, it was from a distance and I couldn't see which state it was from. I would venture to guess the majority of people who would buy this bike would want to use it for dual sport.

[@mxbadboy263]

@@daddister7471 Nevada, New Mexico, Utah all will let you license a dirt bike. Or more accurately convert an off road title to motorcycle title. Good luck doing that in most states.

[@mxbadboy263]

@@crosstrainingadventure Where in Europe? That's too vague of reply.

[@krazed0451]

The NC450 engine is not just tuned, they whacked a DOHC head on it... And for some reason picked a side case with no sight glass so you need to check oil level with a makeshift dipstick xD Aside from a few unusual design decisions and teething issues, it's a promising initial offering!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Yes a few viewers have mentioned the lack of a sight glass or dipstick. Hopefully a design oversight they'll fix quickly. Owners tell me they are using a zip tie...

[@krazed0451]

@@crosstrainingadventure That's what I've seen too... Pretty laughable!

[@hadesomegamoto7639]

How does it do on the pavement at freeway speeds? I love my DR650 but it's a torture device on the freeway.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Probably about the same overall? The engine will be revving more and working harder. You still have the uncomfortable seat. But a potential plus is the windscreen, as long as you aren't short enough that it creates wind noise and turbulence around your helmet.

[@chrisdanze1873]

It seems that my old Husqvarna 610 TE E almost has the same specs, especially with its aftermarket 21 liters tank. I like the Kove, but for the price, I will keep my old thumper with mods.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I had the first fuel injected model, loved it. A real shame it didn't sell as well as it should have. And instead they kept making it heavier and heavier in subsequent models. 😢

[@mxbadboy263]

That was an amazing motorcycle!

[@nickg2431]

All that is actually needed in the whole world is a crf300 rally with 38bhp and 1k in your back pocket for suspension😊

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Damn. More quality issues. I was hoping the two at my local OHV park were a fluke. One blew an engine within an hour and the other broke a frame in that same hour. They were bought by two new riders who saw Everide's video on them and jumped at the chance to get them and were disappointed in their first hour. I jjst saw another video where the guy had clutch trouble. Looks like Kove has a lot of work to do before their bike is ready to take on the proven bikes

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Doesn't sound promising. 😢 My Canadian cousins bought three of them and nothing major so far in the past two months... just a few minor things they reported on in a video. It will probably take quite a while to see if the majority of owners are regularly hitting problems or finding them reliable.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

@@crosstrainingadventure my hopes aren't high at this point. It's a shame because that 8 gallon fuel capacity alone on a DRZ weight bike had my attention for doing a lot of big rides on hairy trails. The problem is, if two rookies broke the bike that badly, a rider like me (former semi-pro MX and enduro racer and former intermediate supermoto and superbike racer) would obliterate the thing. I have a feeling that the three that survived Dakar were heavily beefed up from what the public is getting. I definitely hope that either Kove gets their stuff together or the Japanese brands answer the call and make their version of this

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It definitely pays to be sceptical. All three bikes finishing their first Dakar was good to see but I couldn't help feeling their best mechanics and engineers checked every part and hand assembled to improve their chances of finishing. And as you say, possibly beefed up parts of the bike too...

[@johnharvey5338]

The 800 engine is owned by CF Moto, not KTM, CF own a large share of the group who own KTM, the days of the engine knock-off is gone with Euro 5 rules as the old engines would not meet it. So you can say it’s a licensed Chinese engine, Kove have said they have modified it to meet their needs and build it themselves rather then just buying it in. The other 450 engine is a SOHC and the Kove is DOHC, so very different from that engine.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

If that's the case I'm wondering if Kove has approval from KTM to do this. I can't find anything about this and KTM has always issued press releases when they have given permission for others to use their designs. CFMoto definitely has an agreement with KTM. Does Kove? Very keen to publicise this if it has happened.

[@AdventureBert]

Having ridden one a bunch and formally owning a 2020 690, I would take the Kove all day long especially because of fuel capacity and range. Also the Kove is plenty fast, we drag raced a tuned 23 ktm 500exc-f and had no issues staying beside it. Besides a few miner annoyances it an absolute blast!

[@elfelon9465]

hey how is it doing in autonomy numbers wise? how many km can you do with full tanks

[@AdventureBert]

@elfelon9465 Depends how you are riding but over 300 miles is no problem for normal riding

[@LTLT900]

Liar liar pants on fire

[@xRotivx]

Pretty unfair that the ajp PR7 doesn’t even get mentioned in this video.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Why though? It's not in the 400 to 500cc class. Others have said why didn't I include the 690 or 701. Same reason. It certainly gets mentioned in our best lightweight adv bikes vid.

[@nunya9555]

In a Kove 450 review? Why would it be mentioned?

[@ogasi1798]

btw when the 800x is mentioned, consider this: the engine is the same used by CFmoto - who provide for ktm as we know, basically ktm of course know the 800x and i dare say have some sort of loose hand near it be it financial or other, so no, i have serious doubts it is some dodgy copy - imagine if you will that KTM are being smart and leveraging CF moto and Kove for the benefit of all 3 firms revenue 🙂 also we as buyers are included in this equation if you think about it from a neutral position.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I'll be very interested in seeing that arrangement with the motor. Did KTM actually give CFmoto permission to sell the engine to others? From what I've seen so far KTM has always issued a press release about their arrangements with Chinese manufacturing. But to date all of the moto journalists are just guessing about the engine's origins.

[@YouTenaza]

It's crazy close to a unicorn bike to be honest. Obviously is not an enduro bike, but it's a good middle ground between the sluggish crf300rally and the heavy twin cilinder adv bikes. If this bike had an Honda badge I would have sold my Tuareg for this already But for now my economy can't handle a gamble on a 10.000€ bike from an upcoming chinese manufacturer.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It will certainly hit the nail on the head for some. And then hopefully prove to be reliable in the long term. I think quite a few are content to wait and see. And of course this applies to many brands. E.g. a lot of riders won't buy bikes with a big new design feature like KTM's TPI until it proves to be reliable. With good reason in that case!

[@nick4506]

its "detuned" compared to a ktm. but thats the most that chinese engine has ever produced. im shure the hand crafted prototypes they put together for the race would be ok but will that reliability make it to mass production? keep in mind many privateers run old Yamaha wr450s in dacar without a problem. its not street legal so i dont get the point of the massive fuel copasity uness you want to buy it and race dacar, i can only do like 100 miles offroad in a day and thats not even through half of the 8 fallon fuel copasity.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I should add that the 'race' tune on the Kove Pro model appears to be about the same maximum power as other 450 enduro models. Although the guys felt the bottom end grunt is still pretty soft. But of course when it's designed for Dakar the low end power is irrelevant. I agree the huge fuel capacity will be irrelevant for many...

[@mxbadboy263]

Yep, not street legal where I live.

[@DadCanFixAnything]

I really wanted a long distance bike that could handle fairly intense off-roading and was interested in the Kove 450 until GPX (the ONLY Kove dealer in the US) failed to give any response at all to multiple attempts to find out about the bikes availability and if it would be street legal. Maybe it's because I don't have a lot of followers and/or live in Utah. I ended up getting a Tuareg 660 before GPX publicly announced availability and am glad I did at this point. I can live with slow OR heavy, but not both. Otherwise, I could ride a KLR. ...Oh wait, even the Chinese can make a bike with more power and less weight than a KLR, and with more fuel capacity too. That begs the question: Is there any modern motorcycle with worse power to weight than the KLR?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

A Royal Enfield could be worse for power to weight. Not that I think it matters much, generally owners of the Himalayan or KLR have different expectations of their bike. 😎

[@DadCanFixAnything]

@@crosstrainingadventure isn't the Royal Enfield Himalayan like 421 lbs and a little under 40 horsepower? I am pretty sure the KLR is right at 40 horsepower, but around 500 lbs. Please pardon my use of the US imperial measurement system. I'm not sure how it equates over to kilos and Newton meters, but, as popular as it is, I'm pretty sure the KLR is still king of the slow and heavy hill. I'm sure there's people that know better than I do though.

[@micwell2247]

the fairings on all these Paris to Dakar clones do block your preferable vision right where you need to see those nasty tire king loose rocks/branches and any other thing that will kick you off

[@JinKazama92]

Kove 450 is definitely some sort of copy of the KTM 450 Rally Replica. At least the engine is somewhat original design. But some people have said it's got some resemblence of the KTM RFS engine.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I've heard a few comments about aspects of the engine look like the RFS but no hard evidence as yet.

[@AA-wd2or]

Somebody should test it to the extreme till start brakeing and lab test quality of engine block material and other vital parts.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It would be a good start. Obviously the fact all three Koves finished Dakar is a good sign. But then I'm sure they assembled those bikes with extra care and double checked every part, knowing the promotional value of saying all three bikes finished.

[@AA-wd2or]

@@crosstrainingadventure They were also well organised, have top level service

[@mickleblade]

Not for me, but guys who need fuel range for their trips, think Aus, Canada, US bdr routes etc would like it

[@mxbadboy263]

I agree. Here in the Midwest that kind of fuel capacity isn't needed.

[@arthur_yang]

As a Chinese Kove rider, I can tell you aftersales service and parts supply are not convenient even in China😂

[@CDirkk]

what about the kove 450rr inline 4?

[@arthur_yang]

@@CDirkk Just we need to order the spare parts from online shop, and some parts were not even available sometimes. 4S store they dont have spare parts in their inventory, like the footpegs...

[@Roller71]

Everyone is referring to the Unicorn, white about the Pig with the Pink Lipstick in the room, PRICE. Is its misgivings enough to be absorbed into the entry level.pricing. Original forecasts for a Rallye ready $16, 000? Maybe premature? Or realistic? Anyone?

[@janniksims5740]

I just bought a xr 650 r with a 24l acerbis tank, to do just what the kove promises to do. I would love to get my hands on one, but there are just as much koves in Germany as there are in Australia... Well I just need to rebuild the xr engine before I ride it to africa next month. It will be the perfect bike and i will never want something else after that trip (or so i tell myself)

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Bring back the Big Red Pig, Mr Honda 😍

[@dallas_shannon]

With an electric start! 😎@@crosstrainingadventure

[@eastsidelegend385]

I wonder if this bike could really just be considered a lighter, more modern klr 650?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I don't really think so. Way less grunt, but a lot more power at higher revs. Perhaps the closest approximation is a CRF300 Rally on steroids?

[@MrEtnorb]

It will be fascinating to see if a distributor dares to put them into Australia. They are a niche market, never been such a bike before with this kit and low price. Surely they can’t do any worse than say the AJP PR7 or SWM and compared to the stratospherically priced 2nd hand DRs, $12,000 + they will get some takers. A DR is gutless for the road, has the worst standard suspension ever and needs a big tank so there is a fair bit to like with the Kove, although they do not attract the same riders as the DR.

[@mxbadboy263]

DR650 is $7000 usd here in the states. Dirt cheap to upgrade the things mentioned and zero concern for reliability or oem or aftermarket parts.

[@MrEtnorb]

@@mxbadboy263 that’s just under $11,000 AUD and you can’t buy them new anymore due to not having abs. I went from a highly modified DR to a KTM500 and have never looked back.

[@istra70]

Both of them Kove and Ajp pr 7 are ideal bikes for Oz bush....

[@MotardTonyMKE]

Good effort but I’m not sold on a 100% Chinese brand. I wouldn’t be proud of owning one at least with all the geo-political issues. Seeing CF Moto just pumping out bikes left and right that people aren’t buying is a bit overwhelming and underwhelming. KTM is in bed with them and the quality on their new bikes is showing..

[@sarahdell4042]

Unfortunately every pretty much has Chinese parts. Look at KTM….

[@MotardTonyMKE]

@@sarahdell4042 well not every finished part is Chinese made but a large amount of subcomponents do come from China but not by choice.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It would be interesting to see how many parts on KTM enduro models are sourced from China. They are still made in Austria, but I know the four stroke fuel pumps have been sourced from China for years now. I'm sure many other parts are too. But I suspect KTM doesn't want to say which ones.

[@MrEtnorb]

@@crosstrainingadventurecertainly the 500 uses cheap Chinese fuel pumps, which are often renamed and claimed to be “higher” quality.

[@horizontal120]

have you ever tried the AJP PR7 .. ?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I tried. Left messages multiple times with the local dealer and Aussie distributor but no response. I figured if they don't want it reviewed, I won't bother. I did eventually get a response years later but couldn't be bothered.

[@UncannySense]

even if the Kove 450R falls flat on expectations for some, I think China is finally putting some serious pressure on the other big name/Country manafactures. Clearly the 400-500cc segment is getting some attention again. Japan can keep trying the 'bold new graphics' but consumers are looking for value and modern features at ever diminishing budgets in todays economy. Im personally more excited about the CF Moto 450M as I'm leaning towards the ADV and less Enduro side of the unicorn spectrum.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

It does seem crazy that none of the established brands has tried an adv model of their big bore enduro bikes... except for Honda's weak attempt with the CRF450L.

[@UncannySense]

@@crosstrainingadventure Well right now there are a plethora of 250cc chinses dualsports between $1000-$3000 USD various names between 15-20hp (Not so much in Aus)...Honda's only competion is the "new" XR150L

[@billybunter3753]

Imagine a DRZ500 with fuel injection, better suspension and a six speed gearbox. Perfect!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

​@billybunter3753 yep and lay down the motor too.

[@camerongiles-webb7807]

WHERE to buy in Australia?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Rumours flying around that an Aussie distributor is on the way but nothing official yet.

[@deanhunter6206]

Lol at those complain that thirty one litres of fuel is too much. You don't have to fill it right up!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Same as horsepower... you don't have to use all of them lol.

[@waterhouse235]

The thing is China build, KTM and a lot more big name brands as well, so for me people bad mouthing Chinese bikes really need to look into their preferred brands.

[@mototrailz]

All the enduro and especially the rally are made in austria

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I think you'll find there's a lot of misinformation out there. As mototrailz said, all the enduro models are still made in Austria. Yes KTM has licensed Chinese brand CFMoto to make their own versions of KTM engines etc. But generally most of the actual KTM adventure bikes are still not Chinese made.

[@AussieDazza]

@@crosstrainingadventureYes enduro models are still made in Austria and so are the 790/890 and 901 Norden but the 790 and 890 (901) engines are made by CF Moto. Only the V twin engines are made in Austria.

[@jimmcbride6297]

There is no unicorn bike on the enduro/adventure spectrum. You are either a unicorn rider or you need two ( maybe three?) bikes.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Well put 😂

[@mxbadboy263]

I agree.

[@leeroykelly781]

Something something 80% the rider 20% the bike.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I have it on good authority “ inside source “ that it IS coming to Australia. That’s all I can say

[@MrFastFarmer]

lol. Why say anything at all then?

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@MrFastFarmer, so I don’t incriminate a person that I know on the inside THATS WHY

[@MrFastFarmer]

@@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 lol. So you don’t really have any useful information then. Kove have told me they will distribute in Australia through Mojo Motorcycles, but when I contact Mojo they acted dumb. Unless someone like Peter Steven’s takes them on, the biggest issue with Kove in this country will be the distribution and support.

[@jw8556]

It looks the part it's probably a better option than a dr 650 eg lighter than a dr with 30 ltr tank more power and heaps better handling sounds good to me

[@bikenavbm1229]

A modern incarnation of the Ktm 640 Adventure is the obvious lineage, many would say a bike KTM should have continued on with. with the 690 platform. To my mind the true rally sector is very small and this bike will have difficulty breaking in to it, I only have little knowledge of the rally world but for a non competitive on a lower budget rider where the longer range is genuinely needed and not a fashion statement why not. As a distance travel bike this could possibly shine if the practicalities of logistics and ownership prove to be viable, it meets high euro levels which allows it to be sold widely remember in Europe many bikes are unavailable new to us and many are riding very old bikes because of a lack of modern models legal in EU. As a 640A owner they were a niche sector bike back in its day but TET etc have pushed them in to a market but they are old only 5 speed and parts availability is an issue. this bike in orange with 10 more HP, one less letter in its name, with as many defects or more as we know of at this time would sell in moderate numbers with a price tag of +50%. Kove have bitten in to a hot sausage here be interested if they can hold on to it. Red Flag or not and I am sure we all have feelings about that however realistically silly, AJP have had some success, CCM made a dogs dinner of their effort which could have been, KTM seems to be run by AI and not a human. I commend the individuals for having a go at the niche, and quietly wish them success. Very interesting to watch the media about this bike your channel included, but like it or not this bike or others the Chinese are coming unless something really dum or brave happens. thanks for the vid

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I never checked out the full story with CCM but it certainly looked promising. I thought AJP would do well but you simply never see them here in Australia. Are they selling well in your country?

[@istra70]

I got news for you .... Off road / trail riding and bike rallies are getting every year more and more popular ( at least here in Europe ) that's easy checked fact . I'am sure trend will spread ... thanks to strict policing and high fines for speeding on the road. My friends are sick of it..... So dirt - here we come....

[@MLeitao]

i think Honda licensed the 500cc engine to Loncin, like Kawasaki the 300cc that the Voge Rally uses, also made by Loncin. Loncin makes all this engines except cfmoto with the KTM one. But this is what i've read on the internet... When KTM change the 790 displacement to 890 they're excuse was they can't meet the euro 5 regulations, CF Moto did it, know we have KTM's Duke and Adventure 790 with that engine again... At least they are shaking the market. In some way i could even understand the politics, but we have to do it in everything, starting throw away our phones.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

As far as I can see Loncin do the right thing and only make engines under licence... even some BMW adventure bike engines. But when there are quite a few dodgy Chinese manufacturers cloning engines without a licence it could get a bit murky. I'm really hoping that Kove are using licensed engines and other parts if they aim to be a serious contender in western markets.

[@MLeitao]

@@crosstrainingadventure yep Loncin is making the new BMW 900, and there's already the new Voge 900 DSX with it.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I was digging around in my old info. Actually I have my doubts that Loncin has a license to copy the Honda motor. I actually emailed Honda Australia about this and eventually got a short reply saying there is no agreement with Loncin. I asked more questions but never got a reply. I did find an article that said Loncin 'reverse engineered' the CB500R motor so there's a good chance they have just made some minor changes and hope that Honda won't pursue it legally... very difficult to do in the Chinese legal system nowadays.

[@nunya9555]

Guys, I wouldn't doubt it for a second if I heard a rumor that all Japanese engines or major parts and subassemblies in the last ten years have been made in China. And then assembled somewhere else. Then we pay big bucks thinking we get the real deal.

[@RealHooksy]

Kove are putting ktm etc on notice that people want a 450 rally bike with rego at an affordable price. If ktm won’t do it, Kove will, and I hope they prove to be very good, reliable light adventurer weapons for the masses. Regardless, they will push other manufacturers to follow, and that’s a good thing imo.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Amen to that. Bring it on, Japan and Europe. And Triumph too, if you dare.

[@mxbadboy263]

It would be interesting to see a poll taken on how many riders want a Rally type bike.

[@MrDavidfuchser]

I would think a "stiff" dakar suspension would be able to keep the rear end from bucking like a wr250r. Too bad everide drank the red cool-aid. He's certainly paying for it :(

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I haven't watched his vid but sooner or later all the planets align the wrong way and you get badly hurt... most of us.

[@1MarkBevans]

I thought that it could fit nicely in the open desert open country dual sport lifestyle. What we’re seeing out here on the west coast that the CF MOTO machines are as reliable as the KDM’s similar displacement machines. Now once the newness wears off, hard to say. Long term, hmmm, think they will be overall close to the Austrian princesses in reliability. Since CF MOTO builds a lot of KDM’s in China (12 years +/-) for KDM I think the reliability should be close

[@glencuda]

If only Suzuki would upgrade the drz400s they would definitely destroy this bike. EFI and 6 gears would do it😮

[@crosstrainingadventure]

100%! We can only hope that lighter rally models poke the Japanese into action. Personally I'd love to see the WR450F turned into a decent rally or lightweight adv bike...

[@helmutschmacher2100]

Buy a crf rally, bung a klx 300 piston in it and some suspension. Ride off knowing its reliable and parts are easily available.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Haven't heard of that before... I assume the KLX piston is higher compression?

[@Trailfocused]

The suspension on the KLX will never feel as good as the Kove. Maybe a full shock and fork replacement off a KX?

[@oxfood]

Great video. Not for me though. I want a precision machine for trails and exploration. Not a potentially faulty unicorn, fat and wheezing...killing the thrill.

[@mxbadboy263]

Jimmy Lewis reviewed the Kove and for every issue he had with it he simply dismissed.

[@garyonnen7634]

Perfect bike for the Arizona strip.

[@eljuano28]

I like the idea and concept of this bike. I like some of the cfmoto offerings as well. For me it comes down to the politics. It'll take some time and effort on the part of the Chinese government before I'll buy from their companies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anything against their people and frankly our own government here in the U.S. is still a walking war crime as well, but we don't buy American dirtbikes, do we?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Interesting topic! When it comes to human rights, Australia had people trying to claim asylum locked up for years in 'indefinite detention'. Our high court has only just ruled this is illegal and they've been released. Sounds good. Except quite a few are criminals and one is has child sex convictions. So not always black and white. 🤔 I've certainly been appalled at the USA in many ways over the decades. And of course admired its stance on other issues. Overall It hink the Chinese government does a lot of unpleasant things, but occasionally they do good e.g. lifting millions out of poverty in recent years.

[@nunya9555]

As an American, I can say with surety that I wouldn't buy an American dirt bike if there was one. It would either suck too bad or be too much money. Or both!