Kove 450 Rally: Savage Steering Damper 4K

[@MrEtnorb]

I fitted one to my KTM690. Very well made and fitted perfectly. My only criticism is that it didn’t come with stainless washers. Mine was Less than 1/4 the price of a Scott.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks for that and it’s a shame about the washers. That should be the easy bit…

[@kiwiadventurer]

Definately worth a shot. No doubt you will get more feed-back furthter down the track Andrea. Well done👍

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Yup, I’ll do my first service when I’m back from Colombia, and then take it on some rocks to see how it does.

[@stoicthedog]

Loving your videos. I am very keen to get hold of one of these but, I'm sure like a lot of people, wary of parts support going forward. Getting to watch your experience of ownership is giving me a good idea of what I'll be getting involved with, when I stop procrastinating. Thanks, man and keep on filming. Hell of a job for those of us who aren't quite sure, yet.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Yup. I’ll let you know when I break something I can’t get!

[@stoicthedog]

@@PeakMotorcycles Thanks, man. Let's hope for if rather than when. The mechanical stuff doesn't concern me, much. The engine is a common enough unit, bolts, bars, levers and suspension etc is easily replaced with another brand, if necessary, but the more proprietary parts like tanks and plastics? They worry me a bit...but hoping I'm worrying over nothing.

[@stevenlewis9047]

Just fitted one looks great going to try it this weekend

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I hope all goes well. I noticed an improvement on road, not much of a change on the trails, but then I’m not riding the bike particularly hard.

[@stevenlewis9047]

First ride with it fitted I like it

[@RobboRobinson]

Worth the money I have one on my KTM 450 and cannot fault it. If you are a high end rider you get the high end product. For the everyday guy this is the ticket. The other £500 you would save could be spent on consumables like tyres, pads, chains etc.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks. (I’m not a high end rider, so thought it’d be worth a punt!) Top job in the Dawn Til Dusk by the way 😉. It looked brutal!

[@RedFox-i8i]

Thanks for your videos Andre! Hopefully some brings these bikes to Australia!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

You’re welcome! May they sort that out soon. (I know we were lucky to get the CRF300’s in the UK before Oz but they sorted that out eventually)

[@RedFox-i8i]

I've got a 300 Rally and love it. I'm keen to see the Kove in the flesh as I'd like more power. Its probably too early to tell, but how are you feeling overall about the 450, If you had to pick one.@@PeakMotorcycles

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@RedFox-i8i they both have their place. The CRF feels like it would run along forever with minimal fuss, but does feel strained at speed. The Kove feels lighter, and needs a bit more care, especially in the lower gears. I think I need to ride it a bit more though and do some longer journeys. The induction noise on the Kove in particular is a very real reminder that it has double the power of the CRF. Time will tell!

[@rvstechnologyuk3464]

Another great video Andre', i have my dampner waiting on the bench - bike should be with me in 3 weeks!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Awesome. May the next 3 weeks pass quickly!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

I wonder what it's like on the tracks. I'm not a huge fan of steering dampers, but there are cases when you need them. Enjoy your Kove 450, Andre. Günter/Nürnberg

[@PeakMotorcycles]

There was a degree of ‘because I can’t 🤣 (and it tidied up the bolt holes in the frame where it’s mounted on the Pro version) It is a hard thing to compare and test too, as you’d only find you need one when something goes wrong. It’s there now so I’ll use it.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@PeakMotorcycles Is the Kove the real "unicorn"? We in the EU might get it next year now since they have finally passed Euro 5 emissons. Minus 9 hp, minus 7 Nm ;-(

[@lucazennaro1117]

does it have free return to center? this is a main feature on the off road version on the scotts and no information is available anywhere in the web. i realize that some other guy asked the same question in the comments but he did so in a way so confusing that any answer would be unclear. thanks

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi, I’m away at the moment but can I check when I get back. What would be a way to test it? Lift the bike off the ground, turn the damping up and then see if it’s hard to turn but easy to return to centre? Maybe using a luggage scale or something to see the turning force rather than me just saying it feels a bit easier?

[@lucazennaro1117]

@@PeakMotorcycles thanks a lot man. I'd say it should be noticeably easier to go back to center if the feature is there, no need to bother with measurements. I'm just guessing though as I don't have the scotts unit, still I think it should be pretty obvious to feel, sort of like when you feel the difference when you set the angle of the damping action with the side screws? Thanks again man.

[@HuskyHauler26]

Thats what I wanted to know too.

[@イエンスヨハンセン]

Love your work, Andre. Except… since you did this video they’ve gone up £30 when you include the taxes. Mine arrived today - looks like a nice bit of kit. Can’t wait for the rest of the bike to arrive 😂

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Oh 🤣. Apologies for that. I guess these videos are up for a while and prices will inevitably rise due to inflation. £30 is still more reasonable than £600! May the bike arrive shortly.

[@MichaelShaw206]

Bought the same damper. No previous experience with it or others. Seems pretty straight forward - turn the nob to the left to lighten the resistance and to the right to add resistance. The steering lock settings - you say you didn't need to adjust those - can I assume they are correct out of the box? Thanks for your video. My Kove should arrive by the end of October according to the importer. I think I'll stay away from the rear rack until other options present themselves.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Same and yes, it all seems fine. As for the steering stops, they are either fine or set wider than the stops on the frame. I guess it’s more to allow you to make it tighter than the frame stops allow. Roll on October!

[@1990-t1j]

100 GBP well spent. What a bike. Nick J

[@PeakMotorcycles]

It seems to do the job well enough. I’ll see how long it lasts!

[@izmesamsung2581]

You need to take that pin out and grease it, as, as per your vid, it will rust & seize. I reckon this is in the instructions - if any supplied, however do the above.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thank you. I will. 👍

[@RicardoTheCraneOperator]

Not sure but tye sides are set as per factory left side point facing forward snd the right side facing back. The two nobs/control at the top plate are set all the way to the roght clockwise to have the stearing just a litle heavier? Not sure if my one is working ok, should it be heavy, like realy heavy and hardto stear if thetwo controls are on the stiffer side?

[@PeakMotorcycles]

It was easier to tell the difference before I fitted it, very stiff with the dials all the way clockwise. I'm still in Colombia at the moment so can't check my bike I'm afraid. When I fitted mine, I set it to the tightest and then backed it off a couple of turns (I think). With the front wheel off the ground and the bike balanced, the bars would stay set wherever they were turned to. On the road, there was enough feedback to straighten up again without having to steer straight, if that makes any sense... I'll check when I get home.

[@RicardoTheCraneOperator]

@PeakMotorcycles similar to mine but mine don't get heavy as to stop the stearing around, the two controls turned all the way to the right, then i noticed it is a little heavy but not stoping me from turning keft/right fast and all with out the damper stoping me like geting heavy and that! After turning the duals clockwise I then turned the right side one with the pointer 2 or 3 click anti-clockwise, and it feels like there is no steering damper like. With Thanks Ricardo

[@jean-patktm9243]

Merci pour votre démonstration.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

You’re welcome

[@jcrspeedshop]

“This copy of a Scott’s stabilizer sits between the copy of XTRIG PHDS bar clamps, both of which are mounted to a copy of a KTM triple clamp, which course holds a copy of Showa 49 forks. At least Kove is consistent- they simply copy every component.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Though I don’t think any of those components are made by Kove. They are just buying in parts. The stabiliser is a company called Savage, the forks are from a company called Yuan. Not sure about the clamps, but I’d be surprised if a manufacturer as small as Kove has the ability to make them. I suppose the choice to the consumer is a €40k KTM or an €8k Kove. I wouldn’t have bought a KTM Rally bike, and I suspect neither would a lot of people. Though IP infringement is not just here. Samsung and Apple seem to be regularly in court arguing over who has copied who, though this doesn’t seem to trigger people in quite the same way.

[@stoicthedog]

I'll give you that China's laissez faire attitude towards counterfeit law makes for some obvious copying at times but to think that every other manufacturer on the planet doesn't strip down their competitors product to see how it ticks and get "ideas" to improve theirs, is optimistic, at best. It's just not as blatant. Suzuki, for example, wouldn't be here if it wasn't for stealing Walter Kaaden's 2 stroke tech. One of Porches most successful Le Man's cars had what was basically a stolen McLaren F1 chassis. It goes on and on and on. Not saying that it's right but it seems to be how it goes, yet we let it slide for every other country.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@stoicthedog yup, it’s not right, though I also don’t know enough about the designs of both to say it is just IP theft. I used to work in IP, and all it takes is an innovative step, that makes it slightly different, enough to register a different patent, or at least enough to make something different to avoid being sued… not sure how long Scott dampers have been around, but if for long enough (20 years?) they might be out of patent anyway.

[@philipparana9225]

​@@PeakMotorcycles we would get Chinese knock offs of out products and they would even copy mould changes that we would make that were non functional, like a prototype change and we didn't want to make a new dye, they would copy the change and not just remove it. They would also copy internal markings but not external. Pretty funny

[@miro_s]

@@stoicthedogcopying is not counterfeiting. Counterfeiting means to fake a brand. It is and it should be illegal. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with copying, otherwise only Ford could make cars… copying needs to be regulated in two directions: to protect investments and to avoid monopolies (which stifle innovation and competition). But of course as for every other field, there’s no such thing as international law…

[@miro_s]

Thanks for this. Doesnt look like it doesn’t “damp” on return to centred (that is, it offers the same resistance when turning the handlebar away from the centre as when returning them back), which is one of the features of the Scott’s (for off-road). Can you confirm? Also, have you tested the screw that controls the angle of engagement.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Yup, it does and the adjuster screws work (though I have it set to the standard lock to lock)

[@miro_s]

@@PeakMotorcycles thx. I phrased my question so poorly, that your answer becomes unclear 😂: i take it you mean it is no damping on return to centre.

[@Berecutecu]

How is the Kove 450 treating you? I'm considering pulling the trigger on one when they arrive at my local dealear next month

[@PeakMotorcycles]

For me, still pretty good, but I also have a CRF300 and a R1250GS. I’d definitely suggest a test ride if your dealer can sort that out.

[@lS-xv6qn]

love the video! thanks for showing us how it all works! my only point of concern would be the corrosion on the threads .... doesn't look great?? would you put some anti seize on the bolts to make sure it doesn't bond with the threads? I'm no mechanic but better to stop the corrosion now??

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Hi, It’s not the first steel frame where I’ve seen such things. I guess when a thread is cut, it can’t be easily painted or powder coated. Ideally I would have put some plugs in before getting it wet, but I was too late. The bolts for the damper are stainless steel so I wouldn’t expect any dissimilar metal bonding like you get with steel bolts into alloy swingarms. Hopefully I’ll not need to remove it often (ever?!)

[@lS-xv6qn]

@@PeakMotorcycles 100% you would hate for electrolysis to happen between the two metals so if you ever decide to remove the damper it ruins the frame. Love you vids and work keep it up 👌🤙🤙

[@AdventureTomek]

I’m about to order one of these for my Tenere 700, worth trying for the price. My buddy asked me if I’m worried about it locking up?? Not even sure if that is possible with the way it’s constructed.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I’m not sure that’s possible either. I haven’t opened mine up, but my guess is the internals (a damper in oil) are similar to a Scott. I guess that if it fails it would be undamped rather than locked. Any T7 forums with information on that?

[@jimzigouris]

hi,what brand is the allen keys? thank you

[@PeakMotorcycles]

They are from a company called Bondhus and are available as hex and torx: UK: Torx amzn.to/3XUkAUY Hex amzn.to/46Qqz1g USA: Torx amzn.to/3Oi5wxb Hex amzn.to/3JXvCDq (For full disclosure, these are affiliate links. It doesn't change the price for the customer, but if something is purchased they give a bit to the channel!)

[@petermorrow4310]

Hi Andre, great video's. What weight is the Kove wet? Is it top heavy? Can you pick it up on your own. Think the Kove looks very promising 👍

[@PeakMotorcycles]

It’s about 170kg with 30L of fuel and it isn’t too heavy at all. All weight is carried low down on the sides so almost nothing on the top and I can pick it up on my own (though I can also pick up my loaded GS on my own, so that last bit might not be so useful!)

[@jimistalione16]

is it safe? heard of cases of some dampers that locked mid travel and things got bad

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I’ve done 500 miles with mine and no problems at all. Do you recall where you heard of the problems? The only difference between the Scott and this is that the Scott only damps on the turn from centre not return and this does both ways. Mechanically they are pretty simple, just an oil box with a valve. I suppose the valve could jam but I don’t know how that could even happen. I’d be interested to know if you’d share where you’d heard though, in particular what jammed.

[@davidgerrard8661]

Cool

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks

[@racesla]

If you look at a parts diagram for the Savage Steering Damper and the Scotts, they are exactly the same.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I hadn’t but thanks for confirming. I guess it’s a fairly simple design, much like the piston dampers.

[@biboandagape]

No, it's not the same. The Savage, although they don't say it, is like a road damper because it dampens in both directions - it does not have the "free to return" feature that an off-road damper like the Scotts has.

[@SergioRomeroAlcántara-z1x]

160€ aliexpres, dows it worth it????

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Depends on how you find the steering and where you’re riding. If all on road, then no. If some road and some trails then for me, yes. If you’re taking the bike racing, perhaps the €700 Scott damper is the way to go.

[@usuariouser224]

Nm squeeze??😅 Please

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Do you mean for fitting? Or how much resistance it puts up?

[@usuariouser224]

@@PeakMotorcycles for fittin...i nstalation.

[@usuariouser224]

For instance front wp 17Nm

[@natekerx85]

Guess you can make them a lot cheaper when you just steal the engineering!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Or you can charge a lot more because people will pay… I expect this is a copy of the IP, but I’m sure they do their own engineering. I’m not condoning it at all, but I also wouldn’t spend 6x the amount for the same damper. Would you?

[@natekerx85]

@@PeakMotorcycles not really sure why one would expect that the manufacturer did much in the way of engineering, they basically made a replica of a Scott’s damper down to the shape of the knobs and the color of the anodizing. They certainly didn’t do any field testing with world class riders under race conditions. As far as the price difference, that’s always a personal choice. Would you buy a strange, squared off carb from an unknown manufacturer and assume it’s as good as a Lectron?Or rag on KYB shocks for being 6x the price of a mystery eBay unit? The only difference from my perspective is that for most off-road riders, a steering dampener is an unnecessary farkle that just sort of goes with the adv territory. It doesn’t matter if it really works, because it’s not required or even very useful for the pace and terrain these bikes are seeing. So for that individual, if you just need to have a gold thing bolted between the handlebars, I’d say go for it.

[@ascutt]

Maybe a company should think about where it is sending it's intellectual property for manufacturer - higher profits at the risk of duplication.

[@miro_s]

non-sense. There’s nothing ethical and defensible about making the “original” dampers in China for $30 and selling it back to you for $1000+. These are basic mechanisms of our beloved “market economy”, whereby international competition will “help” the product find the “right price”…

[@natekerx85]

@@miro_s a Scott’s steering damper is $400 bucks, not 1000+ but ok. The company has overhead, US based employees, and actually develops products, so yeah, they can’t compete on price with overseas knock offs. There are plenty of ways to cut corners on a “basic mechanism” and I guarantee you they’ve been cut. Maybe no big deal on these grocery duty these ADV bikes do for 90% of buyers but don’t kid yourself that they’re the same.

[@lophophorawilliamsii9740]

I guess it makes sense to put cheap crap knockoff parts on a chinese bike.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

I guess you’ve used one of these dampers yourself so you’d know? Someone else had posted that they are identical to a Scott damper so are they expensive crap originals? I’d heard they were quite good, but £600 is a lot to spend on a lower cost motorcycle. Each to their own though, so I guess it’s not for you. May I ask if you made that comment on a phone or device made in China? Ride safe 😉

[@c3h4organic97]

Seriously? The steering is the most critical function of a bike and you want to screw this cheep chinese crap on you bike to save some bucks? Think again. Send this copycat to Scotts and they can disasemble it and tell you, how dangerous it is.

[@PeakMotorcycles]

Thanks, but that is a lot of assumptions there. This bike comes with no damper, much like many others. And I don’t really do requests. Thanks anyway.

[@ascutt]

And you don't think its from exactly the same factory and production line your $600 Scotts comes from?!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@ascutt 🤣

[@ascutt]

@@PeakMotorcycles I'd love to compare your Kove to my CRF500L - a meeting of unicorns!

[@PeakMotorcycles]

@@ascutt the bike Honda really should have made! Maybe they’ll see this is a market with big gaps!