KOVE MX250 TEST

#dirtbike #offroad #racing #motocross
First things first, the Kove is a very cool bike. It is, as far as I know, the first real motocross bike from China. Most other bikes from mainland Asia are copies of something else, but the Kove is its own beast. It has a DOHC six-speed motor that Kove produced in cooperation with nearby Zongshen. The top end, clutch and most parts are made by Kove. The suspension is by another Chinese company called Yu An and the brakes are by yet another Chinese company called Taisko. Virtually everything is sourced in China, which allows the MSRP to come in at $5999. The great thing about the Kove is that it feels normal. Everything is right; the seat, the bars and the riding position are all very modern and comfortable. This isn’t what I expected. Usually bikes from mainland Asia are laid out in weird ways. From just sitting on it, I would swear it’s a Honda. It fires up easily and sounds just like any other 250cc motocross bike.In performance, the Kove is realistically a step behind most other 250 race bikes of today, and the importers in Utah freely admit as much. It’s around 5 percent heavier than most (237 pounds without fuel versus 227 for a Husky FC250) and makes about 17 percent less horsepower (37.5 versus 44.4 for the Husky). When you ride the bike, though, you don’t really think in those terms. It revs like any modern 250. Most of the power is way up high, so to get around the track, you scream it-just like any other 250. It jumps all the same jumps, goes up all the same hills and feels just like it should. Even the suspension is surprisingly normal. The Yu-An and shock have clickers and once you get them adjusted properly, it feels … absolutely mainstream. For some reason, our bike came with all the clickers too far in and so our first impression was that it was overdamped. To get it in the ballpark we took about 10 clicks out of both compression and rebound in the shock, and about 5 out of the fork.The real concern with most products from mainland Asia centers around reliability. On one of our test days, Glen Helen was a muddy mess, and just to get around the tack, Pete Murray had to abuse the clutch like crazy. The radiators were filled with mud and other bikes were overheating all over the track. Not the Kove. The next time out, the bike felt like it was still new. We’re impressed.
Of course, you can’t give away 7 horsepower in the 250 class today and expect to win races. This is a great practice bike, a fantastic playbike and a wonderful trail bike, but Kove still isn’t to the point where it can go head to head with more established brands on the track. That day will probably come, but frankly, we’re in no hurry. Right now, we would rather have the low price.
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[@mitchelljordan447]

I personally would not own one, but I 100% believe a bike like this was needed. Too many people have been priced out of the sport, we need a cheaper but still capable option. Bike seems plenty capable for the majority of riders. If reliability is solid, and the parts network is sufficient it will be a great option for those getting into the sport or looking to ride on a budget.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Great comment!

[@michalbiajgo_roascrafters]

Kove class in local races would be fun to race

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Want to go fast for cheap? Get a 2-stroke.

[@DisasterTheoryX]

@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443 Parts are limited for the 2 strokes.

[@Scandle68]

​@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443Exactly. A used 250cc two stroke in decent condition made in the last 20 years would be easy to find, even cheaper, and would walk all over this thing. It would be simpler, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain as well.

[@bigtony7451]

Awesome to see this tested. Most of the parts on your japanese bikes are sourced in china anyway, its time to get over the stigma. Its not a podium bike but for almost half the price its a geat option for anyone that wants to have fun. Thanks for the info

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for the feedback and checking it out! Appreciate it!

[@johndepperschmidt8984]

Thanks for covering this brand. What an impressive first effort, can't wait to see what's next. So many choices in the market now.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback!

[@tedbaxter5234]

One recommendation for future videos: Could you please obliterate all exhaust notes of the bikes? I just love the snappy overbearing music soundtracks, could you please make them even more overbearing? Thank you, and keep up the good work. Super Hunky would be proud.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thanks for the tip. A lot of people want to hear the bike. Can't make everyone happy sorry

[@sakariputtonen2683]

@@DirtBikeMagazineSarcasm a new consept to you guys?

[@Mbogz27]

@@DirtBikeMagazine I like hearing the bike. Don't worry about guys who haven't been laid in a year and feel the need to complain about shit on the internet.

[@mototouro]

That bike is not the current model MX250. It is the previous years model and is nothing at all like the MX250 featured at the Milan motorcycle show. It has not been released yet.

[@dirtbikeron]

The Gen 2 MX250 is yet to arrive, but will be more expensive. The Gen 1 version featured here will continue to be sold along side the new version at the lower price.

[@kanon0853]

tbh, no one really cares.

[@mototouro]

@@kanon0853 yet you watched the video, and read the comments 🤔

[@warwater]

Looks like the perfect bike to do wheelies up and down city streets. Maybe now top brands could be left alone and used for what they are made for.

[@fredmyers120]

What happened to Shineray? They raced in Europe a few years ago.

[@xr5000]

Have you guys ever tested the GPX Moto brand bikes?

[@daviddziadosz]

They will only get better. Well done kove!!

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Thanks for doing a review of this bike..it definitely has a place in the market...we could use more lower cost options...the big 5 brands have gotten out of control with price. If I can make a suggestion try the GPX TSE300L 2 Stroke.😁👍

[@backfireproductions4362]

The reality is most D class, and even some C class beginner riders wont use all the power that a new Yz250f or even the rmz250 has, and having something this affordable on the market allows a lot more people to start enjoying the sport, as long as they prove to be reliable and have longevity I think it’s the best beginner option on the market right now

[@jonnoMoto]

seems perfectly adequate for a weekend warrior who rarely, if ever, races.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Exactly our thoughts. At a price that you can't get on many bikes right now

[@williamcrotts7054]

I'd do without before I'd sponsor the CCP.@@DirtBikeMagazine

[@Cali_Livin_916]

Definitely not a race bike, good starter bike though.

[@Bankaimg]

This bike is needed imo to get people into the sport that just don't have 8-10k and want a new motorcycle. I've been impressed with the r&d they are putting into the bikes and appreciate them for answering any questions you have. Would love to see a test of the gpx 300 2stroke as I've heard positive things about those as well. This bike was never marketed as a race bike, it was marketed for those who are weekend warriors. The rally 450 on the other hand has been proven as it's competed at dakar.

[@stanprunty4141]

They will get you hooked and double price

[@MitchellCamps]

Very interesting. I will be buying the 450 Rally soon as their is nothing else like it on the market for the price range it is at. Curious to see how their MX450 will perform.

[@annon-ski7985]

Honestly looks nice, their new bikes are looking nice.

[@boerplaas388]

I like it 👍

[@rogermelling8941]

Looks about as powerful as 04 crf 250 😮

[@bryced3832]

Watching y’all ride it looks like a lot bark and no bite. Very sluggish looking

[@ClarkStar866]

they were riding in mud.

[@flangmasterj]

@@ClarkStar866 exactly. A 250F at a muddy Glen Helen. The 250F's "sluggish" there on a good day.

[@Cali_Livin_916]

It's still way underpowered compared to a Yamaha, KTM or anything else and only a little more powerful than most Chinese bikes running Zongshen engines, not much, but a little. Definitely not a race bike, just a rec bike..

[@akustaka]

@@Cali_Livin_916 You seem to be showing your lack of understanding for how power works on dirtbikes... It's not about numbers, it's about your ability to keep a bike planted and get the power to the ground. the bike has 37.5 maximum hp, compared to a KTM at nearly double the price at 45.2 hp with the same displacement... Yes it will be a little heavier, yes it will be a little slower, the tires on the bike they were riding are prolly el-cheapo knock offs and not proper tired specced for that muddy situation.. Did you not see in the video how much it is roostertailing? It cannot keep the power planted to the ground because not only the conditions, but the operator is whacking it full throttle out of every single turn before the bike gets a chance to hook.

[@ryankelso7980]

If the team at Dirt Action Magazine had the cash would you personally buy a KOVE or would you buy a 2 year old Honda or Yamaha or KTM etc?

[@brockpeck7073]

I would buy a 2 year old honda or Yamaha

[@mackeymichael]

@@brockpeck7073 ld buy a ten year old Honda or Yamaha it looks like a right royal POS

[@jethroboorer2860]

Not even a question 😂. Infact I'd put any jap farm bike up against it. Carriers and all

[@deanwaring6100]

Sounds like a good idea 😊

[@MrSuperflydude]

Dude that thing can't get out of its own way. If you're strapped for cash there's always deals on suzukis. I'd be blown away if this company lasts more than 2 years in the states

[@Bankaimg]

If you listened they said kove has been around since the 2017. Even if it doesn't work in America doesn't mean it won't other places.

[@MrSuperflydude]

@marcusgoldsby2671 if you listened you would've learned they just came to the states

[@Bankaimg]

@@MrSuperflydude you got me there lol

[@DrBob-gs1ng]

The owners of the company are serious Offroad Motorcycle Enthusiast and try to compete KTM at the Dakar. It is possible that they get underestimated remember the times when Japanese stepped on the Stage first time. Why shouldn't a Chinese Company with serious ambitions not come to stay? Remember KTM

[@chinawr4751]

So, when I see the images, I have the impression that this bike drives less than a YZ 125 2t

[@killacoiler1707]

If you look at the power numbers they are 5-hp up from a carbureted 2005 CRF 250R and theoretically should be faster on the top end thanks to DOHC and a 6 speed gearbox. Granted it isn't 2020 CRF or KTM 250 spec but for someone looking for an inexpensive leisure bike to just enjoy occasional trips to local tracks with it is spot on. I mean when you consider the cost of used Japanese or European MX bikes that may or may not run as good as their new plastics might suggest they should, this is a brand new machine for about the same price. If you are looking for an inexpensive weekend warrior MX bike for solely having fun the Kove and Kayo 250 MX models are going to be your best bang for buck for track use without having to remortgage the homestead to afford a new ride. I think that as time goes on the gap between Chinese MX and the rest of the world will begin to close dramatically. The biggest hurdle they have to overcome is lack of power because their frames and suspension have already caught up to the likes of the rest of the pack IMO. I have thrashed around on a Kayo 250 and to be fair it was comparable to an early 2000s CRF250r in power with a better chassis in my opinion. I wouldn't mind throwing a leg over a Kove at a track and riding it back to back with the Kayo just to see which is the better bike coming out of China.

[@domeniconelli8382]

Keep that sheet in P.R.C.🇨🇳

[@Dashriprock4]

Looks like it might make a decent trail bike.. I know GPX Moto has some decent Chinese built 2-stroke and 4-stroke trail bikes. Maybe these guys should come with a 300cc Enduro bike.

[@user-np9gz5vg2d]

it looks like its kinda struggling to get around (although thats def some deep loose dirt/sand) and the dude looks like hes really struggling to clear the jumps haha. is that really the case?

[@chrisvozza6530]

Seems really mellow. I really like that price tag on it

[@dennishelder6928]

What style engine does it copy

[@Scandle68]

A used 250cc (or even 125cc) two stroke motocross bike in decent condition made in the last 20 years by any of the established brands would be easy to find, even cheaper, and would walk all over this thing. It would be simpler, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain as well.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

That's why anyone that knows anything won't buy one of these.

[@Bankaimg]

I've been looking for used bikes in Vegas and even beat bikes are going for 4k.

[@dakotanewman4443]

well, used kove's will be even cheaper which will allow even more people to enter the sport

[@Bankaimg]

@@dakotanewman4443 yep, and that's a good thing

[@lucadimartino483]

Esatto con 6000 dollari prendi una vera moto con più potenza e affidabilità questa kove può fare solo saltini piccoli e poca potenza

[@gazwit1603]

On the opening music the lyrics are awesome oh oh a oh wa taking the piss😂

[@mackeymichael]

Looks about as powerful as an aircooled Honda XR250 from the nintees

[@michalbiajgo_roascrafters]

why this review is more favorable for Kove than most tests of Suzuki for rmz?

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

We have always praised the Suzuki on its strengths but it does have some weaknesses as well. The Kove is a new bike and we aren't comparing it to the other 250s in the class. Some other media outlets are much much harsher on the Suzuki than we are.

[@eg4760]

maybe because it is more than 2 grand cheaper than the Suzuki ? Performance of a product has to be considered with its price point.

[@ThiefOfOranges]

​@@eg4760and it's literally the first ever dirt bike they've made and Suzuki has been making dirt bikes sense before I was alive. Apples and oranges for sure.

[@eg4760]

@@ThiefOfOranges your point being ? Being new didn't stop Stark and Triumph to make super expensive bikes. Of the Kove is 10% slower than the Suzuki and 20% cheaper I don't see the problem, new brand or not.

[@ThiefOfOranges]

@@eg4760 my point is I agree with you. I think you misunderstood my comment. They're being assessed on a different scale for their first ever dirt bike than a brand would get assessed who has been producing dirt bikes for decades.

[@kentr2424]

I wonder how long it'll be before Mitch Payton at Pro Circuit gets his hands on it and starts modding the engine...😁😁

[@williamcrotts7054]

Hopefully never. In case you didn't know, China is not our friend.

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Wouldn't that be Nice...but so far they have not been interested...more can ve done to the engine, its in a very mild state of tune.😔

[@bencappello5324]

I think you’re missing an important point. No one who spends most of their time on moto is gonna buy this thing. You just give up too much…. But a guy who might buy crf250f not the r model…… this bike is brilliant for that guy.

[@Toolsareus]

Can you guys check out the SSR 250 300 450

[@Blueovalnation]

Honestly the motor sounds like a 1st generation Kawi/suzi 250f from back in 04. Interesting.

[@garyindi]

Idk if I would buy one, but I can really back what they’re doing. Not everyone can afford a 10k bike. So if someone can get out and ride for around $6k with dealer backing, could be a big jump in riders

[@ELAK762]

Beautiful Bike , thanks to cover it !

[@dericadams6139]

I love the graphics already falling off. Nice touch

[@fozzy1717]

My KTM was the same

[@swemx7403]

Im still sticking with my 2001 Yamaha yz426f. It's ''THE'' most fun motocross bike I've owned and driven in my entire life. 47 rwhp. 116kg wet. 5 speed. Decomp lever (No g#y Electric start) with kick start.

[@k.b.322]

Your bike is a piece of shit regardless of how much you think it's not. Only dip shits who can't afford a bike with a button talk smack about em

[@MERMBRAMA]

It is funny reading comments of dedicated patriots, ignoring a good product, just because it is built in a country, which does not comply with their standards. Trull a free motorcycle spirit😢

[@DisasterTheoryX]

Reliability will be what matters here.

[@joshpashia637]

That motor is insanely reliable. I put 250hrs on one with just oil changes. The carbed model of that engine runs better from the sound of it that was tuned very lean. After a solid efi map an advanced timing key and a sprocket swap to 12 53 that thing will stomp 144cc 2 strokes and hang with every 250 4 stroke out there. I had no problem leading the pack on group rides with 450's in the woods either. I had to ride it hard but it takes the abuse.

[@chrisvids1820]

Parts and service is always the issue. My friend had a sweet Chinese moped that broke and nobody would work on it

[@williamcrotts7054]

Good for them.

[@courtlandbrady5847]

Yep that's only thing keeping me from purchasing one​@@williamcrotts7054

[@karhlhenselien2260]

As long as it don't go into limp mode like me GW I'll be happy 👍👍😂😂

[@gooddeal3186]

Beautiful bike.

[@AmpedUpMoto]

Good price. But it looks twitchy, the chassis looks soft. Front dives like the men's drive team. Race, no. But it still looks fun to play around on and at that price, yo.

[@danielkarlsson608]

Regarding the power level, around 35 horses might sound a little low today. But I bought a new 07 kxf 250 and 2 years later the 09 kxf 250. They were at that power and no one complained. They ripped. I think this bike will appeal to a lot of riders. Racers will go for something else. 👍

[@Bankaimg]

Exactly

[@Bankaimg]

Plus in today's market you would be lucky to even find a used bike under 4k.

[@kylelangworthy9641]

Nice

[@andrewclark1025]

It sounds like it's going hard as but looks as fast as 110 pit bike in my opinion

[@user-tx6lo2fw6d]

That's a Chinese bike alright..has it wound right out its barly moving. Decals pealin off..yikes..

[@Todd-rk2lb]

I might end up with no parts for rebuild

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

I personally wouldn't spend my money on one. But, I'm sure it's affordability will tempt many into seeing what's it's about. After all, a few name brands these days are made in "mainland Asia".

[@piotekarmy1993]

How is it possible that they used 38 km from a capacity of 250?

[@jeffreykennedy5956]

Bike looks really slow.

[@majoy-osterlundfreeman5425]

Sounds like some old lawnmover and the speed on the track we where back in 1989 😂

[@chrisvids1820]

Yeah. I was thinking it sounds like an XR250 or something

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

You should see our test rider Carson Brown on it.

[@chrisvids1820]

​@@DirtBikeMagazineCarson shreds everything!

[@majoy-osterlundfreeman5425]

@@DirtBikeMagazineYes please, Bringhim on ze bike 🙏

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Jokes on you. We were faster and more talented then.

[@tonitorak8513]

Waow.. ❤

[@jl4091]

Rear shock sagged out.Made for 120 lbs?

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Could definitely handle your weight

[@beamecho9898]

Odd tire tread and decals falling off already 😂. Maybe they’ll go on sale for $3999

[@DualEnduro]

OG Kove CEO walked last week 🤷🏻‍♂️, also saying Japanese companies source from China 😳, that will piss them off.

[@stevestiffler9120]

Where have I heard that sound before... oh yea a Honda crf150

[@liviosinibaldi3632]

If you need to save money, then buy a YZ two stroke even a second hand one. Reliable and you may re-sell it anytime you wish. Not so with these Chinese.

[@user-fe5bi7ul4t]

Honestly these things are fairly reliable, not everyone wants a 2 stroke. 2ts are outdated if you ride MX.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

I'll never buy a motorcycle from a country that hates my way of life.

[@hughiemaceachern5282]

Id sooner buy a year or 2 old ktm for that money

[@Pompomgrenade]

That's a lot of 4 stroke tech from the past few years, for under 6K??? 😅 $weet, for the old dudes wanting something to trail race' for kicks... I'd buy it 💸

[@Pompomgrenade]

😂 the way people spend money on their bikes why not just get BBR to build an aluminum frame for it?

[@user-ky7fc4xz4y]

То ли резина не подходящая, то ли мощности не хватает... То ли ,,Фаберже ,,не даёт плясать на все деньги😂

[@hughiemaceachern5282]

Their prices are getting high enough id put another 2 or 3 grand get a yamaha or ktm

[@user-np9gz5vg2d]

i NEED some cheaper options 🤣🤣 mx is getting WAY too expensive

[@motovlogsindonesia]

Brand new stickers falling off 😅

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

From the speeds!

[@dougfalstad5227]

Looks like a decent bike. Maybe a 350F and 300 two stroke in the future? That would be cool.

[@user-re4ok2hn9o]

I look so bad😂 this is'n have power😂

[@cheto2952]

I'll spend the extra 3.500 bucks and ride once a month then buy this thing.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Hey if you got that kinda $$$ happy to hear it!

[@geraldstephens8791]

How much?

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Just under 6k !

[@Butchersniper]

No way I would risk my life on a mx track jumping some chinesium over and over again. Better off buying a used Japanese bike than this. Besides, I only buy chinese c**p if theres no way around it.

[@tomvanheeswijk5560]

Kove review , pfff and next

[@ThatPrivateerLife]

Ive worked at a dealership that sold Chinese dirt bikes. They are cheap for a reason. Inferior metals and poor design features. Ive seen so many new Chinese bikes break on the first weekend out its not even funny. Stuff like clutch and brake perches snapping off to break and shift levers bending and yes an occasional engine failure too.

[@domeniconelli8382]

Junk.

[@McMyerz223]

🎯I wanna see the inside of one of these after 50-75 hours

[@MERMBRAMA]

You haven't worked at kove.

[@morley3810]

Pretty impressive for the price, and for a first effort. Nice test, thank you. On another note...is there a worse sound in the ICE world than a 250 4T mx bike? I say no, there's not.

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

Thank You!

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Possibly the droning generators that the electric fanboys will be needing to charge between motos..

[@morley3810]

@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443 lol. Yes, you might be right about that one haha.

[@allanrmos6488]

a dirt bike that literally a sh8t

[@spoolyz0296]

The Zongshen engine isnt fast, but reliable. One thing the Chinese bikes get right. There's a reason the engines exsist all around the world in so called "cheap" bikes. This bike on the other hand belongs off road, not really a track bike

[@DirtBikeMagazine]

We were showing that it is possible to ride it on a track. You can see there is a mini stadium track and and a large outdoor track in the video for a reason. Showing the possibilities.

[@Kawiboy]

Nice ✌️

[@spoolyz0296]

Maybe a little bit more RnD to get those HP numbers up and it could hang with the other manufactures, the price itself though is a steal for what you are getting. You guys definitely noted some very good highlights about it's capabilities. I think anyone with two wheels in their garage should have atleast one Chinese bike to ride. They have come a long way and it would be nice to get rid of the stigma towards the bikes and appreciate them for what they are. Great video thanks!@@DirtBikeMagazine

[@Motosportz]

I'm guessing the transmission is already past it's design limit. I had this same motor (bottom end) in another bike and third gear took a crap after 6 months of hard off road. Hope they have addressed that. @@spoolyz0296

[@deanwaring6100]

China doesn't recognise anyone's paintent's

[@domeniconelli8382]

Patents*

[@Dierk200185]

I think its cool a more affordable price segment could be established by this brand. Also intresting usually everything succesful from the CCP is "new energy" related. Since batteries are China's "oil". Substities for companies are huge this is why the EV market, batteries for storage, PV panels etc... over there booms. That could mean Kove's leadership actually is driven by intrinsic pashoin to enter the dirt market, which would be a good thing imo.

[@moto3463]

Slower then my old cr50 😂

[@stephdiesel2110]

I’m sorry but this may just be the worst sounding dirt bike I’ve ever heard 😂 I thought the yz250f was raspy….

[@brockpeck7073]

Sounds like it has no balls

[@ronmor8237]

Sounds Chinese.....

[@williamcrotts7054]

Dick Tracy?

[@thumbsup123_______7]

It makes almost the exact same power as a crf250r

[@lucadimartino483]

Con 6000 dollari prendo una moto vera di seconda mano quasi nuova

[@lucadimartino483]

Infatti l hanno provata in una pista con dei saltini piccoli perché se salta lungo si rompe in 2 😂 poi non ha potenza

[@fuckucatchme1000rr]

I’m selling my 23 FC350 and picking up a Kove!