Kove 800x Rally, the road test: how it goes, price and versions

In January of 2023when I saw one for the first time Kove at the DakarI thought between me and me: “But where do they think they go?”. Three Chinese drivers, motorcycles never seen, an unknown team. Yet, contrary to the forecasts of many, to the finish line of Dammam The motorcycles of the Chinese house managed to finish the most famous rally raid in the world on the final podium. From there, an escalation: in 2024, Cesare Zacchetti the Saudi marathon closed in Malle motorcycle (class reserved for drivers without assistance, editor’s note) with a 450 completely as standard, while last January Kove It arrived at the bivouac with 12 pilots, becoming the second force by number of subscribers. It is not just a sporting question: it is the reflection of a brand that in a few months has built a credible, concrete range and, in the case of 800x Rallyeven bold. It is not a crossover camouflaged by Enduro. It is not one adventure With the pedigree, but too heavy for the sand. It is a weapon. And if the umpteenth copy may seem like from the outside, you understand that This kove has something uniquewhich was missing in the panorama of modern duals.

Kove 800x Rally: Design and Dimensions

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Sleeve, streamlined, concrete. No concession to the living room aesthetics: the Kove 800x Rally It presents itself for what it is, with dimensions (it is long 2,267 mmwith an intensity of 1.545 mmwide 880 mm and high 1,436 mmwhile the minimum height from the ground is 293 mm) and Dakarian inspiration, but without too many frills. The windshield is minimal, the Torre Torre recalls those of the real Rally-Raid, and the ergonomics is designed for the standing guide. The tank from 20 liters It is tall but not cumbersome, the superstructures are slender and the aluminum paramotor immediately understands that this bike is not afraid of scratches and stones. The passenger platforms are not there, and the rear frame attached aluminum is ready for competitions. It is a means that seems to have come out directly from an African bivouac.

Kove 800x Rally: motor and electronics

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The parallel twin cylinder from 799 cc It is a real surprise. Not only for the declared power, 95 hp at 9,000 rpm, but for how those horses come. The delivery is immediate, lively, almost brutal. As soon as the gas is touched, the answer is dry. The command is still cable, and you feel. The on-off below 3,000 rpm is present, even annoying sometimes if you travel at low speeds, but as soon as you go up rhythm, becomes pure adrenaline. You tear your smile literally. Nothing Riding Modeno maps to be chopped or inertial platforms: only diskable ABS, basic traction control and a nice TFT display. All the rest is heart, mechanics and, fortunately, a lot of margin to manage with the right wrist.

Kove 800x Rally: frame and suspension

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The data to be kept in mind is only one: 178 kg dry (which go down to 165 kg version Racing). A figure that, coupled with suspension from 270 mm in front and 250 mm Behind, transform the Kove in something unpublished. To date, no twin -cylinder on the market has these standard numbers. And it’s not just a question from the technical data sheet. On the move, the 800x Rally It looks like a single -cylinder, but with double the back. Change direction in an instant, check with two fingers, and if you are in a Pietraia or on a technical climb, you realize that it does things that a twin cylinder from 200 kilos (Designed around a steel diamond frame with aluminum swelling) it shouldn’t even try. The narrow circles, designed to mount real rally tires (or even Enduro Fim), and the front front disc from 310 mm They speak the language of the desert, not only that of the paved steps.

Kove 800x Rally: how to go

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It is difficult to explain what is felt at the helm of the Kove 800x Rally without seeming enthusiastic. But it is like this: the bike amuses, and a lot. As soon as you get on the saddle you notice that the bike is lower than you expect. The location is collected, the platforms have advanced, the closer handlebar of the average. I am high 1 meter and 85 cmAnd I would have preferred something more relaxedbut for those who are lower than (approximately) 15 cm, this choice will center. It is a motorcycle designed to be accessible. By making a comparison with the bike world we could say that it is a small size, but without still losing rigor. On the asphalt it is agile, streamlined, reactive, but it is out of-traccio that its true character is revealed. The rally triangulation immediately puts you at ease standing. The lightness, combined with a healthy chassis, makes you want to look for the limit. The mono absorbs well, the fork work clean even in dry compressions, and 270 mm Running are a guarantee even if you decide to “close everything” and fly on a panettone of a few dozen meters. Yes, because with this bike, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 185 km/hyou can really jump. There is nothing that prevents her from playing as a specialist single cylinder would do, but with much more engine. The twin cylinder, in fact, is not only powerful. It is aggressive enough to get excited. The wheel behind the ski, raises the dust, closes the trajectories, plays with the couple as one 450 Dakariana. Of course, it does not have the linear progression of a 700 Japanese, but those who love to hear the bike that paws under themselves, here will find bread for its teeth. The change is precise, the clutch is not as a reference under stress, but it remains good. Ultimately, It is a complete motorcyclewithout compromise in off -road vehicles, but still usable everywhere. It is not the usual adventure With dirt roads: it is a specialist who is not afraid of the highway. It is a real dualthe most extreme that the market today manages to offer.

Kove 800x Rally: strengths and weaknesses

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Here are the strengths and weaknesses found during our test carried out on the saddle Kove 800x Rally.

• Ergonomics: on this front the bike is also suitable for those under 175 cm;
• Guide: aggressive and engaging delivery;
• Reduced weight: it seems to drive a 450 rally;
• Price: very competitive for what it offers;
• Suspensions: they are able to offer great off-road performance;

• Gas on/off: it is marked at low revs;
• Tires: first equipment tires are undertone in off -road vehicle for the level of the technical package;
• Driving position collected: not ideal for high pilots.

Kove 800x Rally: the technical data sheet

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The list price from the Kove 800x Rally is of 11,990 euros. Below you can find the technical data sheet of this model.