Earlier this year, you might have seen the feature we did on the brand KOVE. If you missed that, you can check it out here: https://dirtandtrail.co.za/kove-motorcycles/
Anyway, at the time, we were wondering whether anyone would take the plunge and bring the bikes to a rallye mad SA market.
Guess what?
There are some bikes on the way as we bang this out…
The KOVE FSE 450R Rally, is a competitive, lightweight, and long range rally bike and, after years of testing, is also the first ever mass produced “Dakar Rally” type motorcycle in the world.
Tested?
Well, at this years Dakar Rally, three Kove factory racers finished on the first attempt. Three entered, three finished.
So what do you get?
You get a liquid-cooled DOHC 449cc single that sings out a claimed 52 hp. Suspension with 12 inches of travel. A 30 and a bit litre fuel capacity, TFT dash, and ABS.
Kove claims the FSE 450R Rally is prime for usage as a small and aggressive dual sport. Oil capacity is 1.8 liters, double that of most 450 dirt singles on the market. Service intervals are 4500 KM’s. Impressive
Since its inception in 2017, Kove has grown quickly, thanks to a former Chinese motocross rider and founder Zhang Xue. He says he wants to create a brand of motorcycles that will give young racers in China the competitive machine he never had as a kid. But first, there are lofty goals for Kove’s rally efforts. It’s shooting for a top-20 finish next year, top 10 the next, a podium in 2026, and a win in 2027. Can it be done? That remains to be seen.
But the bikes are on the way to SA. Hopefully, we’ll get to ride one.
Looks flippen brilliant for sure!
Dealer enquiries. Orders:
087-163-6340
2023 Kove FSE 450R Rally Specs
Engine: | DOHC, liquid-cooled single; 4 valves |
Displacement: | 448.9cc |
Bore x Stroke: | 94.5 x 64.0mm |
Compression Ratio: | TBA |
Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
Claimed Horsepower: | 52 hp @ 9,500 rpm |
Claimed Torque: | 31 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm |
Fuel System: | Bosch EFI |
Clutch: | Wet, multiplate; cable actuated |
Frame: | Steel |
Front Suspension: | 49mm, compression and rebound adjustable; 12.0 in. travel |
Rear Suspension: | monoshock w/ linkage, fully adjustable; 12.0 in. travel |
Front Brake: | Nissin 2-piston caliper, disc w/ switchable ABS |
Rear Brake: | Nissin 2-piston caliper, disc w/ switchable ABS |
Wheels, Front/Rear: | Spoked aluminum; 21 in./18 in. |
Tyres, Front/Rear: | CST; 90/90-21 / 140/80-18 |
Rake/Trail: | 28.0°/NA |
Wheelbase: | 147cm. |
Ground Clearance: | 31 cm. |
Seat Height: | 96.5 cm. |
Fuel Capacity: | 30 plus litres |
Claimed Wet Weight: | 167KG. |
