The MX450 DUAL SPORT from KOVE is a model that, as its name suggests, aims to be a “hybrid between a motocrosser and a street-legal bike.” It is based on the MX450 motocrosser, which has been redesigned for street-legal specifications to become the DUAL SPORT. Aiming to maintain high power and light weight while clearing the EURO5+ regulations, it boasts the most powerful specs for an off-road street bike, at “120 kg, 47.5 PS.” Its official website touts it as “the most powerful specs off-road street bike,” making its challenging positioning clear.
The price has yet to be determined, but it is scheduled to be released in Japan in spring or summer 2026. The color currently shown is “GREEN,” but other colors may be added in the future.
This model is an ambitious design that retains the roughness of a motocross bike while also being versatile enough to handle paved roads. It clearly shows an attempt to combine off-road performance with maneuverability and a sense of security on public roads.
Engine and power performance
At its heart is a water-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 449 cm³ engine. It delivers a high output of 47.5 PS even under Euro 5+ regulations. The exhaust system appears to have a chamber-like pipe, but this is actually designed to house a catalyst (exhaust gas purification device), and the exhaust gas treatment mechanism is built into it. Furthermore, two O₂ sensors are located before and after the catalyst, improving the precision of exhaust gas control.
This design aims to achieve both off-road performance and environmental friendliness. The MX450 ENDURO, a competition model for motocrossers, has a maximum output of 61 PS, clearly different from the road-legal model.
This power performance gives the impression of being designed to be versatile enough to be used on both rough and paved roads, emphasizing that this is not just a road-ready off-road vehicle, but a model that has also had its engine performance tweaked.
Body structure and suspension design
The body structure is a double cradle frame made of HC700 high-strength steel, and an aluminum subframe is used to achieve both strength and lightness, keeping the vehicle weight to 120 kg (semi-dry).
The seat height has not been officially announced, but there are reports that a rider who is 170 cm tall and weighs 75 kg was able to stand on his toes when straddling a model currently under development, so it appears that the foot reach is not difficult. The tank capacity is 9.5 liters, a significant increase from the 6.5 liters of the MX450 motocrosser, and is thought to be a design that prioritizes practicality when riding on public roads.
The front and rear suspensions are fully adjustable. However, the stroke is shorter than that of the competition model, taking into consideration ease of foot placement and handling. This shows the design approach of balancing ease of handling on public roads and paved roads with off-road capability.
In addition, as a road-going version, it is expected to be equipped with ABS to ensure safety, and consideration for compliance with regulations is scattered throughout the car.
Regulatory compliance, release date and market outlook
The MX450 DUAL SPORT is designed to meet the EURO5+ regulations, but it is also considering the “L3e-A2E/A3E” regulations for enduro use, and since there is a possibility that it may not meet the minimum ground clearance (310 mm or more), it is stated that an application is being made to meet the regular EURO5+ regulations while taking measures such as equipping it with ABS.
The release is scheduled for spring to summer 2026, and attention will be focused on how it will be priced in the Japanese market. Regarding the provision of genuine parts, KOVE has indicated that it is preparing to set up a mail-order system through a separate division (Gunsmith BATON), which suggests that the company is also placing emphasis on parts distribution.
In terms of market prospects, it is expected to act as a bridge between off-road enthusiasts and public road users. Some riders have used motocross bikes, but due to restrictions on riding on public roads, there is a strong demand for a road-legal model. If this demand can be accurately captured, the MX450 DUAL SPORT has the potential to become a popular model.
The MX450 DUAL SPORT is a model that aims to be “a bike that can run both in the wilderness and in the city,” and is a challenging machine that reflects KOVE’s technical capabilities and ambition.
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