Despite being equipped with a 799cc two-cylinder engine, it is extremely lightweight at just 165kg.
KOVE, a new motorcycle manufacturer founded in Chongqing, China in 2017, handles everything from development to production and sales, focusing on mid-class off-road vehicles. In 2021, production exceeded 20,000 units, making it the fourth-largest manufacturer in China in terms of sales of motorcycles over 300cc. The 450 Rally, which is already on sale in Japan, is equipped with a 449cc DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine that produces a maximum output of 51.7ps, and is a full-fledged rally raid machine that has also competed in the Dakar Rally.
KOVE exhibited at the EICMA 2024 International Motorcycle Exposition held in Milan, Italy, and announced the 800X RALLY, an off-road model equipped with a new large-displacement engine, and the 450 RALLY EX, an evolved 450 Rally.
The front brake, which was a double disc on the 800X, was changed to a single disc.
The 800X RALLY is a special model based on the 800X already on sale in Europe, equipped with the features required for rally raids. Its compact frame is fitted with KOVE’s original water-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, two-cylinder 799cc engine. It produces a maximum output of 95ps and has an announced top speed of 185km/h. The base 800X has a top speed of 210km/h, so the 800X RALLY appears to have a gear ratio that’s geared towards lower speeds. It does not have the traction control found on the 800X. Despite its twin-cylinder engine, it’s lightweight, weighing just 165kg dry.
KYB suspension is used both front and rear. The suspension stroke is 270mm in the front and 250mm in the rear.
The front and rear suspensions are made by KYB, with fully adjustable front forks with a stroke of 270mm, which is unusual for a commercially available model, and a preload adjustable type with a stroke of 250mm at the rear. The minimum ground clearance is 293mm, ensuring easy clearance even on sandy or rocky ground. The seat height is kept low at 895mm, so it is not difficult to ride on the street.
The tire size is a 21-inch 90/90 in the front and an 18-inch 140/80 in the rear, allowing for a choice of standard enduro tires. The front brake was a double disc on the 800X, but has been changed to a single on the 800X RALLY in order to emphasize weight reduction and controllability. A steering damper is also standard equipment, allowing for stable riding even on rocky terrain or at high speeds.
The 450 RALLY EX is ready to race.
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It has been announced that the team will be participating in the Dakar Rally.
The 450 RALLY EX, which was also announced, is based on the popular 450 RALLY, a full-scale rally raid model, and has been tuned up to be able to compete in rallies and races as is. It has already been announced that the 450 RALLY EX will compete in the Dakar Rally 2025, with the KOVE team, consisting of riders from China, and the KOVE ITALIA team, consisting of riders Cesare Zachetti and Ottavio Misso, taking part. It has also been announced that the Japanese KOVE-JAPAN factory team, with Japanese riders and staff, will compete in the Taklamakan Rally to be held in May 2025.
The 800X RALLY is scheduled to be introduced in Japan between spring and summer 2025. The release date for the 450 RALLY EX has yet to be decided.
800X RALLY Spec
- Total length x full width x total length: 2267 x 880 x 1436mm
- Wheelbase: 1545mm
- Minimum ground clearance: 293mm
- Seat height: 895mm
- Vehicle weight: 165kg (dry weight)
- Passenger capacity: 1 person
- Engine type: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve 2-cylinder
- Total displacement: 799cc
- Bore x stroke: 88 x 65.7mm
- Maximum output: 70kW (95ps) / 9000rpm
- Maximum torque: 80Nm/7500rpm
- Starting method: Self
- Fuel tank capacity: 19 liters
- Transmission: 6-speed return
- Tires: (F) 90/90-21, (R) 140/80-18 Tube type
- Price: TBD
