Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1497874
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 KOVE FSE 450R RALLY P104 motorcycle sits comfort- ably for average-height test riders (approximately 5'10"). The oversized footpegs feel great. Again, the motor is not overly exciting. Still, it is powerful enough to ride through deep sand and up soft hills. The fuel injec - tion mapping is good and predictable but not as precise as a modern-day MX or off-road competition bike. The Kove has a more utilitarian attitude when it comes to power delivery; it prefers high rpms to make fun power but not so much to be irritating or difficult to manipulate in slower terrain. Power is soft down low, so you will use the clutch a lot in deep sand. Clutch pull is reasonable, and we experienced no over - heating or fading issues with the cable-actuated clutch during our short test ride. The six-speed transmis- sion provides plenty of range and allows the bike to comfortably cruise at 80 mph on the highway. Kove says the bike will tap out at 105 mph. We'll just have to trust them on that one. The Yuan suspension components, which, to the eye, are very similar look - ing as some of the more popular units from Japan, are set up well from the factory. The ride is very plush overall, comfortable at high speeds in the sand and hard-pack dirt and is surprisingly stable over the sand whoops. Bottoming resistance is impressive, too. We tried to bash the Kove's suspension into submission, but the Yuan's soaked it all up quite well with room to spare. We suspect they will work just as good with a full load of fuel, too. We rode the bike with only four gallons on board, not the full eight. We don't know how many people need a true rally race bike, but if you do, the affordable Kove FSE 450R Rally should fit the bill and, perhaps best of all, be easier to get your hands on than the pricier Austrian versions. The KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas Rally Replica bikes are technically available to buy, but they will set you back significantly more than the Kove's $8999 MSRP—that is if you can find one, import it, and get it registered. The Kove, however, is going to be an easier entry point into this part of the world. If you're concerned about parts, Kove says that, while deal - ers will be limited for a while, parts are available through its U.S. importer. Suppose you don't plan to race but want a capable long-distance desert or dirt- road-exploring bike without having to invest in after - market fuel tanks and the like on a standard enduro bike, then the Kove FSE 450R Rally just might be a great option for you. CN 2023 KOVE FSE 450R RALLY ($8999) ENGINE TYPE: 4-stroke, single cylinder VALVETRAIN: 4-valve, DOHC COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid DISPLACEMENT: 448.9cc BORE X STROKE: 94.5 x 64mm STARTING SYSTEM: Electric FUELING: Bosch EFI TRANSMISSION: 6-speed CLUTCH: Wet multi-disc with cable actuation FRAME: Steel FRONT SUSPENSION: Yuan, 49mm fully adjustable inverted REAR SUSPENSION: Yuan, fully adjustable single shock with linkage system FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 12.0 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 12.0 in. FRONT WHEEL: 21 in. REAR WHEEL: 18 in. FRONT TIRE: 90/90 x 21 in. REAR TIRE: 140/80 x 18 in. FRONT BRAKE: Single disc with dual-piston caliper, ABS REAR BRAKE: Single disc with dual-piston caliper, ABS SEAT HEIGHT: 38.0 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 12.0 in. WHEELBASE: 58.0 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 8.0 gal. OIL CAPACITY: 1.8 liters. Recommended oil change every 2000 – 3000 miles; valve clearance check every 5000 miles WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED): 320 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S