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/1535807
multi-day adventures, this large capacity alleviates the range anxiety that plagues most off- road bikes. The cockpit blends old-school off-road ergonomics with mod- ern convenience. A TFT display shows speed, trip data, fuel level, average speed, rpm, and other typical ADV bike informa - tion. Riders can disable the standard ABS system, though it annoyingly resets every time you cycle the ignition. A USB charging port keeps devices powered during long rides. The 38-inch seat height matches other modern off-road and dual sport bikes, which are at least two inches taller than most ADV machines. Standard oversized footpegs and com - fortable ergonomics accommo- date extended riding sessions. Don't expect explosive ac- celeration from the 450 Rally. The engine delivers mellow, predictable power that requires higher rpm to access its full potential, quite different from race-oriented 450 motocross bikes. This characteristic suits adventure riding well, providing controllable power delivery on challenging terrain. The Bosch fuel-injection map - ping works smoothly, and clutch feel is excellent throughout the range. While not exciting, the powerplant gets the job done reliably. The 450 Rally's chassis strikes an interesting balance. Compared to typical off-road or dual sport bikes, it feels sub - stantial and planted—exactly Highway sections revealed the 450 Rally's superiority over typical dual sport bikes on pave- ment. The large fairing and wind- screen provide good wind pro- tection, while the single-cylinder engine, though not as smooth as twin-cylinder ADV bikes, remains tolerable at highway speeds. The Kove 450 Rally targets a specific niche: riders seeking maximum off-road capability in a street-legal package without paying premium adventure bike prices. It's ideal for desert or mountain road exploration and remote area access where range and durability matter more than highway comfort or brand prestige. Consider alternatives if you prioritize on-road refinement, dealer network support, or resale value. Traditional adven - ture bikes offer superior street manners and established dealer networks, though at significant - ly higher prices and with less off-road capability. The street-legal Kove 450 Rally fulfills its unique promise: true rally capability at an afford - able price. For riders looking for off-road capability in a street- legal package, the 450 Rally stands as an exceptional value at $9299. Just make sure you're comfortable with limited dealer support and the realities of own - ing a relatively unknown Chinese brand. If those concerns don't dissuade you, this rally-bred machine provides adventure capability that's tough to match at any price. Sean Finley 2025 KOVE 450 RALLY ($9299) ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, single cylinder COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 448.9cc FUELING Bosch EFI TRANSMISSION 6-speed FRAME Steel FRONT SUSPENSION 49mm fully adjustable inverted fork by YU-AN REAR SUSPENSION Fully adjustable single shock by YU-AN with linkage system FRONT TIRE 90/90 x 21 REAR TIRE 140/80 x 18 SEAT HEIGHT 38.0 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 12.0 in. FUEL CAPACITY 8.0 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED) 320 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S QUICKSPIN I 2025 Kove 450 Rally P110 what you'd expect carrying eight gallons of fuel. Yet next to tradi- tional ADV bikes, it feels surpris- ingly light and narrow between your legs. The chassis and suspension performance is neutral and predictable. The bike inspires confidence on gravel roads and handles moderate off-road chal - lenges without drama. The dual- piston brake calipers, front and rear, provide adequate stopping power for the bike's intended use.