The mid-displacement ADV segment is growing, as there are numerous options from all types of manufacturers. With motorcycles like the Yamaha Tenere 700, Honda Transalp, and Ducati DesertX setting the standard, everyone wants to enter the rising segment. As such, many new players have entered the market – surprisingly, some from China.
And while we have talked a lot about brands like CFMOTO and QJ Motor, there is another Chinese manufacturer that is determined to energize the mid-displacement market in the US and also in Europe: Kove Moto.
With its global debut in 2022, the Chinese company has taken important steps in the global market and competed in the Dakar, already establishing itself in the US and preparing to launch the brand’s new 800X adventure motorcycle.
The Kove Moto 800X follows the same formula as the rest of the mid-displacement ADV segment, with a 799 cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 94 hp of power and 79.9 Nm of torque.
It is also extremely lightweight, with Kove Moto claiming it weighs 162.3 kg with one liter of fuel in the tank – an interesting way to measure weight.
As for the suspension, the Kove Moto 800X Rally features a robust 49 mm front fork and a rear mono-shock equipped with a link. With a ground clearance of nearly 30 cm, it is more than capable of handling everything from jumps to technical trails in the forest. Additionally, the motorcycle has Eco and Sport riding modes, allowing the rider to adapt the performance to their needs and preferences. And each mode can be switched through a color TFT display.
Needless to say, the Kove Moto 800X Rally is a specialized motorcycle. And frankly, not all adventure riders need so much technology. As such, Kove is also introducing the 800X Adventure Pro, based on the same architecture as the Rally, although without some of the extravagant details, such as the Rally’s racing ECU technology, and with a shorter suspension, resulting in a lower seat height. For greater convenience on the road, it includes ABS, traction control, and cruise control. It also has dual front disc brakes and a luggage compartment in the back, for greater touring capacity.
New players in the motorcycle market, regardless of their origin, are always a valuable addition. They are living proof that the motorcycle and motorsports industry is alive and well. As technology continues to advance, we see more and more serious competitors from all types of Chinese manufacturers, and Kove is no exception.
Keep your eyes open, because brands like Kove are certainly preparing something big, and who knows if this model will make it to Europe.
