The mid-displacement ADV segment is growing, as there are countless options from all kinds of manufacturers. With bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700, the Honda Transalp and the Ducati DesertX setting the bar, everyone wants in on the rising segment. As such, many new players have entered the market – surprisingly, some from China.
And while we’ve talked a lot about brands like CFMOTO and QJ Motor, there’s yet another Chinese manufacturer that’s determined to energize the mid-cylinder market in the US and also in Europe: Kove Moto.
With its world debut in 2022, the Chinese company has made important strides in the world market and competed in the Dakar, having already set up in the USA and preparing to launch the brand’s new 800X adventure bike
The Kove Moto 800X follows the same formula as the rest of the mid-displacement ADV segment, with a 799 cc twin-cylinder that produces 94 hp of power and 79.9 Nm of torque.
It’s also extremely light, with Kove Moto claiming that it weighs 162.3 kg with a liter of fuel in the tank – an interesting way to measure weight.
As far as suspension is concerned, the Kove Moto 800X Rally has a robust 49 mm fork at the front and a rear monoshock equipped with a link. With a ground clearance of almost 30 cm, it’s more than capable of handling everything from jumps to technical forest trails. What’s more, the bike has Eco and Sport riding modes, allowing the rider to adapt the performance to their needs and preferences. And each can be toggled via a TFT color display.
Needless to say, the Kove Moto 800X Rally is a specialized bike. And frankly, not every adventure rider needs 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 fancy details, such as the Rally’s ECU racing technology, and with a shorter suspension, resulting in a lower seat height. For greater comfort on the road, it includes ABS, traction control and cruise control. It also has twin disc brakes at the front and a luggage compartment at the rear, for greater touring capacity.
New players in the motorcycle market, regardless of their origin, are always an asset. They are living proof that the motorcycle and motorsport industry is alive and well. As technology continues to advance, we see more and more serious competitors from all kinds of Chinese manufacturers, and Kove is no exception.
Keep your eyes peeled, because brands like Kove are certainly cooking up something big, and who knows if this model will make it to Europe.