Last updated on 23. December 2024
The 2025 Dakar Rally is just around the corner, and Kove Moto, the emerging Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, is gearing up to make a bold statement in the Saudi Arabian desert. With an impressive lineup of twelve riders from ten different countries, all competing on the new Kove 450 Rally EX, Kove is demonstrating not just a desire to participate but also a wide-reaching and ambitious vision.
A particularly exciting highlight is the signing of Mason Klein, one of the most promising talents in the rally-raid scene. After delivering impressive performances in recent years, Klein will compete for the Kove factory team for the first time in 2025. Klein has repeatedly proven that he has the pace to race at the front. However, the key challenge will be translating that speed into consistent performance over the grueling distance without compromising rider or machine.
Another standout is the participation of British TT veteran James Hillier. Following his debut at the Dakar in 2023, Hillier returns aboard the Kove 450 Rally EX, bringing with him a wealth of racing experience to tackle the challenges of the world’s toughest rally.
The Kove 450 Rally EX itself has undergone significant revisions. At the heart of the redesign is the engine of the 450cc rally machine. During the last Dakar, engine issues on Mason Klein’s bike led to repeated problems and ultimately forced the American out of the race. According to Kove, these issues have now been resolved, with the engine thoroughly tested in multiple rally events.
Kove Moto has already achieved remarkable success in the 2024 season, including victory in the European Motorally Championship. This triumph highlights the brand’s potential and the competitiveness of its machines on the international stage.
The 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be an exciting chapter in Kove Moto’s history. With a diverse and talented roster of riders, innovative motorcycles, and an unwavering determination to prove themselves on the grandest stage in rally-raid, Kove Moto could very well be the surprise of the year.
Kove Moto is heading into the 2025 Dakar Rally with an impressive lineup of riders. Here are the confirmed participants competing on the Kove 450 Rally EX:
- Mason Klein (USA): A rising talent in rally raid, making his debut for the Kove factory team.
- Neels Theric (France): Teammate of Mason Klein in the Kove factory team.
- James Hillier (United Kingdom): Experienced TT racer participating in his second Dakar.
- Javi Vega (Spain): Specialist in the “Original by Motul” category (no assistance), competing with Kove for the win.
- Ottavio Missoni Jr. (Italy): Part of Team Kove Italia, known for competing in the Malle Moto class.
- Cesare Zacchetti (Italy): Teammate of Missoni in Team Kove Italia.
- Jordan Strachan (Canada): Winner of the Malle Moto Baja Rally 2024, making his Dakar debut.
- Deng Liansong (China): Member of the Supesunr Kove Team.
- Sunier Sunier (China): Also racing for the Supesunr Kove Team.
- Zhang Min (China): Part of the Da Hai Dao Zero Mileage Lubricant Team.
- Zhao Hongyi (China): Competing for the Da Hai Dao Zero Mileage Lubricant Team.
- Zakeer Yakefu (China): Another rider from the Da Hai Dao Zero Mileage Lubricant Team.