Since April 2025, I’ve been riding the Kove 450 Rally in the high suspension version equipped with Kayaba components. My first impressions came from everyday use, followed by a true endurance test during the Bosnia Rally in May, covering 1,400 kilometers. At the time, the bike was practically brand new – I had only ridden around 300 kilometers, of which about 50 km were off-road.
I’m 173 cm tall – a height at which many riders ask themselves whether the high or low suspension version is better suited. Personally, I’m used to taller seat heights from sport enduros and feel comfortable with the taller geometry. The decision for the high version proved to be right for my use case: rally and technical terrain.
Background & Technical Data
The Kove 450 Rally is a street-legal rally bike with a 449 cc single-cylinder engine, liquid- and oil-cooled (with oil cooler), Euro 5+ compliant. In its standard version, it delivers 42 hp at 8,500 rpm and 35–40 Nm at 6,500–7,000 rpm.
In race configuration, it reaches around 51 hp. In everyday use, it weighs approximately 155 kg fully fueled. Depending on the version (high or low), suspension travel ranges from 305/300 mm to 260/250 mm, with seat heights of about 960 mm and 910 mm, respectively.
The Kove gained attention during the 2023 Dakar when three private teams competed with it – all of them finished the rally. It’s also used as a customer bike by teams like Freedom Rally Racing.
My Real-World Experience
Since April, I’ve used the high version (Kayaba setup) with about 300 km of prior usage, including roughly 50 km off-road – then 1,400 km at the Bosnia Rally with challenging terrain and climbs exceeding 1,700 meters.
Modifications included:
- Wider handlebar
- Open air filter with de-cat header + stock silencer
- Coober ECU (performance mapping, approx. 48 hp instead of 42 hp)
- Acerbis handguards
- Short levers for clutch and brake
- Twalcom nav tower with low mounting position
These changes clearly improved throttle response and overall power delivery. It’s important to note that using an open air filter with the stock catalytic converter can cause thermal issues in the cylinder head – I recommend replacing the header with a cat-less version when using a sports air filter.
Handling on Different Terrain
Gravel roads: Smooth throttle response, good stability, suspension absorbs well. At speeds over 140 km/h, power starts to taper off. Forest trails: Good balance of agility and stability, reliable braking. Loose rocks: Stable and predictable, low front tanks don’t affect balance. Heavier than a sport enduro, but not clumsy. Steep climbs: Traction and power delivery are sufficient. Front wheel lifts require more clutch work. Technical terrain: Reasonably nimble, but throttle input is a bit jerky at low speeds despite the ECU tune. Still manageable.
Navigation & Ergonomics
The overall ergonomics of the bike suit me well. I prefer a slightly wider handlebar with less sweep, but that’s personal preference. Ideally, the footpegs would be moved 1 cm further back – again, personal preference. All switches and controls are easy to operate.
Finding a navigation mount took some time. I wanted the roadbook positioned as flat and low as possible. Many solutions didn’t meet that requirement. I had previous good experience with Twalcom’s Nav Tower Light on my Beta and found it again suitable here.
The Twalcom nav tower proved ideal: low, stable, vibration-free mounting with the roadbook at a sporty eye level – solid for rally use.
Strengths of the Kove 450 Rally:
- Geometry and ergonomics are well-balanced
- High-quality suspension (Yuan/Kayaba) with sufficient travel
- Stable at speed yet agile in technical sections
- Moderate power increase with Coober ECU (~48 hp)
- Affordable spare and wear parts, decent aftermarket support
- Good maintenance access (air filter, electronics)
- Wide range of accessories now available (e.g., Arrow, Twalcom)
- Excellent price-performance ratio – around €9,000 retail in Europe, ~$9,299 in the USA
- Detachable ABS standard, large TFT display, USB/Bluetooth support
Weaknesses of the Kove 450 Rally:
- Heat shield on the tank came loose; some finish issues
- Rear tank ventilation and fuel flow require additional hardware
- Steering damper mount sits low; risk of contact with steering stem bolt
- Mix of hex, Torx, and Allen bolts complicates maintenance
- Inaccurate fuel gauge; reserve amount not reliably indicated
- Rear brake requires strong input to lock the wheel
- Throttle remains twitchy at low speed despite ECU adjustments
Conclusion
he Kove 450 Rally delivers solid rally performance in a street-legal package – and at a price point significantly below that of established brands. It’s not a high-end race replica, but it’s a very interesting option for newcomers or private rally riders.
That said, a bit of critical nuance is necessary. The Kove 450 Rally is often hailed as the long-awaited unicorn for anyone seeking a lightweight adventure bike. And yes – it certainly can be that, offering a great foundation for customization.
However, riders transitioning from a twin-cylinder travel enduro or a beginner-friendly dual sport like the CRF 250 / 300 L may find the initial experience with the Rally a bit harsh. The bike is decidedly sporty – both in terms of geometry and throttle response. Add to that the acoustic footprint: especially with an open air filter, there’s been no particular focus on rider comfort. Intake noise and engine acoustics are very noticeable.
The gearbox shifts well, but it’s short and crisp – again, more like a competition-ready enduro than a mellow travel bike. This whole package brings the Kove much closer to a race-oriented enduro in terms of character – and clearly more raw than the machines many riders might consider replacing with a lighter alternative.
For those who prioritize comfort on asphalt, along with service and dealer infrastructure, bikes like the Kove X800 Rally may be worth a closer look. But riders primarily focused on off-road performance with true rally DNA – and who are willing to make a few minor modifications – will find a compelling and high-potential platform in the Kove 450 Rally.
In my case, the Kove has proven itself exceptionally well. The foundation is solid, and with a few tweaks, the bike is perfectly suited for rally use – and equally up for adventure rides on routes like the TET or ACT.
And beyond all the technical facts: owning a real rally bike in the garage has been a long-held dream of mine – and this one finally made it come true.
