Many of us dream about a lightweight adventure motorbike.
Two years ago we looked at two attempts:
the short-lived BMW HP2 Enduro and Aprilia RXV550.
It seems the best manufacturers can do now
are models over 200kg like the Yamaha T7 and KTM's 890.
When Kove announced their 800X model, most of us were very sceptical.
A claimed dry weight of 165kg and wet weight of 185kg.
And 95 horsepower?
We have seen too many dodgy claims and poor quality from previous
Chinese manufacturers to take this at face value.
However, a few prototype models have been weighed and the figures seem to be right.
And early test rides indicate the horsepower figures could well be correct too.
Kove previously sold motorbikes under the Colove name.
To date, a few things appear to set them apart from most Chinese manufacturers.
They don't appear to be stealing and copying other designs, but get the correct licences.
And they are putting some effort into their own designs.
And while it's early days, the quality of their existing models appears to be quite good too.
The engine?
It's based on KTM's old 790 engine that KTM licensed to CFMoto.
We figure that licence extends to Kove as Kove has filed the paperwork to protect the 800X worldwide.
The claimed 95hp is the same as the original KTM 790.
It potentially makes the Kove 800X the most powerful
adventure motorbike in its weight category.
And the wet weight of 185kg is impressive.
That is close to 25kg lighter than the Yamaha T7 and KTM 890
when you take fuel tank capacity into account.
For many riders this is a big deal.
This twin-cylinder adventure motorbike is actually
closer to the weight of a DR650 than to its main competitors.
What is it like to ride?
We won't know for a while.
It seems Kove has only given a few bikes to influencers and
personally I don't trust the 'reviews' to date.
But I will be very keen to hear owner opinions and tests from decent motorbike magazines.
What will the quality be like?
Again, only time will tell.
Remember this has Chinese components such as suspension from Yu-An.
The brakes are by Taisko.
I couldn't even find a website for that brand.
The ECU is from Bosch which is good to see.
The price may not be as cheap as we would hope... for a Chinese motobike.
To date, these are the announced prices.
There is a bit of variation on some websites so check details in your country to be sure.
Is this the dream machine for riders looking for an ultra lightweight twin?
It could be.
Many of us have avoided Chinese motorbikes for
various reasons such as poor quality and stolen designs.
On first appearances Kove seems to be avoiding that.
If so, the remaining stumbling block for some riders would be not wanting to
indirectly support a repressive government that is also bullying its neighbours.
Me? I'm interested.
But I want to hear plenty of owner reports first.
And if Kove is serious about setting a new level
of Chinese quality it would be good to see a long warranty to back this up.
What do think?
Could the Kove 800X be on your radar?
Let us know in the comments.