Kove 800X Rally: the Chinese threat that challenges the Yamaha Ténéré 700 with Dakar DNA

Presented together with the Rally EX at the last edition of EICMA 2024 in Milan, the Kove 800X Rally has finally had its arrival at dealerships confirmed at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2025. And what the Asian brand is preparing for the market is a real challenge to the giants of the mid-engined adventure segment, with a motorcycle that promises to be a benchmark in off-road and boasts a stylish "Unmistakable "Dakar.

Kove doesn't hesitate to state its intentions: "Designed for long-distance races and courses, such as the Dakar Rally and the Africa Eco RaceKove will be the protagonist, thanks to the full support - technical, economic, rider and team experience - of Pelpi International." This isn't just marketing; it's the promise of a bike born with a racing pedigree.

Ténéré 700 has reason to worry

If there's a benchmark in the mid-range adventure segment with an enviable history, it's the iconic Yamaha Ténéré. However, the house of the three tuning forks will have reason to worry, because the Kove 800X Rally comes with elements directly taken from the experience of the Kove Rally Teamand promises a fierce fight for the off-road throne. There is even speculation that Kove intends to attract consumers with a very competitive price, which would make it even more aggressive in the market.

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Ready for the roughest terrain

The Kove 800X Rally is built for performance on rough terrain. Its robust chassis includes a front suspension with impressive 270 mm of travel and 49 mm diameter barsThe seat height, as expected for a rally bike, will be raised to make sure it can absorb the biggest impacts. The seat height, as expected for a rally bike, will be raised to 890 mm, positioning the rider for greater control while standing.

One of the most notable points is the search for lightness: the Kove 800X Rally promises to weigh 7 kilos less than the current version of the 800X Pro, reaching a weight in running order of only 176 kg. This puts it in a surprising weight category for a bike of its capacity.

The dimensions have also been adjusted for extreme off-roading. The ground clearance at the lowest part is now 275 mm (18 mm more than the current model). It will be longer (2267 mm), wider (810 mm) and taller (1395 mm), with a wheelbase of more than 1,545 mm, promising greater stability at high speed on uneven terrain.

The Kove 800X Rally is fitted with 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rearcombined with off-road tires CST Ambro A3 (with camera). For the complete rally experience, the bike eliminates the rear footrests, features a high front fender and incorporates CNC (Computed Numerical Control) machined elements such as top and bottom tables, handlebar brackets and wheel hubs, indicating durability and precision.

Equipment and technology straight from the track

In terms of equipment, the Kove 800X Rally inherits components directly from the competition team. This strategy not only contributes to weight reduction (those 7 kg mentioned), but also gives greater rigidity and improves the bike's overall efficiency. One example is the Taisko braking systemdeveloped in-house by the brand and thoroughly tested at the Dakar.

The front brake system has a single lobed disc and a double-piston floating caliper. The rear configuration remains with a wave-type disc.

Power and reliability to make history

Kove is not looking to launch just another model, but rather a machine that really makes an impact. For this reason, the most off-road version of the 800X is equipped with a two-cylinder engine of 799 cm34-stroke, DOHC, electronic injection and liquid cooling. This "heart of iron" is capable of generating impressive 95 hp at 9,000 rpmwith a maximum torque of 8.50 kgf.m available at 7,500 rpm. Your top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/hThis is more than enough for the most challenging trails.

With its ambitious proposal, robust technical data sheet and racing DNA, the Kove 800X Rally is ready to make history in the adventure segment, offering a high-performance alternative that promises to shake up the structures of the market in 2025. Let the European and Japanese manufacturers who are the benchmarks in the big trail category beware!