Ex-Pat English/Kinsale guy living in San Diego. You have the perfect attitude on the bike and the effect of motorbike travel on your soul/mental health. My 19 year old son is starting his second year at UCC as an American kid. His only mode of transportation is a 500 cc Benelli. I get the greatest sense of accomplishment watching him grow through his immersion in Irish culture and friendships made, along with his realization that traveling on a motorbikes is the proverbial keys to the kingdom. I have six kids and he is the only one who got into bikes. You are spot on with all your arguments on the reason to buy a Kove. Not sure when you leave but I'd love to grab a beer and/or see the bike if you are still in Cork when I am there next, or if you end top in California, hit me up. Look forward to the updates..
Hi Mr Mahony, thanks for your comment. It is very cool you are supportive of your son being into bikes. They have been very important to me over the years. I have actually already departed already from Cork. I am not yet sure if I will go to the states but if I do, I will be in contact for the beer!
I totally agree of everything you said especially the Dakar story and the vision and the passion of Mr.Zhang. I also followed his story when he started and was begging for an investor. He was a mechanic and a rider and he understands us. That is why i supported these bikes that were created under his watch. Enjoy with the new bike ang ride safe!
Excellent explanation why you bought the Kove 800x, I recently sold my Tenere World Raid and downsized to the CF Moto 450MT after testing one at the ABR Festival, the bike is so well made, fun to ride on and off road, it is perfect for me, It is amazing that the Kove 800 is almost the same weight as the CF Moto 450, what an amazing achievement. I hope all goes well for you.
Thanks David. The CF Moto 450MT was also a strong consideration. If I had test rode that first it could well of possibly been the bike I am taking on this trip. Hope you enjoy yours
I've also got the 450MT but i think for a trip like this the Kove 800 is a better choice. Love my 450 but the 800 is better suited with bigger tank, more power as the once you've mounted all your gear it would the 450 engine.
@@neilcook8774 The other niggle with the 450 is the short oil service intervals. The Kove is probably the better choice for a long trip, but I do love my 450.
Hey . I am excited about your trip to KOVE and will enjoy following your trip reports. I really like this motorcycle ,I am looking forward to the TURING versions. Greetings from Poland.
New subscriber. I just put a deposit down on an 800x Rally for all the reasons you state. Kove's Dakar commitment proved they are serious. I look forward to following along your journey and wish you safe travels. I think it's a brilliant bike. I chose to spend my hard earned money on the only bike currently available that fills the mission. KTM, BMW, Yamaha, and Honda keep missing the mark offering increasingly bloated machines. My choice is about buying the bike we need and have been asking for for years. If the big boys want my money I have one word for them: compete.
I have only been riding motorcycles since 1973. I would never had chosen a British, German, Indian, American or Italian Brand. Also not the Africa Twin or the Ténéré. I would have chosen a smaller Japanese motorcycle. I'l keep an eye on Kove. The 525 looks great. Maybe I want something like that when I'm in my seventies and my SV650 fails me. Who knows? I wish you a nice holiday in South America. Mexico, Venezuela and Peru are amazing! I was there but I'm too old for that now. I'l stay in Europe. It's great too!
You talk a lot of sense. Will follow your journey with interest. I like the look of the Kove. Didn't actually know about it before I bought my CFMoto450...
Firstly good luck with your journey, hope it's a safe one. I love your 1st road bike the NC30 that's partly down to me buying an NC29 after getting my bike licence in 1994, I bike I love and still own today with 50,000 miles on despite having a break from riding for some 20 years. Congrats on your choice of the Kove 800 it's difficult going your own way and swimming against the tide of public opinion, the thing is it's more comfortable going along with the crowd but far less adventures. Looking forward to seeing how your trip goes.
NC29 is a class bike. It was tough selling the VFR 400NC30 but it was financial decision at the time. Glad you got to keep your NC29! Thanks for your words, David!
Excellent video Gary, points well made and saying what a lot of people think these days about there tech laden, hugely expensive bikes on offer. When companies have been brave enough to produce something different (Royal Enfield, CF Moto, Kove) they have sold a lot of units, many of us want cheap, reliable, relatively simple bikes and don't need/want adaptive cruise control, 5 level traction control, heated seats, semi active suspension. Good luck for your journey, whatever happens, it'll be a rich experience for you. I have subscribed and will definitely following your progress
Really enjoyed your video. You surprised me with your honesty, and lack of complex. You have a new subscriber, now. Wish you all the best, and a fantastic jurney.
Test drove one the other day. Very impressed, weight, power handling very good. The build quality looks very impressive indeed. I will be buying one. Good luck on you travels, I will be watching 👍
Thank you for your video and favoring light-weight adventure bikes. Other reviews talk about Kove 800 X's fueling issues from low rpm. I hope they solve that problem soon so that I can buy one. Not many years of riding left at age 72.
Good on you mate, I've been in and around the motorcycle industry all my life, owned over 40 bikes, been riding for over 45 years and maintaining and building my bikes the whole time. I've researched these bikes heavily and they are great value for money, the engines have been totally redesigned, the head, the clutch, the oil pump has higher pressure and the bottom end has been redone. The problem KTM engines weren't made in China in the first place..... I would buy one in a heartbeat if they were sold in my country, I may import one yet ... Good luck on your journey...
is a perfect bike,,my friend got it few months ago,and first trip was from Crete island Greece to Norway Nordkap and back 15.000 kilometres with no one problem,,,great bike ...
Thank you for explaining why you stepped out of the box and purchased a KOVE. As an adventure rider in W AUSTRALIA, I whole heartedly agree with you, Weight, Complexity, Price is rife amongst the Major Bike Manufacturers. I own 3 bikes, my trusty 2008 1200GS Which I use for long hauls on the Black Top. 660 TENERE and a WR250R. My little WR is the go to for REMOTE riding. The simplicity, weight, reliability of this little bike, in my opinion makes the ride more enjoyable. Sure a 450 version would be nice, but considering the WR is only ridden on out back dirt roads, desert ect it’s fine. I’m Hoping KOVE will come to AUSTRALIA as I feel the major Manufacturers missed their opportunity. As usual BEAN COUNTERS stuff everything up and miss the point of these Freedom Machines. Look for to seeing your trip, I also feel you will have little issues with you new choice of bike. Maintenance is the key to any Machine.
Thank you very much Kirk! My brother is in Australia and thinking of getting the CFMOTO 450MT. They seam to be hitting a lot of the key points also. Glad ot have you following for the trip
Good luck to you. The one brand I'd never take is a BMW. They used to be made out of recycled Panzer tanks but now they seem to make them out of fairy wings and tissue paper. I'm interested in the Kove, but I'll be riding the Wild Atlantic Way on my Triumph Tiger 900. You've done some serious thinking. Picking your bike up is essential. I'm a big and strong lad. I can pick up my 900 off the floor, but only a couple of times in a day. My bike for off road is the FE501, but that is no good for what you're doing. I've done biggish miles on an adventurised 701, but that big thumper isn't much fun for really big miles. I reckon you've made a good choice, so I'll end as I started. Good luck.
6:06 I agrée with you. I had a tenere 660 in Australia. By the time you strip as much weight as possible (tail tides, exhaust lithium battery) led blinkers,(theyare only thing that breaks when you drop them) led heads(safety obviously with kangaroos) didn’t need aux tanks as it was big enough, but revalve suspension to carry luggage weight you have a very expensive heavy but very reliable thumper but only after a lot of work. Why not start with something light to begin with. Then it’s only a revalve (maybe) . My only reservation is parts (even knowing it’s a more reliable ktm engine) bring a spare charge regulator and a lithium iron phosphate battery is still a good idea.I had a spare clutch cable cable tied to the working one (I didn’t have to take the tank off when it went) and brought a few clutch plates to get me out of trouble.(didn’t need them in end, but enough mud and who knows) Also I had a watt master wat115a mini multimeter and a few solder stick joints that only need a cigarette lighter (multi is how I figured water ingress into charge regulator (situated below radiator) and why I carried a spare after that) best of luck 🤞
I agree with you on many points. Riding is like a form of therapy. The bike weights are too heavy. The Kove 800x pro is the Sweet spot. The power to weight ratio is phenominal. If they ever get any in the U.S. I will get one for sure.
This bike is a total revolution, it's sad that experienced riders don't realize that! I own one since 2 weeks and it's a joy, today I showed it to a friend who has a KTM 890R Adventure, he carefully inspected my bike and told me that's better built than his ktm, at 1/3 of the price 😂 I live in Panama, let me know if you'll pass here in your travel
Hi Piero! Exactly, I think the more people that get this bike, the more people will realise that bikes can get lighter without sacrificing build quality. I will be heading up to Panama but not for a long time! I will reach out when I do :)
Well done getting your honest perspective out there on this particular Kove - don’t think you’ll regret it at all, prove all the ‘half glass empty’ folks and doomsayers wrong! Please keep us all informed on the progress of your epic trip on here when you can, looking forward to it already. Best of luck.
Your reasoning is impeccable and very well explained. Good luck on your trip. I will follow it, of course. Greetings from Argentina and remember that you have a place to stop in the center of the country. Just contact me.
One of the things that intrigued when I first heard about this bike is that it's already on the Chinese market and has been since 2020. Meaning others have thoroughly tested it and there's one older gentleman that put 300,000 km on his. Aside from routine maintenance all he's really done is replaced the clutch plates.
Great analysis. I agree that the Kove 800x is a very good effort and also what a.shame it is that the founder of the company has been pushed out. However, if I was in your shoes I think I would choose the 750 Transalp. It's a little heavier (208 kg) but probably more comfy on road and sourcing Honda spares in the boonies would be easier than for Kove. Good luck with your trip.
That is true. I am not sure if you heard but he has just started making new motorbikes under his own name "Zhang Xue Moto". I will be following along to see if he starts making adventure bikes but he has already released a street bike.
I’m sure you know that Kove fixed that KTM 690 camshaft issue on their engine that KTM themselves couldn’t be arsed doing, and mostly won’t warranty it even though it’s a design flaw on the oil port drillings.
I’ll be following your adventure through South America on the kove. I’m genuinely curious to see if the 800X is a reliable bike, not because it’s Chinese but because the engine is a KTM… Hopefully kove put reliable parts in the engine and a quality fuel injector that can handle dirty/low octane fuel. Crossing my fingers that Kove delivers 🤞 good luck and safe travels 🍀
@@PieroZanetti not to sound rude but “inspired” is a nice way to say “licensed to replicate”. So it is in fact a KTM engine.. but if kove put quality components, improved the design and made it reliable than I’m all for it!
Hi Gary, really enjoyed your video. I had heard Zhang had left the company but I did not know the reason, now I do. I hope you have a safe and great trip my only question is and it is the same with CF Moto how are you positioned for spare parts. I have just bought a 450 MT CF Moto and at the moment it appears spares are the downside.
Thanks Glen! Enjoy your 450MT, I hear nothing but great things about that bike. Yes, you are correct, spare parts will be the battle but I still chose the bike over the others even with this in mind. Lets see how it goes!
Looks promising, and certainly is the closest thing to that Unicorn that many of us are seeking. Only time will tell about reliability but the main problem I see, even in Europe right now, is with the parts availability. I would be fearing, should something break on the bike, staying stranded many weeks waiting for a replacement and that's a real pain in the butt when doing this kind of long term travel adventure.
Another person that said the same thing as you was Charlie Boorman on that ferry! You are both correct and I am taking a bit of a risk. However, The engine is a KTM so I can get parts for the engine from KTM dealer. Regarding the rest of the parts, I know Kove are working on more dealers but they currently do have ones in Colombia and Ecuador. Let's see how it goes with timeframes getting parts to me. If I break down, hopefully it's somewhere nice! :D
I was seriously considering buying that same bike after testing it but the only thing that held me back is the service interval of 5k km. Keeping it under warranty would've proved to expensive for the amount of km i do. How are you going to tackle this issue? Also people always love to complain about something on non Japanese bikes. Really looking forward for your trip 👍
Hi Bio, I understand where you are coming from as I had same dilemma. However, In the end I just thought screw it and will get it serviced here and there by local mechanics while on the road in South America. I did the first oil change myself at 1000km at an Airbnb somewhere in France. Next one I think I will be somewhere in South of Argentina or Chile.
Good lucky, mate. What about the KTM 790ADV? It's a bit heavier...still, low center of gravity. However, I hope Kove will continue like that and establish itself on the market.
Thanks Thor! I did consider one but never went as far to test drive one. Was happy when I found the Kove and like you said, KTM is also a little heavier
@@GarysJourneyYT , cheers. I've watched quite a few reviews on it. The fueling has been brought up as an issue on the Kove multiple times. It's apparently on/off like, very difficult to modulate and therefore tiring. On the other hand there were comments saying it's not a problem. Would be great if you could address this aspect and tell us what you think about it.
@@thorstentrapp274 I am not as sensitive as others are to it. I had an XT660 and it was worse than this bike so I am noticing an "improvement" over that bike and I am just used to riding around it. However, everyone seams to be saying it so I actually found a guy who is going to remap the bike for me and I will see if it makes the bike easier to ride. I will document the outcome in an upcoming video
@@GarysJourneyYT , cheers for your feedback, mate. I actually watched another one of your videos in the meantime, where you address this issue. I'm confident this matter will be solved. I'm in Brisbane, but have a place of residence in Paraguay, too. South America is great for riding motorbikes...much better than Australia imo. There's a Kove dealer in Asuncion. Don't know what he's got in stock, but we've been monitoring their development for some time. I found that people are generally very helpful there. If one gets stranded for whatever reason, there are people stopping and asking if they can help....and they do help. That happened to a mate of mine a couple of times on a trip.
Looking forward Following you on your travels Gary.. seen your bike in CCM,s when buying my 800...I love it but very snatch in 2nd 3rd gear at low rev,s..did you map yours or leave standard??
Hi Bernard, I understand what you are saying as I noticed it when I was test driving the showroom model. I am starting to get used to it and cover it with the clutch. I had an XT660 and that was very snatchy so I am a little used to it. If it starts to annoy me I will get it mapped somewhere in South America
Hello to you. Really looking forward to sée all détails of your adventure. Just ordered mine. And waiting for it. I did choose parts to enlight, such as titanium exhaust, get ride off top case handler, etc etc, as crash bars weight part of total, bagstoo. etc. Did you choose to keep yours stock ? Cheers to you. Wishing you the best adventure
Hi Jamburgers, Yes I kept my crash bars stock. I was also thinking of buying the titanium exhaust from Uncle Wang but I got pretty confused by the ordeal. I am sure the bike will go down at some stage and an exhaust may need to be replaced. I would be interested to hear how you find the exhaust. In video 4 I show what I did with the top case handler haha
@GarysJourneyYT titanium exhaust Comes with decat. And New ecu. Ben told that it really changes behaviour on low revs. Weight IS really much lower. I bought a Big stock of parts, such as bigger cooling propeller etc I m in hurry to follow everything from your trip Love the Idea. Love the spirit
@@jamburgers Thank you and that is very interesting! You got this from Uncle Wang correct? When you fit exhaust and ECU will you let me know how it goes? I will probably order the same as you.
i always remember a guy i worked with over 20 years ago buying a Kia, he got laughed at every single day, i bet they all own them now😂 and look at the Kia sales to date.
After watching the start of the new season of Itchy Boots and how much has been spent on that old Tenere because it's "lighter", i think the Kove 800 would've been a better choice. It's a shame Kove isn't getting enough coverage.
I saw some of the preparation for Itchy Boots bike. It does look pretty impressive! But for the average person, I think these light new bikes could be the answer. If Kove performs well, I think more and more people will hear about them.
Hi Marius, it's my first new bike and I do really like it. I bet there will be plenty of second hand ones on the market in a couple of years to get your hands on one! :)
U can look to old bmw, like g650x. its rotax, big suspension and very small weight about 160 kg. I have this bike and its perfect for single travel And now Im searching for new bike, more comfortable and powerful. And look to this kove. but Im afraid, because its the same engine as 790 ktm. And I hear about problems with that engine
Hi Samy, It is the same engine correct. The problem with the 790 engine was it would be eat its cams on *some* of the KTM's. Kove and CF Moto knew this and had the top end redesigned to address this. It has been on the road over a year in China and I am not hearing of anymore cam issues with the 799cc engine so hopefully it is now solved!! :)
@@samy_yu I cant share a link because UA-cam does not allow me leave them. Search on google "Advpulse KTM camshaft". The first article from advpulse should be it. Apparently, this was solved before 2021 and none of the issues came from the Chinese made engines (by CF Moto) but it was from the Austrian ones (Mattighofen)
If I were you I would take my girlfriend with me on that pillion seat. In 1979 my girlfriend and I went camping from Denmark to Monaco on my Suzuki GT550. In 1984 we went to Milano. The girl on the pillion seat is more important than your motorcycle!
Cool story, but only time will show if these bikes are reliable, whether parts are sufficiently available and how durable they are. I struggle to understand how these arguments sufficed in your decision to bring it on such a long trip, so early after the introduction of these bikes. Either way, I hope I am wrong (ie. I hope you & the bike both will do great) and I hope the journey will be a success.
Id love to buy this, if they ever bring it to india. However, they'll have a monumental task in india cos indians like the rest of the world, dont trust chinese products for quality. Secondly, since china has made advsnces on our borders multiple times, we have animosity towards them. And since the country is huge, setting up effective sales and service network would be very very difficult. Keeping my fingers crossed. I ride in the himalyan mountains fpr atleast 3 weeks every year. Almost exclusively above 12-13k feet above sea level. So at that altitude, oxygen is less and i dont want to wrestle with a heavy bike. My limit is 200kg and this fits perfectly with that. I was keen on getting the Aprilia Tuareg if it ever launched in india. They did launch it but priced it the same as a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Idiotic pricing, so that's out of the question now.
I totally agree in all the 800x its my desire moto with no doubt like you Said Mechanic for a rider ... If you coming to BUENOS AIRES chat me I Will going to introduce you my country 🏍️🔧🥩🍖🍷🇦🇷
That teasing would have occurred when the first Japanese bikes appeared to challenge Triumph, BSA, Harley etc, look what happened then, UA-camrs are raving over them and buying with their own money, if reliability is sound and there are plenty of dealer networks look out Japan !
The Kove is about 15 kg lighter than a Tenere (i think). Thats nice, but where was that weight saved ? I worry that that 15 kg came out of the parts, making then less reliable. No worries about it being Chinese. Just wonder what was compromised to achieve the weight loss.
I understand what you are saying. However, For the world raid version of the Tenere there is even more of a weight gap. The stock version of Tenere only has 16 litre fuel tank. I am not exactly sure where the weight saving was to be honest. If you can, I would recommend going to see a Kove dealer and look at the Kove up close to see and feel the quality. I think you will be surprised :)
Hopefully they continue to kake good bikes but im concerned now that fhe passionate founder has been ousted. Similar to Steve Jobs. A passionate founder ousted by corporate idiots who ruin the company.
It is something I will also be keeping my eye on. The CEO has started a new company under his own name and just released his first bike. Something I will also be keeping an eye on!
@GarysJourneyYT whoa... Did not know that. What's it called? Is he still involved in Love or has he exited completely? If he has exited completely, then the future of Kove might be questionable from a bikers perspective.
It’s not the bike. It’s the Duke engine an possible crank issues. The top end has been completely re-done but ? On the bottom. Well mate I wish you all the best an break a leg. When you Finnish ? It will either be a world beater or a egg beater,we’ll see an I’ll follow you with interest. ❤️❤️🏍️🏍️🎃🎃🙏🙏👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
The Kove engine has a Redesigned head, clutch, higher volume oil pump and revised bottom end, the problem KTM engines weren't built in China, the Kove engine has been mostly re engineered...
Maybe you should not be focusing so much on your motorcycle. Focus on a girlfriend who wants to join you. Read about Che Guevara when he started exploring South America as pillion on a friends motorcycle in 1951. They did NOT have fuel injection. Lastly you should read reviews in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan and China - not in England - You may find what you're looking for!
It is kilogram - not kaygees. It is 800 cubic centimeters - not seesees. Did you skip school? In that case you will miss that you did not learn Spanish. Maybe you should learn the language before you leave.
You come across as just plain rude. KG's is what Kilograms are commonly referred to , and almost EVERYONE for the last 50+ years or more , knows what CC's are, get over yourself mate...
Good luck brother. Following your journey
Appreciate you following my journey DatBikerDude. I could learn a couple of things form your channel ✌
Ex-Pat English/Kinsale guy living in San Diego. You have the perfect attitude on the bike and the effect of motorbike travel on your soul/mental health. My 19 year old son is starting his second year at UCC as an American kid. His only mode of transportation is a 500 cc Benelli. I get the greatest sense of accomplishment watching him grow through his immersion in Irish culture and friendships made, along with his realization that traveling on a motorbikes is the proverbial keys to the kingdom. I have six kids and he is the only one who got into bikes.
You are spot on with all your arguments on the reason to buy a Kove. Not sure when you leave but I'd love to grab a beer and/or see the bike if you are still in Cork when I am there next, or if you end top in California, hit me up. Look forward to the updates..
Hi Mr Mahony, thanks for your comment. It is very cool you are supportive of your son being into bikes. They have been very important to me over the years. I have actually already departed already from Cork. I am not yet sure if I will go to the states but if I do, I will be in contact for the beer!
A great story, well told. Credible & comfortably narrated. Well done & good luck.
Thank you very much for those words
I totally agree of everything you said especially the Dakar story and the vision and the passion of Mr.Zhang. I also followed his story when he started and was begging for an investor. He was a mechanic and a rider and he understands us. That is why i supported these bikes that were created under his watch. Enjoy with the new bike ang ride safe!
Thanks John Wick! Yeah the Dakar story and Zhang's story was amazing. That sealed it for me!
Excellent explanation why you bought the Kove 800x, I recently sold my Tenere World Raid and downsized to the CF Moto 450MT after testing one at the ABR Festival, the bike is so well made, fun to ride on and off road, it is perfect for me, It is amazing that the Kove 800 is almost the same weight as the CF Moto 450, what an amazing achievement. I hope all goes well for you.
Thanks David. The CF Moto 450MT was also a strong consideration. If I had test rode that first it could well of possibly been the bike I am taking on this trip. Hope you enjoy yours
I've also got the 450MT but i think for a trip like this the Kove 800 is a better choice. Love my 450 but the 800 is better suited with bigger tank, more power as the once you've mounted all your gear it would the 450 engine.
@@neilcook8774 The other niggle with the 450 is the short oil service intervals. The Kove is probably the better choice for a long trip, but I do love my 450.
Beautiful looking bike.Best of luck on your journey.
Thank you
Hey . I am excited about your trip to KOVE and will enjoy following your trip reports.
I really like this motorcycle ,I am looking forward to the TURING versions.
Greetings from Poland.
Thanks Kejtk!
Same here, But waiting for the rally Version and tuning Paket :)
New subscriber. I just put a deposit down on an 800x Rally for all the reasons you state. Kove's Dakar commitment proved they are serious. I look forward to following along your journey and wish you safe travels. I think it's a brilliant bike. I chose to spend my hard earned money on the only bike currently available that fills the mission. KTM, BMW, Yamaha, and Honda keep missing the mark offering increasingly bloated machines. My choice is about buying the bike we need and have been asking for for years. If the big boys want my money I have one word for them: compete.
Hope you enjoy your new Kove as I am enjoying mine! No regrets.
I think it was a good choice, well researched and that will give you peace of mind! Great luck to you!
Thanks Darryl!
I have only been riding motorcycles since 1973. I would never had chosen a British, German, Indian, American or Italian Brand. Also not the Africa Twin or the Ténéré. I would have chosen a smaller Japanese motorcycle. I'l keep an eye on Kove. The 525 looks great. Maybe I want something like that when I'm in my seventies and my SV650 fails me. Who knows? I wish you a nice holiday in South America. Mexico, Venezuela and Peru are amazing! I was there but I'm too old for that now. I'l stay in Europe. It's great too!
Thanks Fuglbird, I am really looking forward to hitting those places in South America also! Maybe I will see you someday on the road i Europe :)
you are so underrated, i was listening and i just assumed you had a huge channel, and the video quality is awesome! Keep it up :)
Wow, thanks for that comment Jony. Much appreciated!
I’ve had my 800x pro for a month and love it. Look forward to seeing you putting it through its paces on a proper adventure!
Thanks Julie! It is a great bike and hope you enjoy yours!
You talk a lot of sense. Will follow your journey with interest. I like the look of the Kove. Didn't actually know about it before I bought my CFMoto450...
Thanks. If I had test drove the CF Moto it could easily have been that for me also.
Just subscribed ! I'm really interested to see your adventures on this hopefully reliable bike.
Thanks Nick!
Good luck!
After many japanese bikes, I also bought a Kove 800x pro and I am very happy with, it!
✊
Nice! Enjoy yours Konstantino!
Firstly good luck with your journey, hope it's a safe one. I love your 1st road bike the NC30 that's partly down to me buying an NC29 after getting my bike licence in 1994, I bike I love and still own today with 50,000 miles on despite having a break from riding for some 20 years. Congrats on your choice of the Kove 800 it's difficult going your own way and swimming against the tide of public opinion, the thing is it's more comfortable going along with the crowd but far less adventures. Looking forward to seeing how your trip goes.
NC29 is a class bike. It was tough selling the VFR 400NC30 but it was financial decision at the time. Glad you got to keep your NC29! Thanks for your words, David!
Excellent video Gary, points well made and saying what a lot of people think these days about there tech laden, hugely expensive bikes on offer. When companies have been brave enough to produce something different (Royal Enfield, CF Moto, Kove) they have sold a lot of units, many of us want cheap, reliable, relatively simple bikes and don't need/want adaptive cruise control, 5 level traction control, heated seats, semi active suspension.
Good luck for your journey, whatever happens, it'll be a rich experience for you. I have subscribed and will definitely following your progress
Exactly! Glad to have you following the progress :)
Looking forward to watching the coming videos. Interested to see how you get on Gary.
Thanks Jonathan :)
Really enjoyed your video. You surprised me with your honesty, and lack of complex. You have a new subscriber, now. Wish you all the best, and a fantastic jurney.
Hi Carlos, I really appreciate that comment. Thank you!
Test drove one the other day. Very impressed, weight, power handling very good. The build quality looks very impressive indeed. I will be buying one. Good luck on you travels, I will be watching 👍
Thanks Jon, I hope you enjoy yours too :)
Thank you for your video and favoring light-weight adventure bikes. Other reviews talk about Kove 800 X's fueling issues from low rpm. I hope they solve that problem soon so that I can buy one. Not many years of riding left at age 72.
I have solved the issue! I will show you in one of the next videos I am making
Great video Gary…I hope everything goes well😃👍
Good on you mate, I've been in and around the motorcycle industry all my life, owned over 40 bikes, been riding for over 45 years and maintaining and building my bikes the whole time. I've researched these bikes heavily and they are great value for money, the engines have been totally redesigned, the head, the clutch, the oil pump has higher pressure and the bottom end has been redone. The problem KTM engines weren't made in China in the first place..... I would buy one in a heartbeat if they were sold in my country, I may import one yet ... Good luck on your journey...
Thanks Mick! I didn't know they addressed all the other parts, I thought just cam shaft was addressed. Good to know!
dude our bikes rule! chose mine for more or less the same reasons hope you have loads of fun with yours
Thanks Mr ParaTerrorist! So far I am finding it a great bike :)
is a perfect bike,,my friend got it few months ago,and first trip was from Crete island Greece to Norway Nordkap and back 15.000 kilometres with no one problem,,,great bike ...
Wow, that is great to hear. I currently have 2,000km up on mine. Thanks for sharing Nikos :)
🤩💪👍👍👍
Thank you for explaining why you stepped out of the box and purchased a KOVE. As an adventure rider in W AUSTRALIA, I whole heartedly agree with you, Weight, Complexity, Price is rife amongst the Major Bike Manufacturers. I own 3 bikes, my trusty 2008 1200GS Which I use for long hauls on the Black Top. 660 TENERE and a WR250R. My little WR is the go to for REMOTE riding. The simplicity, weight, reliability of this little bike, in my opinion makes the ride more enjoyable. Sure a 450 version would be nice, but considering the WR is only ridden on out back dirt roads, desert ect it’s fine. I’m Hoping KOVE will come to AUSTRALIA as I feel the major Manufacturers missed their opportunity. As usual BEAN COUNTERS stuff everything up and miss the point of these Freedom Machines. Look for to seeing your trip, I also feel you will have little issues with you new choice of bike. Maintenance is the key to any Machine.
Thank you very much Kirk! My brother is in Australia and thinking of getting the CFMOTO 450MT. They seam to be hitting a lot of the key points also. Glad ot have you following for the trip
Bro, that Kove looks rock solid!
I just got zontes maxi scooter, it's amazing bike for les money than other brands that are also manufactured in China
Thank you and nice one, Enjoy your Zontes Maxi Scooter!
Good luck to you. The one brand I'd never take is a BMW. They used to be made out of recycled Panzer tanks but now they seem to make them out of fairy wings and tissue paper. I'm interested in the Kove, but I'll be riding the Wild Atlantic Way on my Triumph Tiger 900. You've done some serious thinking. Picking your bike up is essential. I'm a big and strong lad. I can pick up my 900 off the floor, but only a couple of times in a day. My bike for off road is the FE501, but that is no good for what you're doing. I've done biggish miles on an adventurised 701, but that big thumper isn't much fun for really big miles. I reckon you've made a good choice, so I'll end as I started. Good luck.
I remember my mechanic saying the same about BMW's xD
Thanks for your comment! :)
Espetáculo. Grande video. Todos os youtubers devia ser como tu. Objetivos sem palhaçadas. Ansioso para experimentar essa mota.
Gary, you are a good speaker and i totally agree with what you are saying.
Thank you!
Looking forward to watching your travels. Best looking bike in class.
Thanks! I will try to upload regularly
Well said ,,,,good luck Gary
Thank you!
Wish you the best, to my knowledge it's a great decision. Hopefully Santa Cruz, Bolivia is in your route.
Thank you Jemirandav! Santa Cruz is on the list ;)
6:06 I agrée with you. I had a tenere 660 in Australia. By the time you strip as much weight as possible (tail tides, exhaust lithium battery) led blinkers,(theyare only thing that breaks when you drop them) led heads(safety obviously with kangaroos) didn’t need aux tanks as it was big enough, but revalve suspension to carry luggage weight you have a very expensive heavy but very reliable thumper but only after a lot of work. Why not start with something light to begin with. Then it’s only a revalve (maybe) . My only reservation is parts (even knowing it’s a more reliable ktm engine) bring a spare charge regulator and a lithium iron phosphate battery is still a good idea.I had a spare clutch cable cable tied to the working one (I didn’t have to take the tank off when it went) and brought a few clutch plates to get me out of trouble.(didn’t need them in end, but enough mud and who knows) Also I had a watt master wat115a mini multimeter and a few solder stick joints that only need a cigarette lighter (multi is how I figured water ingress into charge regulator (situated below radiator) and why I carried a spare after that) best of luck 🤞
Im absolutely with you,, competition helps everybody, even legacy motorcycles automakers that got used to charge exorbitant prices on heavy Bikes.
Yes I agree! It would be cool if the established now do the same!
I wish they sell this here in Australia. I'll have to look at the equivalent CFMOTO 800MT-X next year.
Hi Charlie, I am hearing nothing but good things about CF Motos also
I agree with you on many points. Riding is like a form of therapy. The bike weights are too heavy. The Kove 800x pro is the Sweet spot. The power to weight ratio is phenominal. If they ever get any in the U.S. I will get one for sure.
Hi Brett, Glad there are others out there that agree! (P.S. I didn't know they are not in the USA yet!)
This bike is a total revolution, it's sad that experienced riders don't realize that! I own one since 2 weeks and it's a joy, today I showed it to a friend who has a KTM 890R Adventure, he carefully inspected my bike and told me that's better built than his ktm, at 1/3 of the price 😂 I live in Panama, let me know if you'll pass here in your travel
Hi Piero! Exactly, I think the more people that get this bike, the more people will realise that bikes can get lighter without sacrificing build quality. I will be heading up to Panama but not for a long time! I will reach out when I do :)
Well done getting your honest perspective out there on this particular Kove - don’t think you’ll regret it at all, prove all the ‘half glass empty’ folks and doomsayers wrong! Please keep us all informed on the progress of your epic trip on here when you can, looking forward to it already. Best of luck.
Really appreciate that comment Richard and thanks for following the journey
Fair play. Good luck with the trip.
Thanks Phil
Bravo!
EXCELLENT CHOICE 👍
Thank you!
Your reasoning is impeccable and very well explained. Good luck on your trip. I will follow it, of course. Greetings from Argentina and remember that you have a place to stop in the center of the country. Just contact me.
Hi Fernando, Thank you and I really appreciate that!
One of the things that intrigued when I first heard about this bike is that it's already on the Chinese market and has been since 2020. Meaning others have thoroughly tested it and there's one older gentleman that put 300,000 km on his. Aside from routine maintenance all he's really done is replaced the clutch plates.
Thats good to know! I have just 2k km up so far and no issues so far :)
@@GarysJourneyYT How has the throttle been? I've heard from some people that it's kind of jerky.
Hi, how did you find out about this 300,000? I test rode one the other day and it blew my mind and I'm looking for more reasons to buy one 😂
@GREMLlN I can't find the thread myself. But an expat living in China, who owns a Kove 800X, brought it up in one of his videos.
Looking for to following you as a Pom livingin Australia but currently riding in Thailand for a month
Thank you and enjoy Thailand, Colin!
Great analysis. I agree that the Kove 800x is a very good effort and also what a.shame it is that the founder of the company has been pushed out. However, if I was in your shoes I think I would choose the 750 Transalp. It's a little heavier (208 kg) but probably more comfy on road and sourcing Honda spares in the boonies would be easier than for Kove. Good luck with your trip.
Thank you! I am committed on bike choice now 😅so let's see how it goes with parts. It will be part of the journey 👍
Agreed on all accounts.
Greetings from Colombia, new subscriber here, nice video, I'm eager to see how the bikes behave on your journey, safe travels!
Thanks Edgar and I look forward to visiting your country next year :)
Zhang Xue is still a share holder in the company I read somewhere while researching these biles...
That is true. I am not sure if you heard but he has just started making new motorbikes under his own name "Zhang Xue Moto". I will be following along to see if he starts making adventure bikes but he has already released a street bike.
good luck, subbed and hoping you doco how you go with the Kove 800X as it is on my radar.
rsm8
Nice one Joe!
True Choice
I’m sure you know that Kove fixed that KTM 690 camshaft issue on their engine that KTM themselves couldn’t be arsed doing, and mostly won’t warranty it even though it’s a design flaw on the oil port drillings.
I’ll be following your adventure through South America on the kove. I’m genuinely curious to see if the 800X is a reliable bike, not because it’s Chinese but because the engine is a KTM… Hopefully kove put reliable parts in the engine and a quality fuel injector that can handle dirty/low octane fuel. Crossing my fingers that Kove delivers 🤞 good luck and safe travels 🍀
Yes, will be interesting to see how it is for reliability and handles the poor fuel quality. Much appreciated for comment!
The engine it's not ktm, it's inspired by the LC8C but they revised and improved it, there are videos online highlighting all the improvements
@@PieroZanetti not to sound rude but “inspired” is a nice way to say “licensed to replicate”. So it is in fact a KTM engine.. but if kove put quality components, improved the design and made it reliable than I’m all for it!
@@theeschatechannel2854 there isn't any licence, get informed, all the engine head is different and there are many more modifications
@ everything I just read said that it’s a direct copy. Quit making shit up and then telling people to “get informed.”
Hi Gary, really enjoyed your video. I had heard Zhang had left the company but I did not know the reason, now I do. I hope you have a safe and great trip my only question is and it is the same with CF Moto how are you positioned for spare parts. I have just bought a 450 MT CF Moto and at the moment it appears spares are the downside.
Thanks Glen! Enjoy your 450MT, I hear nothing but great things about that bike. Yes, you are correct, spare parts will be the battle but I still chose the bike over the others even with this in mind. Lets see how it goes!
Looks promising, and certainly is the closest thing to that Unicorn that many of us are seeking. Only time will tell about reliability but the main problem I see, even in Europe right now, is with the parts availability. I would be fearing, should something break on the bike, staying stranded many weeks waiting for a replacement and that's a real pain in the butt when doing this kind of long term travel adventure.
Another person that said the same thing as you was Charlie Boorman on that ferry! You are both correct and I am taking a bit of a risk.
However, The engine is a KTM so I can get parts for the engine from KTM dealer. Regarding the rest of the parts, I know Kove are working on more dealers but they currently do have ones in Colombia and Ecuador.
Let's see how it goes with timeframes getting parts to me. If I break down, hopefully it's somewhere nice! :D
@@GarysJourneyYT Sure, there's no adventure witout a little risk isn't it? Best of luck and safe travel !
@@cstbb568 Exactly :) and thanks!
I was seriously considering buying that same bike after testing it but the only thing that held me back is the service interval of 5k km. Keeping it under warranty would've proved to expensive for the amount of km i do. How are you going to tackle this issue?
Also people always love to complain about something on non Japanese bikes.
Really looking forward for your trip
👍
Hi Bio, I understand where you are coming from as I had same dilemma. However, In the end I just thought screw it and will get it serviced here and there by local mechanics while on the road in South America. I did the first oil change myself at 1000km at an Airbnb somewhere in France. Next one I think I will be somewhere in South of Argentina or Chile.
Good lucky, mate. What about the KTM 790ADV? It's a bit heavier...still, low center of gravity. However, I hope Kove will continue like that and establish itself on the market.
Thanks Thor! I did consider one but never went as far to test drive one. Was happy when I found the Kove and like you said, KTM is also a little heavier
@@GarysJourneyYT , cheers. I've watched quite a few reviews on it. The fueling has been brought up as an issue on the Kove multiple times. It's apparently on/off like, very difficult to modulate and therefore tiring. On the other hand there were comments saying it's not a problem. Would be great if you could address this aspect and tell us what you think about it.
@@thorstentrapp274 I am not as sensitive as others are to it. I had an XT660 and it was worse than this bike so I am noticing an "improvement" over that bike and I am just used to riding around it. However, everyone seams to be saying it so I actually found a guy who is going to remap the bike for me and I will see if it makes the bike easier to ride. I will document the outcome in an upcoming video
@@GarysJourneyYT , cheers for your feedback, mate. I actually watched another one of your videos in the meantime, where you address this issue. I'm confident this matter will be solved. I'm in Brisbane, but have a place of residence in Paraguay, too. South America is great for riding motorbikes...much better than Australia imo. There's a Kove dealer in Asuncion. Don't know what he's got in stock, but we've been monitoring their development for some time. I found that people are generally very helpful there. If one gets stranded for whatever reason, there are people stopping and asking if they can help....and they do help. That happened to a mate of mine a couple of times on a trip.
@@thorstentrapp274 Thanks very much for that heads up. Good to know there is a Kove place in Asuncion, Paraguay and that the people are so helpful!
I wish you a safe journey
Go enjoy yourself it's about perfect timing, mid Thirties
Thank you
Looking forward Following you on your travels Gary.. seen your bike in CCM,s when buying my 800...I love it but very snatch in 2nd 3rd gear at low rev,s..did you map yours or leave standard??
Hi Bernard, I understand what you are saying as I noticed it when I was test driving the showroom model. I am starting to get used to it and cover it with the clutch. I had an XT660 and that was very snatchy so I am a little used to it. If it starts to annoy me I will get it mapped somewhere in South America
@@GarysJourneyYT sound keep it between the ditches👍👍
Rock on Gary, ádh mór👍
Go raibh míle maith agat!
You will need a high front fender for off-roads in South America!
Good point. I think I will order it when I need parts for the bike and stuck somewhere.
Hello to you. Really looking forward to sée all détails of your adventure.
Just ordered mine. And waiting for it.
I did choose parts to enlight, such as titanium exhaust, get ride off top case handler, etc etc, as crash bars weight part of total, bagstoo. etc. Did you choose to keep yours stock ?
Cheers to you. Wishing you the best adventure
Hi Jamburgers, Yes I kept my crash bars stock. I was also thinking of buying the titanium exhaust from Uncle Wang but I got pretty confused by the ordeal. I am sure the bike will go down at some stage and an exhaust may need to be replaced. I would be interested to hear how you find the exhaust. In video 4 I show what I did with the top case handler haha
@GarysJourneyYT titanium exhaust Comes with decat. And New ecu. Ben told that it really changes behaviour on low revs. Weight IS really much lower. I bought a Big stock of parts, such as bigger cooling propeller etc
I m in hurry to follow everything from your trip
Love the Idea. Love the spirit
@@jamburgers Thank you and that is very interesting! You got this from Uncle Wang correct? When you fit exhaust and ECU will you let me know how it goes? I will probably order the same as you.
@@GarysJourneyYT with pleasure. It will be my subscription to all thé work you will have to do for us, viewers 😂😂
Any mail to send info ? I already have ideas of what s good or not about some parts.
Great video ❤
Thanks Danny!
How about NC 750 dct ?
Hi Zain, I didnt know this bike but had a look online and see it is a little on the heavy side for me!
i always remember a guy i worked with over 20 years ago buying a Kia, he got laughed at every single day, i bet they all own them now😂 and look at the Kia sales to date.
Exactly Mike!
That was really nice, thanks for sharing! What hand guards are you using? Thanks
Thanks Stefan!
I purchased them from Uncle Wang site. The type of hand guards are called "Ryan"
@@GarysJourneyYT Thanks Gary! Have a fantastic journey. I will be watching out for your updates.
After watching the start of the new season of Itchy Boots and how much has been spent on that old Tenere because it's "lighter", i think the Kove 800 would've been a better choice.
It's a shame Kove isn't getting enough coverage.
I saw some of the preparation for Itchy Boots bike. It does look pretty impressive!
But for the average person, I think these light new bikes could be the answer. If Kove performs well, I think more and more people will hear about them.
I cant afford to own a bike but if i could i wiuld definitely buy this no two ways about it.
Hi Marius, it's my first new bike and I do really like it. I bet there will be plenty of second hand ones on the market in a couple of years to get your hands on one! :)
I wonder who was teasing you … shame on them! Great video gaz hats off, nice one for my cameo alongside my NON communist bike 😂
Much appreciated Crock! 😁
Good choice :-)
Thank you Scannorse
👏👏👏
Thanks Andre
Now the question is, if they kicked dude out of the company, should we even consider future models to have same touch and approach 😕
U can look to old bmw, like g650x. its rotax, big suspension and very small weight about 160 kg. I have this bike and its perfect for single travel
And now Im searching for new bike, more comfortable and powerful. And look to this kove. but Im afraid, because its the same engine as 790 ktm. And I hear about problems with that engine
Hi Samy, It is the same engine correct. The problem with the 790 engine was it would be eat its cams on *some* of the KTM's. Kove and CF Moto knew this and had the top end redesigned to address this. It has been on the road over a year in China and I am not hearing of anymore cam issues with the 799cc engine so hopefully it is now solved!! :)
@@GarysJourneyYToh man, its a perfect news! Thanks a lot))
Can u give me a link or something, where I can read more about it?
@@samy_yu I cant share a link because UA-cam does not allow me leave them.
Search on google "Advpulse KTM camshaft". The first article from advpulse should be it. Apparently, this was solved before 2021 and none of the issues came from the Chinese made engines (by CF Moto) but it was from the Austrian ones (Mattighofen)
@@GarysJourneyYT Also redesigned Clutch, bottom end and higher pressure oil pump....
When ı research the kove 800 ı see you and ı start follow you and wondered conclusions lets see kove how is gonna handled with this trip
Thanks Aligi.. Let's see indeed!
If I were you I would take my girlfriend with me on that pillion seat. In 1979 my girlfriend and I went camping from Denmark to Monaco on my Suzuki GT550. In 1984 we went to Milano. The girl on the pillion seat is more important than your motorcycle!
You definitely don't have to take your girl/wife/significant other with you my friend, we all need our time to our selves...
Cool story, but only time will show if these bikes are reliable, whether parts are sufficiently available and how durable they are. I struggle to understand how these arguments sufficed in your decision to bring it on such a long trip, so early after the introduction of these bikes. Either way, I hope I am wrong (ie. I hope you & the bike both will do great) and I hope the journey will be a success.
Thank you! Let's see how it goes!
Id love to buy this, if they ever bring it to india. However, they'll have a monumental task in india cos indians like the rest of the world, dont trust chinese products for quality. Secondly, since china has made advsnces on our borders multiple times, we have animosity towards them. And since the country is huge, setting up effective sales and service network would be very very difficult.
Keeping my fingers crossed. I ride in the himalyan mountains fpr atleast 3 weeks every year. Almost exclusively above 12-13k feet above sea level. So at that altitude, oxygen is less and i dont want to wrestle with a heavy bike. My limit is 200kg and this fits perfectly with that. I was keen on getting the Aprilia Tuareg if it ever launched in india. They did launch it but priced it the same as a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Idiotic pricing, so that's out of the question now.
You'd being in India brings in other difficulties sourcing the bike. I do hear the Royal Enfield are good for India travels!
I totally agree in all the 800x its my desire moto with no doubt like you Said Mechanic for a rider ... If you coming to BUENOS AIRES chat me I Will going to introduce you my country 🏍️🔧🥩🍖🍷🇦🇷
I am going to Buenso Aires. Let me know how I can reach you?! :)
That teasing would have occurred when the first Japanese bikes appeared to challenge Triumph, BSA, Harley etc, look what happened then, UA-camrs are raving over them and buying with their own money, if reliability is sound and there are plenty of dealer networks look out Japan !
You will see in the next videos but CF Moto and KTM are able to provide parts. So far no issues sorting parts
You so wright ,light moterbike are the best....
Yeah Steve, it is so much better. Less likely to drop and easier to pick up!
The Kove is about 15 kg lighter than a Tenere (i think). Thats nice, but where was that weight saved ? I worry that that 15 kg came out of the parts, making then less reliable. No worries about it being Chinese. Just wonder what was compromised to achieve the weight loss.
I understand what you are saying. However, For the world raid version of the Tenere there is even more of a weight gap. The stock version of Tenere only has 16 litre fuel tank.
I am not exactly sure where the weight saving was to be honest. If you can, I would recommend going to see a Kove dealer and look at the Kove up close to see and feel the quality. I think you will be surprised :)
Hopefully they continue to kake good bikes but im concerned now that fhe passionate founder has been ousted. Similar to Steve Jobs. A passionate founder ousted by corporate idiots who ruin the company.
It is something I will also be keeping my eye on. The CEO has started a new company under his own name and just released his first bike. Something I will also be keeping an eye on!
@GarysJourneyYT whoa... Did not know that. What's it called?
Is he still involved in Love or has he exited completely? If he has exited completely, then the future of Kove might be questionable from a bikers perspective.
It’s not the bike.
It’s the Duke engine an possible crank issues. The top end has been completely re-done but ? On the bottom.
Well mate I wish you all the best an break a leg.
When you Finnish ? It will either be a world beater or a egg beater,we’ll see an I’ll follow you with interest.
❤️❤️🏍️🏍️🎃🎃🙏🙏👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks Paul! Yes, we will see how she gets on. I am not yet sure of a finish date! but around 1 year from now i think.
The Kove engine has a Redesigned head, clutch, higher volume oil pump and revised bottom end, the problem KTM engines weren't built in China, the Kove engine has been mostly re engineered...
Maybe you should not be focusing so much on your motorcycle. Focus on a girlfriend who wants to join you. Read about Che Guevara when he started exploring South America as pillion on a friends motorcycle in 1951. They did NOT have fuel injection. Lastly you should read reviews in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan and China - not in England - You may find what you're looking for!
He may find himself a girlfriend along the way!😏
It is kilogram - not kaygees. It is 800 cubic centimeters - not seesees. Did you skip school? In that case you will miss that you did not learn Spanish. Maybe you should learn the language before you leave.
You've got problems.
You come across as just plain rude. KG's is what Kilograms are commonly referred to , and almost EVERYONE for the last 50+ years or more , knows what CC's are, get over yourself mate...