In adventure motorcycling, the Kove 800 X and its Rally Edition redefine what’s possible. These two models deliver cutting-edge performance, combining power, precision, and versatility for both on- and off-road experiences. Designed for riders who seek adventure in all terrains, the Kove 800 X and 800 X Rally promise a blend of lightweight engineering, robust engines, and advanced suspension systems that cater to every adventure rider’s needs. Whether you’re navigating rugged off-road tracks or cruising long distances, these motorcycles push the limits of what’s achievable in the adventure segment.

Design and Dimensions

The Kove 800 X and Kove 800 X Rally are crafted with adventure in mind, offering distinct dimensions tailored for different riding experiences. The Kove 800 X measures 88.11 × 34.65 × 55.08 inches (2238×880×1399mm), making it slightly more compact than the Rally Edition, which stands at 89.25 × 34.65 × 56.54 inches (2267×880×1436mm). This subtle difference in height and length highlights the Rally Edition’s off-road focus, providing a higher riding stance for more demanding terrains.

Both models maintain impressive seat heights to accommodate various rider preferences. The Kove 800 X offers two adjustable seat heights: 34.45 inches or 34.06 inches (875mm or 865mm), allowing for a customized fit. The Rally, however, is designed for more aggressive riding, featuring a taller seat height of 35.24 inches (895mm), which increases ground clearance and provides better handling on rugged surfaces.

Speaking of ground clearance, the Kove 800 X has a respectable clearance of 10.83 inches (275mm), ensuring smooth navigation over obstacles. The Rally Edition elevates this further with a ground clearance of 11.54 inches (293mm), making it more capable in extreme off-road environments. This extra height, combined with a longer wheelbase of 60.83 inches (1545mm) (compared to the 800 X’s 59.45 inches (1510mm)), gives the Rally Edition a significant advantage in maintaining stability on rough trails.

The weight difference between the two models is also notable. The Kove 800 X, with a curb weight of 408 lb (185kg), provides a solid balance for off-road and highway use. Meanwhile, the Rally’s dry weight of 364 lb (165kg) improves its maneuverability, especially during intense off-road rides. Despite these variations, both models share a similar 5.3 gal (20L) fuel tank capacity, with the Rally’s being slightly smaller at 5 gal (19L), allowing for extended journeys without frequent refueling.

Close-up of Ducati DesertX Rally's high front mudguard and wheel.

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Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Kove 800 X and the Kove 800 X Rally lies a powerful 799cc twin-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine engineered to deliver peak performance in diverse conditions. This robust engine is designed for power and precision, providing riders with the reliability they need on the highway or navigating challenging trails.

The Kove 800 X boasts a power output of 71KW at 9000rpm, paired with a maximum torque of 80N.m at 7500rpm. This setup ensures the bike has the strength to tackle steep climbs, accelerate swiftly on open roads, and maintain control in demanding off-road environments. The 800 X Rally, while closely matching these figures, offers slightly lower maximum power at 70KW but retains the same torque, ensuring it still delivers ample power for off-road escapades. The Rally’s power-to-weight ratio is improved by its lighter build, making it more agile on technical terrain.

The Kove 800 X leads with a top speed of 130 mi/h (210km/h), ideal for long-distance touring and open-road adventures. The Rally, designed more for off-road conditions, has a slightly lower top speed of 115 mi/h (185km/h), which is still impressive considering its primary focus on rugged, uneven terrains.

Both models feature an EFI fuel supply system, ensuring efficient fuel delivery and optimal engine performance across various terrains and weather conditions. Navigating city streets or venturing into remote wilderness, the Kove 800 X and Rally’s engine performance provides reliability, power, and adaptability.

Chassis and Suspension

The Kove 800 X and 800 X Rally feature a robust diamond-shaped, dual-wing beam frame designed for durability and precision handling in challenging environments. This construction ensures that both models maintain structural integrity on rough terrain, providing a stable and controlled ride whether you’re on paved roads or tackling rugged off-road trails.

The Kove 800 X has a KYB suspension, offering preload and damping adjustability. This allows riders to fine-tune their ride to suit varying road conditions and personal preferences. The suspension delivers excellent shock absorption, making it well-suited for mixed-use riding, from smooth highways to bumpy dirt paths.

In contrast, the Kove 800 X Rally is designed for more demanding off-road use, and its suspension system reflects that, making it ideal for adventurous riders. The Rally model features an extended suspension travel, with 270mm (10.63 inches) at the front and 250mm (9.84 inches) at the rear, both adjustable for preload and damping. This increased travel allows the Rally to efficiently handle more significant obstacles, rougher terrain, and steeper descents with ease. The suspension setup is perfect for riders seeking to push the limits in extreme off-road conditions, providing superior comfort, stability, and control over uneven and challenging surfaces.

The rake angles on both models are designed to optimize handling: 26.15° for the 800 X and a slightly more relaxed 27.15° on the Rally, which provides better stability in off-road scenarios. Both models share a 35° steering angle, giving riders the agility needed for tight turns and precise maneuvers in challenging environments.