For just $9299, you can now own a street-legal motorcycle with genuine Dakar Rally DNA. The Kove 450 Rally has proven itself in the world’s toughest off-road race, yet it’s now equipped with turn signals and a license plate, making it one of the most capable and affordable adventure bikes you can legally ride almost anywhere. After logging 130 miles on both dirt and pavement at the Rugged Radios Nevada Rally Experience, we found that this Chinese-built motorcycle offers serious off-road capability that rivals the non-street legal version we tested in 2023.
Photos by Reid Nordin
The Kove 450 Rally boasts impressive credentials for a bike that most riders have never heard of. Three Chinese riders piloted nearly identical machines to complete the 2023 Dakar Rally on their first attempt—no small feat considering the event’s 70 percent attrition rate. Since then, the race version, which utilizes the same motor and chassis as this production bike, has gained popularity among Dakar Original by Motul competitors, who take on the two-week event with no team support and minimal supplies. It’s a proven endurance platform that has now achieved street-legal certification.
American rally racer Mason Klein has campaigned prototype versions of the Kove 450 Rally for two years, demonstrating flashes of speed despite mechanical problems with the higher-performance engine variant. The production bike available for purchase features the proven, reliable powerplant that has already conquered the world’s most demanding rally.
Converting the 450 Rally for street use required surprisingly few changes. The off-road version already included turn signals, brake lights, a horn, and a license plate bracket—Kove clearly had street legalization in mind from the beginning. The main modifications involve a more restrictive airbox and a quieter exhaust to meet sound regulations, plus the typical street-biased tires found on most dual sport bikes.
These changes do not significantly affect performance. During our Nevada test, we rode alongside a rider on the off-road version and noticed only a minimal difference in power delivery or responsiveness.
The heart of the 450 Rally features a 448.9cc single-cylinder engine produced by Zongshen, a Chinese manufacturer that produces over a million motorcycle engines each year. Kove worked with Zongshen to create this higher-performance, twin-cam version of an existing powerplant, which includes fuel injection, a six-speed transmission, a counterbalancer, and a multi-disc wet clutch with cable actuation.
Smart engineering decisions reveal themselves in the details. The engine holds 1.8 liters of oil—40 percent more than typical 450 off-road bikes—featuring an oil cooler that extends change intervals to 3000 miles. Valve clearance checks are advised every 5000 miles. Large radiators with dual fans regulate temperatures during extreme conditions. The result is a claimed 51 horsepower, competitive with other 450cc off-road engines but designed for endurance rather than peak performance.
Kove manufactures the steel frame and aluminum swingarm in-house, while the Chinese brand YU-AN supplies the suspension components. Both the front and rear offer 12 inches of travel via a traditional linkage system, with 12 inches of ground clearance. Buyers looking for a lower stance can choose a version with two inches less travel at the same price point.
A sharp-looking carbon-fiber skid plate protects the frame, fuel tanks, oil cooler, and low-routed exhaust header—essential armor for serious off-road work.
Perhaps the 450 Rally’s most impressive feature is its three-tank fuel system, which holds a total of eight gallons. Our 130-mile test barely scratched the surface of its potential 350+ mile range capability. For remote exploration or multi-day adventures, this large capacity alleviates the range anxiety that plagues most off-road bikes.
The cockpit blends old-school off-road ergonomics with modern convenience. A TFT display shows speed, trip data, fuel level, average speed, rpm, and other typical ADV bike information. Riders can disable the standard ABS system, though it annoyingly resets every time you cycle the ignition. A USB charging port keeps devices powered during long rides.
The 38-inch seat height matches other modern off-road and dual sport bikes, which are at least two inches taller than most ADV machines. Standard oversized footpegs and comfortable ergonomics accommodate extended riding sessions.
Don’t expect explosive acceleration from the 450 Rally. The engine delivers mellow, predictable power that requires higher rpm to access its full potential, quite different from race-oriented 450 motocross bikes. This characteristic suits adventure riding well, providing controllable power delivery on challenging terrain.
The Bosch fuel-injection mapping works smoothly, and clutch feel is excellent throughout the range. While not exciting, the powerplant gets the job done reliably.
The 450 Rally’s chassis strikes an interesting balance. Compared to typical off-road or dual sport bikes, it feels substantial and planted—exactly what you’d expect carrying eight gallons of fuel. Yet next to traditional ADV bikes, it feels surprisingly light and narrow between your legs.
The chassis and suspension performance is neutral and predictable. The bike inspires confidence on gravel roads and handles moderate off-road challenges without drama. The dual-piston brake calipers, front and rear, provide adequate stopping power for the bike’s intended use.
Highway sections revealed the 450 Rally’s superiority over typical dual sport bikes on pavement. The large fairing and windscreen provide good wind protection, while the single-cylinder engine, though not as smooth as twin-cylinder ADV bikes, remains tolerable at highway speeds.
The Kove 450 Rally targets a specific niche: riders seeking maximum off-road capability in a street-legal package without paying premium adventure bike prices. It’s ideal for desert or mountain road exploration and remote area access where range and durability matter more than highway comfort or brand prestige.
Consider alternatives if you prioritize on-road refinement, dealer network support, or resale value. Traditional adventure bikes offer superior street manners and established dealer networks, though at significantly higher prices and with less off-road capability.
The street-legal Kove 450 Rally fulfills its unique promise: true rally capability at an affordable price. For riders looking for off-road capability in a street-legal package, the 450 Rally stands as an exceptional value at $9299. Just make sure you’re comfortable with limited dealer support and the realities of owning a relatively unknown Chinese brand. If those concerns don’t dissuade you, this rally-bred machine provides adventure capability that’s tough to match at any price.CN
2025 Kove 450 Rally Specifications
| MSRP | $9299 |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, single cylinder |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Displacement | 448.9cc |
| Fueling | Bosch EFI |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Frame | Steel |
| Front Suspension | 49mm fully adjustable inverted fork by YU-AN |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable single shock by YU-AN with linkage system |
| Front Tire | 90/90 x 21 |
| Rear Tire | 140/80 x 18 |
| Seat Height | 38.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 12.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.0 gal. |
| Weight | (dry, claimed) 320 lbs. |
Click here to read the 2025 Kove 450 Rally Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
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