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Kove’s Next-Gen 450 Rally EX: Lighter, More Powerful, Ready for Dakar

Kove Moto has introduced a new and improved dirt bike, the 450 Rally EX, ahead of the Dakar rally. The previous edition of the Dakar saw Kove enter the competition with three 450 Rally Pro bikes, marking the first time a Chinese manufacturer participated in the motorcycle division. Kove’s CEO, Zhang Xue, expressed a desire for the team to finish the race, and all three bikes did so successfully.

Now, Kove is gearing up for the next Dakar edition with a goal to win. The newly unveiled 450 Rally EX is an upgraded version, featuring enhancements for better performance. The bike boasts a more powerful and lighter design compared to its predecessor. It is equipped with a new liquid-cooled DOHC 449.9cc single engine that delivers 65 hp and 36.14 ft-lbs of torque, outperforming the previous model with 54 hp and 31 ft-lbs of torque.

The improved power is attributed to innovations in the engine, including a larger bore and quicker stroke. The drivetrain incorporates advanced applications and lightweight materials, featuring a unique cylinder head design with a unified rocker arm. The bike is designed for better handling and stability, with an increased fuel capacity of 8.98 gallons distributed across three tanks.

In terms of suspension, the 450 Rally EX is equipped with a fully adjustable 49mm USD fork and a progressive link mono-shock, providing 12 inches of travel in the front and 11.8 inches in the rear. The bike features a 21/18-inch wheelset, with braking handled by a floating single, 2-piston caliper front disc and a single-piston rear disc.

Kove has announced that a limited production run of 50 units of the Dakar-spec EX will be available for consumers and privateers. The factory race bike, which will be used by Kove’s pro riders in the upcoming Dakar, is priced at €19,999. This limited-edition model offers a more affordable option compared to competing replica models from KTM and Husqvarna.

For those who prefer more budget-friendly options, Kove will continue offering the existing Kove 450R Rally and the Rally Pro in 2024 at the same pricing – $8,999 and $13,999, respectively. The introduction of the 450 Rally EX showcases Kove’s commitment to pushing the boundaries in off-road racing and providing enthusiasts with high-performance dirt bikes.

November 16, 2023
2023 BMW R1300GS: Lighter, Stronger, and Ready for Adventure

BMW’s new R1300GS, priced at £15,990, is a noteworthy addition to the adventure bike market. It’s the lightest, most powerful, and compact GS in BMW’s lineup. This updated model comes with an impressive range of standard features, a fresh look, and a plethora of optional extras, such as an electronic ride height system, semi-active suspension with variable spring rates, and even a collision warning system that can apply the brakes in emergencies. Additionally, it offers a variety of front and rear seats, screen options, levers, new luggage choices, and extended travel off-road suspension, providing riders with a wide array of customization.

In response to increasing competition from adventure bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, and Honda Africa Twin, BMW has made necessary updates to their iconic GS model. The 2023 R1300GS retains the GS identity but emerges as a smaller, smoother, lighter, more agile, and refined version compared to its predecessor, the BMW R1250GS. The changes and enhancements are substantial, and while they don’t transform the riding experience completely, they make the new GS a versatile machine catering to a broader range of riders and riding situations.

It’s essential to understand that the R1300GS is not designed to outperform KTM’s off-road capabilities, offer the same precision on the road as the latest Triumph Tiger 1200, or match the superbike-like speed of a Ducati Multistrada V4. However, the GS has never needed these attributes to maintain its popularity and continues to excel in off-road adventures, touring, and spirited riding. It remains an exceptional all-in-one bike that’s challenging to surpass.

BMW has made significant changes to the bike’s structure by replacing the old tubular steel chassis with a compact pressed steel shell that uses the engine as a structural component. The subframe is now constructed from cast aluminum, and a lighter lithium-ion battery comes as standard. The updated styling marks a significant departure from the chunkier appearance of the previous R1250GS. Despite the increased engine size, the R1300GS feels smaller and more streamlined. It’s a slimmer bike with a reduced fuel tank size. However, it retains the familiar GS character and design elements, ensuring a comfortable and recognizable riding experience.

Despite the new chassis, the R1300GS maintains a ride quality reminiscent of its predecessor. It’s stable and forgiving with a superb suspension that can handle a variety of riding conditions. While it may not be the fastest steering bike, it’s more agile and precise than before. This makes it easier to navigate and offers a more enjoyable riding experience. The front calipers and larger diameter discs provide strong and progressive braking performance, supported by a powerful rear brake.

The R1300GS’s 1300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin engine is more powerful and torque-rich throughout the rev range compared to its predecessor, especially between 3600rpm and 7800rpm. With a new oversquare layout, increased bore size, and reduced stroke, the engine delivers 143bhp of power at 7750rpm and 110lb-ft of torque at 6500rpm. The redline reaches 9000rpm, and the engine uses the ShiftCam valve timing system for improved low-end grunt and high-end performance. It breathes through a new stainless-steel exhaust.

This new engine is not only more powerful but also lighter and more compact, resulting in a more agile bike. The gearbox, now mounted beneath the engine, has improved accuracy, especially when equipped with the optional up/down quickshifter. The engine provides a flexible and predictable power delivery, making it ideal for road riding. It maintains its distinctive boxer twin burble at low revs and delivers strong acceleration, particularly in its sweet spot. The new engine’s refinement is complemented by smoother power delivery, making it user-friendly at road speeds.

October 28, 2023
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Bike: Lighter and More Powerful Advancement

BMW Motorrad has unveiled its latest adventure bike, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, representing a significant step forward in the world of adventure motorcycles. This new model serves as the successor to the previous R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure, emphasizing weight reduction and enhanced performance while staying true to the iconic GS legacy.

The heart of the R 1300 GS is the renowned BMW Motorrad boxer twin engine, which has been in production for over a century. With a larger capacity and more aggressive bore/stroke measurements (106.5mm x 73mm), this 1,300cc engine remains air/oil/water-cooled and features four-valve cylinder heads, along with dual-overhead camshafts. Notably, it retains BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing technology, which was first introduced in the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure.

This potent engine now boasts a 13.3:1 compression ratio, an increase of 0.8 from its predecessor. It runs on premium 91-octane fuel from a 5.0-gallon aluminum fuel tank. Power is efficiently transferred to a road-friendly 17-inch rear spoked wheel via a six-speed gearbox, which is now positioned under the engine. A hydraulic oil-bathed multiplate clutch and reliable Cardan-style shaft final drive complete the powertrain. BMW states that the boxer twin delivers 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful boxer twin in terms of horsepower.

Jochen Beck, the project manager of the BMW R 1300 GS, expressed the team’s commitment to bucking the trend of larger bikes, focusing instead on weight and dimension reduction. The result is a more compact and lean GS, achieved through innovative design and manufacturing methods. The engine serves as a load-bearing component within a steel main frame, with a lighter aluminum subframe taking the place of a heavier steel counterpart.

The R 1300 GS features BMW’s effective Telelever front suspension, providing a balance between steering and damping functions for optimal performance. It comes with a 19-inch front wheel, chosen over larger 21-inch wheels featured on other adventure motorcycles. The rear suspension incorporates a single-sided aluminum swingarm and BMW’s trusted paralever, seamlessly combining suspension and final drive responsibilities. Suspension travel remains consistent at 7.5 inches in the front and 7.9 inches in the rear. The wheelbase has been extended by 0.16 inches to 59.76 inches.

For riders seeking enhanced suspension, the optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, an upgrade from the previous Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), now includes spring preload adjustment and variable semi-active damping. This system is managed through various rider-selectable ride modes, vehicle dynamics, and rider control input. It also allows for changes in vehicle height based on terrain and riding conditions.

The 2024 R 1300 GS introduces four distinct riding modes (Road, Rain, Enduro, and the new Eco setting). For those desiring advanced options, the Ride Modes Pro package offers Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro modes. The bike now incorporates radar-powered cruise control, providing intelligent pacing of vehicles ahead and enhancing front collision and lane change warnings. The system can apply brakes to reduce the risk of sudden vehicle deceleration accidents.

October 22, 2023