Going large! Kove Moto reveal big-bore sportsbike plans and aim to double UK dealer network

Kove Moto, already a prominent name on the global stage, have spoken exclusively to MCN to reveal plans to expand their line-up further, including a high-capacity sportsbike, as well as doubling their dealer network across the UK.

Founded in 2007 by former professional enduro racer Zhang Xue, the brand now produces multiple motorcycles for the UK market, including the Yamaha Ténéré 700-rivalling £8499 800X Pro adventure bike, and the recently confirmed learner-legal KY125R costing just £3499.

They also recently revealed a 450RR four-cylinder sportsbike, which we’re told will potentially come to the UK next year as a race only package, and have enjoyed success with their focussed 450 Rally – available in an £8500 base spec, or full-fat £13,500 Pro version.

MCN sat down with Kove at the recent EICMA trade show in Milan to discuss the future of the brand, including upcoming models, dealer network expansion plans, and the burning question when it comes to Chinese motorcycles – durability.

“We have concrete plans for even more engine platforms and new models, from single-cylinder bikes through to a large capacity four-cylinder sports bike,” Vice General Manager of R&D, Li Baobao told MCN.

“The specifics [of the latter] are not decided exactly yet, but it will be between 600cc and 800cc, with technology developed from the 450RR,” they continued. “It will be on the market in 2026 for sure. It is possible that we will show it next year as well, then they will be ready for customers the year after.”

Moving onto reliability, the R&D boss added: “We have introduced longer product testing interval which puts our development on par with Japanese competitors. After the initial dyno testing, we used to road test two bikes for 30,000km each.

“That isn’t enough to satisfy the demand for reliability, so now we will increase this to 10 bikes for our road testing for this interval. This will help us to solve any potential problems before they go to production.”

Kove’s 800X Pro may have only arrived in the UK this summer, but the keen pricing and Yamaha-rivalling numbers have made a big impression. There are currently five dealers in our market, however the plan is to double this in the next 12 months.

Away from road bikes, the brand will also be heading back to the gruelling Dakar Rally early next year with TT-winning rider James Hillier at the helm – backed by the WTF Racing team responsible for the 2024 British Superbike title winning OMG Racing squad.

“From a Western perspective, what you’re looking at is a brand that is fundamentally race-based, with a passion for performance,” Lee Westbrook of Kove Moto UK added.

“That’s where our development and forward thinking is coming from, he continued. “We build bikes for enthusiasts first and foremost – and at a price they can afford, then develop them to conform to emissions regulations. That’s why there are some machines that aren’t available here yet, but they will be eventually.

“We’re already getting bombarded with dealers wanting to become official distributors, so we will certainly see an expansion.”