Adventures with the Kove 450 Rally

[sparkmark]

Its been quite a journey already, being that in 2022 I broke my back (training for Dakar 2023) and I thought my rallying days were over. But I guess the rally spirit never dies ... so here we are again.

I'm planing on taking on the Baja Rally in Sep and Africa Eco in Jan next year. That goes along some riding in May with @Hardy de Kock and some dune training in July with Willem.

And this particular adventure starts with A) Getting fit and loosing some weight and B) getting a practise bike.

A) We are off to a good start, I've lost 10.5kg's in 6 weeks and am exercising every day and eating well.
B) A slightly more involved process, but obviously as the title suggests I decided on the Kove 450 Rally

 

[sparkmark]

So why the Kove 450 rally you may ask. Well there are a number of reasons:

1) A KTM RFR is to damn expensive

All jokes aside, I've been following the Kove closely since its release over a year ago. Keeping a close eye on any reported issues with the bike and its overall durability. I've spent many hours on the phone with guys who have raced them in international rallies and the Dakar. The general consensus was that it was a good bike, well priced for what you get, and really reliable.

I would like to race the Baja and AER on a Kove (as it makes it much more affordable) so it made sense to then also have a Kove as my practise bike. A new 501 costs almost 200k and by the time you have fitted a larger tank and upgraded the suspension you are way over the price of a Kove.

I went on down to Moto Bike Shed and Clinton hooked me up with a new Kove 450 rally.

 

[sparkmark]

The first things on the agenda:

1) Strip the bike down so I can get familiar with how its put together and more importantly look for any issues or weak spots.
2) Figure out what stuff I want to get for the bike to make her the way I want.

 

[Black_Hawk]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident and I'm glad that you recovered and that you are back on the bike...well done.

Looking forward reading about your journey and whishing you all of the best.

 

[sparkmark]

Stuff that I wanted to get for the bike:

Free flow for the exhaust --> I opted for the Kove Pro exhaust. Its load, but at least its a stock part. I will make a baffle for it.
Updated ECU --> Sirk at Kove SA now have some dyno maps that they can flash for you
Seat concepts seat --> A must have
Sticker kit --> Just to make it mine
Steering damper setup --> Safety
Rally Pro mudguard setup --> Get rid of the air brake at the back
TwinAir air filters --> Don't trust anything else

 

[dookie]

Was watching this yesterday :

 

[sparkmark]

As for the strip down, I'll keep you all updated as to how things are coming along.

Ive started a #kove450rallymods on instagram of all the changes I've made and I'll post them here as well.

I started with removing the side stand switch, the clutch switch and evap canister.
The side stand switch you can simply unplug. I cut off the plug and seal the wires.
The clutch switch you disconnect and then bridge the wires. This allows you to start the bike in gear.
The evap canister you take off along with all the piping. There is a pipe that leads to the throttle body which you blank off.

 

[Malmoer]

Awesome, will keep track of this thread

 

[Fuzzy Muzzy]

Awesome.. following with interest. I think you made a good move to Kove as a practise bike for rally like Willem did.

10.5kg in 6 weeks.. good grief man, thats commitment right there, keep going

 

[Edgar]

What is the reasoning behind removing the evap cannister?

 

[BuRP]

@sparkmark , congrats with your new bike, and the best of luck with your planned endeavors.

Was wondering, are you going to remove the ABS stuff on your bike?
I'm tempted to do that on mine, it's just some dead weight sitting there - and no, don't use it ever, switched off all the time.

 

[sparkmark]

What is the reasoning behind removing the evap cannister?

Its an overflow for any fuel. More environmentally friendly. It runs into the canister rather than out onto the ground. But its extra weight and takes up space.

 

[sparkmark]

@sparkmark , congrats with your new bike, and the best of luck with your planned endeavors.

Was wondering, are you going to remove the ABS stuff on your bike?
I'm tempted to do that on mine, it's just some dead weight sitting there - and no, don't use it ever, switched off all the time.

So on the 701 I leave the front on all the time. Its a very good system though.

Will try the ABS front on the 450 first, then decide. If its anything like the T7, then it will come off.