kove continues to expand its offensive in the trail and adventure segment. The Chinese brand, which has managed to attract special attention with the brutal 450 Rallynow seems to be preparing a new member with a smaller displacement that could become a particularly interesting alternative for motorcyclists with an A2 license and a desire for trail riding.
As we are telling you, the first images of what, at least for now, we know as Kove 350 Rally They come from design patent documents, as we indicated at the beginning. Therefore, we are not yet facing an official presentation of a production model nor do we know its definitive specifications, or much more information. But, the images allow you to get a fairly clear idea of the Chinese manufacturer’s plans.
The recipe seems simple: take the conceptual basis of 450 Rallymaintain a good part of its adventurous essence and adapt it to a motorcycle that is more usable on the road and, predictably, more accessible to a wide audience.
A 350 Rally with the DNA of the Kove 450 Rally
At first glance, the new Kove 350 Rally maintains many of the features that have made the 450 Rally in one of the brand’s most recognizable models. The inspiration from the Dakar motorcycles is evident, with a high front, a practically vertical screen and a body that clearly conveys the image of a motorcycle prepared to travel long distances.
However, the design appears to have evolved towards a much more conventional interpretation. Faced with the most radical aesthetics of 450 Rallythe future 350 is committed to more integrated shapes and an image that could fit better with everyday use, more trail and a “little less adventure”.
The general architecture also seems to have a very close relationship with the 450 Rally. The patent images point to a chassis and swingarm derived from the existing motorcycle, although conveniently adapted to the needs of this new version.
The most obvious Kove change is in the bodywork.
The fuel tank maintains that characteristic configuration that extends towards the sides of the lower part of the engine, a solution closely linked to the world of rallying and that allows a significant amount of fuel to be concentrated without resorting to a conventional high-height tank.
The Kove 450 Rally current, in fact, uses a 14-liter tank in its European configuration and offers a 449 cc single-cylinder engine with 42 hp. It is a motorcycle that has transferred part of the technology and philosophy developed in competition to a registered mount, although its approach is still much more extreme than that of many conventional adventure trails.
The future Kove 350 Rally It seems to want to occupy a somewhat different space. That is, more road and less extreme ergonomics. One of the elements that attracts the most attention in the patents is the seat. The bike appears to have a more concave central area and a distinctly different shape than the practically flat, motocross-style surface of the 450 Rally. This could undoubtedly translate into friendlier and more comfortable ergonomics for using the motorcycle for many hours on asphalt, in addition to facilitating access to the ground for a greater number of riders. In our case of size “mediterranean”
The presence of lighting prepared for road use, license plate support, side reflectors and side stand, makes it clear that we are not dealing with a simple competition replica. But, something else. The new Kove 350 Rally It seems conceived from the beginning as a registrable adventure motorcycle, with the ability to leave the asphalt, but also designed to operate more naturally on the road.
And this is where its main attraction could be. If finally the displacement is around the 350cc and the power remains within the limits of the A2 permit, kove would have a new candidate to compete in one of the segments with the greatest commercial potential in Europe. The formula would be similar to that of the 450 Rally, but with a somewhat less radical orientation and, possibly, with easier use on a daily basis.
A new front for the entire Kove family
The design of the headlights is another of the big changes that this future introduces. 350 Rally. The 450 Rally The current one uses 2 front lights placed in parallel, a configuration that has become one of the hallmarks of the motorcycle. In the new 350 RallyHowever, the headlights appear stacked vertically and are accompanied by LED daytime running lights with a characteristic and successful wing shape.
Furthermore, it does not seem like an isolated decision. kove It would be preparing an aesthetic renewal of several of its models for the coming years, with a more conventional and recognizable front image among different families. Patents related to 350 Rally They coincide with other designs linked to future models of the brand, including the new generation of the 800X and a four-cylinder roadster that has been identified as 450R.
The objective seems clear: to create a common visual identity for a range that is growing rapidly. The most aggressive and peculiar look of the current ones kovewith its parallel optics and that aspect of «frown«, could give way to a more conventional solution. It is less flashy, yes, but it may also be easier to accept for those looking for a modern-looking motorcycle without such radical aesthetics. From our point of view, a success.
The exhaust also changes its approach
Another interesting detail appears in the exhaust system. In the Kove 350 Rallythe collector seems to adopt a different path than the 450 Rally. Instead of running through the lower part of the engine, the tube is located at the top, next to the cylinder head, to subsequently direct the gases to a silencer placed under the seat area.
What does seem clear is that kove has not been limited to reducing the displacement of the 450 Rally. The future 350 seems to propose its own evolution, with modifications in design, ergonomics and equipment, to adapt to more versatile use.
The great unknown is Spain
For now, the existence of patents does not mean that the Kove 350 Rally It will arrive immediately at the Spanish dealers. Official data on power, weight, tank capacity, suspensions, wheel dimensions or price have not yet been communicated. That is why we will have to wait before placing it directly in front of specific models on the A2 market.
