For adventure bike buyers, the scene is about to get even more exciting than it already is. The segment was once dominated by the likes of the BMW GS and the Ducati Multistrada, but the industry is changing thanks to a surge of options for budget-conscious riders.
The Japanese brands have their own fair share of pocket friendly machines, but when it comes to offering feature packed models at a budget, it is difficult to beat the Chinese with the likes of Benelli, CFMoto and now Kove (pronounced as Ko-Vey).
The up and coming Chinese brands already has a slew of offerings for the middleweight market, and it has now set its sights on the entry-level model with the all-new 510X Adventure.
In the past, the 500cc ADV domain was ruled by the Honda CB500X, now rebranded as NX500. However, the landscape has evolved, witnessing the entry of Chinese contenders such as the Benelli TRK502, CFMoto 450MT, and now, the Kove 510X Adventure. As anticipated, Kove’s latest venture adheres to a proven formula and incorporates technology that matches and even surpasses its competitors.
At its core, the 510X is fueled by a 498cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine delivering a commendable 47.6 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque. It boasts a top speed of 170 kilometers per hour, while beneath the surface, a basic steel tube frame provides the foundation, complemented by an aluminum swing arm to minimise unsprung weight. The front suspension showcases a 41-millimeter adjustable inverted fork from KYB, while the rear features a fully adjustable progressive monoshock. Both are undeniably advanced features within the segment.
The Kove 510X navigates on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, shod with Metzeler tires. Braking duties are handled by dual front brakes gripping 298-millimeter rotors and a single-piston rear brake. With a fully loaded 20-liter fuel tank, Kove asserts a weight of 205 kilograms, a standard figure for this category.
In terms of aesthetics, the Kove 510X may not break new ground, but it confidently flaunts angular bodywork, a tall windscreen, LED lights, and crash bars as standard.
In terms of pricing, the 510X carries a price tag of 6,990 Euros (roughly about RM36,000), which is a bargain, but quite close to the likes of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Honda CB500X (NX500). But the final price is anyone’s guess at the moment.
So is Kove coming to Malaysia? Well, they did have a booth at the 2023 Malaysian MotoGP, so yes, they will be. When? We don’t know yet.
