Αντέγραψα τις τελικές εντυπώσεις του John Bell (μέλος σχετικών ομάδων στο Facebook) που έκανε 4.500 μικτά χιλιόμετρα ανά την Ευρώπη (9 χώρες,16 μέρες)
Κάθε του ποστ έχει και άλλες λεπτομέρειες.
Νομίζω είναι η πιο ολοκληρωμένη άποψη μέχρι τώρα.
Final thoughts on the Kove after so long in the saddle riding across Europe on and off road:
Pros:
Great ergonomics (I'm average 1.8m)
Very light for ADV bike.
Bike handles like a dirt bike off road, yet handles well on road, probably due to geometry and carrying weight low.
Good suspension, on & off road, fully adjustable.
Very smooth, almost no vibration.
Enough power.
Smooth cush drive
Very good ground clearance.
Comfortable 120km/h highway cruising (140km/h max)
Good wind protection, no buffeting
Gearbox and clutch both very light
Brakes work well
Very slim and easy to move around on
Tough and durable (after many falls and low speed drops) nothings broken.
Fantastic range and fuel capacity (4.0l-4.5l/100km , 31l tank, say 600-750km range)
Easy to fit soft panniers without rack.
It's good to go out of the box (just hand guards and folding mirrors)
So far 100% reliable.
After initial 2,000km, good service intervals.
Great headlights.
ABS can be switched off only at rear, or both
General good build quality, things like footpegs are large & grippy, handlebars etc etc all good.
Ease of disassembly and assembly (like dirt bikes have)
Parts are available in Europe at good price, the importer and dealer are enthusiasts and care.
It's Dakar and pro Rally level tested.
It's affordable.
Cons:
Slightly hesitant initial throttle response (minimised if you remove cable slack, new maps in progress)
Not as powerful as the 690/701 or T7
It's a tall bike, but lower versions available.
Not really an all day autobahn cruiser (1-2 hours ok, but it's no GS1300 on road)
Seats a bit firm (I was ok, but others have commented)
Not really a hard enduro bike for very technical terrain. (Unless you're a good rider, )
Heavier than a pure dirt bike, but doesn't feel it riding. I think it's about 35kg heavier than my Beta 300 2T.
You'll need to order spares online & have shipped. (Although this is the same now for other bikes, like my Beta )
Long term reliability for non rally use is unproven as yet (although after 4,500km I have no worries, everything seems tough, bombproof even, to me)
Edit: The carbon bash plate looks great but is a bit fragile..
In summary:
Without doubt the bike with the widest spread of capabilities of any I've ridden. In a word its fantastic.
Disclaimer: I bought the bike with my own money, have no interest in Kove, importer or dealer, no sponsorship, no connections whatsoever. I did get a free first oil change and tea and cake from Kove UK .
