Transcript
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Ron Lawson introduces the Kove MX250 at Glen Helen and explains how it has evolved since the earlier version tested two years ago. He covers the new motor supplier, chassis updates, available versions, and the bike's upgraded components before heading to the track.
Speaker A
Hi, I'm ron lawson.I'm here at glen helen raceway and today we've got something wild.We've got the kove mx250.
Now, if you remember, two years ago we tested an earlier version of this bike.We saw a lot of potential there.It just wasn't very fast.One of the big problems that they had at the time was they were basically on the same level as the first generation of Japanese 250Fs.We loved those bikes at the time, but they weren't competitive against modern bikes and the Kove was like that.So now skip ahead, two years have passed.Long Chin is now the manufacturer of the motor in this bike and that is the biggest motorbike manufacturer in China.The chassis is very similar to that bike from two years ago, but it has gone through evolution of its own.To bring it in this year, US importer was offered two different options.They could bring it in as what they called a standard version and then what they called their version of a factory edition.
Factory Edition would then have a titanium exhaust and a kyb fork.Still would have the Yuan shock and Teosco brakes, which are Chinese components.Everything about this bike is really redesigned from the last version we saw.We look at this motor and basically we see a lot of Honda resemblance.It is a five speed, it has a map switch and if you look, there are nice touches all over the bike like the billet hubs, the billet triple clamps.This bike really, really has excellent finish.All the components reflect very, very good manufacturing quality.It isn't what you expect from China.The bike also comes with quick shift, a map trim switch and number of components.We're going to try everything on the track here.We don't have this bike for very long, but Mark Tilly is going to take it for a few laps at Glen Helen and then we'll get back to you with some of our findings.
After the first day of testing, the bike is compared to the earlier Kove and described as a major improvement. The discussion highlights the factory edition styling, blacked-out parts, and the bike's overall visual appeal.
Speaker B
So we just got done with our first day of testing on the 20, 26 Kove motocross model.250.Pretty impressed.If you look at this bike from the first one that we rode that everybody knows of Carson Brown riding it and just run it through the ringer.I mean, a bike survived 30 minutes with Carson Brown on it.There's factory bikes that don't survive that long.So we were impressed that time.This bike is way better.They're making progression along the way, making lots of strides.If you're to ride those bikes back to back, you would be blown away.The cool part about this bike $69.99 retail.This is the factory edition per se.It's the only one that they're bringing in all around the world.There's a standard edition.This one has a black frame, black wheels, black hubs.
It just looks better.
The review shifts to how the bike feels on track, including its planted rear, soft suspension, and front-end looseness. Ron then evaluates the power delivery, quick shift behavior, brakes, and overall value before closing with channel and website promotions.
Speaker B
A good job of making it to where the bike looks good.It's got technology behind it.It's got traction control, it's got quick shift, it's got multiple maps and electric start.The bike feels really planted in the rear for me.It's.It's definitely and you can see in the video it's soft all the way around.But I'm not your target weight for a 250.It's definitely a predictable type of suspension.I would tighten down the head stay just because it moves around a lot in the front, just because that's, that's a little on the loose side.But you know, overall good motorcycle all the way around.Power w it is compared to some of the other bikes it is, you know, it's not a Yamaha, it's not a ktm.It's not just unlimited amount of power, but it's got a free revving power.For me it was if I'm in a gear lower, it's got that response right off bottom that I don't have to clutch it going through the the corner.
I would have to shift up or hit the rev limiter halfway through the corner.It seems like it's got a quick shift option I'm not a fan of, but I'm not a fan of quick shift options on any of the other bikes either.To me it just has a little bit of a hesitation.I don't like this.Quick shift is on all the comes that way stock.You can technically just disconnect it.We didn't do that on this because we wanted to test it that way.You know, it's probably comparable power wise to somewhere right around the Suzuki and it's a little bit freer revving.All in all, the brakes aren't name brand.It's not Nissan or Brembo, but man, they work pretty good.The bike works well and for 69.99 I, I love the fact that they're doing it.So again they're making major strides.
If you got a little more time on your hands and you want to check out maybe some of the other kove we've done or just other tests in general, hit that video thumbnail and don't forget to subscribe to the channel because that updates you on all the new bikes.We're testing and head over to Dirtbike magazine dot com.Got lots of stuff going on there.If you saw something in the magazine that you like or something we on our social media, it's probably there, so.