Gold Seal 2025: KOVE’s 450 Rally wins On-road Petrol
A road-registrable rally bike with Dakar roots and huge fuel range earns KOVE the 2025 On-road Petrol gold.
By ROOST New Zealand desk · 16 June 2025
KOVE’s road-going rally bike has been recognised with gold. The KOVE 450 Rally wins the Gold Seal 2025 On-road Petrol award. Gold Seal names one winner per category each year, with no minor placings.
Rally DNA
The 450 Rally grew out of KOVE’s Dakar programme. Rather than keep that layout for race teams only, KOVE built a version riders can buy, register and use every day.
The package
A 449cc four-valve DOHC single produces a claimed 31 kW (42 hp) and 35 Nm. Up to 32 litres of fuel is spread across twin front tanks and a rear auxiliary tank, while KOVE quotes just 155 kg ready to ride.
There is 310 mm of fork travel, 295 mm of ground clearance and a 960 mm seat. From long gravel roads in the South Island high country to multi-day North Island adventures, that range means fewer worries about the next fuel stop.
Why it won
The judges rewarded KOVE for bringing a true rally layout, low weight with huge range, to a production bike at a realistic price. In a strong On-road Petrol field, that set it apart.
New Zealand pricing is set locally, so see your nearest KOVE dealer.
At a glance
- 449cc 4-valve DOHC single
- 31 kW (42 hp), 35 Nm
- 155 kg ready to ride, up to 32 L fuel
- 310 mm fork travel, 295 mm ground clearance
- 960 mm seat, 170 km/h claimed top speed
Full specifications, the judges' notes and video are on the KOVE 450 Rally winner page at Gold Seal Awards. The complete list of Gold Seal winners is also published on IMR Awards.
Photo credit: KOVE (KOVE Moto Australia).
Sources
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