The KOVE 400RR, which debuted at the Chongqing Motorcycle Show in China in November 2022 as a precursor to the Kawasaki ZX-4R/ZX-4RR, is a supersport equipped with the same parallel 4-cylinder engine as the ZX-4R. This was launched in a whopping 450cc version.
Photo: Webike China
KOVE released in June has a new style and increased displacement
KOVE is a mid-sized Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, and in 2023 it is participating in international races such as the Paris-Dakar Rally and WSSP 300 and is aggressively developing fan models like manufacturers in developed countries. KOVE's newly released model is the 450RR equipped with a parallel 4-cylinder engine.
When it was unveiled as a concept model in November 2022, it called itself the 400RR, with a displacement of 399 cc and an official maximum output of 68 PS. However, the ZX-4R unveiled on February 1, showed an overwhelming 77 PS, which was more than the Corvette's output. The ZX-4R was a real coup.
However, in June, Corbe released not the 400RR but the 450RR, with an enlarged displacement of 443 cc and a maximum output of approximately 70 PS (52 kW), which is a big step up. The bore x stroke specification was increased by 4 mm from 59 x 36.5 mm, and the bore x stroke ratio was almost the same as that of the 57 x 39.1 mm ZX-4R.
Taking advantage of its displacement, the 450RR produces the same maximum torque of approximately 4.0 kg-m (39 Nm) at 10500 rpm as the ZX-4R, which is lower in the rpm range than the 4R's 13,000 rpm. It is conceivable that this characteristic makes the 450RR easier to handle, but it will be interesting to see how the ZX-4R and 450RR differ in actual riding.
450RRR [KOVE] The 450RR debuted at the Beijing Motor Show in April. The displacement and style have been changed from the previous 400RR. This is the advanced version, priced at 39,800 RMB (about 621 USD).
This photo was taken at a test ride event at the Chengdu Circuit in China in May. From this angle, it looks exactly like a Panigale V4. Inside is a parallel four-cylinder engine that competes with Japanese supersports.
This is a lower-priced version with no adjustable front fork and axial-mounted 2-pot calipers for the Bronto brakes. It is priced at NT$35,800 (710,000 yen).
400RR [KOVE] The 400RR, which debuted in November 2022, was styled with Kawasaki in mind with its center air duct. KOVE = KOVE also recalls Kobe, where Kawasaki's headquarters are located.
The vehicle weighs 165 kg, 25 kg lighter than the ZX-4R! Reinforced suspension
Although the Corvair 450RR was no match for Kawasaki's ZX-4R in terms of maximum power output, it is announced to weigh a surprising 165 kg equipped. This is 25 kg lighter than the 190 kg of the ZX-4R SE and 24 kg lighter than the 189 kg of the ZX-4RR to be released in Japan. It achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 0.43 PS/kg, which is better than the ZX-4R's 0.40 PS/kg.
In terms of styling, the headlight and duct design was changed from the 400RR to the 450RR, and the face, which looked like a Kawasaki H2, was changed to resemble Ducati's Panigale V4.
An advanced version with a luxurious front suspension is also available, and it is sold in two price ranges.
Incidentally, the 450RR is priced between 710,000 and 790,000 Japanese yen, but the ZX-4RR is priced at about 10568 USD (76,800 RMB), and the ZX-4R at about 9186 USD (69,800 RMB) in China, a large difference. This may also affect user trends.
The face design of the 450RR was significantly changed, but the center air duct was retained.
The winglets are single wings similar to the Panigale V4R. The red coloring is also probably a nod to Ducati.
The front fork of the high-end version has an initial adjuster and damper adjustment mechanism, as well as a steering damper. The meter is a TFT color LCD.
The front brake calipers on the high-end version are radial-mount calipers of the TAISKO brand. Double 300mm-diameter discs are installed.
The frame appears to be a steel diamond type. The pivot shaft bearing is located at the rear end of the engine crankcase, and the frame and engine support the swing arm.
The riding photo shows the universal knee & elbow rub image. Kobe Japan will be the distributor in Japan, but there are currently no plans to receive the 450RR.
KOVE 450RR Main Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2015 x 740 x 1090 mm
Wheelbase: 1385mm
Seat height: 780/785/795mm
Weight: 165 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 443cc
Maximum output: 70.72 PS at 13,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 3.97 kg-m/10500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
Transmission: Unknown
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70R17, R=160/60R17