Touratech Suspension for Kove: Extreme2 Shock from 1,299 Euros

• Extreme2 shock for the 450 Rally (from model year 2024), part number 058-5850, 1,299 euros (approx. 1,499 US dollars)
• Extreme2 shock for the 800X Pro (from model year 2025), part number 058-5856, 1,899 euros (approx. 2,190 US dollars), additionally with hydraulic preload adjustment
• Open Cartridge Kit for the fork of the 800X Pro, part number 058-5855, 1,299 euros (approx. 1,499 US dollars)

Kove builds its models around low weight and off-road capability. According to the manufacturer, the 450 Rally has a kerb weight of around 145 kilograms (approx. 320 pounds) and is designed for rally ergonomics and long range. The 800X Pro uses a 799 cubic centimetre parallel twin with 95 hp (around 70 kW) and is meant to cover both long stages and demanding terrain. Stock suspension always has to strike a compromise between comfort, payload and reserves under hard conditions. That is exactly where the new suspension components come in.

What sets the Extreme2 shock apart from the stock unit?

The Extreme2 is the top version of Touratech’s Travel range and focuses above all on reducing internal friction. The damper piston measures 46 millimetres and runs on a so-called low-friction piston band, meaning a particularly smooth-running guide ring. The separating piston has also been given its own guide. Together, both are intended to make the damper respond even to small bumps.

The separating piston design itself serves a further purpose. It keeps damper oil and nitrogen cleanly apart so the two do not mix while riding. According to Touratech, the lower friction also affects wear, so performance should be maintained over years. Anyone wanting to go further can order a piston rod with a DLC coating. This diamond-like carbon layer is very hard and low in friction and reduces the breakaway torque, meaning the resistance the damper has to overcome on initial compression.

How does the PDS system prevent bottoming out?

The PDS works with a second damping piston that engages shortly before the end of the travel and forms a hydraulic end stop. Touratech spells out the abbreviation as Progressive Damping System and has developed a newly designed hydraulic stop for the Extreme2 generation that is said to work more precisely.

A second point concerns heat. If a damper is put under sustained hard use, the oil heats up. That changes the viscosity, meaning the thickness of the fluid, and damping noticeably drops off. If temperatures rise further, wear increases significantly as well. The Extreme2 therefore gets a two-piece reservoir with more oil volume and a larger cooling surface. This is complemented by a high-strength shock eyelet designed for frequent off-road use.

What adjustment options does the shock offer?

Rebound and compression damping are adjustable, the latter separately for the high-speed and low-speed range. Rebound is adjusted at the foot of the shock as usual, compression at the reservoir. So that the two ranges are not confused, the adjusters are finished in different colours.

There is a simple idea behind the distinction. Low speed refers to slow suspension movements such as those occurring under braking or in corners. High speed refers to fast impacts, for example from ruts or rocks. Both can be tuned separately. According to the manufacturer, the adjustment range is wider than on the previous generation, which is intended to make reproducible setups possible. The shock for the 800X Pro additionally has hydraulic preload adjustment, allowing the base setting to be adapted to changing luggage. All shocks are fully serviceable and can be dismantled and overhauled.

What does the Open Cartridge Kit do in the fork?

The Open Cartridge Kit replaces the entire internals of the standard telescopic fork on the 800X Pro. Triple clamp, handlebar mount, brakes, wheel guidance and steering geometry remain unchanged, and according to Touratech no further modifications are required.

Preload, rebound and compression can all be adjusted from the top. An integrated hydraulic end stop is intended to prevent the fork from bottoming out mechanically under hard impacts. This system is serviceable as well. The kit weighs 4.12 kilograms (approx. 9.1 pounds) and is finished in black. The product data lists neither an ABE nor a TÜV certificate for the kit. Alongside open systems like this one, Touratech also offers closed cartridge inserts in which the damper oil sits in a sealed cartridge.

What rider weight are the components tuned for?

The base setup of the shocks is designed for riders up to 100 kilograms (approx. 220 pounds) plus travel luggage. The cartridge kit is also tuned for use with luggage from the factory.

Anyone who is significantly heavier, permanently rides with a high payload or has other requirements can order an individual adaptation. Touratech then swaps the spring for one with a suitable rate and alters the configuration. There is a suspension check form for recording the relevant data. The manufacturer offers advice by phone and email.

Prices, part numbers and delivery time

All three components are made in Europe. The shocks are finished in yellow and black, the cartridge kit in black. Touratech quotes a uniform delivery time of three to four weeks.

The Extreme2 shock for the 450 Rally from model year 2024 costs 1,299 euros (approx. 1,499 US dollars) and carries part number 058-5850. For the 800X Pro from model year 2025, the shock with hydraulic preload adjustment is listed at 1,899 euros (approx. 2,190 US dollars), part number 058-5856. The Open Cartridge Kit for the 800X Pro costs 1,299 euros (approx. 1,499 US dollars) under part number 058-5855. All prices include VAT. Anyone combining shock and cartridge kit on the 800X Pro ends up at 3,198 euros (approx. 3,689 US dollars) for the suspension alone.

Where do the Extreme2 parts sit in the Touratech range?

Extreme2 is the highest level within the Travel range and has replaced the earlier Extreme version there. The range has been around since 2012.

Travel is graded into Level 1, Level 2, High End and Extreme, now Extreme2. Level 1 covers straightforward touring use, while the upper levels are aimed at travelling with plenty of luggage and hard off-road use. Alongside this, Touratech offers the more affordable entry-level E1 range and the Black-T line for custom motorcycles. With the new parts, Kove now appears in the vehicle selection of the suspension programme next to established brands, as do other younger manufacturers from China.

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