The 47th Dakar Rally

January 3-17, 2025 | Saudi Arabia  

This season, Kove proudly fields a team of 12 riders in the world’s most grueling rally race. Beyond the two riders each from our factory and satellite teams, eight independent riders will take on the challenge aboard the 450RALLY EX. These riders represent diverse nationalities, languages, and life stories, but they share one common choice: Kove.

Here are some of their extraordinary stories, offering a glimpse into the allure of the Dakar Rally from unique perspectives:

James Hillier

 Nationality: British  

 Born: March 17, 1985  

 Height/Weight: 183cm / 80kg  

 2025 Class: R2  

Career Highlights:  

  - 2013 Isle of Man TT, Lightweight Class Champion  

  - 2015 Isle of Man TT, Superbike Class, 3rd Place  

  - 2019 Isle of Man TT, Supersport Class, 2nd Place  

James Hillier is no stranger to success, having stood on the Isle of Man TT podium 13 times:

- In 2008, he made his debut at the Isle of Man TT.

- In 2013, he claimed victory in the Lightweight TT (for bikes ≤650cc).

- In 2023, he competed in the Dakar Rally for the first time with the goal of finishing—a goal he achieved.

- Throughout 2024, James honed his skills in endurance races like the ISDE, riding the Kove 450RALLY EX to prepare for his return to Dakar.

Javi Vega  

Nationality: Spanish  

 Born: March 18, 1985  

 Height/Weight: 180cm / 70kg  

 2025 Class: Original by Motul

Career Highlights:  

  - 2023 Dakar Rally, 2nd in Original by Motul Category  

  - 2022 Dakar Rally, 22nd in Original by Motul Category  

  - 2021 Dakar Rally, 14th in Original by Motul Category   

Javi Vega has consistently excelled in the Dakar’s  Original by Motul category, where riders must rely solely on themselves and their machines:

- In 2023, he narrowly missed the title, finishing 2nd in the category and 30th overall.

- Due to regulations excluding top-30 finishers from the Original by Motul ranking in subsequent years, he couldn’t compete for the title in 2024. Despite mechanical setbacks in SS6, his determination never wavered:“In the Dakar Rally, everyone encounters problems. The key is solving them.”

For 2025, Javi returns with a new weapon—the Kove 450RALLY EX. His goal? To reclaim his place in the Original by Motul rankings and achieve his dream of becoming champion.

Jordan Strachan

 Nationality: Canadian  

 Height/Weight: 191cm / 99kg  

 2025 Class: R2  

Career Highlights:

  -2024 Malle Moto Baja Rally Champion  

A newcomer to Dakar, Jordan Strachan is already a formidable competitor:

In 2024, he triumphed in the Malle Moto Baja Rally, an extreme event where riders tackle thousands of kilometers with only their motorcycle and a toolbox. This concept inspired Dakar’s Original by Motul category.

For his 2025 Dakar debut, Jordan will compete in the R2 class, adopting the Original by Motul ethos aboard the 450RALLY EX. Well-prepared and fiercely determined, Jordan is ready for any challenge.