CFMoto Ibex 450 Off Road Test Ride and Review

The CFMoto Ibex 450 is one of the most hotly-anticipated new adventure motorcycles in years. Everyone is always searching for the unicorn: the lightweight adventure motorcycle that is comfortable enough for hours on the highway but still retains the off road chops to tackle the toughest off road motorcycle riding challenges. Companies have tried to hit the sweet spot with mid-weight adventure bikes like the 790 Adventure, Transalp 750, Tenere 700, and the like...but each of those adventure bikes has some significant downside. They're either uncomfortable on the highway, not really suited for difficult off road, or just prohibitively expensive.

The CF Moto Ibex 450 is different. This is a smaller displacement, pretty lightweight, inexpensive entry-level adventure motorcycle that has both the power to cruise at 80 on the freeway AND the off road capability to handle all but the most difficult off road motorcycle riding situations.

I got the chance to spend 4 hours doing an extensive 450 Ibex off road test and I came away very impressed. So impressed, in fact, that I'm pretty determined to buy one for myself. That's probably the most positive CFMoto Ibex 450 review I could possibly give.

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FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.

Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.

[DorkintheRoad]

The North American release of the Ibex 450 was pushed back after I made this video, but it should be available by the end of the year.
ALSO this was filmed over a month BEFORE the Himalayan 450 launch so I did not yet have experience with it for comparison.

[MotoCampAdv]

This is the bike that every rider mentions wanting that the big four and high brow brands have just ignored. CFMOTO listened and built it. Smart strategy.
🦄

[dualsportaz]

I have the 800 IBEX and love it. I have my name in for the 450 at my dealer. Glad you enjoyed it, the game is changing...

[alkydah]

I bought a Moto Morini X Cape last October. Italian design, China manufactured. Licensed copy of the Versys engine from a decade ago. Really, really well made. I'm 6'3" 240lbs. First bike I've owned where I didn't need to immediately upgrade the suspension, bars, seat. Nothing, nada. Great outta the box. Impressed.

[davidskaggs]

Tons of interest around this bike due to its price point and engine size. It looks like a smaller T7. Great review!

[fhsauce]

Really excited to see reviews and long term evals of this bike - get one!

[yowser]

Yup. Might be the best 'First' Bike... and the best 'Last' Bike. (This is from somebody in their 70's.)
Long awaited twin 400 to 500 cc 'Adventure' bike. Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Suzuki... had better be listening.

[nevillegreg]

A lot of more experienced riders in Australia (and elsewhere) have purchased this bike for themselves - not just entry level. On paper, it's relatively heavy but it carries its weight so low that it feels and rides much lighter. A lot of folks have replaced the 14T front sprocket to a 15T to reduce revs at highway speeds. The suspension feels stiff but it's really dialled in for aggressive riding, I've hit some serious pot holes at some speed and it didn't bottom out. Folding mirrors, folding gear shifter and folding brake pedal come standard. The problem is, like many first year models bikes, is parts and accessories available. It's the KTM that KTM didn't make, instead allowed CFMoto to build.

[thegracefulrenegade]

These bikes are definitely fun. Awesome review as usual Batman

[bazz]

They are fantastic bikes and best value. Accessories like crash bars upper and lower and seat only cost me $380.00 here in Australia. Had mine since April and still enjoying the ride. Sold my dr650 and tiger 800, so this is the only bike I'll keep.

[Kevin-mwyl]

A sensible bike, that stands apart, that is fit for purpose in this MAD world, where riders purchase machines, from their hearts, without listening to their heads,

[bking]

Great little review and vi've been watching this bike for some months now. They released it a while back in Australia and the u. K and people are just totally impressed with this machine. I myself went 2 weeks ago and put a down. Payment on one so can't wait for it to get in. Been looking at all the accessories for it. So, uh, pretty much ready to get it and go thanks again for all your great videos. I watch you all the time. And can't wait to get my new bike.See out on the trail

[TheGardenSnake]

Hey hey hey you said “That’s our boy Jake’s Fault” on them scratched plastics. You need specify which Jake you’re talking about.

[kjaubrey]

I have ridden most of my life but decided to learn off road riding on a Benelli TRK 502x, also made by CF Moto. It has been a great bike.

[theosager]

Wow, you actually beat Big Rock Moto to the first review! Still awaiting his thoughts.

[MrRickrm]

Hi Ben. Thanks for your review. After the issues of weight going off road on my Ibex 800 T, I'm wanting to get this bike.
You get to have all the fun. I'm glad you like it.

[Jp]

Tubeless tires on a $6500 bike??
Suzuki 800DE and Honda Transalp…I hope you’re watching!

[raffs_adv]

The lower frame bashplate mounts are filling up with water here in Oz, rust is happening but fixable.

[dw]

Knowing this bike was coming out, I sold my Transalp and bought a Vstrom 1050xt for pure touring duty bc I'm planning on getting this as my solo ADV bike for the exact reasons you mentioned. All the good riding is hours away from me, and I've already ridden the KLR650 to Key West and the Black Hills, so a bike that weight 30lbs less with the same horsepower and no vibrations is going to be the cats pajamas.

[JBean_COCR]

Thanks Dork, I hope the release date is not pushed back, have had a deposit in on one in Colorado since spring, (first in line for gray version), and I was originally told Sep-Oct time frame. I live up high in Colorado, so in October I will likely struggle to find riding days, ok with cold, but not ice and snow. Thanks for the review. I'm intermediate level but older, so this seems like the ticket to me. I saw one in person in July, sat on it but that was it. I did however ride the 450 NK. I hadn't ridden a real street oriented bike since my 73 Yamaha RD350 (I know, 50 years!). It seemed to have plenty of power for Denver highways, but real power was really high in the rev range and the sport seating position was hard to get used to. Looks great for more planned BDRs and a trip way down south. Sound is really good and not too loud, love that gurgle. I used to work just down the street from CFMoto in Hangzhou in the 90s, and you are wrong if you don't think Chinese firms can't make good quality. CF in Mandarin is "Chun Feng", which means spring wind, and I'd say it's fitting for this entry into the ADV market.