CFMOTO IBEX450
The 2025 IBEX450 will be available in the US late 2024
Threatening to disrupt the midsize and lightweight adventure bike segments CFMOTO seems to be getting set to deliver what a good part of the adventure bike market has been asking for. Speculation around who would be first to bring a modern lightweight fully capable adventure bike to market in under 400 lbs has been raging for the last few years. The rumor mill has been ripe with candidates that seemed like surefire winners. Perhaps a new Versys 400, or the on-again off-again KTM 490/Husky 501, or perhaps a new more off-road friendly version of the Honda NC500 formerly the ever popular CB500X.
The Ibex 450 will test the theory that so many of our fellow adventure riders have been saying “Guys, I just need a bike big enough to do the long miles but small enough to pick up without help from my friends”. Comments like that are often shared at the end of a long day of riding that included lifting our trusty 500 lb steed out of the mud way too many times.
Available in Zephyr Blue and Tundra Grey the Ibex 450 arrives with up-to-date adventure bike styling that suits its purpose well. High front fender, tall suspension, 21/18 spoked wheels, and tall purposeful rally-inspired windscreen and headlight tell you this is a modern, lightweight adventure bike that's ready to tackle technical terrain. In contrast to contenders like the KTM 390 or RE450, the Ibex styling will no doubt appeal to more adventure bike riders.
Tried and tested, the 449cc parallel twin platform has been tuned for adventure riding. The 450’s engine delivers 32.5kW (44hp) at 8500 rpm and 44 Nm (32.5 ft/lbs) at 6250 rpm, while dual balance shafts improve the smoothness of the throttle response, reducing drastically the vibrations. The 270° crankshaft, ensures the exhaust note will be throuty and pleasing.
Off-road friendly KYB suspension offers 200mm travel and is adjustable for preload plus 20 levels of damping. Additionally, these suspenders have less to deal with thanks to a dry weight of just 175kg (385 lbs). Ground clearance is a generous 220 mm. Ergonomics provide comfort, a manually adjustable windscreen provides wind protection on the tarmac and high bend bars help make standing off-road easier.
Another off-road nice to have is the dedicated handlebar button that deactivates just the rear wheel ABS on this BOSCH dual-channel system. BOSCH also provides the tech for the 450’s traction control. TCS can be disengaged through the curved 5” TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity.
As good as the 2025 Ibex 450 looks on paper, it will no doubt have its detractors. This CFMOTO will have to overcome the obvious stigma of being a China-based manufacturer and will have to contend with the perception that the dealer network is not fully built out yet. But the dealer landscape continues to progress and a quick look at the dealer map did surprise me. Sure not all dealers stock bikes, as ATVs and UTVs are keeping them plenty busy. But with the growth of the adventure bike market and intriguing new motorcycles should incentivize dealers to meet that demand in the coming years.
Is it a game-changer? Will it rattle some cages? Could delivering an adventure bike into a largely untapped size/weight/price gap make CFMOTO an instant adventure bike contender? From CFMOTO’s perspective, the timing couldn’t be better. Economic uncertainty, manufacturers over-focused on bigger higher dollar hardware and limited competitive offerings. The time is ripe for a machine that promises to find the sweet spot of value and performance. So, there is a strong possibility that this bike will be more than an internet sensation. Whether embarking on a cross-country odyssey or exploring rugged trails in the wilderness, some of us will undoubtedly find ourselves “doing our thing” on the new 2025 Ibex 450.
2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 Specs:
MSRP: $6,499
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 55.2mm
Compression Ratio: N/A
Transmission/Drive: Manual 6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower: 44 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Claimed Torque: 32.5 lb.-ft. @ 6,250 rpm
Fuel System: N/A
Clutch: Wet, multiplate slipper
Engine Management/Ignition: Bosch EFI
Frame: Steel tube
Front Suspension: USD KYB fork, fully adjustable; 8.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Multi-link, KYB monoshock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 8.0 in. travel
Front Brake: 4-piston J.Juan caliper, 320mm disc w/ Bosch ABS
Rear Brake: 1-piston J.Juan caliper, 240mm disc w/ Bosch ABS (switchable)
Wheels, Front/Rear: 21 in./18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: 90/90-21 / 140/70-18
Rake/Trail: 26.0°/4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 59.25 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.7 in.
Seat Height: 32.3 in. (adjustable)
Tank Capacity: 4.6 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight: 386 lb.
