Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1535551
P92 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 CFMOTO IBEX 450 2025 CFMOTO IBEX 450 ($6499) ENGINE Parallel-Twin DISPLACEMENT 449cc BORE X STROKE 72mm x 55.2mm VALVETRAIN DOHC, 270-degree crankshaft FUELING Bosch EFI ELECTRONICS Bosch dual-channel ABS, traction control, handlebar-mounted on/off switch for ABS and TC. HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED) 44 hp @ 8500 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED) 32.5 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-Speed CLUTCH Wet, multi-plate, CF-SC slipper clutch with cable actuation FRAME Steel frame and removable steel subframe HANDLEBARS Tapered aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION KYB upside-down 41mm fork, preload, compression & rebound adjustable REAR SUSPENSION KYB with linkage system, rebound and preload adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.9 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.9 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 8.7 in. FRONT BRAKE 320mm single disc w/ ABS, J.Juan dual piston REAR BRAKE 240mm disc w / Bosch dual-channel ABS, J.Juan single piston FRONT WHEEL / TIRE Spoked / 90/90R-21 in., tubeless REAR WHEEL / TIRE Spoked / 140/70R-18 in., tubeless RAKE 26.0° WHEELBASE 59.3 in. SEAT HEIGHT 31.5-32.3 in. FUEL CAPACITY 4.6 gal. WEIGHT (WET, ACTUAL) 440 wet w/skid plate, crash bars and soft bags/racks installed. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN China S P E C I F I C AT I O N S The braking performance is good with no issues on or off-road. It has a single disc on the front compared to dual front discs on most of the larger ADV bikes, but even on the road, it performs just fine. Remember, this bike weighs a lot less than most of the bigger ADV bikes and does not have the same acceleration or top speed, so you don't have as much speed to scrub off when entering corners. Removing one of the front discs to reduce weight is a common hack for riders trying to emulate Pol Tarres on their ADV bikes. Most people agree that the IBEX 450 is a nice-looking motorcycle, which is secondary to performance in terms of importance, but we all want a cool-looking bike in the garage. In terms of riding range, we were able to get around 50 mpg on the highway and as high as 60 mpg when we were riding slower dirt roads and trails. So, the 4.6 gallons of fuel will get you well over 200 miles of riding time in mixed street/dirt conditions. That is plenty for most ADV riding in our view. THAT'S A WRAP If you think a smaller, lighter-weight ADV bike is just the ticket for you and you are not opposed to buying a bike made in China, the CFMOTO IBEX 450 has the performance to put it high on your consideration list. This is a great adventure bike at any price point, and it will outperform many bikes that cost more. So, the $6499 MSRP seems almost too good to be true. Our only question marks are the long- term durability and whether the IBEX 450 is better than some of the other bikes in this growing sub-600cc ADV category. We have not had enough experience with CFMOTO bikes yet to answer the first question, but we have not heard any horror stories, and they do have a two-year limited warranty. We are working on getting our hands on some of those other sub-600cc ADV bikes to answer the second question about how it compares. In the meantime, we are going to keep riding the IBEX 450 as much as possible until we reluctantly have to give it back. CN