The Sub-$7K Adventure Bike Outlasting Its ‘Cheap Chinese’ Reputation
While flagship adventure bikes offer the best of everything in one wholesome package, it is still the affordable, entry-level bikes that get our attention because of how much they pack for under $10,000. The bang-for-buck appeal is unmatched here. KTM and Royal Enfield are the flag-bearers of this segment. However, there is an underdog from CFMoto that has been sending shockwaves around the world by challenging bestsellers. Not only is this relatively new ADV stacked to the brim with features, but it also makes a very important point: that Chinese motorcycle makers have evolved far beyond their ‘clone’ tag.
Chinese Motorcycles Have Evolved Far Beyond Their ‘Cheap’ And ‘Clone’ Reputation
Chinese motorcycle makers have had a very questionable history of cloning European, Japanese, and American motorcycles. There have certainly been a few well-replicated models, like a gorgeous 2,000cc V-twin tourer and cruisers ‘inspired’ by American big-twins, and a more affordable Harley-Davidson Fat Bob clone that one can ride daily. Hence, it is justified for an ardent motorcycle fan to look down upon Chinese-made motorcycles.
However, things are changing for the better, and the current wave of Chinese motorcycles is anything but blatant copies. Thanks to China, Benelli is still alive and thriving. Benda is surprising us with custom-styled bobbers that look like concept bikes. And Kove offers the most hardcore adventure bikes on the market. At the top of all these is one brand that is single-handedly redefining what a Chinese motorcycle can do in terms of performance, quality, refinement, features, capabilities, and affordability.
CFMoto Is Putting China On The Map
CFMoto has been working hard over the past few years to put China on the map as an “original” motorcycle brand. It’s had its fair share of ups and downs. But thanks to clever strategic joint ventures, a focus on quality, and motorsport validation, CFMoto is now a globally recognized name. The primary reason for its positive reception is its long-term partnership with KTM, which has enabled CFMoto to co-develop modern liquid-cooled engines and gain access to high-end design expertise.
For example, the CFMoto 800 range (the Ibex 800 E adventure bike and the 800NK naked bike) packs a 799 cc KTM-derived parallel-twin engine. This has helped CFMoto build some very grin-worthy motorcycles. Their affordable lineup is also impressive, stacked with performance, features, and looks, so much so that many affordable CFMotos punch well above their weight. Notable examples include the 300SS and 675SS sports bikes, the 450NK and 675NK naked bikes, the well-rounded 450CL-C cruiser bike, and even the Papio lineup of mini-motos.
Its Adventure Line-Up Hits All The Right Chords
Diving deeper into its ADVs, they hit the right chords. The premium option is the Ibex 800 E, which surprises us by packing a radar-based blind-spot detection system as standard fitment for under $11,000. Forget middleweight counterparts; even flagship options from Ducati and BMW don’t pack this feature as standard, and definitely not for the same price. On the other hand, the smaller Ibex 450 has already garnered considerable attention for its well-balanced package of a do-it-all ADV. It undercuts both the popular options in the entry-level ADV segment from KTM and Royal Enfield.
The CFMoto Ibex 450 Is Single-Handedly Rewriting The ‘Cheap Chinese’ Reputation
Price: $6,499
The CFMoto Ibex 450 is slowly becoming the go-to choice among entry-level ADVs because it balances high-end features, reliable performance, and original design with aggressive pricing. For $6,499, this is a formidable rival to the well-rounded $7,699 KTM 390 Adventure. For a lower price than the KTM, the Chinese CFMoto ADV offers more torque and comparable technology. The only cheaper rival to the Ibex 450 is the $5,499 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which offers impressive value. But in this quest, it sacrifices features, especially ride-enhancing technology. Furthermore, it is powered by a less-powerful single-cylinder engine.
Backed By Promising Reliability Testaments
From the factory, the CFMoto Ibex 450 comes with a two-year-limited-mileage warranty. From an owner’s point of view, the early indications look good. Based on long-term reviews from various platforms, the Ibex 450 is praised for its engine design and overall build quality. Many testimonials state an easy ownership experience with their Ibex 450s breaching the 10,000-mile mark with zero major mechanical failures.
However, certain hardware and secondary components do wear out after the 10,000-mile mark. These include the switchgear, USB ports, lower-quality handlebar clamp bolts, and even the stock suspension. Most of these issues are easily rectifiable, and we expect CFMoto to address these with future updates. There is, however, one aspect that CFMoto can prove only with time—long-term dealership support and the availability of spare parts.
CFMoto Has Equipped The Ibex 450 With Likable Components
What do you get package-wise here, you ask? Well, it all starts with a tractable 270-degree parallel-twin engine. This 449 cc mill produces 44 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 32.5 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 RPM. Its versatility stems from the fact that this engine is shared with the 450NK streetfighter, the 450SS sports bike, and even the 450CL-C cruiser bike. On the Ibex 450, this engine is tuned for stronger mid-range torque to help with breezy highway runs and stronger uphill pulls. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox and a final chain drive.
Sturdy Underpinnings Help It Be A Go-Anywhere ADV
Its rugged underpinnings consist of a double-cradle chassis that balances weight and rigidity to handle challenging trails without problems. The frame is suspended on KYB suspension. The front gets fully-adjustable inverted KYB forks. The rear gets a preload- and rebound-adjustable monoshock. Both ends offer eight inches of suspension travel.
Braking duties are courtesy of a 320 mm disc up front and a 240 mm disc at the rear. It gets 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped with dual-purpose tires. Further elevating its off-roading capabilities are a slew of specific accessories, such as a motocross-style front fender, rally seats, tubular crash guards, and auxiliary LED lights. Its touring capabilities are further upscaled with a taller windscreen and hard panniers.
Practical Design And Slim Build
The design is quirky, with the front fascia highlighted by a stacked projected headlamp setup and neatly integrated auxiliary mounts. The Ibex 450 is sleek yet still looks muscular. Despite its tall-riding stance, this CFMoto ADV is quite accessible and comfortable as an urban runabout.
At the same time, it has a wheelbase under 60 inches, is 34.3 inches wide, and has a factory-adjustable seat height of 31.5 to 32.2 inches. Apart from the RE Himalayan 450, this is the only other affordable ADV to get adjustable seat height from the factory. The rider triangle is comfortable and adaptable thanks to neutrally set footpegs, a well-contoured seat, and a tall, wide handlebar.
Packs Commendable Technology For The Price
The cockpit is adorned with a 5-inch TFT that gets OTA software updates and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth via the CFMoto RideSync app. This application helps analyze rides using data such as MPG ratings, top speeds, and even braking patterns. Other notable electronic features include switchable ABS, traction control, ride modes, LED lighting, and a USB Type-C port.
This CFMoto Is Slowly Winning Over America
CFMoto has created a well-calculated adventure bike with the Ibex 450. The Chinese motorcycle maker was clever enough to enter the heated entry-level ADV segment early on, focusing on features riders actually craved. This is also why people are noticing and raving about the fairly new ADV. Sure, the Ibex 450 has a brand-specific set of shortcomings, such as reliability and sales and service reach, that can only be proven over time.
But thanks to its well-balanced packaging that seamlessly blends urban mobility, highway comfort, and off-road thrills, motorcyclists are willing to take a leap of faith. This underdog is giving experienced rivals quite the run for their money, and it has made the entry-level ADV segment a lot more exciting for us riders, as the Ibex 450 is (directly or indirectly) the reason for offerings like the new Kawasaki KLE500 and the BMW F 450 GS.
Sources: CFMoto and Reddit
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