CFMOTO Ibex450 - Where does it fit in the market?

[@millerhendrix6311]

What a refreshing moto review, I think you’re better than the community standard this is perfect

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thank you! I look forward to doing more reviews and sharing my moto adventure films with you.

[@stephenwisner4993]

I just rode a CF MOTO 450 Ibex test bike 2000 miles across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and then back to western Wisconsin mostly on dirt and gravel. It's highly possible that I have more miles on this motorcycle than anyone in the United States at this moment. Absolutely fantastic bike. I would be hard pressed to name a significant flaw other than that it has 45ish HP and quickly passing cars at 70+ MPH might be asking a bit much, which is to be expected from a 450. I also noticed the jerky fueling issues from zero throttle to a little throttle. That really wasn't a big deal, but it was there. Otherwise, I loved it. It felt really nimble and yet was planted. This bike was super fun to ride--I mean genuinely a hoot-- and I will be buying one for myself when they are officially released.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Agree and thanks for adding this! I will be also be trying to buy one when they are released.

[@TheKokanut]

Did you film your ride? You should show it if so.

[@stephenwisner4993]

@@TheKokanut Yes. I was riding with a crew from Rever. The film will be released very soon. I'm not sure exactly when, but within a week or so.

[@frostbitevinnie]

How were you able to get a test ride? Dealer in MN or WI?

[@greglenoir8363]

Considering your recent experience, thank you for weighing in.

[@davelariviere682]

Thank you for the honest review. The good, the bad, the great and the needs improvement. Appreciate it. Very interesting ride.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@robsadv2012]

Great review. I’ve got this bike here in Aus. Software update improved the throttle response but it’s still not quite there yet. I love this bike. The quality is top notch. I’ve owned Hondas, BMW’s and currently own a Yamaha WR250r and this bike. I think it has great balance too. Good economy. I’ll put a 15 tooth front sprocket on it soon just to drop the revs a little while cruising. Highly recommend for all adv riders.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Awesome! Good to hear you're enjoying it!

[@vplph]

Hi Rob. I read in some comment that taking slack out of the throttle cables helps also. (Just read it. no personal experience)

[@nathanmaurice4103]

hi Robsadv Will you be keeping the wr250r ? that is my current bike and I am wondering if the cfmoto would compliment the Wr or replace it?

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Excellent review style, and very good presentation of info about this bike. Thank you.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad you liked it!

[@zyonsdream]

After a bad accident I got a 2022 CB500x and proceeded to put 36k miles on it. Long distance touring, commuting and BDR type off road. I loved that bike but recently decided to get back on an Africa Twin 1100. I love the AT but I miss the 500x because it felt “enduro” like. My kid is ready to ride and I’d love another small displacement bike. I think the IBex 450 is on our short list as soon as they start showing up in showrooms to check out in person.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Awesome!

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

Great, balanced, review and no hyperbole one way or the other! This bike almost sits in a category of one in that it has a foot in lots of different areas that people want. I sat on one recently and just on that basis alone will buy one for just how comfortable it is.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Agree it's kind of creating a category at the moment.

[@R.S.Outdoors]

I pre ordered my 450 MT. I have the 450 NK already and my MT should be here in 4-6 weeks according to my dealer. I have had bmw’s, Yamahas, Honda’s Harley’s etc. to be honest I am looking forward to this one the most. Thanks for the info and great video.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

That's awesome!

[@Adventure_blac]

Been hearing that it’s like a small T7. That’s a good thing I think. People keep saying it’s too heavy but compared to what? It’s about the same weight as bikes in its class. The GS is heavy but handles well. Great review!!! Squeeze “how does the bike feel” into 10 minutes

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I really like the bike, I think it could be very popular. I think a lot of people are comparing the weight to smaller bike, not a proper comparison. Comparing it's weight to bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 would be the best comparison, and its a little lighter than that and I think will have better wind protection/be more comfortable on the road.

[@MotoRidesVietnam]

I ride the CB500X offroad and had it up some very steep mountains, but it's suspension and wheel size really let it down, forcing you to go slow alot. So I'm hoping to swap over to the MT450 in October. I think it will be great. Depends on your size and strength I guess, but the weight of the CB500X offroad wasn't that big a deal for me. Dropping it somewhere difficult to get out from might be though 😂

[@thelonewolf666]

great review mate

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thank you kindly

[@BlackwaterAquatics]

Hey i also got my ACL reconstructed and I absolutely cant wait to get back on the dirt. 5 days Post op here, glad to see that i can ride again in 3 weeks 😂

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Haha hopefully you can get back at it soon!

[@jimmycone3717]

I just bought a 23 KLR Adventure last year but will definitely be throwing a leg over one of these when they come to the US

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Congrats on the bike! I've spent multiple days riding one of those!

[@thehoelzels6316]

The twin will feel a bit smoother at high speeds

[@RainnMakerr]

Nice review. Just what I was looking for

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad to hear!

[@justmyself1000]

Recently had the opportunity to test this bike. Your review is spot on! If the fueling in 1st and 2nd gear can be worked out...either in final production or aftermarket flash....You just about have a perfect bike! It's on my radar for a future bike!

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I agree!

[@mrh372]

Great video, first time ive come across your videos! Im curious to hear more comparison to the T7. If you were doing more offroad trails, would the 450 be a better bike? Or just an feel like a T7 lacking power?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thanks! It really depends on your riding style and what you want. I like riding HARD, and having LOTS of power, (I have a KTM 890) but having tons of power something makes it's more challenging to handle. I feel like the 450 is an all around sweet spot, enough power to get you around, but not so much that you have to work to keep from always breaking traction etc. Hopefully when this bike hits the US market I can get one and do a good comparison between multiple bikes.

[@MotoSly]

This review is spot on. I love my 450MT/IBEX and have been enjoying it a lot. But i am still searching for that sweet spot in the front suspension. I might even put thinner oil in the forks to see if i can get that stifness out of the front.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad to hear! let me know what you figure out. I tend to like slightly stiffer forks than a lot of people. I'll be interested to play with it more in the future and see your adventures

[@jackson_foto]

Killer review Seth! Loved getting to ride this bike on the launch in the Philippines and can't wait to get some more seat time in once it hits US shores

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thanks! looking forward to the same!

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

Thanks for detailed and informative review.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MotoRidesVietnam]

This will be the best option for riding in Vietnam where choice of bikes are limited. I got a klx250 upgraded to 330cc, its great for 1 day enduro, maybe a few days, but I need a solid mid power comfort bike that can haul a bit of stuff, maybe 2 up occasionally, and still take on the epic and sometimes gnarly trails with a bit of finesse. We don't have smooth dirt roads to ride here, the logging trucks destroy them in wet season. The single trails are usually great though. They are made and maintained by farmers on scooters 😂

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Sounds like a great bike for that!

[@Dan.Barrio]

Great video! Been waiting for US riders to get ahold of this. Currently on the waitlist for one here in Washington. The weight, suspension, power and features of this thing just blow away any of the other competitors in this segment (KTM 390, CFR300L, 310GS, Himalayan, Versys, etc). I’m currently on a Himalayan and the weight is just right. Having more power and better features for me, while losing some weight, this bike is a no brainier for me. Really well done video mate. Keep it up!

[@nscott26]

The CF Moto 450 is 425lbs wet and has 45hp. How does it blow the others away that you mentioned? The current 390 adventure has the same horsepower and is 45lbs lighter. I had high hopes for this bike but am waiting for the 2025 KTM 390 adventure.

[@Dan.Barrio]

@@nscott26 BHP is not the only measure I look at in a bike. The suspension, tubeless wheels (21”x18”), design, adjustable wind protection, easily togglable ABS, parallel twin, usb ports, and TFT screen are on this bike stock. I ride a Himalayan which is 24 hp. Its geometry and off road abilities are far better suited than the KTM 390 ADV. the 450 MT weighs less than my current bike and to be honest, the Himalayans weight is never a problem for me. If I wanted something lighter and had to sacrifice features for it, I’d get an enduro bike. The 2025 KTM looks pretty decent from what little info we have so far, but I can guarantee you it will not have anywhere near the features the 450MT has for the price. Only time will tell though!

[@nscott26]

@@Dan.Barrio price is a factor but for me lighter weight is what I'm after. The enduro bikes are so uncomfortable to ride to the fun stuff. Everyone is looking for different things and I'm looking for something lighter than my tuareg which is a phenomenal bike. Hopefully the 2025 390 will have what we see in the spy photos, nicer tft screen, 21-18 wheels (maybe tubeless), more suspension travel, and stay around 380lbs wet, and ride by wire that you can add aftermarket cruise control for around $500 like the current 390.

[@Dan.Barrio]

@@nscott26 I was very close to pulling the trigger on getting a Tuareg! It’s a pricey bike though! I couldn’t really justify it to myself! As the 2025 KTM 390 is a re-design, I think it’ll have most of those you listed, aside from Tubeless wheels. I think a lot of people are waiting for that bike to be announced! I was initially, but the 450 MT got my interest.

[@airadaimagery692]

Did your buddy’s 300 Rally have the necessary suspension upgrades? And are you saying that this bike is more capable off road than the Rally?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

The 300 Rally was basically stock (aside from abs delete) so I'm comparing stock to stock for this comparison. Stock, the Ibex450 has a lot better suspension and power, I know the rally can be significantly upgraded for better suspension performance as you're hinting at. I'm not sure that I'd say the Ibex450 in necessarily more capable off road, I think they are about equally capable off road, but out of the box, the Ibex450 has better suspension for sure. It is a little heavier than the 300Rally, but I'd happily take the extra weight for an over all (in my opinion) more enjoyable ride on and off road. I find the standing position and overall size of the 300Rally to be cramped for me, (6ft tall 185lb) and the Ibex 450 to have a much more open cockpit allowing me a more comfortable all around experience. I spent multiple days on the 300 Rally recently and experienced a few things, 1. I bottomed out the suspension ALL the time off road. 2. Anytime we hit the road I was maxing it out doing about 70mph, and going up hills it would be going slower and slower. In short, if I was picking between the two for a muliday trip like I do, (BDR trip) I'd pick the Ibex450 hands down. Hopefully that's helpful, feel free to ask any other questions.

[@airadaimagery692]

@@RamblerMotoCo fair enough. Good points. But I’d say no one should compare the 300l/Rally to any bike, without upgrading the suspension, because the stock suspension just isn’t fit to carry anyone, and it’s not even worth taking off road until that’s sorted. I think the whole world is aware of this by now. So what most of us want to know is how the MT450 compares to the 300l/Rally off road, once the suspension is sorted.. Without that information, the comparisons is actually useless. Aside from that, Your video quality overall is fantastic. Keep it up.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

@@airadaimagery692 I'm interested in knowing the same.

[@keepitreal1547]

Great bike & review...only your constant hand & arm gesture waving made it hard for me to concentrate at times.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I guess I talk with my hands.

[@keepitreal1547]

@@RamblerMotoCo It certainly looks like it, now imagine if kids in a classroom did so. Indeed a student in my daughters University seminar did exactly that on her first day & was asked by the tutor, if she was deaf.

[@KG-lb1rh]

The switch with the big T on the handlebar stands for traction control and not like A for ABS. That's a difference. But the motorcycle is great.

[@michalczajkowski8798]

small chanel but really well made ! What about spare parts to this bike in US? it is also new bike in europe and i am a bit affraid about spare parts to this great but new bike.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thank you! I'm working to bring as much high quality value as possible. As for parts and dealer network, time will tell, but based on a quick search I have 10 dealers within 100miles of my location and that seams to be the case around most of the US. I would suggest going to the CFMOTO website and use the Find Dealer button to see what its like in your area.

[@donnieyoung2774]

The aftermarket will take care of supplying expendable parts, tires, brakes, chains, etc. I buy very few OEM parts directly from a dealership. I have a deposit for the first one my local dealer gets ! Can't wait !

[@michalczajkowski8798]

@@RamblerMotoCo it sounds great but not here... The Polish dealers dont have parts and accesories yet ... When i asked them about crashbars or higher windscreen yhey sent me to aliexpress 😂😂

[@stephenwisner4993]

My understanding is that CF Moto has a complete parts warehouse in Minnesota to supply dealers in the US.

[@VSS63]

smart guy, thank you for the insights

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pawelwolski1316]

1000 miles on my in Europe. Bought it for adv longer rides while still having dirt capable bike. The number one real issue is the continuous low gearing it top gear. That highway cruise at 70ish mph has the engine sitting at 7000 rpm, with 8500 red line. Its cool on my Rally 300, here its not. The off idle fueling is absolut crap, on off. Try city riding......i have to use the clutch to smoonth out this on off fueling. At 175 lbs, the front remains stiff with preload all out and dampening set soft. Rear as delivered needed bit more per load. Its a good bike, but that 6th gear is a miss. I guess we can thank the street bike origin of the engine for this.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Yeah, I'd guess that if the 6th gear had more range it would put the RPM so low it would have no power up there. I hear the fueling is getting fixed, looking forward to trying it smoothed out. I agree the rear is on the soft side, personally I like a stiff front fork, but that's different for each rider.

[@UnicornMoto]

Nice job on the video!

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Trailfocused]

Have you read much about Kove or taken one for a ride? The 800 is 50 pounds lighter than this 450 and the Kove 450 is like the 300 Honda but with more power and capabilities.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I've put 600 miles on the Kove 450, and got to spend a little time on the 800rally. Both bike are Rally bike, so have tall first gears and want to be ridden fast and hard. I'm hoping to get more time on both and do reviews in the near future.

[@Trailfocused]

@@RamblerMotoCo good to know you’ve ridden both Kove’s recently. The 450 rally is a very unique bike and for a very small percentage of riders. The kove 800 is for a much more broad audience. I rode the standard, green color 800 Kove and was blown away! It’s much lighter and more powerful than the Ibex 450 but of course s few thousand more dollars. The straight up rally 800 is a beast. I haven’t taken that out yet. I have 3500 miles on my Kove 450 rally, I’m definitely partial to the brand.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Great review! Thanks! Where are you located?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thank you! this was filmed in Black Hills of South Dakota during an event I was attending.

[@SabinTV-NP]

You have earned my sub!

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Thanks!

[@3GingerCats]

I'm going to answer the question of where does it fit in the market straight away... I brought a Suzuki V-Strom 250SX. obviously it has a 249cc oil cooled Single Cylinder engine identical to the one found is the GSX250. and that is fine for around town, and gravel roads. but get it out in the open and it struggles, it needs more torque and more power. a 400 would probably do it, but that would most likely be another single cylinder engine, and the vibration at speed would be worse. plus the Internationally recognised 47hp limit for Learners is a thing. and having a bigger engine restricted down to 47hp is stupid, it means the beginner has to deal with much more weight than is absolutely necessary. A 450cc P twin with the popular 270 degree crank, is going to have it sounding just like the big brothers, cousins and older sisters, produce that 47hp from the factory, so it wouldn't need any special tuning to be compliant. would be light enough for a beginner to learn on, have enough power to go anywhere the Inexperienced off road rider is willing to take it. As well as be the joke of the day when an experienced off road rider makes bikes with double the power (and the inherent weight) look like they really don't belong out there. And along with the lighter weight making it easier to handle off road, even if the fuel tank states it holds 12 litres, trust me you can get 14 litres in there. but working on 12 litres, that's going to get 70mpg US or 3.36L/100km and 357km on a tank (I'm not going to convert that to Miles because only 4% of the planet use Miles, so it's not worth the effort!

[@RamblerMotoCo]

It will be fun to see how it does and what adventures people get into on it. I enjoy something about every style of bike.

[@charliequach6399]

I've been looking at this bike and the Royal Enfield Himalayan but there is a new Chinese company, Kove, with a few new interesting bikes. Kove 800X is like the T7 but at the weight of the 450MT and more hp. I'll wait for Kove to come to Australia and have a look at their offers.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I'm also very interested in riding that bike, the 800 Rally. On paper it looks light a lighter version of my 890 or a T7. Can't wait to give it a try.

[@twowheelin7361]

Awesome bike, loving mine. Hard to fault✌🏽

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Glad to hear! and totally agree

[@collinslagat3458]

How did you mess your ACL?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I was hopping over suspended 2+ ft high logs on my KTM 890 adventure R and got hung up, put my foot down and my knee bucked. I'll be making a video on it in the near future.

[@patring620]

My thumper is beating me to death. I am going to sell it and buy one of these. Also, what kind of pants are you wearing while riding in this video?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

This bike should smooth things out for you. These are the Fox Defend Off Road Pant, and the Jersey is one of my favs, The REV'IT! Flow jersey.

[@Mike_B_724]

Honestly, that's the bike Yamaha should've been building. It would've rounded out the whole Tenere line perfectly. 450-700-1200

[@RamblerMotoCo]

True True!

[@TheParaxore]

Suzuki could also make a Vstrom 450 to bridge the gap between the DRZ and bigger VStroms. Also a Versys 500 with that new 451 engine in the Eliminator/Ninja with lower gearing could be very interesting.

[@viperq]

The ADV bike that is perfect for smaller people like me.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Yep! I'm 6ft tall and enjoyed it. Of the ADV bikes on the market it offers I think it will fit the widest range of riders in its style

[@javierc2726]

What is a docter ?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

That is the question

[@bsmith8297]

they have an update for the throttle problem

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Awesome!

[@majoy-osterlundfreeman5425]

It’s more about good value for the money compared to the established brands 😉

[@RamblerMotoCo]

Totally agree!

[@nateW824]

What GPS app is that?

[@RamblerMotoCo]

It's the REVER maps app. I use a mix of Rever, GaiaGPS, and onXoffroad

[@nateW824]

@@RamblerMotoCo thank you!

[@enriquejaimes3368]

This is not dual sport at all, too heavy, little suspension travel… confortable for touring. This is a small adventure bike

[@RamblerMotoCo]

I'd agree it's more on the adventure touring side of things. It does fit close to the dual sport price range. I'd ride it like a dual sport bike, but I try riding everything like a dual sport bike. Lol

[@kugangles9860]

If it was 40lbs lighter I'd be all over this. It's just too heavy for it's displacement.

[@thelonewolf666]

rubbish its no heavier than a dr650, eat some spinach

[@NickOutside]

it fits in the pocket of youtube shills that want me to buy a shi77y chinese bike with no aftermarket support

[@marklemieux7773]

KTM 's name will be on it , just wait it is in the works, shitty but true

[@otlndsh]

too chinese

[@gregorkrapez5559]

Too heavy and underpowered.

[@RamblerMotoCo]

For some people yes, for others it will be perfect. Personally I like bikes that feel like they could rip my arms off (like my 890) but there's also something really fun about running a smaller displacement bike to its limits.

[@cortxt]

Too heavy 😆 definitely no. I have a tnt300 with the same weight. Just to compare for example a Benelli 502 had 220kg that's heavy and have similar motor size

[@airadaimagery692]

@@cortxtit’s 100lbs (45kg) more than the 300 Rally... About 130lb more than the 450l.

[@cortxt]

@@airadaimagery692 😆 how do you compare that bikes with this one 😂they are complete different types

[@airadaimagery692]

@@cortxt Im not comparing them at all. im speaking of weight, which is where you took the conversation. How can you say the MT450 is not heavy, when it weighs 130lbs more than the 450l? Haha, hehe,lol, emoji boi.

[@hookmaster1109]

Take it straight to the dumpster and save your time money and disappointment .