Should You Buy A CFMOTO Ibex 450?

[@pawelwolski1316]

Surprisingly good vid for a "mainstream" source. Thx for not bitching about no cruise control, no 15 modes, no connectivity and all that. Bit repetitive on the engine, lacking 2 min walk around pointing out all the features, adj suspension, tubless rims, folding foot controls, usb, ..........I live and ride in Indonesia, this is all or more bike anyone needs for adv riding outside the west. Here 60 mph is going fast, the "good" adv riding is done at 40.

[@elitekingcobra]

1:36 -

[@twowheelin7361]

CFMOTO have recently issued a software update to fix the jerky throttle through their CFMOTO app. Had mine for a while now and it’s a great bike so far, especially off road. Spot on with your review👍🏽

[@pawelwolski1316]

My friend and i have 2 450s here in Poland with about 1000 miles on each. The one disappointment is the very short gearing of the bike. At about 70 mph the engine spins at 7000 rpm (8500 red line). I bought it as a lighter adv bike (dirt capable but road oriented/comfortable bike). The motor has plenty of power to pull taller gearing (already went one tooth up on front sprocket). In all the reviews, no one mentioned this short gearing. All reviews were dirt oriented. Also the fueling is not good off idle, in non aggressive riding, its a pain. A good tune is a must. Rest of the bike is very good .

[@fwijffels]

They now offer an update in their app that fixes the jerry throttle.

[@dalegrover7633]

Mine now has just over 2000km on it & @100kph it's only doing 5800rpm

[@behappyvlog9785]

It is recommended to replace the current sprocket with a 15t sprocket to ensure optimal performance.

[@dalegrover7633]

@behappyvlog9785 by who & what is the gain ?

[@pawelwolski1316]

@dalegrover7633 There is no gain. Basically, the gear box (out of the street 450 motor) has too short of a gearing in top gears, period. Don't understand why this fact is such a problem for people. Stock 14t sprocket at 130 indicated kmh at 7000 rpm (8500 red line). By changing to 15t, the rpm drops by around 450 in top gear. Now, all gears become "taller," including the 1st gear. You want "short" 1st few gears for tight/technical trail riding. The 15t is acceptable for my dirt riding. The 450 rpm drop is welcomed, but it's a compromise, bandaid, and only partial solution to a too short of a gear box (planty of power for comfy cruise in a taller 6th gear). Or I am out of my mind, and everyone else is correct. Choose your pill wisely.

[@wayneknodel3347]

The Japanese started by offering good motorcycles for great prices. Of course there was compromises, but value ruled the day. Now days, with many "decent" bikes being upwards of $10k, those bikes should be nearly perfect, but mostly they seem full of brochure enticements like connectivity and confusing rider settings, rather than engineering great suspensions that work without a programming background. I have owned over 100 motorcycles of every catagory, rode and raced offroad (very unsuccessfully), toured all over NA on Gold Wings to sport bikes, and have found the best and most enjoyable bikes were rarely the most expensive or high tech. They always were the ones that had a balance of characteristics that made them fun to ride, made you always feel like YOU were in control, and they didn't fight you. That's incredibly hard to do, and is usually the result of dedication to refinement, rather than the current culture of wholesale replacement in order to stimulate new sales. Hopefully this new 450 is the start of this thinking, and the displacement/horsepower/feature creep is kicked to the curb, and improvement by refinement reigns.

[@browngreen933]

Perfectly said. We need simple, practical, friendly bikes -- not overweight high tech monsters.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

Well stated. CF Moto have made engines in partnership with KTM for years now. KTM seem to have put off releasing their 490 Adventure because of Corona or the Economy, but I would put money on the fact this bike is very nearly the planned KTM 490. The Japanese went from copying Western manufacturing to teaching us how to do it, and improve reliability. It's not impossible some Chinese companies can also teach us a thing or two. Hell, motorcycles are a far more common transport option in Asia than in the West.

[@gonzalog7351]

Totally agree.

[@technicalitems731]

This is the smartest comment I've seen in a long, long time. Very well said. 👏🏼

[@LemonHolidayProd]

I think the most important comparison is going to be against the new Royal Enfield 450 Himalayan

[@thehoelzels6316]

Only for price. Weight to engine size (performance) there are a few better options. The KTM 690 and Tenere 700 are within 20-40lbs of the IBEX 450. The Himalayan 450 is heavier than the Ibex 450

[@LemonHolidayProd]

@@thehoelzels6316 price in particular is the main reason I think it will be the main competitor. I think a lot more people will be cross shopping this with the Himalayan than with the t7, Tuareg, KTM 690, etc. Those are all $4k or more up from the Ibex. The other competitors I forsee at that price point will be the 650 dual sports, KLR, DR650, XR650. Similar price, similar power, lighter weight. This seems much more refined, but I would be interested in seeing how much the capability suffers for that refinement.

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

​@@thehoelzels6316it's not. RE has central stand, steel pegs, crash bars already ... Take those away and it's much lighter than cfmoto ... Or just put same for cf Moto and it becomes heavier. Also, already has aluminum pegs not much to save in weight

[@Onceuponatimejotaele]

how about the KTM 390?​@@LemonHolidayProd

[@LemonHolidayProd]

@@Onceuponatimejotaele he mentioned that one in the video. I think that will certainly be a major competitor to this, though probably a bit more street biased

[@MrTmax74]

This is easily the most helpful review of this bike that I have seen. Thanks a lot!

[@DrDanTDC]

Excellent, in-depth review! I have one on order!

[@theosager2891]

Your review literally addressed all of my questions. Thank you!

[@scottsum1319]

1st thing I'd do is to swap the stock tire to something like the Shinko 244 for more bite on dirt. Other that that, I'd be happy to ride it stock. Was thinking of the Kove 450 rally but being 5'7", I got a feeling this would fit me much better. The only other bike I'd consider is the Kove 800x with 2x the hp & maybe even 5-10kg lighter but it is a coupla thou more expensive tho. Good vid

[@MrKdr500]

specs on the Kove 800x are bullshit, it's not as light as they claim.

[@petertoms518]

Can you put your hand up for a long turner? When it arrives. Put a quality shock and fork internals. Mess with different tyres and brakes . Could have something very special for under 10k

[@MrKdr500]

forks & shock are fine, they're setup for a faster rider out of the box and can be adjusted to suit slower riders.....lots of adjustment.

[@samueldennis3546]

Really appreciate the review I've had to get rid of bikes due to the tank cutting into knees like you explained. Really an existing bike I hope they can take into consideration that taller riders don't necessarily want a big heavy bike or yester year's dual sport.

[@renebeland4837]

Great Review Thank You! This motorcycle seems to be the answer to what we have been asking for here in America. Kind of made in America as well or as close as it will ever be it seems. Just saying! I already have a deposit on one and can’t wait to give it a go.

[@lenghtofpull]

Whats the service intervals

[@lenghtofpull]

Hows the aftermarket?

[@garethkelsey-evans7418]

You ride one handed very well!

[@MrTmax74]

One-handed while standing up, pretty impressive. That's very telling actually. 😊 Not only his skill, but the standing position he was speaking of. I certainly can't do that with my DRZ. Not without maybe going over the handlebars lol

[@tommyinoz2100]

looks good, but why do you need TC on a 450ccm 44 hp bike?

[@TheMisterNebo]

I do have a question actually, not sure if you still have contact with CFMoto but I'd be interested to hear if CFMoto has any plans for an automatic / semi-automatic transmission for small CC bikes like this one in the future? Yamaha and Honda both have or will soon have DCT-like transmissions, and I wonder if CFMoto is going this way as well. I can only hope :)

[@gonzalog7351]

I think CFMoto really did a great job creating this motorcycle. There are lots of mid size road oriented adventure bikes in the market and very few w offroad capabilities or offroad oriented like.this.. and the price is on spot for those of us who love this kind of bikes but cant afford a T7. I personally prefer more simple old school dual purpose bikes (DR 650, KLR 650) but think this will be a grest bike for many. And i really like it.

[@jemirandav]

Great hands on review!

[@TT-ch2pz]

When is this supposed to be for sale in the US?

[@michaelschlup-c5o]

I heard this fall....?

[@dirtgarageman]

In Europe is already on preorder for 6000eur which is like 6000usd.

[@donnieyoung2774]

My local dealer says August. I'm getting one !

[@TT-ch2pz]

@@donnieyoung2774 Me 2

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@donnieyoung2774got it?

[@quinnmchugh1362]

this guy was great at the beginning but when he mentioned the sound again and how important character is he totally had me. There arent many reviewers out there that make the point of mentioning that

[@quinnmchugh1362]

love the guy ahead throwing the peace sign even though hes ina country where bikes are everywhere

[@mohitraj5615]

Any idea how much mileage it would turn out when cruising on the highways and in city commutes (without redlining the tachometer)?

[@MrKdr500]

up to 450km's a tank

[@bullsharkdb]

I have been reading some comments and I dont really understand the haters. This guy has done a very cool review, its up to each one to take it with a grain of salt, but I do not believe by any means this review is been paid at all. Nevertheless I would be much more interested to see the review of owners after at least 6 months. BTW for someone that knows very well Palawan and specifically el Nido, I wonder why CF Moto have chosen that location when an on road test is practically impossible. Not suitable for on road adventure ride at all!!!!! I heard this bike isnt great over 120 km/h

[@stevencote7951]

With this bike and the RE the KLR will need to up it's game.

[@tonyrichengod9280]

I think Kawasaki should put the Versys 650 engine in the KLR. That’d be a fun bike

[@gonzalog7351]

Different beasts. Klr is about simplicity, RE is its own kind of bike.

[@josechimal1358]

This vs Motorini Xcape 650?

[@toddclarke2348]

So yea it's definitely a nice bike for the money. I have no question about reliability as CF Moto have made some very good motorcycles in the last few years however, so far I have found out the this bike whilst it has a touch more power then the Himalayan it only gets 350km per tank which is ok whilst the Himalayan 450 is getting around 450km per tank. Also the plugs on the MT 450 are very difficult to change out in the field apparently which could be an issue for those on long trips etc. Oil change is around 5k on the 450 MT whilst the Himalayan is 10k. Also the Himalayan 450 is more stable at high speeds on road then the CF Moto.

[@MrKdr500]

10K oil changes on the cfmoto & depending how you ride it is possible to get 450km's a tank

[@Omni_Moto]

Man, I wish I could have been invited to this event. 😭 Tremendous review.

[@knighthollow5023]

I like your review for the 450ss too bro.

[@Omni_Moto]

@@knighthollow5023 Thank you. ❤

[@toddwmac]

Any word on US availability.

[@jusdsun8319]

Right, I'm waiting to here to. I have two US Cfmoto contacts and haven't heard anything yet.

[@Tdfcjc808]

Here in California we’re getting them late September. Some dealerships are now accepting deposits for them.

[@p0weraid]

I have a 390 adventure and can't wait for the us to get it and upgrade

[@toddbachman3912]

WOW... I GUESS THIS IS ONE TO THINK ABOUT 👌😮

[@jusdsun8319]

When is it coming to America?

[@TheKokanut]

How does it compare to the CRF 300 rally?

[@Kennon959]

Would like to see this at the Norra 1000

[@victorresendez2652]

Let’s do it !

[@Adventure_SW]

Is there meadow ABS?

[@MrTmax74]

Is that for when you're hanging out with the deer in the beautiful spring pastures? 😅

[@Adventure_SW]

@@MrTmax74 This question is related to the comparison of the author of the video with the ktm 390. On which there is corner ABS, traction 3 modes, quickshifter, slipper clutch. And the opportunity to put a recluse. And on Tenere 700 only ABS.

[@hunters215]

got a quote for about 8,500 out the door - USD - anyone confirm whether this is an acceptable price?

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

I'm on the verge of buying a light touring bike. The CRF 300 rally would be a good choice, except for its fuel range and top cruising speed. I don't ride dirt, but roads in Laos and Cambodia + Myanmar are nightmare. I don't need 100 mph. top speed, but on Chinese super highway, I'd need 120 kph cruising speed. What do you guys think of 450 MT and Kove 450 Rally?

[@MrKdr500]

450mt for sure.

[@pawelwolski1316]

I got 1300 km on my here in Europe. The bike has very short gearing, it's happy at 90-100 kmh. At 125 kmh, it spins at 7000 rpm. I think for your roads, it would do great (I live in Indonesia). I have the Rally 300 in Indonesia, works well too, but I ride small roads, 90 kmh is going fast and I do lots of dirt. I also have $3000 in mods to make it a good bike. Factory suspension is a bubble gum joke, engine all choked up. Nothing for adv riding equipment (no rack, no USB plug, nothing adjustable.......).

[@mikeconforti6820]

Kove for range MT for highway up to 100k. Several people who know have stated it not as stable at higher speeds, nor is it geared properly for so.

[@behappyvlog9785]

Kindly adjust the sprocket to 15T and the issue should be resolved.

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

@@behappyvlog9785 Thanks.

[@tonyrichengod9280]

First the KOVE 450, now this CFMOTO 450MT, and soon the new redesigned KTM 390 Adventure… So excited to see the Light Adventure bike segment heating up! Let’s hope the Japanese jump on this soon! (Although Kawasaki has already done it with the Versys 300, a FANTASTIC bike but hopefully they’ll throw the Ninja 400 engine in the new Versys next 👹)

[@MotoSly]

Great review! looking forward to what this bike brings into the ADV world.

[@247SH]

Great review. Do you get vibes through the bars?

[@s.g.rodriguez4911]

Yo la tengo es una buena moto mitad ruta y mitad off road.la velocidad crucero es 120 km/h.Los chinos tendrian qué haberle puesto dos modos de manejo (ruta como su hermana 450 nk y off road) .bueno ahora a disfrutarla y cuando llegue la 800 x .esa si que creo va a quedar a punto.vamos por esa.buenas rutas !!!!?

[@trinkabuszczuk6138]

Here in Australia, there are few roads on which you can legally travel at 100kph (62mph) but it think I’d still go with the extra tooth on the front sprocket. Has anyone gone up two teeth?

[@BackwardTravisty]

Good review.

[@ckkrons2338]

When doing a bike review on video and deciding to tape off-bike you can choose putting the camera in your face the entire time, or actually doing a video walk around (wide and closeup) so people can actually see the bike. Choose wisely. 😂

[@Sunny-rf3bg]

Is cycle world deliberately not mentioning the himalyan 450??? Why though??

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Because 1.4 billion little brown beggar thieves are too busy tying up our communication devices with scams.

[@bogrob75]

Did u rent it there?

[@DualSportDoug]

I had a T7. 950 miles later I sold it. Too heavy.

[@Moonrunner58]

The answer you’re looking for is, ‘of course you should!’.

[@jamesvalpuesta]

Its aimed at an international market. Formost to the South Asian continent where most guys are no taller than 5 ft 6 168 cm or so with its 820/800cm seat height or tall seat option at 870cm. Looks great but is it a thirsty engine 50mpg as an average .... Everything else is a bargain & well built .

[@larrytucker1945]

Totally lost me at when you said you can’t ride a KLR standing up. Maybe a 6’3” thing.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Yes, possums cannot easily ride a klr650.

[@gladteer873]

it's not really 6500 now is it

[@kostasrestas]

No , its no from me ! A T7 lover from Greece ! Cheers !

[@jamesvalpuesta]

All this guy had to do was turn a few clicks on the adjustable suspension front and back.....

[@MrTmax74]

I've heard a couple people say that the suspension is pretty soft. I suspect someone before him cranked it up.

[@tomtaylor6163]

So maybe us old timers don’t want “ switchable traction control”. What if it doesn’t “switch” ?

[@slakk5093]

Honestly, Himalayan 450 is a good option of you don’t want these techy features

[@philvella7536]

You’ll notice on loose stuff (dirt) that traction control doesn’t work well, pulls back the power when you need it most.

[@Sch3ll3]

Did you adjust compression on forks?

[@DrSmile81]

Doesnt this bike have a 3000mile mandatory authorized Dealership Service Intervall which makes average joe spending over $10000 for 3 years driving?

[@bobbyschroeder7068]

Pretty sure that's not a thing. At least in the United States.

[@DrSmile81]

@@bobbyschroeder7068 Well, when things are promoted with catchphrases like "bargain" it most likely aimes direct into average joe pockets who thinks he is gonna make a good deal for himself 😄 And since average joe is always afraid ofc he wont lose his warranty at all costs cause this also would lower the resell value....and this bike gets advertised the exact same way in all languages out of china...

[@jctoth]

The price point is attractive. But it’s only 7% lighter weight than a T7 with 40% less horsepower than the T7! No thank you.

[@andrewk9143]

Respectfully, how light can an adventure bike really get? I mean I know dual sports and enduros are lighter, but with the chassis, fairings and accessories it's gotta have some heft right? I've gotta say under 400 lbs is decent, but your point about power is noted. It's not all numbers, but they obviously matter! Cheers man

[@nielolee]

It's also 50% cheaper

[@waynerobertson511]

@@nielolee That is an extremely good point!

[@bullsharkdb]

yes and almost half the price....I know you want to get the most beautiful, intelligent, virgin white woman from the west...i know i know

[@MrTmax74]

It's a full size adventure bike and only 6,500 US. I would say they're doing pretty good. But if it doesn't work for you, cool. Spend $11,000 on a t7 :-)

[@pjb4653]

Big four are you seeing this???? lol if you build it they will buy it , smaller is the way to go and you'll expand your buyer market not every bike has to have a 36in seat height

3:58 spacecraft

[@TheAnnako1]

You can, infact any one can but not me

[@NoSkillzMoto]

As a former owner of CFMoto bike, as good as it looks the reliability and fit and finish and lack of support I would never buy one. I rather get a Himi.

[@knighthollow5023]

The world with your opinion:🌎 The world without your opinion:🌎

[@MrKdr500]

must have been a long time ago you owned one, fit, finish reliability in the last few years is as good as any other brand.

[@dappa4608]

TEN-A-RAY

[@dalegrover7633]

Glad it wasn't just me who noticed, I almost switched it off when I heard that very badly said name.

[@paulkusyk8254]

How tall are you?

[@CWjustindawes]

He's 6-foot-3

[@paulkusyk8254]

@@CWjustindawes 190cm almost like me 😕

[@MrTmax74]

He mentions it in the video. ✌️

[@actstuntcam]

As soon as you implied that the cable throttle and lack of ride modes was a down-side, I realised you didn't know what you were talking about and immediately stopped watching. 'Journalists' like you have helped to destroy motorcycling!

[@MrDeepseadweller]

And not knowing how to pronounce Tenere, and not bothering to pull out a screwdriver and spend 30 seconds adjusting the suspension instead of complaining about it endlessly.

[@ajangalbo]

its really weird seeing the Philippine roads and having fluent english in the background lmao im not used to this

[@totzinfo]

watch the upcoming 2025 Honda NX500F Rally

[@fcalin21]

The big motorcycle manufacturers are craping their pants in fear of this motorcycle. Pleas don't compare this motorcycle with Tenere , ktm390 or Royal Enfield (🤮) , it is an offense to Cfmoto.

[@jay-vo7rx]

Ease of servicing, RE all the way.. Looks a nightmare just to check air filter

[@MrTmax74]

Getting to the air filter is easy. Seat pops off, then two screws to remove a plastic shroud, and you're there.

[@slakk5093]

Ironically, the RE is the one that’s a nightmare to get to the air filter. Need to remove the tank and disconnect fuel lines and pump on the himi 450 to access the airfilter

[@michaelglenn2468]

A little overdressed with the Revit gear for a CFMoto debut. Keep it level and show up with a full set of HAWK gear.

[@SocialSecurityNinja]

You don't mention anything about the CF MOTO engines only lasting 10,000 miles !!! Huh

[@utuberagain18]

Tenere = Tay-nay-ray. Each vowel has the same sound.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Good luck with the China special. 😂 I won't be buying any Chinese motorcycle, including "KTM" or "BMW."

[@MotoSly]

And why not if i may ask?

[@SBMotoZ]

A lot of Motorcycle manufacturers are sourcing parts from China, not just Ktm and BMW

[@race8427]

cfmoto owns 49% of ktm. Due to low labor/production costs China is vacuuming up manufacturing. This is not good for sustainably of a community. Yeah, the thing may be inexpensive (mediocre) but Hans and Fritz are in the unemployment line.

[@Kevimoto]

​@race8427 CF Moto actually own 51% of KTM. The joint venture is called CF Moto/KTMR2R.

[@christopherpekel6096]

​@@KevimotoKTM does not own 51% of cfmoto. It owns that much in their joint company

[@chrisscott1547]

tubeless tires EFI fuel injected. But its price is too close to a Honda 500x.

[@dirtgarageman]

Price is 6k

[@MrTmax74]

Apples and oranges my man. This is far more capable off-road. And the Honda doesn't have tubeless spoke rims

[@chrisscott1547]

@@MrTmax74 They've renamed it NX500. Tubeless tires. $1400 more. Honda. I would consider the China bike at maybe $3500.

[@slakk5093]

@@chrisscott1547tubeless cast rim, 19in front. Not the same as the 21” spoked rim on the cfmoto. Also depends on the marked for the price difference, in Australia the cfmoto is $9500, the nx500 is $15,000

[@fcalin21]

It is better than Tenere 700. Honda is a disgrace!

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

Will they get hit with Trump's 60% tariff ?

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

No you shouldn't lol

[@queenslander954]

No, buy a WR 450 with a big tank.

[@p0weraid]

Not even close to a adventure bike...I have a KTM 300 xcw and a 390 adventure and you can't compare a dirt bike to an adventure both have their place

[@dougiep2769]

Nope

[@CaptLawrence]

The answer is no lol stay tuned for more simple questions with obvious answers. Dont buy Chinese junk

[@Ariautoace]

Man, you guys need to not review stuff and giving them a good review because you guys got paid for it, this bike is so shit and you know, 450 CC @ 200 kilos. Just because they flew you down and put you into a nice place, admit it; it has no power and weights a tonne.

[@Adventure_blac]

That depends on what you are comparing it to. In its class which is the mall adv class (Ktm 390, RE Himalayan) it’s perfectly suitable in just about every category. If you’re comparing it to what u think a small adv bike should be then maybe it is. If ur comparing it to the field it fits right in

[@othgmark1]

As opposed to a Klr? Have you ridden the Cf have you even seen one in person? Your opinion has no merit if you haven't. Cf Moto is already building complete motorcycles and engines for other brands and has for years. You may already own one. I do not want to support China based on their politics any more than l have to, so l am probably not a customer.

[@bullsharkdb]

@@othgmark1 Mate half of the things you own likely have China parts, materials from China, part of its production made in China....the politics is what makes peoples life miserable. If there is a warmonger country in the the world everyone knows who is that isnt it?

[@CWjustindawes]

We are NEVER paid for a review. Please tell me how many motorcycles you test in a year? We travel all over the world and test bikes. Trust us, a nice hotel or dinner is old hat and would not sway us in the slightest... It weighs 386 pounds, quite a bit less than a ton and not 200 kilos. Yes, that's 36 pounds more than a KTM 390 Adventure, but let's not get crazy here. Claimed Hp is 44, and the KTM is 42.9. I would say the power is right in line for the segment.

[@awwazaar]

What do you want 450 cc with 125kg weight? , go get an endura bike with almost zero tech and 6ltr fuel capacity, get yourself blown out by wind at 100kph, good luck

[@Dairosky]

how tall are you?

[@MrTmax74]

6'3 in, he mentioned it towards the beginning of the video

[@Dairosky]

@@MrTmax74 missed it! Thank you