CFMOTO’s Ibex 450 is a product that’s right on the money and a bike that’s meant to be multi-purpose. A motorcycle that’s easy to get on for beginners who aren’t very tall. It’s also a bike that can offer a lot for those looking for a bike that can go just about anywhere without sacrificing fun or performance.
What I find particularly interesting about the Ibex 450 is that, even though we’re talking about a modest displacement, it’s got it all. It’s a real adventurer. Add the protective accessories and luggage available in the CF Moto catalog, and you’ve got a bike that’s ready for adventure.
With its 21“ front and 18” rear tubeless spoke wheels, combined with 200mm adjustable KYB suspension front and rear, it clearly shows its intentions.
Its looks are just as revealing: the motocross-style front fender and LED lighting give it all the allure of an off-road bike. Whether in Tundra gray, like the one we tested, or Zephyr blue, the CFMOTO Ibex 450 is a real eye-catcher.
Accustomed to taller adventurous bikes, I appreciated the Ibex 450’s riding position, whether standing or sitting, and its 820mm seat height was a great help when stopping. However, I would have preferred a less low saddle, to allow me to position myself better over the footrests and gain in comfort. A higher seat is available as an option. The footrests are a good size and offer solid support, especially with hard-soled boots.
Handlebars are also generously sized, for an ideal riding position. Controls are easily accessible and intuitive. The adjustable windscreen with thumbwheel is an interesting detail not often found on bikes in this category. It’s also relatively straight, giving the Ibex 450 a little rally-style look, which isn’t bad at all. The tank fairing is quite wide. This can give a misleading effect of dimension once in the saddle. Another interesting detail on the Ibex 450: the mirrors can be folded inwards to avoid breaking them in trail riding situations.
Electronics
All the bike’s data is available on an easy-to-read 5″ TFT display. It’s also easy to switch to “off-road” riding mode by pressing a button on the left side of the handlebars. You can switch from one mode to the other while riding. Once selected, simply release the throttle to activate it. Traction control can also be deactivated by navigating the menus.
You can also connect your phone to the CFMOTO Ibex 450 via the CFMOTO Ride app. From the motorcycle’s dashboard, you can then access your music and contacts to make calls.
Motorization
Once up and running, the CFMOTO Ibex 450’s engine sounds great, thanks to its compact, well-positioned muffler.
The clutch friction point is very long. Too long, in fact. I like a clutch with a shorter slip point, which helps in technical situations. Especially since the Ibex 450 has a cable throttle. This makes it difficult to find the throttle “ twist ” in tight maneuvers. Even after several U-turns and very low-speed passages, I couldn’t find the right balance between clutch and throttle to maneuver with ease.
The 450’s little twin-cylinder needs to be revved up to give any sign of life. But once started, it pushes the bike along effortlessly. During my test ride, I had to hold the revs at around 6000 RPM to get good acceleration. It was also in this range that I found the engine seemed most willing to play. Although capable of holding 70 km/h in 6ᵉ gear at around 4000 RPM, you’ll have to play with the gear selector if you need to accelerate quickly. The engine, even when revved up, doesn’t vibrate excessively. It delivers 44 HP and reaches the red zone at 9500 rpm.
Easy, pleasant
The CFMOTO Ibex 450 is easy to ride. It takes curves with ease and gives you confidence even when it’s cornering hard. Once you’ve got the hang of how to keep the engine revs up, it picks up on the exit and is ready to play. In a straight line at high speed, however, you’ll notice the 450’s limits, which in no way affect its handling or the pleasure of riding it.
All in all, the suspension was set fairly firmly. It was fine for asphalt, but I’d have liked a little more play in the gravel to have more fun. In fact, on gravel, I really liked the bike’s healthy handling. Friendly and reassuring, it invited me to play a little more.
The tires, some CSTs, offered just enough grip to let the little 450 push the bike, and even allow it to put the rear end into a skid by turning the throttle a little more.
Ergonomics
Protection from the elements is also relatively effective, whether standing or sitting.
As for braking, both front and rear discs get the job done. However, the Ibex is still an adventurer in its own right, so it has the weight of an adventurer: 190 kg unladen. By the same token, I would have liked 2 front discs. Basic safety considerations.
Well positioned
With the Ibex 450, CFMOTO offers a very serious package. With all the details and equipment, this bike is complete. To tell the truth, I think that even a little more simplistic (and with a price adjusted accordingly), the Ibex 450 would still be worth considering.
Harder and harder to ignore
The CFMOTO dealer network across Quebec, and indeed across Canada, is becoming ever more extensive. And CFMOTO offers a 5-year limited warranty on the Ibex 450. Of course, nothing is perfect. The question many people often ask is about the resale value of a “made in China” motorcycle. If this is indeed at the top of your list of purchasing criteria, it’s normal to ask. Clearly, with brands such as CFMOTO and Kove, the answer to this question remains enigmatic. However, CFMOTO in particular is proving more and more that it is a serious manufacturer. Especially when you look at a product like the Ibex 450, there’s no doubt that they’ve done their homework.
Indeed, the product coming out of CFMOTO’s assembly plants is increasingly worthy of the major manufacturers. And that’s remarkable. Especially when you consider the low-end products we were presented with just 10-15 years ago.
So, if you’re still hesitating about Chinese products for your own reasons, that’s up to you. In my case, when I buy something, like a motorcycle or a tool, I buy it to use it, to enjoy it, even to abuse it. I don’t think about reselling it. So, in this case, I’d have no problem bringing an Ibex 450 home… and that’s by way of the trails.
We liked:
- Easy,
- Complete,
- Good finish.
Disliked:
- Could be more comfortable.
- No cruise control.
- Clutch not very precise.
Thanks to CFMOTO Canada inc. for the loan of the Ibex 450.
