CFMoto Ibex 450 First Look

[Hugh Janus]

The 2025 CFMoto Ibex 450. (CFMoto/)

After taking the wraps off the 450MT at EICMA in November, CFMoto is now officially showing off the US production version of its 449cc adventure-tourer. Renamed the Ibex 450, the twin-cylinder adventure bike comes with the right-sized wheels, long-travel suspension, and European-looking styling that hits all the right notes. CFMoto USA says the Ibex 450 will be a 2025 model and is expecting a fall 2024 release date.

The Ibex 450 uses a version of the 449cc parallel-twin engine found in the 450SS sportbike, 450NK naked bike, and the upcoming 450CL-C cruiser. Reworked for ADV duty, CFMoto claims it produces 44 hp at 8,500 rpm and 32.5 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,250 rpm. Compared to the 450SS and 450NK, peak power arrives 1,000 rpm lower in the rev range at the expense of 6 hp, and peak torque, up 3.7 lb.-ft., occurs 1,350 rpm lower, which is a promising start for off-road and touring usability. Power is sent through a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. The engine also uses a 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers, keeping it in line with today’s parallel-twin preferences.

The Ibex 450 is pictured here with crashbars and off-road-style front fender. (CFMoto/)

The engine is bolted to a chromoly steel tube frame. KYB suspension offers a generous 8 inches of travel, while keeping the seat height to a reasonable 32.3 inches. CFMoto says the front suspension is fully adjustable and the rear monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound. A radial-mount, four-piston J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front. There’s a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc in the rear. Bosch ABS can be turned off in the rear via a handlebar-mounted switch. Spoked 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels announce the Ibex’s off-road intention. CFMoto claims the Ibex 450 weighs 386 pounds dry. The Ibex 450 has a Bosch traction control system that can be turned on or off from the dash.

Speaking of the dash, the Ibex 450 uses a 5-inch curved TFT display with smartphone connectivity. CFMoto enabled the motorcycle to receive wireless software updates, a feature we’ve been hoping would be common across the industry by now. It’s great to see the Chinese brand implementing it. CFMoto hasn’t skimped on other details either. An adjustable windscreen, LED lighting, an aluminum skid plate, fold-away mirrors, and a USB-C charging point add value and convenience.

The Ibex 450 is available in two colors: Zephyr Blue and Tundra Grey (CFMoto/)

The Ibex 450 packs some cool technology and features not typically associated with a motorcycle that will likely carry an entry-level price tag. On top of that, its styling conveys the seriousness with which CFMoto is making a play at the market. Designed by Kiska, the international design, branding, and communications firm responsible for KTM’s signature look (the same goes for Husqvarna and GasGas), the Ibex 450 has a modern, straight-forward style.

Kiska’s website says, “Meticulous attention to every intricate detail served as our North Star when creating this lightweight addition to the MT range. With design cues channeling the essence of the 800MT in a more compact model, it’s a response to an increasing demand from riders in new markets to access the renowned off-road touring domain.”

“Riders in new markets” may reveal some of CFMoto’s intent. While CFMoto’s name became somewhat familiar to US consumers because of its well-known joint venture with KTM, for most motorcyclists it’s still a brand shrouded in mystery that comes from a country with whom the US has a complicated, if not fraught, relationship. There are no doubt many entrenched motorcycle enthusiasts who would be reluctant to buy a Chinese motorcycle—for a variety of legitimate reasons, it must be said. CFMoto, trade name of the Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Company, is based in Hangzhou, a city of 13 million people that most Americans couldn’t even point to on a map. CFMoto USA, for what it’s worth, is based in Plymouth, Minnesota, and supports over 300 dealerships around the country. The release says it has “big plans for future model development.”

According to Kiska’s website: “The features, components, and accessory collections were carefully crafted to support the robust (yet lightweight) aesthetic—reflecting our commitment to durability and agility.” (CFMoto/)

Despite the many obstacles CFMoto faces in the US market, motorcycles like the Ibex 450—if priced appropriately, are proved to be reliable, and come backed by good dealer support—can go a long way in changing consumer perception. While those are a lot of big “ifs” and can only be conferred by time (aside from price), the Ibex 450 does look appealing on paper.

Can the Ibex 450 fill a gap in the adventure-touring market? (CFMoto/)

While we won’t know exactly what it is until we get to ride one and eventually hear the assessments of owners in the long term, the Ibex 450 certainly looks like a big opportunity for CFMoto. Kiska didn’t design that thing to look anonymous at the Starbucks parking lot or out on the trails, that’s for sure.

Price and dealer availability are yet to be announced.

The Ibex 450 uses a unique adjustable shock linkage. The shock can mount to the linkage in one of two places. In the lower position, the rear of the bike drops, lowering the seat by 0.8 inch. (CFMoto/)

2024 CFMoto Ibex 450 Specs

MSRP:	TBA
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin
Displacement:	449cc
Bore x Stroke:	72.0 x 55.2mm
Compression Ratio:	N/A
Transmission/Drive:	Manual 6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	44 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Claimed Torque:	32.5 lb.-ft. @ 6,250 rpm
Fuel System:	N/A
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper
Engine Management/Ignition:	Bosch EFI
Frame:	Steel tube
Front Suspension:	USD KYB fork, fully adjustable; 8.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Multi-link, KYB monoshock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 8.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston J.Juan caliper, 320mm disc w/ Bosch ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston J.Juan caliper, 240mm disc w/ Bosch ABS (switchable)
Wheels, Front/Rear:	21 in./18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	90/90-21 / 140/70-18
Rake/Trail:	26.0°/4.2 in.
Wheelbase:	59.25 in.
Ground Clearance:	8.7 in.
Seat Height:	32.3 in. (adjustable)
Tank Capacity:	4.6 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	386 lb.
Availability:	TBA
Contact:	cfmotousa.com

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