2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 test ride review

Intro

CFMOTO appeared in Canada in 2006 with their lineup of AVT’s and UTV’s. Their motorcycle lineup has been available in the US for over 20 years and finally appeared in the Canadian market in 2022.

Over the years, CFMOTO’s image has grown. Quality and reliability have largely improved, their market share has expanded, and I was curious about their motorcycles. When the opportunity to road test the newly introduced 2025 Ibex 450, I couldn’t refuse.

The adventure bike segment in Canada is expanding, and manufacturers are responding to the demand. In 2023, CFMOTO launched the Ibex 800, an adventure bike well suited for road and long-distances.

The brand-new 2025 Ibex 450 responds to a need in the adventure bike segment for something “torquy”, light and easy to handle, better suited for the off-road portion than the heavier 800. After the test ride, here is my impression of the features, strengths and things that could be improved on this motorcycle.

The Engine

The Ibex 450 features a 449cc, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder inline, 4 stroke, DOHC engine paired with a 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch. The 270° parallel-twin makes 44 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 32.5lb-ft of torque at 6250 rpm.

The engine is surprisingly smooth and has a nice, throaty exhaust note. Acceleration for passing is quick, but I did notice a slight delay in throttle response which resulted in a bit of on/off throttle jerkiness. A CFMOTO representative assured me that a fix is coming soon through a free software update.

Suspension, Brakes & Electronics

The Ibex 450 comes with KYB 200mm inverted forks up front with adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound. For the rear, CFMOTO chose a KYB 200mm multi-link, center aligned, also with adjustable damping and rebound.

During the road test on pavement, the suspension was smooth and easily handled the myriad of bumps and potholes that Montreal and South Shore roads are famous for. I was pleased with the comfort it offered while riding.

Braking comes from a 320 mm single disc, 4-piston caliper front brake, and 240 mm single disc, single-piston caliper rear brake.

The Ibex 450 has Continental ABS brakes which can be deactivated easily via the display menu or toggled “ON” or “OFF” with a simple press of a dedicated button. Traction control modes can be cycled or deactivated through the 5” TFT display which offers a multitude of information and settings, easily selected with tactile buttons on the left side control.

Fuel quantity, consumption, as well as kilometers remaining (I must admit, I really like that feature) are clear and easy to read while riding. Another practical feature is the Check Engine mode which displays any fault codes right on the screen easing diagnostics and saving time.

I was told in the near future riders will be able to pair their phones with the display via Bluetooth for phone calls, music, as well as the CFMOTO Ride app.

Available for free for iPhone and Android, app and Bluetooth connectivity is already in use on various other CFMOTO models, but not quite yet available for the Ibex 450. The application features dashboard settings, navigation, vehicle location information, historical track, riding behavior, electronic fence, vehicle finder, vehicle reminders, etc.

TFT 5” display

Looks and Features

The Ibex 450 scores points looks wise with its nice colour scheme and tall, proud stance. It looks higher than it actually is, but the seat height of 820mm (32.3in) is quite comfortable for a wide range of riders.

If needed, it can be lowered even more with a few minor adjustments through the suspension.

On the flip side, a higher seat is available for very tall riders, making this a very versatile bike. I’m 5’6” tall and I was able to sit comfortably on the stock seat with both forefeet planted solidly on the ground. I couldn’t quite flatfoot but was far from being on my tippy toes.

The saddle was quite comfortable but felt a little stiff after a few hours of riding. The windscreen is manually adjustable, and air flow was turbulent with the windscreen set low but smoothed out quite a bit when set to its highest position.

A taller windscreen is available as an option which I personally would opt for. The mirrors are foldable, nothing new in the industry, but a great feature for off-roading. The pegs are grippy and have rubber covers which absorb vibration and can be removed for more grip on muddy trails.

The Ibex 450 comes stock with a set of 21” X 18” tubeless spoke wheels, a really nice feature to be found on such an affordable bike. Neither the KTM 390 Adventure nor the Yamaha T7 come with this type of wheel from the factory. It is a feature usually found only on bigger, more expensive bikes.

Price, Colours & Accessories

For a bike in this category, the Ibex 450 is super affordable and offers features that are normally only seen at higher price points. Prices start at $8,624 Canadian, this includes $7,999 MSRP, a $325 freight, and a $300 preparation fee. For our US readers, $6,499 MSRP (USD), plus freight & setup.

Two colour schemes are available: Zephyr Blue (as demo tested) and Tundra Grey.

Available accessories include a heightened windscreen, heated grips, hard case luggage in silver or black (sides & top case) or soft waterproof side bags, a variety of protectors including engine guards, brake reservoir guards, lower & upper bumpers (silver or black), aluminum skid plate, hand guards, radiator guards; center stand and side stand with oversized base (silver or black), etc.

Conclusion

The Ibex 450 has a lot to offer for a very reasonable price. It handles very well and is a fun bike to ride. It has attractive looks in both colour schemes and its smooth engine produces a nice, throaty sound. The seat height and taller seat option makes it comfortable for a large range of riders of all shapes and sizes.

My favorite feature is the tubeless spoke wheels, a nice detail usually only found on bigger, more expensive adventure bikes. The large TFT display, ease of use controls and user-friendly menu are definite strong points.

I am a huge fan of having the fuel quantity, consumption, and range remaining all displayed at the same time, while easy to read without causing clutter.

More good news is that CFMOTO has already begun addressing the main issues I experienced – the throttle jerkiness with a software update, and a taller windscreen available as an option. Overall, I think CFMOTO has done a great job with the Ibex 450, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an adventure bike at a great price.

The CFMOTO Ibex 450 a great choice at an excellent price point.

Marianne

Specifications of the Ibex 450:

Engine

• Type: 2-cylinder inline, 4 stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 270° crankshaft
• Displacement: 449cc
• Bore & Stroke: 72 X 55.2mm (2.83 X 2.17 in)
• Max Power: 44hp / 8500 rpm
• Max Torque: 32.4 ft-lb / 6250 rpm
• Compression ratio: 11.5 : 1
• Clutch type: 6-speed, wet, multi-plate, CF-SC slipper clutch

Dimensions and weight

• Length x width x height: 2210 x 870 x 1390mm (87 x 34.3 x 54.7 in)
• Wheelbase: 1505mm (59.3 in)
• Seat height: 820mm (32.3 in)
• Fuel tank capacity: 17.5L (4.62G)
• Curb weight: 190 kg (418.9 lbs)

Suspension

• Front suspension: KYB 200mm inverted forks, pre-load, compression & rebound adjustable.
• Rear suspension: KYB 200mm multi-link center aligned; rebound & damping adjustable.

Wheels

• Rim (Front/Rear): 21” x 18” spoked steel, tubeless.
• Front tire: 90/90 R21 CST
• Rear tire: 140/70 R18 CST

Brakes

• Front Brakes: J.Juan 320 mm single disc, 4-piston caliper.
• Rear Brakes: J.Juan 240 mm single disc, single-piston caliper.
• ABS: Continental ABS, dual channel

Electronics

• Headlights: LED
• Taillight: LED
• Turn light: LED
• Instrument: 5” TFT display with Bluetooth and CFMOTO Ride App connectivity.

App control

• CFMOTO Ride app connectivity