The Honda Africa Twin has long been the benchmark for adventure touring – capable, reliable, and relatively affordable. But what if you want similar performance without the premium price tag? The CFMoto Ibex 800 E offers just that: a fully-featured adventure bike that punches well above its weight in terms of both capability and value.
Why This Matters
The adventure bike market is booming, but many riders are priced out of high-end models. The Ibex 800 E disrupts this by delivering performance comparable to the Africa Twin at a significantly lower cost. This makes genuine adventure touring accessible to a broader range of riders.
CFMoto’s Flagship Adventure Bike
CFMoto has been quietly building a reputation for overdelivering on value, and the Ibex 800 E is their most ambitious product yet. While it sits in the middleweight class, its feature set rivals that of larger, more expensive competitors. With an MSRP of $10,299, it undercuts even stripped-down rivals like the Yamaha Tenere 700.
Engine and Performance
The Ibex 800 E’s engine shares a lineage with the KTM 790 Adventure, ensuring a proven and flexible powerplant. Peak horsepower and torque arrive at different points in the rev range, providing strong pull across the spectrum. A two-way quickshifter, cruise control, and ride-by-wire throttle are standard.
Key Specifications
- Engine: Closely related to KTM 790 Adventure
- Gearbox: Two-way quickshifter standard
- Ride Modes: Six, controlled via a six-axis IMU
- Power: Competitive with Africa Twin, offering similar performance at a lower cost
Chassis and Handling
The Ibex 800 E features a steel trellis frame and aluminum subframe to minimize weight. Fully adjustable KYB suspension handles damping duties, with compression and rebound adjustments up front and preload/rebound at the rear. J.Juan brakes provide strong stopping power, and the 19/17-inch spoked wheelset is fitted with tubeless tires. Notably, CFMoto includes a steering damper as standard equipment – a feature often reserved for higher-spec models.
Technology That Surprises
The CFMoto doesn’t skimp on tech. An 8-inch touchscreen TFT display with Apple CarPlay integration keeps you connected. Radar-based blind spot monitoring is a standout feature, along with adjustable windscreen, tire pressure monitoring, and the ability to disable ABS and traction control independently.
Competition: Africa Twin and Beyond
The CFMoto Ibex 800 E directly challenges the Honda Africa Twin. The Africa Twin costs nearly 50 percent more but offers only 6 additional horsepower. While Honda offers a dual-clutch transmission option, the CFMoto undercuts it in price without sacrificing key features. The Ibex also stacks up well against the Honda XL750 Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, offering comparable performance and tubeless tires where competitors lack them.
The Bottom Line
The CFMoto Ibex 800 E is not just an affordable alternative to the Africa Twin; it’s a genuinely capable adventure bike that delivers exceptional value. By packing high-end features into a midsize package, CFMoto has created a compelling option for riders who demand performance without breaking the bank.
