The Africa Twin is the gold standard for adventure bikes if you’re the kind of person who wants a practical, no-nonsense product that will do everything you ask of it without complaint. Oh, and select the right version, and you’ll get one loaded with features as well, like the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES. This one has everything from tubeless spoke wheels to electronic suspension.
The question then is: is it possible to get the value of the Africa Twin, but at a lower price point? Happily, the answer is yes, because the Africa Twin is a product that other manufacturers look up to, and they have released their own interpretations of what a product like this Honda should be. Here then is the adventure bike that challenges the Honda Africa Twin for less money.
The CFMoto Ibex 800 E Is The Adventure Bike That Challenges The Honda Africa Twin For Less Money
CFMoto is a Chinese manufacturer, and it first made its way into the consumer’s consciousness by offering what we’ve come to expect from a Chinese manufacturer. That’s an extreme value for money with brilliant features. However, over the years, it has slowly moved upmarket, forging ties with the likes of KTM and going racing in Moto3 and Moto2, the feeder series for the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport.
It has even dipped its toes into two-wheeled off-road racing, partnering with Red Bull for the Red Bull Romaniacs event this year and achieving a podium finish. It is safe to say that CFMoto knows a thing or two about making a good off-road bike, then.
CFMoto Ibex 800 E Price: $10,299
The Ibex 800 E is the pinnacle of the CFMoto adventure bike range, at least until the 1000MT-X (Ibex 1000) comes along. While the latter is a direct competitor to the Africa Twin, the Ibex 800 is worthy of consideration if you want something like an Africa Twin Adventure Sports, but don’t want to spend that kind of money. Here’s why the CFMoto Ibex 800 E is the adventure bike that challenges the Honda Africa Twin for less money.
CFMoto Ibex 800 E Engine
The Ibex 800’s engine is similar to the Africa Twin’s, but is smaller. Still, it manages to generate a power peak that is only 6 horsepower less than the Honda’s. It is equipped with a by-wire throttle and a six-axis IMU, which means six ride modes and cornering traction control are present.
A six-speed manual gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch is what you get with the Ibex 800 E, and a two-way quickshifter is standard. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports also offers the option of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which broadens its appeal but also raises the price.
CFMoto Ibex 800 E Vs Honda Africa Twin Engine Specifications
|
CFMoto Ibex 800 E |
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports |
|
|
Engine Configuration |
270° I2 |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
799 cc |
1,084 cc |
|
Power |
94 HP @ 9,000 RPM |
100 HP @ 7,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
56.8 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
82 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM |
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CFMoto Ibex 800 E Chassis
An aluminum swingarm is similar to the Africa Twin, but the Ibex 800 uses an aluminum subframe as well. The trellis frame of the Ibex is also different from the Honda’s semi-double cradle frame. Fully adjustable Kayaba suspension is a standard feature. Elsewhere, the Ibex gets some brownie points back for its steering damper – something that isn’t usual on an adventure bike.
CFMoto has gone with a more conventional 19/17-inch wheel size, and the front brake discs are larger than Honda’s! The calipers are similar, though: J.Juan radial four piston fixed calipers at the front, and a two-piston floating one at the rear.
CFMoto Ibex 800 E Dimensions
The Ibex 800 is a little narrower and shorter than the Africa Twin, and it weighs a little less as well. That is to be expected since it belongs to a class below the Honda, but it is surprising how light the Japanese bike is, considering it is bigger. The Honda also has a much larger fuel tank, meaning you can go farther between fill-ups.
CFMoto Ibex 800 E Features
CFMoto is known for throwing all sorts of features into its products, and the Ibex 800 is a flagship product. So expect everything possible – and it doesn’t disappoint, as the ‘E’ variant is the top variant. The Ibex has an 8-inch TFT touchscreen to Honda’s 6.5-inch one, although the former has only Apple CarPlay. The CFMoto also has a radar-based blind spot monitoring system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a steering damper. The Honda has none of these things but has the electronic suspension.
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CFMoto Ibex 800 E Competition
The Ibex 800 E has some great competition, but it usually prices itself out of the conversation. We’ll limit ourselves to those priced within reach of the Ibex. Those would be the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE ($11,799) and Honda XL750 Transalp ($9,999). Both of these have 21-inch front rims, so they are more capable off-road, and the V-Strom has tube-type tires as well, so aggressive off-road boots are an option.
However, the real competitor here is the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES. It is a full-size ADV, is available as standard with electronic suspension, has an optional automatic gearbox, and has a reputation for reliability that few others can live up to. But if you’re on a budget, the CFMoto Ibex 800 E can truly challenge it for a lot less money.