There is no denying that adventure motorcycles are the reigning kings of the market right now. The full-size models are the darlings, and most often, many simply overlook the middleweight entirely. Some even feel that it’s easier to spend more and grab a fully loaded flagship instead.
This middleweight segment, however, has picked up pace, and you have plenty of strong value offerings. Among them, the popular options usually get picked first, leaving a few highly capable ones overlooked. Thus, here is a highly underrated middleweight that rarely makes it onto a buyer’s initial shopping list.
Why Middleweight Adventure Bikes Deserve More Attention
Full-size adventure bikes are the halo products of the manufacturers, which is why they get the most powerful engines paired with the latest tech and supreme comfort. Machines such as the BMW R 1300 GS or the Ducati Multistrada V4. This inevitably results in substantial weight and a premium price tag. Also, versatility becomes the last ingredient in them.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have entry-level models, such as the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, KTM 390 Adventure, or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. They are inherently designed for new riders to build their skills and can double as either a commuter or dirt slinger. But they eventually run out of breath on the highways, leaving you looking for an upgrade sooner or later.
Perfect Sweet Spot That Makes Most Sense
That leaves us with the middleweight ADVs, a real sweet spot, which bridges the gap. They offer compact dimensions with performance comparable to full-size models. Nimble handling comes naturally, while the price tag stays affordable. You get better highway performance, easy commuting in city traffic, and enough off-roading capability. Put it all together, and you’ve got a bike that really feels like it can do it all. Yet, many riders simply overlook these machines, just like the one we are about to break down in detail.
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Most Buyers Overlook The Middleweight CFMoto Ibex 800 E
Every major brand has its footprint in the adventure segment, but among the newcomer Chinese brands, CFMoto has managed to create quite a stir. That’s especially true in the smaller displacement models, but the Ibex 800 E is the most value-packed offering in the lineup. It comes loaded with features that other brands often charge extra for or offer only on their flagship machines.
Adding to the deal are the sophisticated underpinnings that again are on the flagship level. Then, there is the proven engine tech shared with KTM. Yet despite punching above its weight class, it still falls under the radar, partly because of its Chinese origins and partly because its price feels higher than what riders usually expect from a Chinese brand.
High-End Standard Features At An Accessible Price
Priced at $10,299, the Ibex 800 E is perhaps the most tech-packed new entrant midsize ADV in its class. But you do have other strong value options, like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE at $11,799 or the Honda Transalp at $9,999, both of which bring decent features and long-standing reliability. Step up the price, you get more performance and a premium kit from the KTM 890 Adventure at $15,799 or the BMW F 900 GS at $14,275.
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The KTM-Derived Parallel-Twin That Punches Above Its Price
Powering the Ibex 800 E is a 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine derived from KTM’s LC8c platform previously found in the 790 Adventure. It features a 3.5-inch bore and 2.6-inch stroke setup with a nice mix of low-end grunt and the ability to rev freely. However, the compression ratio is a little higher at 12.7:1. Further, the DOHC layout with four valves per cylinder provides efficient breathing across the rev range.
Balances Fun and Practicality
The output sits at 94 horsepower at 9,000 rpm with 56.8 pound-feet of torque arriving at 6,500 rpm. Thanks to meaty mid-range, you can have easy overtakes on the freeway as well as momentum on off-roading. Power runs through a six-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch. You also get a two-way quickshifter as standard for clutchless up and down shifts. The final drive is a chain, which is the norm for adventure bikes. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle gives you crisp response and six riding modes, including Sport, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus, All Terrain, and All-Terrain Plus.
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Robust Chassis and Underpinning Setup for Real-World Adventure
CFMoto didn’t cut corners on the chassis setup. The Ibex 800 E rides on a steel trellis frame paired with an aluminum subframe and swingarm. It weighs in at 509 pounds with 60.3 inches of wheelbase, which is in line with the other contenders. Then, the 32.5-inch seat height is approachable for many riders. Touring-focused 19/17-inch spoked aluminum alloy rims paired with multipurpose tires add to versatility.
Suspension setup is where the Ibex 800 E truly shines with KYB components. Up front, you get an inverted fork that is fully adjustable. And, at the back, a monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound. Suspension travel sits at 6.3 inches front and 5.9 inches rear. The braking is managed by J.Juan calipers in combination with a 320 mm dual disc at the front and a 260 mm single disc at the rear.
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Tech, Comfort, and Design That Seal the Deal
Standard tech and features are where the Ibex 800 E sets itself apart from the other middleweight offerings. As a top spec “E” variant, you get an array of electronics, including the segment-first radar-based blind spot monitoring system as standard. Alongside the six-axis IMU offers cornering-enabled ABS and traction control. Further, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, and wheelie control are all standard.
The centerpiece is an 8-inch TFT display that is a touchscreen and supports Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and CFMoto RideSync. On the design front, the Ibex 800 E features sleek dual LED headlamps paired with a short front beak. The windscreen is manually adjustable, and the steering damper is another unique touch that adds stability. Finally, here’s the bottom line: while most buyers overlook the Ibex 800 E in its class, it is the kind of bike that makes sense for real-world adventure.
Sources: CFMoto USA