2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T | First Ride Review

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
This winter, the 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T joins the company’s seven-model 2022 motorcycle lineup. Photos by Gary Walton and Leviathan.

We recently posted our first-ride review of the seven-model 2022 motorcycle lineup from CFMOTO, which ranges from the 126cc Papio to the 700CL-X Sport. I had a chance to sample each model on a private test track, and then I got a more extensive 350-mile ride on the 650 ADVentura.

Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
The 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 comes in two versions: the up-spec “T” (Terrain) with spoked wheels shown above and the base-model “S” (Street) with cast wheels.

During the press event, held in late June, I also got a first ride on an eighth model, which was under embargo until August 1 and will be available in “late winter” as a 2023 model. The embargo has come and gone, so I can now talk about the Ibex 800 (formerly the 800 ADVentura; when I asked one of CFMOTO USA’s reps how to pronounce the name, he said “add-ventura” rather than “A-D-V-entura,” which is a mouthful).

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2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura T
During our full day of testing eight different CFMOTO models, we played games like Avoid the Tar Snake and Tag the Flag.

GEAR UP
Helmet: Nolan N80-8
Jacket: Fly Racing Coolpro Mesh
Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler
Pants: Fly Racing Resistance Jeans
Boots: Fly Racing M16 Waterproof Riding Shoes

2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura T
Having moved on to the 889cc version of its LC8c parallel-Twin in the 890 Adventure, KTM was happy to allow CFMOTO to use the 799cc version from the 790 Adventure. Note the 800MT on the bodywork – that’s the model name used in other markets.

Given American tastes for large motorcycles and the popularity of adventure bikes, the Ibex 800 is the CFMOTO model that’s most likely to resonate with U.S. buyers. As described in my 2022 lineup review, CFMOTO established a partnership with KTM back in 2014, and soon after began producing KTM 200/390 Dukes for the Chinese market. In 2018, CFMOTO and KTM broke ground on a joint venture production facility in China.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

Given the cozy relationship between CFMOTO and KTM, it’s no surprise that CFMOTO’s top-of-the-line model is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure, which makes a claimed 95 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with throttle-by-wire, it has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control.

The Ibex 800 has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension (front/rear travel is 6.3/5.9 inches), 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and J. Juan triple-disc brakes with cornering ABS. It has a 5-gallon fuel tank, full LED lighting, and a 7-inch TFT display.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

Two versions of the Ibex 800 will be offered, an “S” (Street) model with cast wheels and a “T” (Terrain or Touring, you decide) model with spoked wheels. The T is also equipped with a quickshifter, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a steering damper, a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and a centerstand. Claimed curb weight is 496 lb for the S and 509 lb for the T.

There was only one bike at the launch, an Ibex 800 T, and it was hogged by everyone. I managed to get in a few laps, just enough to realize its potential. The Ibex 800 has the wide, flat seat and comfortably upright seating position with generous legroom that we’ve come to expect from adventure bikes, and is part of what makes them so popular (unless you are short of inseam, of course).

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

When you’re on a closed circuit, as we were on the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center’s 1.2-mile, 6-turn paved road course with a one-third-mile front straight, it’s only natural to give the whip to whatever you’re riding. With the Ibex 800 T in Sport mode, I pinned the throttle and felt it surge forward with gusto.

I was the 509-lb gorilla on a track shared with wee Papios and playful 300s, so I used the 800’s wide handlebar to give a wide berth to other bikes and slice my way through the two chicanes made of traffic cones. Cornering ABS gave me the confident to dive deep into turns and trail brake to scrub off speed, and the J. Juan binders did my bidding without complaint. The Ibex 800 T handled with confidence and poise, and I was sorely tempted to exit the track and hit the road.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

At the end of the day, after indulging in the gluttonous BBQ buffet laid out by Big Mo Cason (who drove all the way from Des Moines, Iowa, to cater the event) and a midafternoon downpour that drenched the track, I spent my last dozen or so laps of the day staring at the back of the Ibex 800. John Burns, who writes for Motorcycle.com and looks like Willie Nelson in high-viz gear, had grabbed the 800’s key and I did my best to chase him down on a 700CL-X.

I outweigh JB by 50 lb, probably 55 after hoovering two plates of brisket, mac-n-cheese, slaw, and cornbread at lunch, so my meat sack in the saddle knocked a big dent in the 700CL-X’s 83-lb weight advantage. Factor in the 800’s 21-hp upper hand over the 700 (95 hp vs. 74), however, and you’ve looking a pretty even odds. Lap after lap I’d close in on John, but I could never quite catch him. Burns got in way more laps on the 800 ADV-T than I did, and he can write – and ride – circles around me, so check out his review over at MO if you desire more depth and entertainment.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T
2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

Overall, the Ibex 800 T felt solid, responsive, and – not surprisingly given the origin of its engine – on par with similar offerings from Europe. We look forward to getting more seat time for a more in-depth evaluation.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T Specs

Base Price: $9,499 (S model)
Price as Tested: $10,499 (T model)
Website: CFMOTOusa.com
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valve per cyl.
Displacement: 799cc
Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 65.7mm
Horsepower: 95 hp @ 9,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: 57 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 60.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.5 in.
Wet Weight: 509 lb
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gals.

6 COMMENTS

  1. I’m kind of glad that I didn’t buy the 650 ADVentura last week. This one sounds like a better fit for the riding I like to do. Hopefully all of the 790 motor issues have been resolved (one cylinder not firing at start up on occasion). Anyway, things happen for a reason and the dealer I was going to buy the 650 from had too many add on fees including tag and title fees listed twice on different paragraphs of the contract. It may be customary today to charge $2k + over msrp to get out the door but not for me anyway. If the seat height and handlebar spread is the same or close between the 800 and 650, then I see a purchase ahead, barring any so called “additional dealer profit” fees.

    • Dealer mark-ups & today’s interest rates will keep me out of showrooms, which is a shame for start-up motor companies like CF Moto (in the US,anyways). Their model line up is impressive but I’m taking a wait & see attitude like yourself.

  2. I own the 650 adventure now and love the bike just put 9000 miles on it but I have to admit can’t wait to trade in on the 800 T model.

  3. I have an ADVentura 650, and am happy with it, for faster rides, I use my Yamaha tracer 900.. which is all I need..a commuter, /grocery getter,, and a long haul see the world 900..

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