This is my 5000 mile review of my CFMOTO Ibex 800T. I have traveled and lived off of this bike for 5000 miles and these are my thoughts on this motorcycle...
This is the best review of any motorcycle I've ever seen on RU-vid. Fantastic 👍 well done John. It's great to hear someone who is a mechanic, someone who knows what they're talking about.
I enjoyed the entire series of your trip and review. I might have a serious look at this bike if I only rode 1up but thankfully my wife is with me most of the time.
Thank you for your review I've been looking at these for a while I really liked everything I've seen and heard but haven't known anyone first hand who has experience with these
Good to hear from you sir, the Ibex comes in an Explorer edition for 2024 that has some nice upgrades... Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)
Thank you for this review and the previous series of videos on this bike! They were a huge factor in purchasing my own a week back. I'm midway through my break-in now and loving every mile. Looking forward to the rest of your adventures on two wheels! Safe travels.
Thank you for the review! I've been really interested in this bike since I rode it at a demo day. Im going to pick one up today and look forward to a solid commute and some light off road.
A great final thoughts John & an epic adventure experience 👌⭐️ For CFMOTO first up attempt in the bigger capacity motorcycle is pretty good. Hopefully you get to experience & explore the Explorer version with ECU & TC updates! Great plug for CFMoto in the US!
I thoroughly enjoyed your review and relaxed delivery - most informative, professional and honest - no bullsh*t. And I admired your dismantling skills at home in your workshop, with a pretty basic set of tools and without the factory workshop manual. Great job - stay with it.
Just wanna say thanks for the great review. Just put down a dp for this bike thanks to this review and several others and the week can't be over quick enough till I can get my hands on it!
Thanks for your honesty, I am considering stepping down from my Africa Twin to one of these as the Africa is getting to big off road to manage. Thank again.
Great review, Thanks John! Heading out to The Dragon from Missouri you might want to add the Wolf Pen Gap Road from Suches, Georgia for some nice twisties and scenery through the Chatahoochee National Forest. Ride safe and thanks again.
Definitely the most useful review I’ve seen in a long time. I bought my wife a CFMoto four wheeler a couple years back and have eyeing this bike for a while. You helped me decide to head to the dealer in the morning. Super excited, thank you. Also, I’m subscribed now, looking forward to more from you 🙂
Great review! I love mine. I have just over 2500 miles on mine. She is a keeper for sure! I've been riding on road motorcycles for over 34 years and had a lot of motorcycles. This one is the most comfortable bike I have owned. Like you, I got use to the fuel mapping and it really isn't an issue with me either. I live in Maine so on those cold nights on my way home from work a little heat around my legs is welcomed! Never had a bike with heated seat or grips before and I can tell you I now know what I have been missing my whole life of riding! Just about every motorcycle I ever owned I have replaced the seat because they are not not comfortable. NOT this bike! Man I can ride all day and still want to keep riding. The motor is lively and fun. In 1st gear on take off, all you have to do is slap the throttle wide open and that front end will come right up in a wheelie. Not that I have done that much! LOL. I have had zero issues with the bike. Never had the ECU issue but I also got the update and updated the bike with my phone. I like the phone app. tells your where your bike is and if it has been moved. Got a notification one day my bike was moved (which it was in my garage). I called my boy and asked him if he was in the garage. He said "why"? I told him someone just moved my bike. He said "Do you have a camera in the garage? LOL
Hello sir.. good to hear from you.. I am glad to hear you are enjoying your Ibex... I really enjoy traveling on mine... very comfortable... thanks for watching... keep safe and warm up there.... :)
I like your review and as I consider buying my first adventure bike this one is on my list for sure. Just have to sell one of my other street bikes to make some more room in the garage. Ride safe sir!
I’ve had mine for few months now & love it. Handles well and rides beautifully. As you say, it’s more orientated around off-road touring, not single track rides, although I would think a really good rider could probably handle the weight well enough. Good info on the tyres, I’m trying to work out which way to go, so I might take your lead on that and give them a go. Cheers 🍻 from Australia 🇦🇺
Nice video and I also own the ibex 800t. I agree with everything you said. I live in NC and when you do the dragon go on a weekday because it's insane on the weekend.
Great video I was gone try and pick one these up a few days ago but the closest dealership was out of them they took my name and number down hopefully I will be picking one up in the near future…
We share the love of long distance riding. Your review is very informative. I just came across this CFMoto IBEX and find it might be a replacement for my Triumph Tiger 850s when the time comes. I generally put about 20k miles per year on the bike so I figure by 2025 mine should have 70k miles on it. I might sell it before then though. Thanks for the videos!
I'm waiting to pickup one soon. Enjoyed this video and researching sounds like a recent update might help with fuel map. On leg heat on my current bike it's amazing the difference in my highway pegs that are just beyond toe while on oem pegs. My feet in full wind push fresh air down the leg. They have some all metal fold up that fit the crash bars for 800T. If not a highway peg guy you might consider something like they use on GW a small piece of plexiglass that can be adjust to push wind in our out.
Greetings from Ireland,great video John lots of useful information,I have subscribed to your channel and watched all your videos on the CFmoto 800.Early in 2024 I intend going to bike shop to take a look at one and very possibly place an order.Here in Ireland it is called CF moto MT800 touring but it is neary the same bike as yours.If everything goes to plan it will be the 28th bike I have owned since my first when I was 15,it will be my birthday present to myself for my68th birthday..
I'm 71, live and ride in North Florida, do most of my riding over in the shade of the big trees over in the Osceola National Forest. My 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 does NOT have any Heat Issues, she actually runs pretty cool in the 90 degree plus weather. (I know all about Engine Heat, my street bike is 2010 Harley Davidson Electra-Glide Limited with a big air cooled 103 cubic inch motor that really puts out a lot of heat.)
Thanks for the follow up review. My experience is identical to yours. So far at 3500 I still love this bike. My dealer is working with a tuner who is developing a new map for this bike. I'm only considering the map when its finished to help the surging in slower off road riding that I like. Here in Canada my bike was $13880 plus dealer fees, freight and pdi. However here the bike comes with the luggage which I think is close to 2000 us. It is very high quality.. I really don't know why anyone would buy the sport as its only 1000$ less. You have sold me on the Mitas E07 tires when it comes time to replace them. 👍
Good to hear from you sir. Congratulations on your new ride... You have excellent taste in motorcycles I must say... I do love those Mitas tires.. just wish they were a bit cheaper but they do seem to last pretty well... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)
Good to hear from you sir, yes I have downloaded the latest software but unfortunately the software for the bikes here in the USA still has not resolved the throttle mapping issues. Waiting for the next update... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)
I've ridden a couple of ride by wire bikes that do that low speed surge you talk about. It is annoying, makes it tricky to adhere to some lower speed limits. I always had to ride in first/second gear and deal with higher vibration to get rid of that.
Hello there sir, good to hear from you. I do not know that a higher compression ratio would produce more engine heat than that of a lower compression ratio since heat is a by product of burning the fuel. I would think that the amount of fuel and engine consumes might have more to do with how much heat it produces. I think the heat on the legs is just due to air moving through the radiator and then coming back onto the riders legs instead of being directed out around the drivers legs. Thanks for watching... :)
Higher compression generates more heat due to the increased movement of the air and fuel molecules during compression versus lower compression. It’s this phenomenon that allows diesel engines to run without a spark plug. The heat generated by high compression generates enough heat to ignite the fuel. While gas engines don’t have the level of compression that diesel engines do, the physics remain the same…higher compressions generate more heat (which is why higher compression engines usually require higher octane fuel to prevent detonation).
Hi The 2024 CFMoto 800 MT Explorer in Australia has traction control as well as 6 rider modes. Amazing value for the money about $10k USD for what is basically a KTM 790. It’s now awesome in the dirt although some slightly longer travel in the suspension would be good as the bike can bottom over rough terrain. Still an awesome bike.
I would like to see as beautifull review for Explore edition I'm about to buy....I have tried this model and I'm also not satisfied with throttle maping! Also I would like to have traction control!
Hi, just came across you, thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm not well informed about tires, what kind of product did you install? thanks from the Philippines GG, got it it Midas Tires...I understood. thanks
Strange the rear pre-load adjustment isn't remote, considering this bike is meant for luggage, passenger and commuting use, so changing pre-load should be made quick and easy.
@@ozarksbackroads5484 I'm back and I really like this bike. Well finished, not too pricy. But I don't know what to do, even if the saddle is not as high as many trail saddles, I'm afraid I'm not tall enough (1.68 / 5' - 6'') to ride the 800 safely... That said, I've been told the bike could be lowered by 2 cm.
@@ozarksbackroads5484 The 650 GT ? I've been told the 650 cm3 engine is now discontinued, there're only a few 650 GT left for sale. I would love a 800 GT but it's not scheduled.
Hi from the UK. I have just ordered awaiting delivery of an 800 Explore model 2024 spec. I really appreciated you honesty on the bike. In the UK people are dismissing it as Chinese Junk but I think they are wrong. At present I ride a gs1250 a great bike but the new 1300 is more than double the cost of the explore so financially it’s a no brained especially is you have to spend even more to add the accessories the explore has as standard. I will keep watching your channel check mine out and hopefully subscribe
I have the duke 790 and has the same surging issue. Tried the 'booster plug' that supposedly fixes that issue, did nothing to my bike and now I have a 170 euro brick in my hand My duke throws a lot of heat at me as well
Hi John, In one of your video`s I think you mentioned that you were using Dunlop trail master tyres on your Tiger and got great mileage, can you confirm that choice. Jack
Hello there sir, I had a couple sets of Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires on the Tiger and on my V-Strom. They are very good long lasting tires. The rear can get a little loose in the rain however and they are not great on gravel or off road but ok... thanks for watching... :)
great to hear from you sir, I got this one off of Amazon.... www.amazon.com/dp/B09T6VBJF4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Thanks for watching... :)
You may be able to check if Main Street Cycle has done a tune for this bike. They have done a lot for the ATV/ SXS for CFMOTO. Enjoyed watching your updates though!
Hello again sir... above 4000 rpm is laser smooth, I travel at around 65mph on the highways which is around 4500 rpm on my bike... the bike feels very comfortable there... thanks for watching... :)
I have a question. Wondering if I should wait for the Explore version in the states or get this one on sale for 7,800 today. Are all the throttle issues fixed with the MCU update? I have also learned about the ABS switch to have added. Would you get this for this price and or get the updated Explore?
Hello there sir, good to hear from you. $7800.00 USD is a very good price indeed for a new Ibex 800T. They are listing for $10,700.00 now. The Throttle mapping update fixed the on/off throttle issue but the bike still has lean surging at low speeds. I isn't a deal breaker for me I am used to it and don't really notice it much but it is there. As far as the Explore model it has not been released here in the USA and I have no information if it will be released here in 2024 or not. If it does release here in 2024 it will certainly be priced quite a bit higher than the 800T is priced here right now. Good luck with your new ride and thanks for watching... :)
The Explore has yet to be released here in the US. But it is in Canada for the equivalent of $12,000 USD. I am also looking at a new $7,800 Ibex and thinking $4,200 is a lot for the extra features.
The Ibex is similar in comfort and wind protection to the Versys but is quite a bit lighter and more agile. Traveling with gear loaded the Ibex is quite a bit easier to deal with than the Versys... Both bikes have very nice smooth engines at highway speeds... Thanks for watching... :)
Hey there sir... good to hear from you... The Ibex is a step above the V-Strom in comfort, power and features. The V-Strom is 100 percent reliable transportation but is basic transportation where as the Ibex is much more powerful and has all the creature comforts as well as better ergonomics for long days in the saddle. The only down side to the Ibex is its poor fuel mapping. The Ibex suffers from lean surging at lower rpm's which some people are going to find supper annoying. I find it annoying also but am willing to accept it simply because the bike is such a fun bike to ride and is awesome to travel on as well as really good on gravel and loose surfaces as well... thanks for watching... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484 Thanks John. I have a vstrom 650 218 with 8k miles. I have seen a 800MT which is the same as the ibex here in UK 12k miles and seems a really good price. My concern was reliabilty as have heard things about the cfmo engines with a fe problems. Thanks for your insight and great videos
I have a question for you and I guess this is as good a place than any. I am torn between this bike and a Yamaha MT09. Both are 2023. I know they are completely different. I do want an adventure bike but I also know the MT09 is a very good bike. The only thing that worries me about the Ibex is will it last? I know no one can answer that but you being mechanically inclined, do you feel this is a pretty sturdy bike?
Hello there sir, good to hear from you... Yes I believe the Ibex build quality is on par with most European and Japanese bikes bit the Ibex has poor fuel mapping. I would go with the Yamaha just on that alone. You will be happy with that Yamaha I am sure. The Ibex has some rough edges but the fuel mapping I believe is a deal breaker for some people... Good luck and thanks for watching... :)
They had an update last year that was to fix an issue with the radiator fan controller. The fueling is the same as it was originally. There is quite a bit of lean surging at low speed. Makes riding in town or technical off road riding difficult...
Hello there sir, good to hear from you. No I have had no problems of any kind with my Ibex. I now have around 6500 miles on it and have had no issues thus far... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)
As i am considering to purchase this bike i am doing some research online and came across your posts. Thank you for that, it's helpfull. About this throttle mapping issue i saw a video about a fix: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zSCt9Xx_aEg.html What is your opinion on this? Is it worth a try or is it BS? Thanks again.
Hello there sir, good to hear from you... What the video is showing is a calibration of the throttle position sensor on the throttle bodies but this will have no effect on the fuel mapping for the bike. The bike will still have lean surging issues... Good luck with your bike search and thanks for watching... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484 Hello sir, thank you for this clarifying response. My technical knowledge about motorbikes is limited and always eager to learn. Great channel btw!
The man says that the bike is imperfect, so it is crap. Just because it offer a lot of accessories for its price you cannot be tolerant to imperfection such as problematic engine , vibrations etc. These are basic for a vehicle. Why should i care for bluetooth connectivity if my bike puts a grin on my face when it surges, when it vibrates when it shouldn't. Yeah you can set cruise control and ride all day long, but if you want to do riders stuff such as turning, precision balance riding, throttle control and the bike doesn't make you feel comfortable doing so then it is crap.
