The beginner-friendly adventure bike that doesn’t feel like a compromise

Imagine you’re a beginner in the market for your first adventure bike. You need it to be happy on the trails as you learn the ropes of off-road riding. It should also have modern features and safety tools, considering it’s 2026. At the same time, the suggested retail price should be easy on the wallet so that you don’t end up in debt just by taking it home.

Spare parts must also be affordable. After all, newcomers often fall. Add to that the ample performance for occasional highway runs, and you get a tough line to walk. You’re going to have to make compromises one way or another, and that’s just how life is. Fortunately, one new ADV balances all of this so well that it doesn’t feel like a compromise.

The entry-level adventure bike segment has grown significantly

A few years ago, small capacity adventure bikes weren’t that popular. But lately, consumers have realized how capable these bikes can be, especially for actual off-road riding. As a result, the 300-500cc ADV segment is hotter than ever. Almost every regular bicycle maker has a player here, and new companies are always taking action. The result is an army of capable ADVs that will satisfy a beginner with ease. However, only a few of them are unwilling to compromise.

The CFMoto Ibex 450 is the ADV for beginners who don’t feel compromised

If you don’t want to compromise on a beginner-friendly adventure bike, we recommend choosing the CFMoto Ibex 450. This is one of the newbies, but that works to its advantage. It feels like CFMoto has taken the time to understand the best of all its rivals and then brought to market one of the most balanced bikes in the segment. For example, you get a truly off-road-ready package with 21/17-inch spoke wheels and knobby tires. In turn, most rivals get you a 19-inch front wheel.

Long-travel adjustable suspension is also standard, which again is a rarity in this space. Then there’s the 449cc engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. The latter makes the engine stand out in the segment dominated by 180-degree setups and promises a more powerful power delivery, similar to that of the V-twin. Total production is now at the same level as that of its rivals. Finally, the MSRP is just $6,499. This is slightly cheaper than the popular ones from Japan (the Kawasaki KLE500 and Honda NX500).

The other bike that comes close to a no-compromise ADV in this segment is the KTM 390 Adventure R. You get a similar package to the Ibex 450 in every respect, whether it’s the long-travel adjustable suspension, spoked wheels with knobby tires or similar features. However, there are two things that work against this. The first is the 399cc single-cylinder engine, which has 4 pound-feet less torque and no 270-degree crankshaft. Second is the MSRP of $7,699. That makes it $1,200 more than the Ibex and one of the most expensive ADVs in the segment.

Promises powerful performance from the proven Parallel-Twin engine

The adventure bike delves deeper into the Ibex and features a 449cc, parallel-twin engine. This is the same unit as the 450SS and 450NK, albeit retuned to produce 44 horsepower and 32.5 pound-feet. Peak power comes in at 8,500 rpm, while peak torque comes in at just 6,250 rpm. The latter is lower than all its rivals, so you should have plenty of low-end punch to slide around.

A six-speed transmission reduces power

All power reaches the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox, driven by a final chain arrangement. When you hit full throttle, you’ll see speeds of up to 90 miles per hour on the speedometer. That should mean stress-free driving at highway speeds if you plan on touring at this. Oh, and as far as efficiency goes, you can expect about 50-55 miles per gallon (as reported by owners on official forums).

KYB suspension and wire wheels ensure you can walk the broken road

There’s no point in buying an ADV if you’re not going to take it off the road. And if you do, the Ibex 450 should be a great partner in crime. Credit here goes to the long-travel KYB suspension, consisting of 43mm USD forks and a monoshock. Both ends have 7.87 inches of travel and are fully adjustable.

These go hand in hand with a 21-inch spoke wheel at the front and 17 inches at the rear, shod with knobby tires from CST. Each wheel also includes a single disc brake (320mm front/240mm rear) with a J.Juan caliper to help you reduce speed.

The Ibex 450 weighs just over 400 pounds

The dimensions paint a similar picture. The dry weight is only 386 pounds, while the wet weight is 407 pounds. That’s almost 20 pounds less than the KLE500, but about 20 pounds more than the 390 Adventure R. What’s also impressive is the accessible seat height of 32.3 inches, even with 8.66 inches of ground clearance.

The Function List contains all the basics

Finally, the Ibex 450 keeps its no-compromise approach to features going. The cockpit consists of a curved TFT instrument panel, complete with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. You can also use this display to change traction control and riding mode settings, while there’s a dedicated switch to disable the ABS at the rear. An adjustable windshield, USB ports and full LED lighting complete the package. One small miss seems to be a six-axis IMU, which the 390 Adventure has as standard.

2026 CFMoto Ibex 450 Key Specifications