Southern California might be the best adventure-bike country in the US. Within a couple hours of El Cajon you’ve got mountain pavement, desert dirt roads, washes, high-country forest routes and some of the emptiest backroads in the state. An adventure bike lets you ride all of it on one machine, then ride it to work on Monday.
CFMOTO’s Ibex line, the Ibex 450 and Ibex 800, is built for exactly that.
What makes an adventure bike
An ADV bike sits between a street bike and a dirt bike. The basics:
- Long-travel suspension to soak up ruts, rocks and washboard.
- Upright riding position so you can stand on the pegs off-road and sit comfortably on the highway.
- Wheels and tires that can handle both pavement and dirt.
- Range and comfort for long days between gas stations.
- Street legal, with lights, mirrors and a plate, so you can link dirt sections with pavement.
The Ibex has all of that: long-travel suspension, tubeless spoked wheels, cruise control and a TFT dash, on bikes that cost thousands less than the Japanese and European equivalents.
Ibex 450: the do-it-all middleweight
The Ibex 450 is the best-selling middleweight ADV in CFMOTO’s range, and it’s easy to see why. It’s light enough to feel manageable in the dirt and when you have to pick it up, but it’s still comfortable on the freeway for a commute.
It’s a great fit for:
- Riders new to adventure riding
- Commuters who want a bike that can also go exploring
- Anyone who values lighter weight on rough dirt roads
We see a lot of them around here. One of our customers came in for service, liked how he was treated, and rode out on an Ibex 450 the same day.
Ibex 800: more power for long hauls
The Ibex 800, offered in 800, 800 S and 800 T versions, is the bigger, more powerful option. If your plans include long highway stretches, carrying a passenger or luggage, or multi-day trips through the desert and beyond, the extra engine makes a difference. Equipment varies between versions, so check the current spec sheet or ask us to walk you through the differences.
A week on an Ibex in San Diego
Monday through Friday, it’s a commuter. Upright seat, good wind protection, cruise control for the freeway, and lane splitting is legal in California. The TFT dash keeps your info easy to read.
Saturday, you point it east. Paved roads through the backcountry, then graded dirt. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has hundreds of miles of dirt roads open to street-legal vehicles. Check the park’s current route and closure info before you go. For more ideas, read where to ride off-road near San Diego, and if you’d like company, ask about our adventure rides.
Gear up for the desert
Dirt roads in the desert are no place to wing it. Carry water, a tire repair kit and a way to air up, tell someone your route, and don’t ride alone in remote areas if you can help it. Our desert riding checklist has the full list. Popular first add-ons for an Ibex include crash protection, luggage and tires suited to the mix of pavement and dirt you ride.
Keep it right
Adventure riding is hard on a bike: dust, heat, vibration and long miles. Stick with the break-in service and regular maintenance. Our service team in El Cajon works on every Ibex and keeps the right oil on the shelf.
Ride one
The best way to pick between the 450 and the 800 is to sit on both. Come to 1062 N 2nd Street in El Cajon, Monday through Friday 10 to 6, or call (619) 486-6622 to set up a test ride. Every Ibex we have in stock is listed on the Ibex page with its take-home price.