For adventure riders, the open road calls with a promise of freedom, whether it’s carving through mountain passes or tackling a dusty trail to nowhere. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has long been the gold standard for those chasing that thrill, a bike that’s as capable on pavement as it is in the dirt. But its premium price—starting at $17,599 and climbing past $20,000 with extras—can make it feel like a dream just out of reach. Enter the 2025 CFMoto Ibex 800 E, a middleweight adventure bike that delivers near-comparable performance, a hefty dose of tech, and a price tag that leaves enough in your wallet for a cross-country trip. At $10,299, it’s a serious contender that’s turning heads in the adventure biking world. Here’s a deep dive into how the Ibex 800 E stacks up against the Africa Twin, offering riders a compelling alternative without the financial sting.
Power and Performance: Punching Above Its Price
The heart of any adventure bike is its engine, and both the Africa Twin and the Ibex 800 E bring serious power to the table. The Africa Twin boasts a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, pumping out 101 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. It’s a beast that thrives on long highway stretches and has the grunt to muscle through off-road challenges. The CFMoto Ibex 800 E counters with a 799cc parallel-twin, derived from the proven KTM 790 Adventure engine, delivering 94 horsepower and 56.8 pound-feet of torque. While it gives up a bit of torque to the Honda, the Ibex’s power output is remarkably close, especially considering its lighter weight.
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Weighing in at 509 pounds, the Ibex 800 E is about 40-50 pounds lighter than the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, which tips the scales closer to 550 pounds when fully loaded. This weight advantage makes the Ibex feel nimble and responsive, whether navigating tight switchbacks or powering through gravel. The engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a slipper clutch, offers smooth power delivery and a punchy mid-range that’s ideal for overtaking on backroads or climbing steep trails. Riders will notice the Ibex’s eagerness to rev, with peak power hitting at 9,000 rpm, making it a lively companion for spirited rides. For most adventures—short of a transcontinental marathon—the Ibex’s performance feels every bit as capable as the Africa Twin’s, without the premium price.
Suspension and Handling: Ready for the Road and Beyond
When it comes to tackling varied terrain, suspension is king. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES shines with its Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension, which lets riders tweak settings on the fly for everything from smooth asphalt to rocky trails. It’s a high-tech setup that adapts to conditions with push-button ease, offering 8.3 inches of front suspension travel and 8.7 inches at the rear. This makes the Africa Twin a master of long-distance comfort and off-road capability, especially for riders who demand precision in every scenario.
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The CFMoto Ibex 800 E takes a more straightforward approach but doesn’t skimp on quality. Its KYB suspension includes a 43 mm upside-down front fork with 6.3 inches of travel and a rear monoshock with 5.9 inches, both fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. While it lacks the Africa Twin’s electronic wizardry, the Ibex’s setup is more than capable of handling rough roads, gravel paths, and even light off-road duties. The suspension is tuned a bit firmer out of the box, which gives it a planted feel on pavement but may require some tweaking for serious off-road work. For riders comfortable with a wrench, the Ibex offers enough adjustability to dial in the ride for their weight and style.
The Ibex rolls on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear, shod with Michelin Anakee Adventure tires designed for 80% road use. This setup leans toward street performance but can still handle moderate off-road conditions like gravel or hard-packed dirt. In contrast, the Africa Twin’s 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels give it a slight edge for gnarlier trails. However, for most riders sticking to mixed terrain, the Ibex’s wheel and tire combo strikes a practical balance, offering confident handling without sacrificing road manners.
Braking: Stopping Power You Can Trust
Both bikes come equipped with robust braking systems to keep riders safe in diverse conditions. The Africa Twin features dual 310 mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a 256 mm rear disc, paired with advanced cornering ABS that adjusts for lean angle. This setup provides precise, confidence-inspiring stopping power, whether you’re screeching to a halt on wet pavement or modulating brakes on a downhill dirt trail.
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The Ibex 800 E holds its own with J.Juan brakes, featuring dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston radial calipers and a 260 mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper. Like the Africa Twin, it includes Bosch cornering-sensitive ABS, ensuring stability during hard stops or in tricky conditions. The Ibex’s brakes are responsive and well-balanced, offering enough bite for aggressive riding without feeling overly grabby. While J.Juan may not have the brand cachet of Brembo, the system performs admirably, giving riders the control they need for both on- and off-road adventures.
Tech and Features: Modern Convenience Meets Practicality
Adventure bikes today are as much about technology as they are about performance, and both the Africa Twin and Ibex 800 E deliver impressive feature sets. The Africa Twin’s 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen is a standout, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of ride modes, traction control settings, and cornering ABS options. It’s a tech lover’s dream, with seamless smartphone integration and the ability to fine-tune performance for any condition. Add in cruise control, a 6-axis IMU, and optional DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), and the Africa Twin feels like a rolling command center.
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The Ibex 800 E doesn’t try to out-tech the Africa Twin but comes surprisingly close for its price. Its 8-inch MMI TFT touchscreen is crisp and user-friendly, offering Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music playback, and even incoming call and message notifications via CFMoto’s RideSync system. Six ride modes—Sport, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus, All Terrain, and All Terrain Plus—adjust throttle response, ABS, and traction control to suit different conditions. The Ibex also includes cruise control, heated grips, a heated seat, a bi-directional quickshifter, tire pressure monitoring, and even blind-spot detection—a rare feature in this price range. While it lacks Apple CarPlay, the Ibex’s tech package is intuitive and practical, focusing on features riders actually use without overwhelming them with menus.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Built for the Long Haul
Comfort is critical for adventure bikes, especially for riders logging long days in the saddle. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES excels here, with a wide, plush seat, tall handlebars, and an optional touring windscreen that deflects wind for all-day comfort. Its 6.5-gallon fuel tank delivers a range of over 300 miles, making it a favorite for cross-country treks. The bike’s upright riding position and generous legroom cater to riders who prioritize endurance over flash.
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The Ibex 800 E isn’t far behind. Its 32.5-inch seat height is slightly lower than the Africa Twin’s 33.5-34.3 inches, making it more accessible for riders with shorter inseams. The seat is wide and well-padded, earning praise from owners for its all-day comfort, even on eight-hour rides. The Ibex’s handlebars promote an upright posture, and its hand-adjustable windscreen provides decent wind protection, though it’s not as refined as the Africa Twin’s touring setup. With a 5-gallon fuel tank, the Ibex offers a respectable range of around 200-250 miles, depending on riding style. For weekend getaways or daily rides with occasional off-road detours, the Ibex keeps riders comfortable without breaking the bank.
Price and Value: The Game-Changer
Here’s where the CFMoto Ibex 800 E truly shines. The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES starts at $17,599, and with options like DCT, luggage, and accessories, it can easily climb to $20,000 or more. The Ibex 800 E, priced at $10,299, is a staggering $7,300 less. Even with aftermarket upgrades like panniers, crash bars, and a beefier skid plate, the Ibex remains thousands cheaper, leaving room in the budget for gear or gas money for that dream trip.
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The Africa Twin’s price buys a legacy of reliability and a bike that’s proven itself in the toughest conditions, from Dakar rallies to daily commutes. Honda’s resale value and dealer network are hard to beat, offering peace of mind for riders who plan to keep their bike for the long haul. But CFMoto has stepped up its game, with a two-year warranty and a growing network of dealers in North America. The Ibex’s KTM-derived engine adds credibility, and its build quality has impressed reviewers, suggesting it’s built to last beyond a single season. For riders who value adventure over brand prestige, the Ibex offers unbeatable value.
The Verdict: A Worthy Contender
The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES is a legend for a reason. Its blend of power, advanced tech, and long-distance comfort makes it a top choice for riders who want the best and can afford it. But the CFMoto Ibex 800 E proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable, feature-packed adventure bike. With near-comparable performance, a robust suite of features, and a price that’s thousands lower, the Ibex 800 E is a game-changer for riders who want to explore without emptying their savings.
Whether you’re cruising backroads, tackling light trails, or planning a weekend escape, the Ibex 800 E delivers the goods with a rugged charm and a wallet-friendly price. It may not have the Africa Twin’s pedigree, but it’s a bike that’s ready to take you places—without the sticker shock. For riders looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing adventure, the CFMoto Ibex 800 E is a contender that demands a test ride.
