The CFMOTO Ibex 800 (sold as the 800MT outside the US) offers a lot of adventure bike for the money: a KTM-derived 799cc parallel twin, a full electronics package and touring-ready ergonomics. If you own one, or you're thinking about buying one, this guide covers the common problems owners report, what to check, and the protection that makes sense before you ride it hard.
Ibex 800 or 800MT: Which Bike Do You Have?
CFMOTO sells the bike as the Ibex 800 in the US, as the Ibex 800 S and Ibex 800 T for 2023 and 2024, followed by the Ibex 800 E for 2025. In Europe and other markets, the same platform is sold as the 800MT, with Sport, Touring and Explore versions. Most chassis-mounted accessories are shared between them, but always check the model years listed on a part. The related 700MT and 1000MT use different engines and some different parts.
Known Issues and What Owners Report
2023 throttle cable recall
The most documented issue is a safety recall. CFMOTO recalled 2023 Ibex 800 S and T models because the throttle wire could bend excessively during steering and eventually break, which could cause loss of throttle response, limited RPM or stalling. The cause was a set of overly tight rubber clamps along the throttle wire. The dealer fix repositions the clamps and reroutes the wire, free of charge. (NHTSA recall 24V609.)
What to do: if you own a 2023 Ibex 800, or you're buying one used, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup or ask a CFMOTO dealer to confirm the recall work was done.
Issues mentioned by owners
Beyond the recall, owner reports collected in forums and reliability roundups mention, in some bikes:
- small oil seeps or leaks;
- minor electrical issues, such as a horn failing early;
- a high-pitched whistle at highway speeds, reported by some riders between roughly 65 and 80 mph.
Owner feedback is mixed overall: many riders report trouble-free miles, while others mention build quality or parts availability. None of these points is universal, but they're worth checking on a used bike and keeping an eye on under warranty.
Ownership Checklist
- Recalls: confirm all open recalls are closed.
- Oil level and leaks: check around the engine covers and the base of the cylinders after rides.
- Chain and sprockets: the chain area takes a beating off-road; inspect the chain guide and slider.
- Electrical connectors: after pressure washing or river crossings, check connectors for moisture.
- Bolts on accessories: re-torque crash bars, guards and racks after the first few hundred miles.
Must-Have Protection for the Ibex 800
The Ibex 800 is heavier than mid-size adventure bikes like the Ibex 450, so a tip-over carries more force. Protection pays for itself quickly.
Skid plate and radiator guard
Protect the bottom of the engine and the radiator first. Choose between our skid plate belly pan engine guard for the CF800MT and the combined radiator guard and engine skid plate for the 800MT (2021 to 2027).
Handguards
Handguards for the CF800MT protect your levers in a fall and your hands from wind and branches.
Headlight and fog light protection
A headlight grille protector and fog light protector guards protect expensive lenses from roost and gravel.
Chain area
A chain guard and a front sprocket chain guard help keep the chain area protected off-road.
Small guards
- front brake fluid reservoir guard and rear brake reservoir guard;
- valve controller guard cover;
- side stand extension pad, which helps the stand on soft ground.
Storage
The side tool box kit fits the 800MT, 700MT and 450MT and keeps tools and spares off your luggage.
700MT and 1000MT Owners
We also carry parts for the sister models, including an engine valve cover protector for the 700MT and a radiator guard plate for the 1000MT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CFMOTO Ibex 800 reliable?
Owner feedback is mixed but mostly positive. The main documented issue is the 2023 throttle wire recall. Keeping up with recalls and routine checks goes a long way.
Do 800MT accessories fit the Ibex 800?
In most cases, yes, for matching model years. Check the years listed on each product.
What should I protect first?
The radiator and the bottom of the engine, then handguards. Those parts cover the most expensive and most common damage.
Shop all CFMOTO 800MT / Ibex 800 parts and accessories. Riding the smaller sibling? See our Ibex 450 protection guide.