NGC - Opinions on CFMoto IBEX 450?

[SIR REAL ED]

This example of thread drift is over the top. 85% of the responses have no relevance to the OP question.  But hey, instead of real information, there’s all the xenophobia one could ask for!

Both of the points you make are why WildGuzzi is such a great forum!!!!

I LOVE the endless variety of opinions, both relevant and unsolicited!!

[Vagrant]

I would bet 1/3 of people watching this thread are in my boat. Old, short and a lot less strength than a few years ago. I'm watching for a substitute for the 2 v85's I own when I can't handle even my shortened versions anymore. If somebody could just wave their magic wand over my v85 and make it 20% smaller in size and weight  I'd hand over $20,000. for it right now. In fact two please. The new v7 is great for the 150 mile day trips but it's just not a v85 comfortable for 300 mile mountain and light touring days. I'm truly dreaming there will be shaft drive bike or at least a belt street bike that fits the bill in two years. 

[SIR REAL ED]

I would bet 1/3 of people watching this thread are in my boat. Old, short and a lot less strength than a few years ago. I'm watching for a substitute for the 2 v85's I own when I can't handle even my shortened versions anymore. If somebody could just wave their magic wand over my v85 and make it 20% smaller in size and weight  I'd hand over $20,000. for it right now. In fact two please. The new v7 is great for the 150 mile day trips but it's just not a v85 comfortable for 300 mile mountain and light touring days. I'm truly dreaming there will be shaft drive bike or at least a belt street bike that fits the bill in two years.

Well said.  Lots of big used bikes are selling cheap.  I suspect a lot of their owners are in the 60+ year old range.

Thankfully, there are lots of small bike choices out there.  Especially if one does not care what "the puritans" in the tribe think about the bike one is riding.

Different strokes for different folks.

[SIR REAL ED]

I had a discussion with a friend yesterday who has owned over 100 motorcycles age 73.  His current passion are BMW R90S models, Norton's, and Ducati's.  He got out of his Moto Guzzi phase a few years ago due to poor dealer support.

He made what I thought was an interesting statement.  "With current technology, a 400cc-500cc bike can provide pretty much all the performance most people need.  They are even capable of fast highway speeds for long periods of time.  It is interesting to see more manufacturers focusing on that size range."

I remember thinking the same thing a dozen years ago about 650cc bikes.

Advancing technology, advancing age, smaller lighter bikes, there may be a connection.....

[Clifton]

He made what I thought was an interesting statement.  "With current technology, a 400cc-500cc bike can provide pretty much all the performance most people need......

I agree with him but they don't deliver all the performance most people seem to want. I enjoy riding my CB500X and wouldn't hesitate to take it on long trips. It's happy cruising at 75 mph with some left over for passing so all I really need. That doesn't mean I don't sometimes want the added power of the V85 or 1300GS though.