Hey guys,

I finally got my first ride in the ZForce 1000 last weekend. The weather was spectacular and so was the scenery. I must say, I was very impressed with the comfort of the interior and the ride quality was superb. I was expecting a much harsher ride, but the machine just floated over the whoops and trail obstacles. I especially like the half-windshield as it directs the airflow away from hitting you straight in the face. It simply directs the air and bugs up and over the roof. I was truly amazed how well it works. My wife did most of the driving as it was her first experience on an ATV and I wanted her to get some experience for future rides together. I love the look of the machine and anyone we meet while out riding compliment us on our purchase.

There are a couple of negative points. Firstly, it is an incredibly dirty ride. We rode on a dirt/gravel road to get up to the Seguin Trail, and then the trail comprised of a little bit of everything. Rock, sand, water ways, mud, etc. No matter what the surface, you get covered in it. Dirt roads are a filthy mess. The dirt/dust coming off the front tires is directed right into the cabin area and within minutes, the interior of our machine was covered. I am wondering if the full doors would help prevent the majority of this dirt from entering the cabin. Perhaps some of you that have full doors can comment on their effectiveness. I also thought about making some mudflats out of heavy rubber to hang down from the wheel flares. My next groan is the airbox. What a pain in the arse. It is a little awkward removing the protection shield and then the airbox cover to access the air filter. This airbox scares the hell out of me as it would be soooooo easy to put it back together with one of the spring fingers lodged between the lid. If you rode in any water of any depth, the water would get sucked right into the airbox and then into the engine. It would destroy and engine in seconds. Poor design in my opinion. I guess I am spoiled with my Canam that does not require any tools to remove/clean the filter, also, it is in an area that is highly unlikely to ingest water. The engine seems a little weak for a 1000cc engine, but it does a good job, although a little loud. The fuel mileage is reasonable as we got about 180km and burned 23 litres of fuel which I supposed would give us a range of roughly 200km per tankful with what was left. One last thing is the insane amount of heat that enters the driver footwell through the hole in the firewall where the steering shaft goes through. This heat would be welcome on a cold night, but not so much on a 30C day. I think I will make a removable shield that goes in front of the firewall to block the air coming off the radiator.

Overall I am pretty happy so far and look forward to putting a bunch of miles on it this summer. Here are a few photos of our first outing.

Carmen

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Sounds like a great day. There are many tweaks you can do to lessen some on those dust and heat issues.

We've had the same issues with ours with dirt and heat. The windshield seems to keep the heat in as well as exasperate the dust. I made some temporary lower door panels out of cardboard as well as to the side of the seat. Used some 'Monster Tape' to seal up most of the holes in the floor and it has helped a lot. I bought some sheet ABS that I'll fashion some lower panels with when I get a little free time. I've been hoping some one would be producing the patch panels by now but no joy as yet. Keeping the added pieces real light is a must as the factory doors use an awful small hinge and any additional weight will probably be an issue.  I'd love to be able to fashion another hinge for support but how to do it has me baffled as yet. The angles just don't seem to work. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.
I added a snorkel and pull the air from about roof height so don't need to get into the air box except for an occasional inspection.
Can't really comment on the power vs other 1000's as I haven't been out with other 1000's, but 800 or 900's  are no threats.
Hal

everyone seemed to want those half doors. While I think they look cool, they look absolutely useless to me lol. The biggest problem with my 800 when I didn't have doors was the tire and fender flare was set up just perfect to throw mud and dirt at you right around where they put that opening in the door on the Z1000 lol

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Even with the full doors and both windshields...and every hole you can find sealed...you would be surprised as to how much dust is pushed or sucked through the gaps between the full doors and the body...and I have Rodin's doors. I don't expect to keep it all out...heck is' an off road vehicle, but when I can look over and actually see it piling up on the seat or the wife's lap just driving down a road...well some more sealing and door rubber is in store for mine real soon.

There is a lot or dust flow in the lower area..surprised they have not come out with a panel kit for the new doors yet. Someone needs to.

Even with the full doors and both windshields...and every hole you can find sealed...you would be surprised as to how much dust is pushed or sucked through the gaps between the full doors and the body...and I have Rodin's doors. I don't expect to keep it all out...heck is' an off road vehicle, but when I can look over and actually see it piling up on the seat or the wife's lap just driving down a road...well some more sealing and door rubber is in store for mine real soon.

There is a lot or dust flow in the lower area..surprised they have not come out with a panel kit for the new doors yet. Someone needs to.

Dust is near impossible to keep out, tho I don't get too much. What I was referring to was the shot of water/mud coming from the tire directly to your leg lol.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Even with the full doors and both windshields...and every hole you can find sealed...you would be surprised as to how much dust is pushed or sucked through the gaps between the full doors and the body...and I have Rodin's doors. I don't expect to keep it all out...heck is' an off road vehicle, but when I can look over and actually see it piling up on the seat or the wife's lap just driving down a road...well some more sealing and door rubber is in store for mine real soon.

There is a lot or dust flow in the lower area..surprised they have not come out with a panel kit for the new doors yet. Someone needs to.

Dust is near impossible to keep out, tho I don't get too much. What I was referring to was the shot of water/mud coming from the tire directly to your leg lol.

Oh yeah...and snow too!...and out here... cactus 

The temp cardboard and tape have stopped probably 90% of the dust but they fit tighter than the Roddin doors I had on my 800. I've been looking for some really soft seals to use around the door infills/doors before I start cutting up the ABS. There just isn't much structure to the half doors or hinge so the fill ins have to be really light or they will have a hard time sealing. Not a real simple fix.
Hal

I'm not getting this huge amount of dust in my machine.  I have a half windshield and a full rear.  No doors.  I did end up plugging that hole where the steering and throttle linkage goes through the firewall and that helped a lot with the heat.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I'm not getting this huge amount of dust in my machine.  I have a half windshield and a full rear.  No doors.  I did end up plugging that hole where the steering and throttle linkage goes through the firewall and that helped a lot with the heat.

Wait until you seal-up that front with a full windshield....lol At least you have the full rear...

I don't want a full windshield.  I know different strokes for different folks, but I like the openness of the half.  The wind doesn't hit you directly in the face, but you still get the outside feeling.  Works great for my tastes.

My rear glass was a cheapo I found on Ebay for around $130.  It's not scratch resistant, so have to be careful with it. 

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I don't want a full windshield.  I know different strokes for different folks, but I like the openness of the half.  The wind doesn't hit you directly in the face, but you still get the outside feeling.  Works great for my tastes.

My rear glass was a cheapo I found on Ebay for around $130.  It's not scratch resistant, so have to be careful with it. 

I do like my flip because open I get that wind but in rain or hail storms... it's nice to have that protection. I also have the 1/2 shield from CFM but it's just collecting dust in the shed. Hated it..like you say..different strokes.

....lol At least you have the full rear...

That one didn't go over so well when I was trying to compliment the little lady.
I think I recall you had some concern at one time, of your opened half windshield getting some abuse from the shaking it would get in the rough stuff. Did that turn out to be a non-issue? Thanks.

This windshield bringing up a new problem needing a rear window reminds me of the old Rodney Dangerfield gag.  "The wife wanted a place to relax, so I built her a deck. Then she complained it was too hot, so I built a roof on it. Then she complained it was too windy, so I built walls around it. Now she complains that she has another room to clean.
I don't get no respect." 

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

....lol At least you have the full rear...

That one didn't go over so well when I was trying to compliment the little lady.
I think I recall you had some concern at one time, of your opened half windshield getting some abuse from the shaking it would get in the rough stuff. Did that turn out to be a non-issue? Thanks.

This windshield bringing up a new problem needing a rear window reminds me of the old Rodney Dangerfield gag.  "The wife wanted a place to relax, so I built her a deck. Then she complained it was too hot, so I built a roof on it. Then she complained it was too windy, so I built walls around it. Now she complains that she has another room to clean.
I don't get no respect." 

Lol..I miss Rodney. When my flip is fully open and I am moving at 25mph and I try to close it, it has so much up-force from the wind I can hardly close it so I am afraid it could break the plastic pivot/hinge blocks so I make it a habit to close it to either closed or the part-open lock. On rough trails, I still close it down when on really rough stuff but I have to say I don't always remember to and it hasn't hurt it.