Hey guys, so I'm doing some research before purchasing and I'm just wondering about the pros and cons of a zforce 800 vs 1000. The machines I'm looking at are 2018, 2019, 2020.

My understand is there is little to zero model difference between the years.

Other than a bit more power, are there any other pros or cons of a 1000 vs an 800? is it worth the price difference? For example, if I can find a new 2018 1000 for the same price as a new 2020 800, am I better with the 1000?

Is there anything that tends to break more often on a 1000 vs 800 or reliability issues I should take note of for either?

I know these machines aren't sold for their fuel efficiency, but I'm wondering if there is a big difference in mileage between the 800's and 1000s?

If there is anyone on here that's owned both 800 and 1000 machines, or has experience with both I'd appreciate some feedback.


Thanks
Chris

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

I only have an 800 but have my "ear to the ground" on conversations relating to all things CFM. I can say that most are reporting that the 800s are getting in the 20+ MPG where the 1000s are in the low to mid teens. There does seem to be more people reporting higher dependability and satisfaction levels out of the 1000s then the 800s but only slightly and both still have some of the CFM quality issues such as poor grade electrical parts quality and both still come from the factory with loose parts like suspension and component bolts..not all the time but often enough. Both still come with the inferior air filters that must be changed to Unifilters. Most of the first 1000s had to have their ECMs reflashed so check that if you look at a 2018.

I think if you come into this with the mind-set that these are economy-based Chinese machines that are built with parts of minimum standards and base your riding and expectations on that...along with the fact that as most of these parts are copies of someone else's higher quality parts that can be adapted in as replacements, you will be fine with either. I like my 800. It does fine...but sometimes....sometimes..I wish it was a 1000...X3          

👂

The 800's have a centrifugal 'wet' clutch CVT where the belt is always tight while the 1000 has a dry (belt slammer) CVT where the belt itself acts as the clutch. The dry clutch gets better takeoff holeshot but the wet clutch models have better low speed control, longer belt life and have engine braking on hills right down to idle and indeed with the motor shut off it will stand still on the hill with no brake at all! The dry clutch equipped 1000, if it slows down enough the drive will disengage and the machine freewheel, until the operator blips the throttle to engage the belt again.

The engine braking of the 800 is one of my favorite features. It makes crawling down steep declines safe and easy.

I just purchased a 2018 Zforce 1000. Very happy with my deal and look forward to getting out in the spring

I have a 2019 Z8, Trail and love it.  Right now we are in the desert and honestly I wish that I had a bit wider machine, but the 800 engine does just fine.  When we're back home (Montana, USA) I like the 50" wide stance because it get in, out and around things (trees) that my 60" or wider friends have problems with.  Engine wise the 800 works just fine for use mountain folks.  One thing that we will do when our tires get more wear is go to a 28" tire.  I really don't want to put a lift kit on our trail model, but another inch added to tire height would sure help, because we hit quite a few rocks.

I have a 2018 1000 that we picked up about a month ago.  I have spent a good bit of time driving my friend's ZForce 500 trail, so that's all I have to compare it to sadly.  But the 1000 is a an absolute blast to drive in comparison.  Plenty of power and the difference in suspension is night/day.  It's not a world beater machine by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel that it was well worth what I paid for it.  I think NMK nailed it with having an honest expectation of the machine you're buying.