Last year I was so proud if the 2" lift kit I has purchased/modified/made and put on the 600.  Well, come to find out the axels on the front end became permanently angled.  This resulted in breaking both boots and eventually separating the right knuckles, making a noise and bringing the problem to my attention.  A couple of new axels and a few months later I got around to getting everything put back together.  So, warning... lift kits on these units may put the axels in a position to accelerate wear/breakdown.

There was a question to me I had missed in a post a while ago concerning the replacement of Z600 seat upholstery.  For the sake of information (late as it may be) here is a 'side by side' comparison of the 2017 RZR, 2013 Z600 and 2022 Z500 seats.  The comment questioned if a RZR bottom seat covering could fit on the Z600 cushion.  It appears as if the bottom part of the RZR seat is similar in overall size to the Z600 but a little thicker, so, guessing with some tugging and stapling that one could be made to work.  I cannot guarantee anything, of course, but I've at least tried to include multiple angles and measurements as a reference to judge yourself :-)

Since I was using the Swamp Fox tires that my wife got for her birthday on the z6 I figured it'd be a good idea to acquire a set I could call my own.  A bit of patience watching Marketplace I was able to find a set of 27" ITP Mud Lite XTR tires (75% tread remaining) on STI HD6 rims for $300.  I also needed a set of lug nuts and adapters to go from 4x110 to the Polaris based 4x156 the wheels were originally on.  So for under $450 I got my own set of tires which "included" an additional 1" lift (25" to 27") and spacing equivalent to 2.25" (1.25" wheel adapters plus 1" wider tires) for each wheel.  Much like I have for my RZR, the wife now has two wheel sets to put on her machine based on desire/conditions... "Y'ain't gotta downgrade you can get what I get."



Sorry about the random T.I. reference there.

I know this reply is a bit "late to the party" but I tried one of my RZR seats on the 2013 z6 and it indeed is too big.  Front pegs don't fully slot into the brackets and the lock hole is not in line with the rod on the frame.  Good luck in finding a seat though.

The weekend I've been waiting for all year, The Little Boogie.  For the second year in a row we've been "first to the party" and for a couple hours had about 80 acres to ourselves. The z500 ended up breaking the high gear section of the clutch on Friday, but low and reverse still worked so it was still riding all Saturday until a bearing on the RZR's front differential broke.  Fortunately, for two reasons, it occurred late at night when we were all done for the day anyway and the z500 is under warranty.  So, "last man standing" ended up being the old 2013 z600 that I was driving.  A fellow tattoo artist I work with was borrowing the RZR and wife was in the z500.  Oh, yes, mud... lots of mud.  Good times.

I noticed back when I got the unit that my 2013 z6 started a little weak.  I recently replaced the battery but that didn't do anything to help so I ordered a new starter.  The replacement process wasn't too bad.  Reasonably easy to access the starter, only had to take off the center and back plastics inside and all it had were two 8mm hex bolts holding it down.  Much stronger starting now.

Buddy of mine (and primary source of trail land) Johnnie Dill hosted his last rides of the season over the holiday weekend.  Went out Saturday and took the z500 for the Wife's first official trail run with HER driving.  She did great and should be ready for the big local ride event "The Little Boogie" in two weeks.  Then today, Sunday, I took the z600 for it's maiden trail run (for me) and did everything the 1000cc Can-Am Defender that was at the ride could do.  Even hit the 400 mile mark on the way home.  That represents my first 100 miles with the unit and after today's performance, it too, is ready for "The Boogie".

Heck yeah Ulfthednar!  Those can be intimidating.  You have to sort of "open up" your engine which most people don't want to do on their own.

Well, since the 2013 got its original windshield back and all fixed up I figured I should put back some "needed" lighting.  Whips, rocks and floods for the complete package upgrade.

Replaced the windshield I had on the z500 with a proper one from SuperATV.

Hey, as long as it's functional then you ended up spending way less than I did.  Clever use of natural resources.

Finally got some old wire fencing pulled away to cut a path to a gulley on part of the property.  Was able to winch over old railroad ties for a foundation and the rest went together with reasonable ease. Hot day, though, but got the job done. This allows the last northern part of my "trails" to connect with the rest.

I took the z500 out to trail over the weekend and had a few people (again) comment on the ride beforehand wondering how it will perform only to be impressed that it's doing everything and going anywhere the larger units are.  This is now the second time I've chosen to take the CFMoto instead of my RZR with ZERO regrets.  The wife should have a great time on it here in a couple weeks at a yearly local (large for here) off-road trail weekend event.

Many days of waiting for SxS Stuff to ship my axel later plus a wheel bearing I went ahead and replaced while everything was apart and finally the z600 is back in business.  Also got a chance to put a set of 2" wheel spacers on this one too especially after the lift kit narrowing the stance about an inch and a half.  After becoming used to the 2022 z500 this 2013 model is a bit harder to steer [lacking EPS] and feels a bit underpowered in a few situations [5 less HP], but for running around the yard or doing some work on the property it does a fine job overall.

(I know the middle one isn't a CFMoto, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad)

While I have the z600 in the garage I figured I'd have a look at the lift kit I originally bought for it.  Rear ones fit perfectly, front not so much.  With my new metalworking tools I made a custom set for the front using the same hole spacing and overall design from the ones in the kit.  Also welded the back gearbox bracket onto the frame and got everything painted with black farm equipment spray so I can avoid rusting my new iron parts.  Still waiting on the axle to ship from Side by Side Stuff and the gearbox rebuild.