[Molson82]

Hi everyone.  I live in California where CFMOTO dealers are very difficult to find.  I was in the Sacramento dealer and tripped over a couple 2017 CForce 500s EPS units.  Their looks & specs seem great (almost too good) but the owner was unavailable and the salespeople didn't seem to know much about them.

I've spent some time online doing research, reading the few reviews that are available, and looking at YouTube videos.  I came away with some company insights but very mixed reviews on the product itself.  Actually I'd have to say most of the reviews were discouraging.  As good a deal as they seem, they're still $6K+ OTD and this is a concern.

I know that this forum might likely be biased, but I would really appreciate honest feedback & suggestions from actual CFMOTO owners.  I'm struggling with their reliability, maintenance, parts availability, and serviceability with so few dealers to support them.  The warranty's are nice but there needs to be more dealers to support them.

One specific question I'd have is why the towing capacity of the 500s is so much less than most of the other 450cc models?

I'm surrounded by CanAm, Polaris, Honda, and Yamaha dealers.  Their units cost a good deal more, but there's peace of mind knowing the relative reliability and serviceability of established brands.

Having said that, I don't want to pass up a great opportunity with the 500S.

Thanks!

[bezerk1]

I'll start.  I have 2100 miles on my ZForce 800.  It has yet to leave me stranded.  I know its coming someday.  The maintenance is the same as every other ATV or SXS.  Oil, filters, antifreeze, and a shot of grease now and then.  Parts are available from your dealer, ebay, or a few online retailers.  The dealer is where the problem is.  I lucked out.  My dealer was amazing.  They sell Yamaha and Kawasaki.  If there is a problem they know off road machines.  If you buy a CFMoto from a car dealer, farm store or other venue, they are not going to know how to work on it.  Just my .02  And yes, I'm a little biased.

[glenlivet]

Only half a year and 1200 Km or so on my Z800 but it has been totally reliable and fun. It should have come with a better air filter element but then so should my Suzuki. The Canadian ones (mine) come with a jaw dropping 5 year warranty. That suggests to me that the maker doesn't expect to have to pay for a lot of repairs.

[NMKawierider]

Same here. The 800s are proving to be fairly reliable and to the most part the chassis on the ATVs and UTVs build and parts quality has improved greatly. Personally, with regard to the 500s, they too have come a long way but still hasn't convinced me of their longevity-factor.. although there are diminishing reasons for that. Still, if it were me..I might be tempted to push my pocketbook just enough to land the CForce 800 in my garage. Besides, it sounds like you need the towing power anyway.     

[Molson82]

I'll start.  I have 2100 miles on my ZForce 800.  It has yet to leave me stranded.  I know its coming someday.  The maintenance is the same as every other ATV or SXS.  Oil, filters, antifreeze, and a shot of grease now and then.  Parts are available from your dealer, ebay, or a few online retailers.  The dealer is where the problem is.  I lucked out.  My dealer was amazing.  They sell Yamaha and Kawasaki.  If there is a problem they know off road machines.  If you buy a CFMoto from a car dealer, farm store or other venue, they are not going to know how to work on it.  Just my .02  And yes, I'm a little biased.

Thanks for responding.  The fact that I've received 3 responses & 0 from an actual 500s owner makes me more uncertain.  I'm glad you love yours though.

[Molson82]

Only half a year and 1200 Km or so on my Z800 but it has been totally reliable and fun. It should have come with a better air filter element but then so should my Suzuki. The Canadian ones (mine) come with a jaw dropping 5 year warranty. That suggests to me that the maker doesn't expect to have to pay for a lot of repairs.

Thank you for responding.  A 1 year warranty is what's offered with a 3 year extension at $650.

Glad you're happy with yours though.

[Molson82]

Same here. The 800s are proving to be fairly reliable and to the most part the chassis on the ATVs and UTVs build and parts quality has improved greatly. Personally, with regard to the 500s, they too have come a long way but still hasn't convinced me of their longevity-factor.. although there are diminishing reasons for that. Still, if it were me..I might be tempted to push my pocketbook just enough to land the CForce 800 in my garage. Besides, it sounds like you need the towing power anyway.   

Thank you for responding.  The 800 would be too much for my wife who would be using it as much if not more than me.

The fact that I've received only 3 responses and 0 from an actual 500s owner makes me more concerned.

But... at a price of $5,400 out the door for the 2017, I'm keeping it top of mind.  Maybe I'll get more feedback.

[NMKawierider]

Well, they will chime in. Most are having great luck with them.

[doug80638]

I do not own a CForce 500, but my brother, who is no stranger to ATVs, does; a 2-up. It was his experience with the Cforce that influenced me to buy CFMoto.

Has his CF500 been problem free? No. But then I don't know any Polaris owners that have been problem free either, and they spent a great deal more and got a good deal less in the process.

Features to love: The locking front diff, and the superior engine brake.

My brother loves his CF500, but he is looking to upgrade to the CF 800 for more power. If you need to tow more than 875 lbs, then your going to have to look elsewhere, and pay for the privilege.

I own a Zforce 800 and I like the power. Has it been problem free? No, but nothing serious, and I like the large wad of cash that is still in my pocket.

CFMoto gets you the most value for your money, but if money is not the issue, take a look at Can AM.

Good Luck

[ctdls]

With this product the dealer needs to be above average, I would not worry so much about the product quality.......I would be more concerned about the capability & how far you will have to travel to a dealer that you will need from time to time.

Research the dealer & distance you are prepared to travel.

The CF 500 HO is an awesome ATV, reading between the lines of your post I think you need to look for a dealer that will look after you.........whichever brand....

[Molson82]

Well, they will chime in. Most are having great luck with them.

Thank you for responding.

[Molson82]

I do not own a CForce 500, but my brother, who is no stranger to ATVs, does; a 2-up. It was his experience with the Cforce that influenced me to buy CFMoto.

Has his CF500 been problem free? No. But then I don't know any Polaris owners that have been problem free either, and they spent a great deal more and got a good deal less in the process.

Features to love: The locking front diff, and the superior engine brake.

My brother loves his CF500, but he is looking to upgrade to the CF 800 for more power. If you need to tow more than 875 lbs, then your going to have to look elsewhere, and pay for the privilege.

I own a Zforce 800 and I like the power. Has it been problem free? No, but nothing serious, and I like the large wad of cash that is still in my pocket.

CFMoto gets you the most value for your money, but if money is not the issue, take a look at Can AM.

Good Luck

Thank you for responding.  The most I'd need to tow is a 650 lb 52" brush cut mower.  The 500s should do nicely.  I am very curious however as to most other 450cc & 500cc ATVs can tow 1,000-1,300 lbs.  Stronger frame maybe?

[Molson82]

With this product the dealer needs to be above average, I would not worry so much about the product quality.......I would be more concerned about the capability & how far you will have to travel to a dealer that you will need from time to time.

Research the dealer & distance you are prepared to travel.

The CF 500 HO is an awesome ATV, reading between the lines of your post I think you need to look for a dealer that will look after you.........whichever brand....

Thank you for responding.  The closest and only nearby dealer is about 25 miles away.  They seem to be nice people and claim to have a great service department, but the only person that can speak about the CFMOTO line is the owner and he's rarely around.  They claim they've sold about a dozen units since November which seems like a solid number.  One customer drove 200+ miles yesterday to buy a 500s & a 400 for his wife.  They only have one blue 2017 500S left so I need to get moving if I want to snag it.

[ctdls]

. Still, if it were me..I might be tempted to push my pocketbook just enough to land the CForce 800 in my garage. Besides, it sounds like you need the towing power anyway.   

Thank you for responding.  The 800 would be too much for my wife who would be using it as much if not more than me.

The fact that I've received only 3 responses and 0 from an actual 500s owner makes me more concerned.

Will this is just wrong. I was not going respond further in this thread as others have touched on some good points. I've heard & dealt with it's to much for my wife comment many times 

The  CF800 is a superior ATV in many ways, first & foremost it is easier to ride. Power band is very smooth, unless the operator is someone who may panic & clamped the throttle WOT I would not worry about it for a second.

Turning radius is much tighter with the 800, ride quality & comfort day & night. Just have a look @ the differences in suspension, adjustability & seating.

Here comes my broken record comments, noise & vibration then of course which motor do you want listen all day? V twins are far more pleasing to the ear.

Last, you can probably move up to the 800 for nearly the same price as the 500 in the competitive brands.......then the list of standard features that are optional on the other brands.

Your comment about lack of responses, maybe no news is good news  people by nature generally only complain 

Best of luck!

[impact]

I have the a 2016 500 EPS packed into the frame of the UFORCE. It has been reliable for the last 1.5 years of ownership and a real work horse. No problems hauling 2 men and a 200 lbs deer and gear at the back.

We enjoy  extremes in weather with our 4 seasons ranging from -25C to +30C and the engine has not hiccup once or failed to start. I have no need for WOT riding as trails are generally too rough and technical around here for that but it certainly has plenty of low speed torque.