Okay, so this didn't happen "this weekend", but it did after the last time I checked in with this forum. Anyway, on to the good stuff. I drove from VA to MI on a man-cation with my ATV buddies. Had a F350 with two ATV's on top of the bed and towed a trailer with the CFMoto and a Honda CRF250L. MI was great. They sudo share seasonal roads and snowmobile trails with ATVs in the summer. There are also some designated ORV trails. It was a blast, as they all seem to link together, although it was good to have some local knowledge, as some of the trails connect by driving a mile or two on county paved roads, which aren't signed out real well. Either way, racked up about 250 miles in 2 days and then it was off to Canada.
Starting in Stu Saint Marie, there are old logging roads that go about 220 miles through some amazing landscapes to the town of Wawa. There's a place half way which is appropriately named "Halfway Haven" (halfwayhaven.com) which was where we stayed two nights. The ride there was a grueling 110 miles the first day. Not so much because of the trail. It was large rock gravel with some wash outs, so not really challenging and in-between stops, we were doing a comfortable 35mph. (You may be interested to know that the Z8 made it the 110 miles with about two gallons left in the tank.) The reason the trip was grueling was because I was expecting temperatures in the 50's, so I was dressed appropriately and had the half windshield on. The temperature was actually 80. The windshield does way too good of a job of keeping air off you. Along with the significant heat coming out from the gap to the engine that my snorkel mod creates (where the stock air intake would be) I was dying.
After a great night sleep and an even more amazing dinner provided by Sean at Halfway Haven, we set off for some true trail riding to Wawa. Apparently no one had done the full trip from there to Wawa in a long time, as most of the guests in the summer come from where we did, ride around or go fishing or hunting, then head back, not go farther north. Anyway, we headed out on the trails. The trip took a long time as the trail was quite challenging and clearly hardened seen a lot of use, so in some cases, was hard to follow. The hidden lakes and wildlife where incredible and the fish people were pulling from those largely unmolested lakes were gigantic. Anyway, it took about 140 miles of trail riding to get to Wawa. (still had a gallon left in the tank!) There's nothing in Wawa... probably the reason no one goes there. So, the trip there took about 8 hours. It was fun, but we had to make it back to the Haven for dinner. Well, there was a way to take old logging roads that would allow us to go much faster on the way home. We did an average of 60 mph on the way back, power sliding at every turn and have the most fun you can on a largely monotonous 110 miles back to the Haven. (The faster and shorter return trip was very welcome.)
The next day we had to head back to the US. Same route as the ride there, but we were all beat, so it was kinda rough. Next time, I'll take another day and enjoy myself, rather than push as hard as I did. The Z8 handled it all in stride, got incredible gas mileage, never needed any extra attention (despite all the polaris guys talking crap about my "china made thing").
One more day of riding in Michigan, then it was another road trip to TN. We road Ride Royal Blue trails outside of Knoxville. Great fun, lots of mud and a major difference from the relatively high speed riding we'd done the past few days. Also, a full day of riding there was just 64 miles! (MPG wise, had two gallons left in the tank.)
Here are some take aways.
1. There has to be a way to keep the hot engine air from coming up from the engine through the snorkel area. It was extremely unpleasant, to the point that I have returned the Z8 to stock upon returning.
2. The half windshield does a great job of keeping wind off you. Might be nice in the winter, but no so nice on a warm day.
3. Service upon return: 1. Front and rear A arms were lose and needed tightening. Some more than others. 2. Front and rear differential were nasty when I changed the fluid. Lots of metal shavings, but when I texted the dealer a picture, he said it was ok... 3. Serious play in one of the rear wheels. Might be a bearing. 4. Driver's seat belt doesn't work. 4. SCAP doors literally came apart and had to be fixed on the road. 5. Air filter was toast. There was significant dust on the trip, but even with the snorkel having a pre-filter on it, the air box was coated in dust and the filter was full. 6. Front driveshaft boots are leaking. 7. The suspension does a good job, but I think the stone hard tire pressure the CFMoto calls for don't do the ride justice. I took the pressure down to 9psi. Way more comfortable. Feels a little mushy on pavement and I keep expecting the tire to come off the rim, but its been all good. I think the next set of tires will be some Big Horns. Heard a lot of good things. One of the ATV guys had them and they were great.
Overall, it was a great trip and the Z8 is a little tired after the trip, but I think a trip to the dealer to see if they will address a few of those things under warranty, all will be fine again. Definitely want to find a new snorkel idea.
Well, thanks for reading.