CFmoto, which has been active in Israel for over a decade in the off-road field, with the manufacturer itself having an annual sales turnover of over one billion dollars, factories around the world, 5,000 employees, 800 of them development engineers, strategic collaborations, and joint production for some of the best manufacturers, like KTM, Bosch, Kymco, and more, is likely the most European Chinese manufacturer in the western world.
In Israel, the brand has long been a major player in the market, with a variety of tools and quality that more and more customers discover every year. But what initially brings them there are mainly the low prices compared to other brands.
With the start of the local summer season, Ofer Avnir, the Israeli importer of CFmoto, launched three updated ATVs, one SBS and two "regular" ones in the intermediate category. The launch took place in the Judean Mountains, near Nahal Kisalon, Burma Road, Ein Rafa, and the surrounding area and included challenging riding without any concessions, which allowed us to evaluate the quality of the new and updated tools. We suited up with the best protective clothing and gear and set our feet eastward.
What's new?
After the 1000cc models were launched last year, this year's launch included the Z FORCE 1000 side by side ATV, and two medium-sized ATV models, the 520 L/S and 625 Touring. This is actually a rather significant facelift for all vehicles, which includes upgrades to the chassis, suspensions, power, and also user-friendliness.
ZFORCE 1000 SPORT R
The ZFORCE 1000 SPORT R is an SBS (Side by Side) off-road recreational vehicle that underwent a comprehensive facelift in 2023, inside and out. Starting with the engine - a 963cc V-twin which has been increased by 11 horsepower (from 79 HP to 90 in the current model), through upgrades to the chassis, dynamic suspensions, and transmission, to the exhaust systems, intake, and a renewed passenger compartment, the Z1000 is essentially an almost completely new tool. Among other things, it also receives sporty seats, 3-point safety belts, an adjustable grip handle for the passenger, a 5-inch digital screen, a sporty steering wheel with wheel position marking, an integrated winch (3,500 pounds) with a safety nylon cable, a driving mode selector between calm and sporty, and an abundance of options for upgrades and add-on accessories.
The Z1000 comes with 14-inch "beadlock" rims to prevent tire peeling during sharp turns or when deflating the tire for driving in the sands, for example. Its external design is combat-like and aggressive.
The 1000Z tackles any road with ease without much effort. Thanks to the design and the sloping front, the field of vision is excellent, the switch operation is intuitive, and the connection of the variator is immediate and provides explosive power, maintaining high speed without much effort. By the way, the variator (CVT) is water-resistant and has easy service access, something that mechanics or anyone who gets stuck in the field will greatly appreciate.
The combination of power, large tires, and excellent dynamic suspensions allows for smoothing out obstacles at high speeds, while also in technical transitions and obstacles where low speed and precise steering work is required, the control and operation of the vehicle are easy even for less professional drivers. The 2X4 / 4X4 drive options with locking front and rear differentials allow you to choose between precise technical transitions and fun tail play in the open field.
Only the gear shift lever, as well as on ATVs we will touch on later, does not move smoothly between the different driving modes H/L/N/P/R. More than once, the gear shift lever got stuck between the different modes, and it was necessary to operate the lever using the "Russian method" to switch modes. Not something cardinal but definitely a point that needs improvement in the next model, and this is perhaps the only criticism we encountered during the test drive.
The launch price of the ZFORCE 1000 SPORT R is 89,000 shekels (96,000 shekels at the regular price), almost half the price compared to premium brands, and it certainly does not fall far short of them. So if you are looking for a two-seater off-road leisure vehicle for a lot of fun for little money, you've found it.
CFORCE 520S - 520L
The S and L models are the entry-level/budget ATVs for work and tours. Just before we treat both versions as one, let's note that the difference between them is that the L model has a longer chassis, a greater wheelbase, a split seat with back supports for both passengers, and grasp handles for the rider as well as a tiered footrest (very comfortable).
The 520, as mentioned, is a work and tour ATV that is suitable both as an entry into this world and as a solution for a limited budget. The model has undergone improvements and changes compared to the previous generation, and we'll start with the design of the front. In addition to improving the approach angle that allows for more capability in tackling and overcoming obstacles, the front has been given an aggressive design, and personally, it immediately reminds me of the appearance of Angry Birds. Take a look and see for yourself.
The 520 presents a 495 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 38 horsepower. Not a power that uproots rocks from their place, but the vehicle moves, and it moves quickly or with determination on any type of road and terrain, also thanks to the new suspensions that were upgraded from the previous generation.
Like in the other models, here too there are 2X4 or 4X4 drive options with the option of locking the front differential or for all wheels. The transition, by the way, between the modes is done by using an easy-to-operate switch, and in general, the entire current generation has been upgraded with a very new and intuitive switch box.
According to the manufacturer, the frame has been strengthened by 30 percent compared to the previous generation, while the weight has been reduced by 10 percent (358 kg). The vehicle is equipped with 12 6PLY tires, and the handlebar has been raised and moved slightly towards the rider to allow for more comfortable riding and operation during aggressive riding or when standing. At the rear of the vehicle, there is a very efficient storage compartment with a capacity of 10 liters.
In the driver's environment, as mentioned, the switch box has been replaced, and for information, there is a readable and clear 5-inch digital display that includes Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone, including the option to see incoming calls. In sports riding, this may be insignificant, but when using the vehicle for fieldwork, for example, it is an advantage and an important addition that any farmer would appreciate.
Overall, despite the modest figures compared to the other vehicles we tested that day, the 520 showed no hesitation or signs of inferiority, kept up the pace, and easily passed all the technical sections without any problems. As mentioned, this is a vehicle that makes the experience and efficiency accessible even to those with a limited budget. How limited? During the launch period, the price of the 520 S is 44,000 shekels, while the L version costs 46,000 shekels during the launch period with the regular price being 6,000 shekels higher for each version.
The last favorite in the new series presented is the CFORCE 625 TOURING, which is one model above the 520 in the mid-range category. This is an upgrade in every respect, size, capacity, power, capability, and of course, also in price. The 625 Touring is also a vehicle that can be used for work during the week and for leisure and trips at the weekend. The vehicle is armed with a 580 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection that produces 45 horsepower.
The most significant difference between it and the 520 is in the handlebars, which in this model receive electric reinforcement (Electric Power Steering EPS) and make a very big difference in everything related to riding comfort, ease, and precise steering in technical sections, as well as maintaining stability in fast turns. Riding with these handlebars makes a big difference, and for those who can afford to add a few more thousand shekels, it is definitely recommended.
The 625 Touring uses Bosch's electronic fuel injection system and enjoys an immediate response from the electronic throttle. A new frame, 12-inch wheels, independent double A-arms, improved approach and departure angles, a new rider environment including a digital display screen and a new switch box, an upgraded seat with backrest, LED lighting including daytime running lights, all these and more turn the 625 Touring into a substantial vehicle that easily copes with any terrain and road at any speed while maintaining a stable and safe riding comfort. At a price of 64,000 shekels (56,000 shekels during the launch period), this is a vehicle that knows how to do everything well, fast and comfortably at an excellent price.
And in the evening,A long, exhausting, and enjoyable test day ended. Three ATVs in four versions were required to stand up to not-so-simple road conditions in some parts, under the brutal hands of automotive journalists and they stood up very well to the task. Not always during launch events is there the ability to examine vehicles in real battle conditions without allowances, but this time we were given enough time and especially terrain to test and understand the vehicles in depth. The conclusions are quite clear, these vehicles have been upgraded significantly compared to their previous generation and they are available at very recommended prices for those who want to enter the field or continue to enjoy a work/fun vehicle at a reasonable price. CFmoto proves that it's possible.