2020 CFMOTO UFORCE 1000

2020 CFMOTO UFORCE 1000

First it was the ATV, and now utility UTVs are taking over job sites, ranches and farms. Their handiness and price make them worth considering if you need that “right tool for the job.” Some of those tools are not only good for work, they are sporty enough to rip down trails when the work day is done. The 2020 CFMoto UForce 1000 is one of those machines.

WHAT IS CFMOTO?

CFMoto has been importing ATVs and SxS’ into Canada and the U.S. from overseas for two decades and building them for the world market since 1989. In fact, according to the company, they hold over 50 percent of the market share for ATV sales in Europe. Most of their machines have high-end accessories for a price less than most manufacturers’ base-model machines. The brand is very well-known in Canada and getting popular in the U.S. now as well. They also build engines for some KTM motorcycles. All CFMoto SxS’ come with a one-year warranty.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?

Very well. The UForce 1000 is only $12,000. Camo is $450 more. For comparison, Polaris sells the base Ranger 1000 for $12,999 and the XP 1000 for $16,899. Can-Am’s Defender HD10 starts out at $16,199, and its XT model that comes with a winch, nice wheels and a roof like the UForce starts at $18,499. There are dealers opening up all over the U.S. To see if there is one near you, log on to https://cfmotousa.com/delaer-locator. You can also give them a call toll-free at (888) 8CF-MOTO.

WHAT POWERS THE UFORCE?

A V-twin engine nearly identical to Can-Am’s twin that powers its big-bore ATV line, the Defenders and non-X3 Mavericks. The CFMoto powerplant has a single cam, four valves per cylinder, puts out 79 horsepower and has a top speed that exceeds that number. This might be important to farmers wanting to check irrigation for their crops that may be separated by long farm roads. Other than for that use, we’d keep the machine down around 65.

WHAT KIND OF DRIVETRAIN DOES IT HAVE?

The V-twin is connected to a fully automatic CVT transmission. It’s four-wheel drive with a locking differential up front. It does not have an unlocking rear differential. There is a low and high range; however, we rarely used high range in a working environment.

HOW IS THE POWER DELIVERY?

It’s too aggressive in high and very torquey in low. The engine seems like it’s tuned for a sport machine. We wish the UForce had a work mode to level out the power some. In low, it’s still aggressive but much more manageable. On this machine, we used low range more than high.

WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?

There are double A-arms on all four corners. Wheel travel is set right at about 10 inches, and spring preload can be adjusted. We stiffened up the springs to one position from full stiff.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?

It handles as expected. As delivered, the machine was very soft and had lots of body roll. After we stiffened the spring preload and gave the tires 10–12 pounds of pressure, we liked the ride. It’s as good as the base Ranger 1000, but not as plush as a Can-Am Defender or Ranger XP1000.

HOW IS IT FOR CHALLENGING TERRAIN?

Again, the aggressive throttle response and power delivery hurt its overall rating here. It’s not undriveable; it’s just too aggressive for a machine like this. A simple timing and fuel-delivery flash of the stock ECU would fix that. Or, as we said, if there were an eco or work mode switch like Polaris and Can-Am have, that would take care of our concerns. As for obstacles, diff-lock helps it claw through and over anything you encounter, and the fact that the rear diff doesn’t have an unlocker probably makes it stronger. For a utility machine under normal trail use, the machine performs well.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?

  The UForce has five cup holders, five blank spots in the dash for accessory switches, four great cubby holes in addition to the deep glove box, three seats and two ways to operate the winch—corded and remote. The passenger seatback is removable and makes a great seat or kneeling pad away from the machine. Under the passenger seat, there is a removable box in which you can carry tools around the job site or beverages down to your favorite fishing hole. Speaking of fishing, those fish rulers you find on coolers to measure your catch? There is one of those on the tailgate. It’s not numbered, but the inch marks are accurate. Full nets are standard equipment. What isn’t standard is a speed limiter. There’s no reminder to warn you if you leave your parking brake set.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?

This machine is priced right. We like all of the standard features, especially the aluminum wheels, painted bodywork, easy-to-use side nets, roof, tool box, removable seat back and winch. These are all items that could cost you extra money when considering other brands. Should you consider a CFMoto? Yes. If you have a dealer locally, all of the CFMoto machines are worth checking out. You will save thousands initially, and if the machine proves reliable for your situation, as it did ours, you will save even more in the long run.

SPECS:

2020 CFMOTO UFORCE 1000

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Engine type Liquid-cooled V-twin 4-stroke

Transmission Fully auto CVTech CVT

Fuel System Bosch EFI

Starting Electric

Final Drive Shaft

Suspension/wheel travel:

  Front Double A-arm w/10”

  Rear Double A-arm w/10”

Tires:

  Front 27×9-14

  Rear 27×11-14

Brakes:

  Front Hydraulic disc

  Rear Hydraulic disc

Wheelbase 80.7”

Length/width/height 117”/63.5”/72.8”

Turning radius 26.9’

Ground clearance 11.4”

Curb weight 1520 lb.

Fuel Capacity 10.6 gal.

Hitch Receiver 2”

Cargo capacity 1000lb.

Towing capacity 2000lb.

Winch capacity 3500 lb.

MSRP $11,999

Contact www.cfmotousa.com

See UTV Action’s guide to UTVs under $10,000 here: https://utvactionmag.com/10-utvs-under-10000/