CFMOTO is a world leader in engine design for off-road vehicles such as ATVs and UTVs, as well as motorcycles. Although their presence in Canada has only been since 2005, its worldwide existence has been well established for 30 years and its distribution network is spread over more than 70 countries.
Their vehicle lineup in the utility category is already well represented by the UFORCE 500 and 800 cc models. However, to offer a more diversified selection and to compete with other manufacturers in terms of power, load capacity and traction performance, it was necessary to present a new vehicle.
This year, the designers of CFMOTO introduce a brand new UTV, based on a brand new chassis as well. Instead of using the existing platform that has been successful until today, they present a completely new vehicle designed from scratch:
2019 UFORCE 1000 EPS
Appearances
At first glance of this brand new CFMOTO utility vehicle, we can attest that it looks great. Even better in person, too. The lines of the bodywork may seem familiar, but if we pay more attention, we quickly realize that CFMOTO has brought its own touch and distinct character. The vehicle’s dimensions are impressive and its size works well on the trails, even though it is rather large.
Aside from its large facade, the LED headlights of the UFORCE 1000 seem to now be standard on all the vehicles at CFMOTO. This is without a doubt an indication of the refinement that this manufacturer wishes to convey to the vehicles it offers on the market. On this aspect, in addition to being aesthetically successful, they consume little energy and are very effective.
At the risk of repeating myself, CFMOTO vehicles have the most standard equipment, regardless of manufacturer. Of these, a winch is often an option for most off-road vehicles. At CFMOTO, it is standard equipment. It’s really essential to have a winch when you’re riding in unexplored places or on extreme muddy trails.
As far as the UFORCE 1000 is concerned in a utility vocation, its 3500lb. winch can move trees, pull a multitude of objects and move anything that might be on your way and it performs the work quickly and efficiently.
The rear dump box, with its capacity of 1000lbs, offers a great capacity for all kinds of material. Loading is easy with its folding tailgate and low height. It is attached to a hydraulic cylinder to allow a smooth dumping operation without having to feel the heft yourself. This is obviously a strong and solid feature for this vehicle to work of the farm, to go fishing or hunting and for all occupations requiring high loading capacity.
However, we have some reservations about the materials used. Plastics are likely to quickly show excessive use when transporting abrasive materials such as wood, stones or sand. The folding tailgate will probably have the same signs of deterioration when subjected to intensive use.
Cockpit
Unlike its predecessors, which could accommodate 2 passengers, the new 2019 UFORCE 1000 has room for 3 adults and the driver’s seat is fully adjustable to meet the driver’s preferences. It also has a foldable center armrest for additional comfort. The sitting position is straight and typical for this kind of vehicle. It must be admitted, when this type of UTV is optimally used in a utility spirit, users will constantly require getting on and off the vehicle. Ingress and egress are made easy especially when frequently done and the positioning of the bench seat also facilitates this repeated movement.
The three-point safety seat belt is very well positioned and is perfect for most adults. It does not irritate the neck and we almost forget its presence, it offers good secure feeling without hindering our movements.
The dashboard offers all the necessary equipment for easy driving and the switches and controls are very accessible. It also shows all the necessary information and the display is very readable and similar to what we are familiar with other vehicles in the CFMOTO lineup. Storage spaces are available under the dashboard, but they have no restraint. We would like to suggest to CFMOTO to add an elastic net to hold the objects in place, in the event we would be tempted to store items there.
Also note the presence of a parking brake located to the left of the steering, at the height of the dashboard. It’s obvious task is to secure the UFORCE during a stop. Although the position of the parking brake is unusual, the presence of a full-size bench did not offer the possibility of a hand brake lever in the center of the cabin floor. When activated, locking the rear wheels provides the assurance that the vehicle will stay in place no matter the situation.
The steering wheel is adjustable to the desired height to adapt to our preferences or to facilitate access to the interior of the cabin. Simply release the locking mechanism to raise or lower the steering wheel and operate the lock mechanism again to block the steering wheel to the desired position.
Full-size doors are a great added value to this vehicle. They provide good protection against debris, mud or all kinds of dirt. Although they are convenient and easy to operate, they lack rigidity because of their large size.
The consequences are annoying noises when traveling. Better support and a rubber seal would greatly improve these doors which are, it must be said, aesthetically very successful.
The cabin of the CFMOTO UFORCE 1000 offers all the necessary amenities, useful clearance, and adaptation required to fulfill the preferences and size of each.
Engine
Although this vehicle is more intended for utility use, it can be used in a recreational way without any problem, especially when compared to many other sports-only vehicles. Its 963 cubic-centimeter V-twin engine delivers 79 horsepower, and is the same as the ZFORCE 1000 introduced last year. The 1000cc engine offers advantages of flexibility and smoothness but also very surprising accelerations.
In a situation where we use this vehicle in a soft and light driving, the engine is very linear and it is very suitable for its utility purpose. Like the ZFORCE 1000 model that uses the same engine, the latter is however more aggressive for adrenaline rushes. The global mechanics of the UFORCE 1000, therefore, offer a more homogenous, optimal and ideal compromise for accomplishing the tasks to which it will be used.
During our tests, we noticed that the CVT dry clutch has been revised and updated to optimize the performance of the UFORCE 1000 in all situations. We noticed a marked difference in accelerations compared to sports UTV. The calibration of the CV-TECH has been optimized to tow at first and to move this imposing vehicle. Its size and high weight make this vehicle a UTV that is average for this category, but it is also the biggest and heaviest vehicle from the manufacturer.
Suspension
The suspension and shock absorbers are rudimentary yet efficient on the UFORCE 1000. No performance suspension components are found here if we compare the vehicle to other sport UTVs, but the suspension components are adapted to the use of this vehicle: A-arms matched with hydraulic shocks with a five-way spring preload adjustable setup. They do the job perfectly as they are supposed to do to with this type of vehicle.
There is one point that is worthy of mention and should not be overlooked. The lower triangular arms are arched upward for additional ground clearance. This is a trend in some new models and CFMOTO has taken care to equip its new UFORCE with this nice feature that allows easier crossing of obstacles.
The weight of the vehicle and its high center of gravity, however, give a perception of vehicle inclination in the outside direction of the turn when pushing the UFORCE at higher speeds in a curve. We must consequently be cautious and adjust our speed accordingly.
As mentioned earlier, this imposing vehicle has a high weight exceeding 1500 lbs. However, its braking is very effective and suitable for the vehicle’s utility usage. It should not be forgotten that it will be subjected to heavy loads in its rear dump box and that it will have to be able to stop safely in any condition or terrain. The 4-wheel disc brakes do the work with excellent progressive action on the brake pedal.
Handling
One of the highlights of this vehicle is its lower turning radius. Nowadays, it is not unusual to find very high turning radius on off-road vehicles, mostly for safety reasons. The vehicles being more and more powerful, having a too short radius would cause rollovers at high speed or during exaggerated maneuvers. However, in the use to which the UFORCE 1000 is intended to be used, a suitable radius is highly appreciated and greatly increases its effectiveness.
The power steering is lightly in effect for recreational use at higher speeds, but it is very present and felt when used at low speeds during hard work. The dosage is perfectly adapted to the required situation.
Our impressions:
Our overall appreciation of CFMOTO UFORCE 1000 2019 is relatively high. Although it is not perfect, the overall quality is higher than the average vehicles in its class. The attention to details and the load capacity of the 2019 UFORCE 1000 make it possible to carry out the tasks to which this vehicle is intended to. We must be honest on one point, however: its performance for recreational use is average, just as with any other utility vehicle. In my opinion, a trail rider will be better served with the ZFORCE sports version.
The versatility of the CFMOTO UFORCE 1000 is its main asset because it allows performing all tasks efficiently. It is certainly not the best performer in every respect, but its main features provide the necessary resources to take down all the work that has to be done. The UFORCE 1000 could be compared to a Swiss army knife: it is equipped with a multitude of functions to do the job effectively and is ready to take on any challenge.
