Transcript
machinery preview Wet work: CF Moto’s latest UTV, the U550LE, being put through its paces at Werribee.
W
hile they may not be that much different to look at, there are some substantial changes to the new CF Moto ATV and UTVs tested recently at Werribee. First and foremost is the new engine, which is a 495cc, liquid-cooled, single overhead cam shaft motor with four valves and able to generate 28.3kW of power. The new engine is 12kg lighter than its predecessor – the 500cc air cooled engine – and generates 13% more torque. Peak torque is 46Nm at 5800rpm. On the X550 ATV, the new power plant was very capable, allowing the quad bike to get to 70km/h without trying hard and providing plenty of poke and torque when required. The U550 UTV is a different beast but the engine still delivered the power when necessary over terrain which included steep, rough country. It’s not quite up to the performance levels of its stablemate U8, which is powered by an 800cc V-Twin engine, but it delivered the goods when needed.
▸▸ New CF Motos ▸▸ X550 ATV ▸▸ U550 and U550LE side-by-side ▸▸ 500cc engine common in all three ▸▸ Bosch EFI system ▸▸ Canadian-made CVT ▸▸ Selectable two and four-wheel-drive
Side by side
CF Moto
The new U550 side-by-side comes in two
CF Moto continues to makes inroads into the Australia quad bike and utility terrain vehicle market. The Chinese-made CF Moto range was recently boosted with the launch of a new quad bike, the X550 and two UTVs – the U550 and U550LE. Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders was at the launch to put the vehicles through their paces at a 4WD test track in Werribee. Photography Mark Saunders
specifications; the U550, which is the standard package and the up-scale U550LE. The U550 is priced at $11,490 ride away while an extra $1500 will get you to the LE level which includes electric power steering, a lower half windshield, heavy-duty winch, towing pack, alloy wheels, a cab roof, indicators, horn and mirror. Even at $11,490, the U550 is a pretty good deal.
In the cab The cab space is well laid out, with two bucket seats and a car-like console in the centre which includes two cup holders, a small moulded storage space, the handbrake and gear selector. Don’t forget the CF Moto UTVs are left-hand-drive.
The seats were quite comfortable and can be adjusted fore and aft. A three-point seat belt will keep in place, even in the more tricky terrain. Half doors are standard, which aid wading depth and help to keep dirt and other objects out of the floor space but they can be annoying if you are in and out of the UTV regularly. There is a glove box on the passenger side dash board but it requires a separate key to lock, which would be inconvenient on a working farm. Another small, open storage area is located under the glove box and a much bigger storage area can be found under the driver’s seat, which is easily accessed. And with the driver’s seat out, access to the engine’s primary air cleaner is easy.
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AT A GLANCE ...
Dashed: The dash and centre console of the UTV are well laid out.
301 853
Prices include GST and are RRP valid til 31st July 2015. Freight and delivery charges not included. Goldacres reserves the right to change specifications, design and price without notice or obligation.
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www.farmingahead.com.au
www.farmingahead.com.au
No. 281 June 2015 Farming Ahead
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Tipping point: The rear tray is well made and tips with a gas strut assist mechanism. Engine bay access is adequate with the tray tipped.
Control All the levers and controls are within easy reach of the driver and the LED dashboard display is easy to read. The display shows fuel level (tank capacity is 26 litres), gear selection,
temperature gauge and ground speed. Two and four-wheel-drive is selectable via a switch on the dash as is a diff lock. Gear selection was a little tricky as the T-bar style selector took a little persuasion at times to find its place and the belt-drive
continuously variable transmission slipped a few times but this could have been due to the fact it was wet (in a creek crossing) or the UTV was brand new and the belt may have needed some time to bed in. Ride quality was good, aided by independent front and rear suspension with gas shocks where the load can be adjusted. Ground clearance is adequate at 280mm. The rear tray is a gas-strut assist tipper and the build quality is good. The tray measures 1200mm x 790mm x 310mm deep and there are four tie down points located in each corner of the tray. Towing capacity is 550kg while the carrying capacity is 230kg. With the tray tipped up, access to the engine was reasonable. There is a bonnet, under which you will find the battery and cooling fluid fill point.
Selectable two and four-wheel-drive modes are standard and can be chosen with a thumb switch on the right-hand-side handle bar. The two/four-wheel-drive switch can also be locked in place. An LED display shows gear selection, fuel level and ground speed as well as some other basic telemetry. Lifting the seat off provides easy access to the battery and air cleaner.
Carry the load
Well rounded: The X550 quad bike was a solid performer on the test track.
ATV The CF Moto ATV is a capable quad bike. Build quality and attention to detail has been stepped up compared to previous models and the ride and handling performance was well above par. Small details such as braided brake lines, aluminium A-arm protectors (optional) and plenty of under carriage bash plating make a big difference to how this quad stands up to previous CF Moto models Kondinin Group has tested. The drive-away price for the quad bike, fitted with a winch and tow pack is $8790. The X550 shares the same 495cc engine as the UTVs and it delivers plenty of power. The seat was firm and comfortable and at a height of 800mm, is easy to get a leg over. Front and rear independent suspension and gas adjustable shocks also go a long way to improving ride quality as does electronic power steering.
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The X550 weighs 360kg and has a towing capacity of 350kg. The rear carry rack can handle 70kg and the front rack is rated to 35kg. There is a small rear storage area which is accessed underneath the rear rack and the catch is a little close to the rack which can make it awkward to open. Fuel tank capacity is 18.5L.
Attention to detail: Braided brake lines and A-arm protection help the overall build quality. Two-up: A passenger is catered for with a rear upright seat.
Paddock Cred CF Moto has done itself no harm in the past five or so years by lifting its game when it comes to producing machines well suited to the market. The current crop of ATVs and UTVs all come with a two-year warranty, which goes a long way to providing confidence in the product. Aligning itself with brands such as KTM – CF Moto assembles a couple of KTM motorcycle models in China – also helps and an annual ATV production of close to 50,000 units has elevated CF Moto to the largest ATV exporter in China. The overall performance of both vehicles was good and while there is still a little room for improvement in some areas of build quality and finish, the test provided sound evidence that CF Moto is definitely worth a look. More details www.cfmoto.com.au
Likes • X550 ATV quick, responsive and manoueverable • Comfort level in ATV and UTV • Pricing, value for money • Two-year warranty
Dislikes • Separate key for glove box on UTV • Gear selector on UTV sticky • Small storage on the X550 www.farmingahead.com.au
