Quadsales.com.au was first on the ground for the recent CF-Moto ATV launch in Australia. Come and play said the importer, Mojo Motorcycles, and play we did.
First model presented is the CF Moto X-lander 600. We remember our first thoughts being, "wow, it certainly looks well built". It's a large, bold looking ATV, it's far from being just a toy. First impressions count, and with standard features such as fuel injection, alloy wheels, integrated indicators and a 2500 LBS winch standard, we knew we'd be in for a treat.
Next in rolls the X-lander 500, same size as the 600, with just a few small differences, notably the engine but more on that later. This is supposed to be the base version, but again with standard issued items like winch, difflock and dual seat, it's as far from base model territory as you can get.
We asked National Sales Manager, Darren Woodward of Mojo Motorcycles, who these machines are being pitched at. As for reviewing a budget model ATV without its intended market would be unfair. Pitch a quad like this to the upper end of the market and that would be far from fair either.
Darren went onto explain that a great deal of time and effort went into choosing the models earmarked for Australia, and they do have a specific target market. These machines are for general entry right up to mid level usage. Lets say the 2nd machine you'd have in your ATV arsenal, light farm usage, recreational use or a first taste if you're unsure.
Feature rich quads and decent build quality bundles these quads right into "middle of the road" territory. Meaning they could be suitable for a whole host of applications. And the longer we rode the more this became apparent.
CF Moto X-Lander 500
So two traditional smart looking ATV's primed and ready for action. Apart from a few cosmetic changes the biggest difference between the two is the larger capacity fuel injected motor of the X-lander 600 (594cc/493cc). I should make mention, the 600 comes with a plug in tow pack, nice sturdy bark busters, different hand grips as well.
A $1000 separates the two and you not only see the differences, but once seated you feel it as well. The X-lander 600 looks the goods, no question, this quad has presence. The X-lander 600 was dressed up in optional metallic paint, an extra $200.
Both X-lander's run an 18 litre fuel tank. Both have 4 wheel independent suspension all-round. Both have carry racks front and rear and both models cater for a passenger by providing a backrest as standard. Other nice features that both models share, 12 volt charger, 12 inch alloy wheels, 2500 LBS winch, dual hydraulic disc brakes on the front with a single cable operated disc on the rear.
The CVT gearbox on both models includes Low and High range, reverse and neutral, it's easy to use from beginner up. Initially the box's on both machines were tight, though we were pre-warned. Both loosened up to the point of becoming smooth after some further hours of operation. Lets face it, both quads were brand new, and to our surprise these things just worked.
And we should note that normally you'd be thinking that some anomalies would appear. The little loose fixtures or forgotten to tighten problems that are associated with many things new. Not here, we got stuck into it quickly, and before we knew it, the race over undulating terrain had begun.
In comparison, 2WD for the flat was quick enough, select 4WD and this helped sure things up under full throttle. We left both quads in 2x4 for the flat, but I don't see why you couldn't just have both X-landers left in 4x4. The electric 2WD/4WD switch simply engages the solenoid, with a push of a button you have the instant reassurance of 4WD. No need to stop for this action, you toggle between the two on the move. High range 4X4 will get you through most general ATV applications easily. I managed to see 70 km/h on both quads in what was a pretty confined area, power from both feels similar.
You will need to come to a stand still before going from Low to High or High to Low for that matter. 4X4 Low brings a new dimension in pulling power not to mention the confidence it inspires to tackle the steepest of terrain. Once in 4x4 low, with a flick of a switch you can activate the difflock. As the name suggests this locks everything up, in practice it offers both models a mountain goat like climbing ability. Combine all this with a longish wheelbase and you have the astonishing confidence in ascending and descending, steep and slippery surfaces.
Key features such as the electric winch upon close inspection looked reasonable in build quality, we tested the functionality yet had no use for it on the day. The adjustable shock absorbers likewise.
The X-lander 600 has the superior powerplant, hands down the extra capacity and Bosch EFI both provide a decent dose of additional torque. The EFI smooths things out and switching between both models, you notice. Really this is why you'd be spending the extra bucks, and to us quite frankly it's worth it.
The day progressed with more loops, video set ups, photo shoots, and we found ourselves growing in confidence, these machines are actually well built. Don't forget both models also come with indicators and headlights standard. This means both units are ready to conditionally register if the rules in your state allow.
What We Liked?
The racks front and rear were strong and functional. Both X-landers come with a rear passenger backrest so a 2nd person wont be an afterthought. The wide saddle was extremely comfortable, and cushioned all the suspension may have missed. The winch would come in handy on those odd occasions you get into trouble, but also to assist in general light work on a farm. Its strong, of decent quality, and rated to 2500 LBS.
The independent rear suspension all-round was adequate, much better than rigid swing arm quads. Actually the more you look, the more you like. If you have a realistic expectation then your going to be impressed, especially when you do the sums of quality, price and value for money.
What We Didn't?
Its hard to look at these machines and take fault on things you don't like, you need to weigh up price versus expectation. You do get what you pay for, yet in this instance you do tend to get a very capable machine jam packed full of features. Features only seen on models far more expensive.
It would be remiss of us to say that CF-Moto Quads have a build quality as good as some of the long standing premium brands in the market today, they don't. What they do offer is an honest package, with a visual quality that far exceeds the price point.
We must make mention that the digital display was at times hard to see, particularly if you have the dash facing towards direct sunlight.
Conclusion.
By far the most fun to be had, and the pick of the two has to be the X-Lander 600. This ATV performed well above expectation, and we truly believe, it would be a formidable performer in a rural situation. The X-Lander 500 is just as compelling, minus a few features notably fuel injection. But this might not be a bad thing if you want to keep things basic.
Both these ATV's represent great value for money. The 2 year warranty backs the product, the Australian importer having the confidence, this helps. If you do the search on CF Moto ATV's you'll find a positive reputation that extends worldwide. So early days for CF Moto in Australia, but going on this experience, things are looking nice and bright.
Prices at the time of our review were $6990** for the X-lander 500 and $7990** for the X-lander 600.
See more @ www.cf-moto.com.au
** + Dealer Delivery Charges