Though one of the smallest models in CFMoto’s line of CForce quads, the CFMoto CForce 500 packs a punch for a budget-friendly price and just about makes the list of best ATVs for the money.
As a utility ATV, this model features good engine power for its size, but is built more for work and off-roading than for top-end speed.
So how fast does a CFMoto CForce 500 go?
This guide will answer that question, along with detailing a few ways to make your quad even faster.
CFMoto 500 Top Speed
Powered by a 495cc engine with an output of around 38 horsepower, the CFMoto 500 top speed is around 52 to 55 mph depending upon the terrain.
A full review of the CForce 500 shows that while it offers good torque at 32 ft-lbs, this doesn’t translate to great acceleration as the quad generally takes 7-8 seconds to reach its top speed.
But that’s to be expected with a utility model, and the following guide will show you how it stacks up speed-wise with the rest of the CForces.
A 55-mph top speed isn’t too shabby for its class, but there are some ways to make the CForce 500 a bit faster if need be.
Increasing the CFMoto 500 Top Speed
There are several modifications owners can make to the CFMoto 500 in order to increase the top speed, acceleration, and power.
Upgrade The Air Intake
The air intake system consists of the airbox and air filter.
This system funnels clean air to flow to the engine and determines the amount of fuel that finds its way to the engine.
By upgrading the air intake system, more clean air will find its way to the engine for increased performance.
Increasing the total amount of air in and out will give the engine more oomph and more speed.
Upgrade the Exhaust
When you upgrade the air intake, the increased airflow will still need to exit.
You can provide a more efficient escape for this added airflow once used up by upgrading the exhaust system as well.
This more efficient airflow in and out will provide an increase in horsepower and torque for the CFMoto 500, along with providing for more top-end speed and better acceleration.
RJWC Powersports offers a highly recommended upgraded exhaust system for the CForce 500.
Tune The ECU
Having the Electronic Control Unit tuned will help guarantee the CFMoto 500 reaches peak performance, especially if you’ve upgraded the intake and exhaust systems.
A tuning device will monitor the air/fuel ratio and calculate the proper fuel adjustments needed to achieve the optimal proportions for your CForce 500.
By having your ECU tuned, you’ll ensure your CForce 500 gets the optimal air to fuel ratio needed at each throttle position, which will result in better throttle response and a higher top speed.
The team at Main Street Cycle offer a highly recommended tuning of the ECU specific to the CFMoto CForce 500.
If CFMoto CForce 500 Doesn’t Reach Top Speed
If your CForce 500 was broken in properly but doesn’t seem to reach its top speed of at least 52 mph, you can overcome this.
Bigger Tires
The CForce 500 comes with 24-inch stock tires in the front and rear.
Upgrading to slightly larger-diameter tires should help in the top-end speed department, but you may need to add a slight lift to keep them from rubbing.
Tire Pressure
Be sure your tires are inflated properly, as underinflated tires will lead to less top-end.
Per the owner’s manual, the recommended tire pressure for the CFMoto 500’s stock tires is 8 psi in front and 6.5 psi in the rear.
Use High Octane Fuel
If you want better overall engine performance to ensure your CForce 500 can hit its top speed, be sure and run a high octane fuel.
The difference in running a 91 or 93 octane fuel vs a lower octane should be night and day.
Check For Spark Plug Fouling
Spark plug fouling can play a role in the CForce 500 not reaching its top-end speed, so be sure to check yours if you find yourself underperforming.
If the spark plug appears worn out or burnt at the tip, it may not be able to ignite fuel properly which can lower performance levels.
Replace any fouled plugs with a high performance iridium plug.
Inspect the Drive Belt
A worn or loose drive belt will also lead to underperformance, so be sure yours is still in good condition.
If you experience your CForce snapping forward when throttling, this is probably a sign the drive belt could use replacing.
Make sure your belt is fresh and fits tight for top performance.
Break-In Period Determines Top Speed
There is an engine break-in period that is highly recommended in the owner’s manual for new CFMoto 500 quads.
Not following this break-in period can result in long-term negative consequences for the engine performance of your quad.
The break-in period refers to the first 20 hours or 200 miles of driving, whichever comes first, while the engine and its components will wear and polish themselves to the correct operating clearances.
You really need to avoid excessive engine heat during this period.
The owner’s manual recommends owners drive slowly using varied throttle positions, while avoiding continuous operation above ½ throttle for the first ten hours or 100 miles with your CForce 500.
From the ten to twenty hours mark, or between 100 and 200 miles, you should avoid continue operation above ¾ throttle.
Final Thoughts
Though one of CFMoto’s smaller utility ATVs, the CFMoto 500 top speed is still a respectable 52 to 55 mph.
If this is not quite enough for some owners, there are some modifications that can be made to increase the speed, acceleration, and power of this quad.
For more on CFMoto, check out the following before you go:
