CFMoto’s line of CForce ATVs are growing ever popular by the day, as more and more folks become aware of them and the potential values they can be compared to some of their bigger name competitors.
And at their price points, they make for some of the best values in the ATV industry.
But like all “value ATVs”, and really all ATVs in general for that matter, CFMoto’s ATVs are prone to some common problems.
This guide will detail each of them so that you know what you may be dealing with if considering pulling the trigger on a CForce.
CFMoto ATV Reviews Problems
Below are the most common problems and drawbacks associated with CFMoto CForce ATVs according to owner reviews:
- Trouble with the EVAP System
- Stock clutch system causing poor throttle response
- The gear shift sticking making shifting gears tough
- Excessive exhaust heat on the legs
- Extreme engine noise in the smaller models
- Stock tires on smaller models don’t provide good traction
Let’s have a closer look at what causes each of these issues, and some proven solutions.
Trouble With The EVAP System
Both the CForce 400 and CForce 800 are installed with an EVAP system in order to comply with emissions rules and regulations in the state of California.
While it’s in place with good intentions to cut down on fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere, the EVAP system inadvertently causes several issues at the same time.
Many of the models installed with this EVAP system suffer from stalling due to vapor lock, where fuel can slosh into the vent line for the fuel tank and cut off the air supply, choking out the engine.
This can usually be temporarily relieved by loosening the gas cap and letting the pressure out, but will continue to happen over and over.
Easy Fix
To permanently fix it, you’ll need to bypass the EVAP system by unplugging and relocating the vacuum hose that connects it to the throttle body and then unplugging and relocating the fuel tank vent line as well.
Doing this will disable the EVAP system, but also alleviate the vapor lock stalling issues.
More detailed directions can be found in this guide to the CForce 400’s common issues.
Stock Clutch Causes Poor Throttle Response
A common issue throughout CFMoto ATVs is with the stock clutch system.
The problematic clutch system is unfortunately not limited to the CForces, as it is also one of the most common complaints when it comes to CFMoto UForce UTV reviews and CFMoto ZForce sport side by side reviews.
The clutch is known to cause poor throttle response in CForce ATVs, especially when starting from a stopped position and at speeds under 15 mph.
This poor throttle response leads to a jerky ride at slower speeds, making technical trail rides at low speeds a little annoying on these models.
Intermediate Fix
There are a couple of different ways you can overcome these clutch issues should your model be hampered by them.
A clutch kit with an upgraded spring and rollers should alleviate the poor throttle response and jerky ride.
Additionally, the stock CForce secondary clutch contains an adjustable spring that can be reclocked to a different setting.
Reclocking this spring from its factory setting at B1 to either C1 or A1 should make a noticeable difference for the better but won’t completely solve this problem like installing a clutch kit usually will.
Gear Shift Sticking
Another common issue across the CForce models is the tendency for the gear shift to stick, making it tough to change gears and requiring some extra force.
This happens most commonly when parked or at a complete stop on an incline and trying to shift gears, and is sometimes even accompanied by a grinding noise when attempting to shift.
Most of the time this happens due to the shift linkage transferring to an incorrect position, which tends to happen from the constant vibration of trail riding.
This is not only specific to CFMoto machines either, as a number of other models including the Kawasaki Brute Force 750, Can Am Defenders, and Polaris Rangers all commonly deal with the same issue.
Easy Fix
The fix for this is usually simple, though it does involve removing some of the plastics to gain access to the shift linkage and adjust it.
You can read step-by-step instructions on adjusting the shift linkage to alleviate trouble shifting gears in this guide to the CForce 600’s most common problems.
Excessive Exhaust Heat On The Legs
Another common issue across CFMoto’s line of CForce ATVs is excessive heat from the exhaust warming your legs to an uncomfortable temperature.
This is most common when riding in low gear at a constant slow speed, which tends to result in heat from the exhaust pipe warming the outer plastic of the quad to the point that riding with your leg up against it can burn you.
Easy Fix
Luckily there’s a pretty simple fix to this issue, which involves you having your dealer install heat wrap or a heat shield on the exhaust pipe.
You can do this yourself if you’re comfortable with it as well.
This heat wrap or shield should have the desired effect and make it so that you can comfortably ride with your legs up against the plastic as they naturally would be.
Extreme Engine Noise
This issue is specific to the CForce 400, 500, and 600 models and their single-cylinder engines.
The noise from these single-cylinder engines is excessive, and is even louder than the more powerful V-Twin engines in the CForce 800 and 1000 models.
Now this is specific to the rider, and may only bother some people. And it’s important to remember that you’re not driving an electric ATV here, so noise is to be expected.
But it’s excessive in these models, enough to the point that it can leave your ears ringing for a while after riding.
Somewhat Easy Fixes
To cut down on the engine noise, you can install sound deadening mats on the underside of the plastic coverings around the engine compartment after removing them.
This actually works pretty well to reduce the engine noise, but can be a bit of a pain to do.
To simply drown out the noise, you can start by wearing a helmet. Ear plugs are also an option.
Stock Tires Don’t Provide Good Traction
The stock tires on the CForce 400, 500, and 600 models all make riding in certain terrains or at certain speeds a little sketchy.
When riding in soft terrain like mud or snow, you’ll find that the traction on the stock tires can be pretty lacking.
And at higher speeds, especially when riding on dirt trails, the ATV can feel a little unstable due to the lack of traction the tires provide.
The 800 and 1000 models don’t suffer from this.
Pricey Fix
If you like to ride fast or in soft terrain, plan to upgrade the tires if you decide to pull the trigger on one of the smaller CFMoto ATVs.
Conclusion
While the CFMoto ATVs do suffer from some common problems, so does every other ATV brand on the planet, regardless of price or brand.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with CFMoto’s line of CForces can be corrected rather easily.
And for the price, taking care of these few minor issues when they arise is well worth it for many folks.
For more on CFMoto ATVs, check out the following before you go:
