If you’re looking for a multipurpose ATV that offers plenty of working ability and recreational appeal to keep riders of all experience levels happy, the CFMoto CForce 500 should definitely be on your radar.
CFMoto ATVs are surging in popularity, and the CForce 500 lives up to the recent hype around these models.
But like the rest of the line, CForce owner reviews highlight there are some tradeoffs you’ll make for the cheaper price point.
This guide will offer a detailed review of the CForce 500, including all of the strengths and weaknesses to be aware of before settling on one.
We’ll cover:
- Build quality and performance
- Design and durability
- Key features and accessories
- What you’ll love about this model
- What you won’t love about this model
- How it compares to its five biggest-name competitors
About The CForce 500
The CForce 500 makes for a nice step up from the smallest CForce 400 model, offering a bit more juice from the engine, slightly bigger tires, and the addition of a front winch and power steering.
It makes a great entry-level option, but also offers enough size and overall performance to give more experienced riders a thrill.
While not as loaded as the CFMoto CForce 600, it does come standard with a number of features and accessories that make it look and drive the part of an off-road ready ATV from the jump.
If that’s not enough, you won’t break the bank on this model as it’s one of the better values in the industry at its reasonable price tag.
Build Quality & Performance
Engine & Drivetrain
The CForce 500 is powered by a single-cylinder 495 cc engine with a maximum power output of 38 HP.
The engine offers plenty of low-end and overall power to tackle tougher trails and steep terrain without struggling.
Similar to issues with the CForce 600, this model does suffer from a lack of throttle response during low acceleration, making it a bit a slog to reach 15 mph but offering excellent mid and high-range acceleration throughout the rest of the gearing.
The top speed of the CForce 500 is quite respectable for its class, though it’s not going to land on the list of the fastest ATVs in the industry.
Mated to the engine is a fully automatic CVT transmission that offers both a High and Low gear, along with Park, Reverse, and Neutral settings. The gears are controlled by a shifter on the left side of the quad.
The drive system offers 2WD/4WD, with the ability to lock all four wheels in 4WD for added traction if you get yourself into a sticky situation.
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke, SOHC |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 495 cc |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Horsepower | 38 HP @ 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Delivery | Bosch EFI |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.4 US Gallons |
| Drive System | 2WD/4WD/4WD Lock |
| Transmission Type | Fully Automatic CVT w/ P-R-N-H-L |
Suspension & Steering
The suspension system features independent Double A-Arms in both the front and rear, along with spring preload adjustable shocks so that riders can find the right setting for their riding styles.
The arched double A-Arms offer the quad more ground clearance (10.3 inches) and stability while cornering.
While the suspension system is known to be a little stiff, it does a good job of soaking up bumps and holes for an entry level quad.
The electronic power steering comes standard, unlike with many competitive models, which makes the model very easy to handle on the trail.
The EPS provides just enough steering assistance that it makes it easy on you while also still enabling you plenty of feedback on the trail to make riding fun.
| Wheelbase | 50 in |
| Ground Clearance | 10.3 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent Double A-Arm w/ spring preload adjustable shocks (oil damped) |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Double A-Arm w/ spring preload adjustable shocks (oil damped) |
| Steering | Electronic Power Steering (EPS) |
Tires & Brakes
The big 25-inch stock tires and 12-inch alloy wheels and rims add to the appealing look of this model.
That said, they look a little better than they perform.
The traction they provide in slick terrain like snow and mud isn’t overly impressive, and even riding at high speeds on dirt can feel a little iffy at times.
The hydraulic disc braking in the front and rear is excellent and can stop this model on a dime in most terrain.
| Front Tires | 25 x 8-12 |
| Rear Tires | 25 x 10-12 |
| Wheels | 12” Cast Aluminum Alloy |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
Dimensions & Capacities
The CForce 500 features the boxy, bulky build of your classic utility ATV.
Even so, it’s compact and agile enough to take on tighter trails and fare well while doing so.
It’s a bit on the heavier side at 783 lbs, but the addition of power steering helps offset this weight to make it easy to handle for riders of all sizes.
The front and rear storage racks come in handy for hauling gear, offering a combined 175 lbs weight capacity.
| Length | 80.6 in |
| Width | 44.3 in |
| Height | 45.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 783 lbs |
| Front Rack Capacity | 75 lbs |
| Rear Rack Capacity | 100 lbs |
Key Features & Accessories
While it’s not as flush with accessories as the CForce 800 or CForce 1000 Overland, this model still comes standard with a number of accessories that make it more off-road ready from the jump.
These accessories include:
- LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Steel storage racks in front and rear
- Electronic power steering
- 2,500 lbs front winch
- Digital display on dash
- two -inch rear hitch receiver
What You’ll Love About The CForce 500
- Attractive build style, bodywork and colors makes this model pop.
- Wide stance offers the look of a true utility ATV.
- The seat is comfortable, roomy, and easily removable.
- Maintenance is very easy with filters and the battery located just below the removable seat.
- Oil changes are very easy, done via an access panel with a removable cover on the side of the quad.
- Power steering comes standard and makes for excellent handling.
- Offers selectable 4WD with ability to lock all four wheels when needed.
- Full length footwells with ridged footrests add extra traction.
- Full length rear strip tail light adds to the appearance, and reverse lights offer plenty of light when backing up in the dark.
- Comes with two-inch rear hitch receiver and front/rear storage racks.
What You Won’t Love About The CForce 500
- Suspension system is a little stiff, making trail riding a little bumpier than with other models.
- Stock tires do not provide good traction in slick terrain or at top speeds on dirt.
- A lack of throttle response during low acceleration can make speeds lower than 15 mph a bit of a slog and jerky.
- The gear shift is known to be a little tough to shift, especially in brand new units.
- Plastic skid plate underneath the quad doesn’t offer the same protection as steel.
2023 Price Comparison 450/500cc Class
The table below shows how the CForce 500 stacks up from a price perspective with its bigger-name competition in the 450/500 class.
Keep in mind that although the models below come with EPS, none of them come standard with a winch like the CForce 500 does.
| Make & Model | 2023 MSRP |
| Honda Fourtrax Foreman EPS | $8,849 |
| Polaris Sportsman 450 EPS | $8,299 |
| Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS | $7,999 |
| Can Am Outlander 500 DPS | $7,999 |
| CFMoto CForce 500 EPS | $6,199 |
Final Note
Just like the line of CFMoto UForce utility side-by-sides and ZForce sport side-by-sides, the CForce 500 offers excellent versatility and a high-quality build at one of the more reasonable price tags in the industry.
It doesn’t come without its flaws, but neither does most of its bigger-name competition.
