While one group of Dirt Toys Magazine riders was off exploring the mountains around Idaho’s Pahsimeroi Valley (https://www.dirttoysmag.com/2019/04/first-spring-rides), another group was in the Big Hole Mountains of eastern Idaho doing the same thing—seeing how high we could get up in the mountains before getting turned back by snow.
We were surprised a little at how much snow is still clinging on in the lower elevations around the Big Hole Mountains. We tried three different routes up into the mountains and were thwarted by snow on all three routes.
So we stuck to the lower elevations, rode along the Snake River and by the time we turned the side-by-sides off at the end of the ride we had dialed up a bit more than 70 miles.
One of the side-by-sides we took out that day was a CFMoto ZForce 1000. While that initial ride was our first in this ZForce, we do have three quick takeaways from the ride.
Plenty Of Pep
CFMoto claims its ZForce 1000 has 79 hp … which feels about right. While we were headed for some of our favorite spots to ride and test, the snow kept us on relatively smooth and not-too-tough forest roads. Even then, it was evident the ZForce has plenty of pep. And smooth power delivery.
Sporty
We do like the looks of the ZForce. It’s got clean lines and a nice look for all sides. The standard cargo net in the rear cargo box is a nice touch and we like the bucket seats. The line of sight out the front is good as well. The cockpit is a bit snug but once you’re settled in, it feels fine. We did notice, however, that (and this is not exclusive to CFMoto by any means; any side-by-side with minimal doors experiences the same thing) plenty of snow and mud comes in the cockpit. Half doors would solve that in a heartbeat.
Saved By The Winch
A 3,000 lbs. winch comes stock on the ZForce and it came in handy the day we rode in the Big Holes. We were able to fairly easily winch out another side-by-side that had gotten stuck in the snow. It is easy to operate and worked well.
We’ll spend some more time in the ZForce 1000 and give more reports as the summer wears on.
