Here is what we really think about the new CFMOTO Z10.
We got a chance to head out to the dealer show in Minneapolis, MN to take a look at their new 1000cc turbo triple Z10 sport machine.
There is much ground to cover to get up to speed on this new entry; particularly because this is in fact an all new machine from the ground up, designed by a new team formed at the CFMOTO USA headquarters in Plymouth, MN.
This is not an updated z950, nor a knock off copy. This is the beginnings of a real competitor, and quite honestly we believe it is going to shake up the old guard a bit.
We're looking at a long list of positive features in a machine that starts at an MSRP of $19,999 for the 2-seater and $22,999 for the crew cab. The value proposition here is real, so lets look at some of the cool stuff.
Engine
It's a triple with a turbo, how you gonna be mad about that? 143hp for now, but give the aftermarket about 7 seconds to play with it and we'll see some stuff. There is also built-in mounting for an external alternator, thinking ahead...
Clutches
6-arm primary clutch and a roller secondary with an external helix for easy cleaning and tinkering.
Chassis
Major components like a-arms and radius rods are double shear mounted (meaning no unsupported bolts whopping out your mounting holes). The metal is thick and the welds look relatively good even on these early units. We didn't immediately see anything that looked like it would need extra bracing or a gusset kit.
The automotive style "unit bearings" are an excellent upgrade from the standard press fit units of the past. This is something we're just recently starting to see on the top tier units from Polaris and Can-AM.
The cage is 2" diameter and includes A-pillar connectors and C-pillars that are actually connected to the chassis. It also doesn't look dorky. There is plenty of headspace without appearing way too tall.
Suspension
You get 2.5" FOX electronically adjustable QSE shocks front and back. They are true dual rate (have adjustable crossover rings), no coil binding tender springs here. The shock bodies include stainless wear sleeves to keep the sliders from wearing them out which is a pet peeve of ours with other brands. 17" of travel in the front and 20" out back.
Wheels
They are 14" and they are round. They also have 5 holes on 4.5" diameter bolt circle so you can easily bolt on a plethora of wheels from the automotive world. Something with a little wider offset and a set of 32" meats makes a world of difference to the look.
Winch
It comes with a 4,500lb winch with a synthetic rope nicely tucked inside the chassis as a standard feature. This is good.
Rear Radiator
The radiator is mounted out back which greatly reduces heat inside the cab and also protects it from plugging up. Front radiators have often been the bane of our X3 owning existence with clogging and overheating being a regular occurrence. Give up a little storage space and get rid of that problem, we approve. There's also a little sight window built in so you can keep an eye on your coolant level easily.
Interior
We have many good things to say about this.
-The ergonomics and space are excellent
-The footwells are flat and comfortable
-The storage is good
-The feel of all the components is high quality
-The doors are nicely finished on the inside
-The aluminum shifter feels nice
-The steering wheel and controls are bad ass
-It comes with suspension seats with pretty decent bolsters standard
-Digital dash along with a 12.3" touch screen center display with CarPlay, navigation, backup camera are also standard features
Gas Cap
Heavy duty racing style 1/4 turn aluminum gas cap. This is what you would call "extra" and we love it.
Bottom Line
End of the day, no BS, this is a nice machine. It's got a ton of standard features at a pretty ridiculous price point. Some of the people behind it are people that were behind other rigs you already know and love.
We know some of you are going to be all up in arms about it being "Chinese", but it was actually designed here in the USA and it's going to be assembled in Mexico. Take a gander around and compare. Our advice would be to get over it for a second and give it a look because they are coming in hard with the value and our dollars aren't going very far these days.