The ZFORCE line is CFMOTO’s sport and trail side-by-side family, and it covers a lot of ground. There’s a narrow trail machine, mid-size sport models in two- and four-seat versions, a higher-output 950, and the turbocharged Z10 flagship. Picking the right one comes down to three questions: where you ride, who comes with you, and how hard you want to push.
Here’s how we walk San Diego riders through it on the floor in El Cajon.
Question 1: How wide are your trails?
This one decides more than people expect. Some trail systems limit vehicle width, and tight, tree-lined or rocky trails punish a wide machine even where it’s allowed.
The ZFORCE 800 Trail is built for exactly that: narrower trails and tighter terrain. If you mostly ride mountain trails, fire roads with tight switchbacks, or areas with width limits, start here. Check the current spec sheet for the exact width, and check the rules for the trails you ride before you buy anything.
If you’re mostly in open desert, washes and dunes, width isn’t a problem. It’s an advantage. The wider sport models are more planted at speed and over whoops. For ideas on where locals go, see where to ride off-road near San Diego.
Question 2: Two seats or four?
Be honest about who’s riding. If it’s you and one buddy, a two-seat machine is lighter, shorter and easier to trailer. If you’ve got kids, a spouse and a friend, a four-seater stops the “who stays home” argument.
- Two seats: ZFORCE 800 Trail, 950 Sport, 950 HO Sport, Z10.
- Four seats: ZFORCE 950 Sport 4, Z10-4.
The 950 Sport 4 is the best-selling four-seat sport side-by-side in its price class, and it’s the one we see families pick most. A longer wheelbase also tends to ride smoother over rough desert, which your passengers will notice. The tradeoff is length: think about your trailer, your garage and tight turns.
Question 3: How much machine do you want?
ZFORCE 950 Sport
The middle of the lineup. Long-travel suspension, sporty handling, and enough power for most desert and trail riding without getting into flagship territory. For a lot of riders, this is the sweet spot.
ZFORCE 950 HO Sport
The higher-output version of the 950. If you already know you want more pull out of corners and up sand hills, it’s worth a look. Ask us for the current spec sheet comparison against the standard 950 Sport.
Z10 and Z10-4
CFMOTO’s turbocharged flagship, in two- and four-seat versions. This is for experienced riders who spend real time in big open terrain and want the top of the range. It’s more machine than a first-time buyer needs, and we’ll tell you that if it’s true for you.
What comes on them
ZFORCE models run from 800 to 1,000cc with long-travel suspension, and most trims come with a factory roof and winch. Equipment varies by trim and model year, so look at the specific unit page or ask us what’s on it. Every unit in our ZFORCE lineup shows the full take-home price.
A quick way to decide
- Tight mountain trails, width limits, first SxS: 800 Trail.
- Mixed desert and trail, two people: 950 Sport.
- Family or group rides: 950 Sport 4.
- Want more power in the 950 platform: 950 HO.
- Experienced, big terrain, top of the line: Z10 / Z10-4.
Budget for the stuff after the sale
Whatever you pick, set aside room for gear, a windshield if your roof didn’t come with one, and regular belt checks. Belts are the wear item on any CVT side-by-side, and desert heat is hard on them. Our belt care guide covers what to watch for.
Sit in them before you decide
Reading only gets you so far. Come to the showroom at 1062 N 2nd Street in El Cajon, sit in a two-seater and a four-seater back to back, and tell us where you ride. We’ll point you at the right ZFORCE, and if a cheaper one does the job, we’ll say so. Call (619) 486-6622 or send us a note to set up a time.