CFMoto ATV HX500-S, HX500-L 4x4. Service Manual - part 4

Your ATV/Quadricycle has been designed to carry or tow a certain amount of load. Always read and understand 
the load distribution warnings listed on the warning labels, and never exceed the specified weights.
Cargo weight should be mounted as low as possible.  When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed 
and cargo to maintain stable driving conditions.
1. Always load the cargo as far forward as possible.
2. Always operate the vehicle with extreme caution whenever hauling or towing loads. Balance, handling, and 

control may be affected.

3. Slow down.

1. Sit upright with both feet on the footrests and both hands on the handlebars.
2. Start the engine and allow it to warm up, apply the brakes, then shift the transmission into gear.
3. Check your surroundings and determine your path of travel.
4. Release the brakes.
5. Slowly depress the throttle with your right thumb and begin driving. Vehicle speed is controlled by the amount 

of throttle opening.

6. Drive slowly. Practice maneuvering and using the 

throttle and brakes on level surfaces.

To make a turn, steer in the direction of the turn, leaning your upper 
body to the inside of the turn while supporting your weight on the 
outer footrest. This technique alters the balance of traction between 
the wheels, allowing the turn to be made smoothly. The same leaning 
technique should be used for turning in reverse.

Practice making turns at slow speeds before attempting to turn at 
faster speeds.

Turning at sharp angles or at excessive speeds can result in vehicle 
overturn and lead to serious injury.  Avoid turning at sharp angles.  
Never make turns at high speeds.

Whenever riding on slippery surfaces such as wet trails or loose 
gravel, or during freezing weather, follow these precautions:
1. Slow down when entering slippery areas.
2. Maintain a high level of alertness, reading the trail and avoiding 

quick, sharp turns which can cause skids.

3. Correct a skid by turning the handlebars in the direction of the 

skid and shifting your body weight forward.

4. Driving with AWD engaged can assist in controlling the vehicle in slippery areas.

Severe damage to drive train may occur if the AWD is engaged while the wheels are spinning. 
Always engage AWD when the wheels have traction or are at rest.

Failure to exercise care when operating on slippery surfaces can result in loss of tire traction and cause loss 
of control, accident, and serious injury or death.
Never apply the brakes during a skid.
Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces. Always reduce speed and use additional caution.

Whenever traveling uphill, follow these precautions:
1. Always travel straight uphill.

2. Avoid steep hills (25

maximum).

3. Keep both feet on the footrests.
4. Shift your weight forward.
5. Proceed at a steady rate of speed and throttle opening.
6. Remain alert and be prepared to take emergency action. This may 

include quick dismounting of the vehicle.

If all forward speed is lost:

Keep your weight uphill.
Apply the front brake. When fully stopped, apply rear brake as well, then shift gear selector into park position.

If the ATV/Quadricycle begins rolling backwards:

Keep your weight uphill. Never apply engine power. Never apply the rear brake while rolling backwards.
Apply the front brake. When fully stopped, apply the rear brake as well, and then shift gear selector into park 
position.
Dismount on uphill side, or to either side if ATV/Quadricycle is pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV/
Quadricycle around and remount, following the procedure described on page 73.

Braking and handling are greatly affected when operating in hilly terrain.  Improper procedure could cause 
loss of control or overturn and result in serious injury or death.

Avoid climbing steep hills (25

maximum).

Use extreme caution when operating on hills, and follow 
proper operating procedures outlined in the owner s manual.

Improperly crossing hills or turning on hills can result in 
loss of control or vehicle overturn, resulting in severe 
injury or death. Avoid crossing the side of a hill when 
possible.  Follow proper procedures as outlined in the owner s manual.

Sidehilling can be a dangerous type of driving and should be avoided if at all possible. If you do enter into a 
situation where sidehilling is necessary, follow these precautions:
1. Slow down.

2. Lean into the hill, transferring your upper body weight toward the hill while keeping your feet on the 

footrests.

3. Steer slightly into the hill to maintain vehicle directions.

  If the vehicle begins to tip, quickly turn the front wheel downhill, if possible, or dismount on the 

uphill side immediately!

Whenever descending a hill, follow these precautions:
1. Proceed directly downhill.
2. Shift your weight to the rear of the vehicle.
3. Slow down.
4. Apply the brakes slightly to aid in slowing.
Familiarize yourself with operation of the auxiliary rear brake 
lever.

Excessive speed can cause loss of control and lead to serious injury or death.  Always operate slowly when 
traveling downhill.

Improper hill climbing procedures could cause loss of 
control or overturn and result in serious injury or death.
Avoid climbing steep hills (25

maximum).

Use extreme caution when operating on hills, and follow 
proper operating procedures outlined in the owner s manual.

If the vehicle stalls while climbing a hill, never back it down 
the hill! One maneuver that can be used when it s necessary to 

turn around while climbing a hill is the K-turn:
1. Stop and shift the gear selector lever to the parking position while keeping body weight uphill.
2. Shut off the engine.
3. Dismount on the uphill side of the vehicle, or on the left if the vehicle is pointing straight uphill.
4. Staying uphill of the vehicle, turn the handlebars full left.
5. While holding the brake lever, shift the gear selector lever to the low gear position and slowly allow the 

vehicle to roll around to your right until it s pointing across the hill or slightly downward.

6. Shift the gear selector lever to the parking position and remount the vehicle from the uphill side, keeping 

body weight uphill.

7. Restart the engine, while holding the brake lever, shift the gear selector lever to low gear position.
8. Release the brake and proceed slowly, controlling speed with the brake, until the vehicle is on more level 

ground.

Your ATV/Quadricycle can operate through water with a maximum recommended depth equal to the bottom of 
the footrests . Follow these procedures when operating through water:
1. Determine water depths and current before crossing.
2. Choose a crossing where both banks have gradual inclines.
3. Proceed slowly, avoiding rocks and obstacles if possible.
4. After crossing, dry the brakes by applying light pressure to 

the lever until braking action is normal.

Avoid operating the vehicle through deep or fast-flowing water.  If you cannot avoid water that 

exceeds the recommended maximum depth

 

, go slowly

 

, balance your weight carefully

 

, avoid 

sudden movements, and maintain a slow and steady forward motion.  Do not make sudden turns or 
stops, and do not make sudden throttle changes.

After running the vehicle in water, it s critical to have it serviced as outlined in the maintenance chart.  See page 

120.  The following areas need special attention:  engine oil, transmission oil, front and rear gear cases and all 
grease fittings.

 If water has been ingested into the CVT, follow the procedure on page 104 for drying out the CVT.

If your vehicle becomes immersed, and it s impossible to take it to your dealer before starting it, follow the 

steps described on page 120.  Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer promptly.

Major engine damage can result if the vehicle is not thoroughly inspected after operation in water.  Perform 
the services outlined in the maintenance chart.
If your vehicle becomes immersed or is operated in water that exceeds the footrest level, take it to your 
dealer for service before starting the engine.

Be alert!  Look ahead and learn to read the terrain.  Be constantly alert for hazards such as logs, rocks and low 
hanging branches.

Severe injury or death can result if your vehicle comes in contact with a hidden obstacle.  Not all obstacles 
are immediately visible. Travel with caution in unfamiliar terrain.

Follow these precautions when operating in reverse:
1. Always avoid backing downhill.
2. Back slowly.
3. When in reverse, apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
4. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
5. Never open the throttle suddenly while backing.

Failure to use caution when operating in reverse can result in serious injury or death.  Before shifting into 
reverse, always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle.  When it s safe to proceed, back slowly.

Do not use the override switch unless additional power is required for vehicle movement.  Use with caution.
Avoid backing on inclines, and avoid turning at sharp angles.

Your ATV/Quadricycle is equipped with a reverse speed limiter. The override button should be 

used with caution as rearward vehicle speed is greatly increased.  Do not operate at wide open 
throttle. Open the throttle just enough to maintain a desired speed.

Excessive throttle operation while in the speed limit mode may cause fuel to build in the exhaust, resulting 
in engine popping and/or engine damage.

Avoid parking on an incline if possible.  If it s unavoidable, follow these precautions:

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Place the gear selector to parking position.
3. Always block the rear wheels on the downhill side as illustrated.

To achieve maximum traction while riding in 2WD or 4WD, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one 
axle and turn together at the same speed. Furthermore, when riding in 4WD-LOCK
(

DIFF. LOCK

), the front wheels also turn together at the same speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the 

inside of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV/Quadricycle will resist turning. A special 
turning technique must be used to allow the ATV/Quadricycle to make turns quickly and easily. It is essential 
that this skill be learned first at low speed.

Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this Owner s Manual. Practice turning at low 

speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast for your skills or the 
conditions. Operate at a slow speed and allow extra time and distance for maneouvres when in 4WD- LOCK 
(

DIFF. LOCK

).

As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to turn the handlebars in the desired direction.  As you do so, 
put your weight on the footboard to the outside of the turn (opposite your desired direction) and lean your 
upper body into the turn. Use the throttle to maintain an even speed through the turn. This maneouvres will let 
the wheel on the inside of the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV/Quadricycle to make the turn properly.

This procedure should be practiced at slow speed many times in a large area with no obstacles. If an incorrect 
technique is used, your ATV/Quadricycle may continue to go straight. If the ATV/Quadricycle doesn t turn, 

come to a stop and then practice the procedure again. If the riding surface is slippery or loose, it may help to 
position more of your weight over the front wheels by moving forward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique you should be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter curves.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throttle changes, excessive braking, incorrect body movements, or 
too much speed for the sharpness of the turn may cause the 
ATV/Quadricycle to tip. If the ATV/Quadricycle begins to tip 
over to the outside while negotiating a turn, lean more to the 
inside. It may also be necessary to gradually let off on the throttle 
and steer to the outside of the turn to avoid tipping over.
Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are thoroughly 
familiar with the operation of your ATV/Quadricycle.

Auxiliary power outlets provide 12V power for operating accessories such as hand held spot lights.   See your 
dealer.

Careful periodic maintenance will help keep your vehicle in the safest, most reliable condition.
Inspection, adjustment and lubrication of important components are explained in the periodic maintenance 
chart.
Inspect, clean, lubricate, adjust and replace parts as necessary. When inspection reveals the need for replacement 
parts, use genuine parts available from your dealer.

Service and adjustments are critical.  If you re not familiar with safe service and adjustment 

procedures, have a qualified dealer perform these operations.

Maintenance intervals in the following chart are based upon average riding conditions and an average vehicle 
speed of approximately 10 miles per hour. Vehicles subjected to severe use must be inspected and serviced 
more frequently.