26 September 2017 11:51
Review & test of the TGB Blade 600LT EPS 4x4 ATV
Release date: May 2017
Price: £7399
Manufacturer: TGB
Equipment:
Handlebar control for 4x4, 4x4 modes with front axle lock
Two-seater saddle with protective handles
Passenger footrest
Metallic silver painting
Multifunction digital counter
Power steering tri mode adjustable
Alluminium rims
Hand protectors
Multi-anchor ABS luggage rack
Front bumper
Hitch ball
Tank cap
Designed by Taiwanese brand TGB ATV'S, the Blade family was enlarged this Spring with the new arrival of the 600LT model.
The chassis, the engine, and even the body are known novelties when it comes to the 600 series. With the Blade 600SL 4x4, Blade 600SE EPS 4x4 and the 600LT EPS 4x4 two-seater, TGB is now successfully tackling the mid-range quad market.
So, to put the new two-seater 600LT to the test, a trip to the North of Burgundy was in order!
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Style
A consistent 'Blade' style characterizes this quad bike. The body is far from being outdated, however, we can perhaps criticise TGB for not highlighting this brand new model enough. But, while remaining objective, we see that the visual approach of this two-seater is successful, especially as the colors marry well with the decoration.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Ergonomics
Everyone knows that these types of quads are impressively rigorous, and the 600LT does not deviate from this rule. The width of the saddle at the level tank could surprise a beginner, but the triangulation handlebar, running boards, and saddle do not come under any criticism from us! When it comes to the various commands, there's no need to look for them, they are already in your hands!
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Comfort
Though perhaps a little wide when standing, the saddle is very comfortable. Flexible at first, its foam becomes firmer as your steering makes the chassis react more rigidly. As the tuning of the four shock absorbers has been particularly careful, both at the beginning of the race on the small shocks and then on the big movements, we can say that this quad is quite comfortable.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Engine
Even if it responds to the same technical bases - 4T engine, 4 Siemens injection valves, and liquid cooling - this new boiler is formidable! Its softness at low speeds is exemplary when it climbs steadily becoming more powerful. It does not regulate, as the 503 used to, but on the contrary, takes trips with efficiency.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Transmission
Inverter, short range, long range, 4x2 - 4x4 disengageable, reverse, front axle differential locking, final drive by shafts and universal joints, this 600 TGB is a showcase of various modern technologies applicable to quads and SSV.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Asphalt
Approved in the two-seater T3 version, the Blade 600LT is not equipped with a differential rear axle. To speak simply, it will be said that the rear wheels are pushed together forwards. As a result, on asphalt, it is quite difficult to turn around at a very slow pace or to park for example. But a quad on the tarmac is simply just to get from one path to another so this isn't much of an issue!
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Paths
Along the way, the 600LT (long track for long chassis) meets your expectations. It will put you in confidence, and amaze you, as you take it to sustained paces in comfort. As always with the quads (narrower tracks than a tractor), it is better to be ready in anticipation on farm roads. On the other hand, on paths without ruts, great moments of pleasure are announced.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Crossings
It is clear that with a chassis of 2.48m in length, hairpin crosses are not to the cup of tea of the good Taiwanese. On the contrary, in large climbs without pocket turns or when riding downhill, this length can be an advantage. The 600LT is of exemplary and safe stability. Well seconded by a voluntary engine to the integral transmission, or not according to your expectations - it may be you who will wedge before him!
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Assistance
Even if it is not to be classified in the same market of quads that are high-priced, the 600 Blade EPS 4x4 astonishes. To not tire the arms of the driver and bring a noticeable driving pleasure, a three-mode power steering mode is wise - and in this class of mid-range two-seaters, this feature is not too common...
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Braking
A true new model for 2017, the 600LT EPS responds to the American fashion of centralized braking. The right lever is for the front brake and the left for the rear, with a single lever on the left-hand. It is clear however that the 600 brakes effectively and strongly in all situations. Its front discs, hidden in wheels, work well, whilst between the gearbox and the transmission shaft, the only rear works in the best conditions.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Instrumentation / Controls
The multifunctional digital counter gathers a large number of important and comfortable information in use. It's visual access is easy, however, it may be criticized for it's adjusting switches being too small in size.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Practical Aspects
It is immediately noticeable that the front-rear racks are made of ABS, much like the 1000LT EPX LUXE. Some will appreciate the "class" evolution, whilst others will think the tubular carriers perhaps easier to use. Small chests on front fenders, two 12 volt sockets, effective hand guards, running boards and saddle backs with comfortable passenger handles, life on board the 600LT is very nice
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Lighting
Under the dual headlight optics, which do their job with ease, the bar of position lights with in-built flashing LED's is particularly well thought out. Also with LED, the Ferrari tail lights bring an original touch.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - DUO
The majority of quads with long chassis suffer from a passenger seat far too far from the pilot. This length gain would be a very useful attribute to the back portage! In the same order of thought, the angle of the saddle makes the area of backsplash far too open - as a result, the passenger is lugged. It is a long way from being integrated with the pilot, even if it behaves perfectly in duet.
Reviewing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS - Utility Use
A grain dealer from Picardy or Beauce will be at ease working without manoeuvrability in charge of the Blade 600LT. In the gorges of the Tarn or in the heart of the Savoyard mountain pastures, the breeders will have more difficulty getting to their places of exploitation. And even if there are no particular rules, the pro circles (in most cases) prefer qauds with a shorter chassis.
The new Blade is highly anticipated by the TGB quadrants and others looking for a new "middle size". The new Blade offers driving pleasure targeted by the R&D department of the Taiwanese factory and refined by Delta Mics, the new distributor for the Hexagon. The engine of 561cm3 for example is not an "nth" evolution of the block 503cm3 in end development but a real novelty. Flexibility at the opening of the gases, like the power at mid-speed and the resulting stretch, are now efficient and pleasant. With its redesigned front geometry and a completely different rear axle with long, almost vertical shock absorbers, the chassis puts confidence - the reactions are sound and predictable. It is effective in technical passes as positive when the cadence increases. Thanks to this balanced chassis, tuned to a voluntary engine at all speeds, the power passes to the ground with efficiency. This TGB Blade 600LT EPS should quickly astonish more than one.
Comparing the TGB Blade 600LT EPS to similiar ATV's on the market:
TGB Blade 600 EPS vs. Arctic Cat 550i TRV EFT
TGB Blade 600LT EPS vs. Polaris Sportsman 570 EFI T3b
TGB Blade 600LT EPS vs. CFMoto CForce 550 LDT
TGB Blade 600LT EPS vs. Kymco MXU 700i EX EPS
The conclusion:
The positives:
-Motor & Chassis approval
-Efficiency
-Equipment for the passenger
The not-so-positives:
-No winch
-Weight
Marks:
Engine | 4/5
Behaviour | 5/5
Style | 3/5
Price | 4/5
Equipment | 4/5
Total 20/25
Interested in finding out more about the TGB Blade 600LT EPS? Discover the product here
Original review & imagery credit: MotoServices.com
