05 October 2017 10:52
ATV Name: TGB Blade 1000TL 4x4
Release Date: June 2015
Manufacturer: TGB
Category: Quad trainer
Price: £8199
We submitted the TGB Blade 1000LT to the ultimate test - an uncompromising 1000km hike trial in Portugal. We'll find out if this TGB quad really has the best performance/price ration in its category.
Style & Finishes
Part of the entry-level, TGB Blade 1000cm3 trilogy, the LT is a quad bike with a two-cylinder engine - the spearhead segment of a majority of brands. The Blade line (nowadays almost too well-known since it's the first release in 2005) despite some evolutions, enjoys a fairly nice balance. Available in white, this 2017 version of the Blade 1000LT is characterized by a regular evolution of the level of finishes. The Taiwanese can now boast about not being far from the Japanese in this field...
Equipment
This quad bike is equipped with:
Front bumper & tubular rear portage
High-back elevated seat with backsplash
Grip-friendly grips
Enhanced step boards
Digital dashboard & protective plastic kit
Handguards
LED daytime running lights
Coupling ball
Mini-chest that locks on each front fender
x2 12 volt outlets (ideal for connecting a GPS and keeping a smartphone supported)
It is not equipped with a front portage, power steering or winch, however, for the price, this quad bike is already well-equipped.
Chassis
The chassis with four independent wheels and superimposed triangles is equipped with Evo shock absorbers, adjustable for preload of the spring. This results in a good balance of behaviour and even a certain comfort in use. Both during small shocks at the start of a race and when the deflections are made, the reactions of the chassis are predictable. We must not forget the inertia that this 'charming Asian baby' carries - once you have entered these basic parameters, you will be able to drive any pleasure to its handlebars.
Proof of a well-balanced chassis, the absence of power-steering is far from being prohibitive on this model. Accurate and easy in 4x2 mode, it is only in 4x4 that the direction becomes heavy. But with regard to the good propulsion capacities of the 1000LT, the all-wheel drive is not used continuously in random. In pro-use, however, opting for a Blade 1000LT EPS with tri-mode power steering may be more appropriate.
Engine
This 997cc V-Twin engine is first and foremost effective. The Siemens injection is totally forgotten. Despite speed and situation, the engine cycle is always in line with your expectations. It is a token of comfort in driving that is good to take into account. Especially with the rear deck, that can be disengaged by electric control, you will not hesitate to turn around in an agricultural way or to store your quad in the garage more easily. Once this differential is free, you can then play with very low engine speeds and the comfortable range selector to find the right pass or park.
Behavior
You will understand that the Blade is a quad that gives confidence. Its engine can be soft or voluntary according to your expectations and the type of terrain of course. Always ready to look for the positive in your behaviour, its long chassis reacts well to your body movements if they are direct and whole. This quad does not like the half-measure approach - it will be effective and frank, and more sustained if you are with it. Be careful, do not believe that your driving must be authoritarian and muscular, no! You just have to make the quad understand that you are the one who commands. Once you have understood each other, you will be able to see the great slides coming out of the curves, the efficient passages in the quagmires and the crossings or the adventurous outings under blue skies.
Crossings and Trails
Under the wind turbines, rolling on the ridge paths that connect them, is particularly revealing. These various ways offer a panel of crossings that can only be dreamed of. As the 12-inch Maxxis BigHorn tires (inflated to 600g in the Portuguese stones) perfectly combine with the Evo and the correct geometry of the chassis, it can be said that the 1000LT is formidable in crossings. Already surprising in 4x2 mode, it passes up a notch in addition in 4x4 mode. And if you're really tanked, the front deck blockage should save you from ridicule in front of your buddies. Only the laws of equilibrium risk braking you a little. When driving in rando mode, this quad does not suffer from any particular criticism.
Ergonomics & Comfort
The saddle-handlebar-step triangulation is not noticeable, guaranteeing an intelligent compromise of measurements. And if some are surprised by the width of the saddle, after a short time, they forget quickly! Otherwise, access to all controls, both visual and tactile, is not criticized. The digital dashboard, for example, is both complete because of the various information it displays, as easy to understand. We may regret the mini-surface of its reading window and the XS size of the various push-buttons.
Otherwise, as can be imagined, the projections are perfectly managed in the wet passes. We were able to experience it with during a nice crash in a quagmire!
Braking
With a wheel disc driven by aviation hoses, braking appears to be effective in static mode. What's more, with is separate controls on the handlebars! But there, two schools clash. Some practitioners appreciate being able to dose separately their desires of slides (especially in the mud) with the style of controls. Other quadrangers do not see the interest and prefer a single lever to the left hand. And since the Blade 1000LT also benefits from a good engine brake in normal running, it's not a problem! A small question nevertheless germinates in my inquisitive mind. If TGB is basically one of the World's leading manufacturers of inverters, how is it that a low engine speeds our good engine brake goes into freewheel mode?
Duo
Travelling nearly 1000km as a passenger for one week - this is the task that Marie-Helene agreed to take. "I quickly found my place. The seat is comfortable, as the handles with the grip accomplice are well-drawn. The saddleback is too far, but its presence secures. It was with confidence that I quickly shared the driving or the piloting according to the moments. On the rolling tracks, you can relax, while remaining focused obviously. And when the roads become more technical, more brittle, it is so good to get closer to the pilot, to better share the action, the moment. You hold your jacket with one hand when the second prefers the grip of the passenger handle. Rolling becomes obvious. On the other hand, the saddle is too long by about twenty centimetres. A space that the back portage would like to have at its disposal... I really had a great week! No pain just permanent pleasures, I signed immediately for next year!"
1000km Test
Starting in Amarante in the North of Portugal, the 1000LT displays 4km on the meter. If it was obviously well mounted in the workshops of Delta Mics distributor for France, it was not the subject of special preparation. After installing a can of 5 litres on the back portage (a fuel failure is never nice), I check the pressure of the tires, each night a small inventory is required. Lionel our chief engineer is in charge of cleaning the air filter, while I control the levels of oil and coolant (no input of the week). Once the tires have cooled, after the shower and the aperitif, in fact, I take the manometer to check the pressure. No punctures, no problems during 1000km.
The siblings of the TGB Blade 1000 2017:
Blade 1000LT 8
Blade 1000LT EPS
Blade 1000LT EPS Deluxe
Evolution 2017 on the 3 Blade 1000
Rear tank more robust
Evolution of the filling chute and stopper
New exhaust fasteners
New body plastics better finished
Improved passage of parking brake cable
New antiparasites
The conclusion
Back in France, with the quad well equipped, the 1000 Blade seduces as well as pleasures. It is true that the absence of winch and front portage leads to thinking. Yet, on the other hand, its detachable rear deck, its unassisted but nevertheless efficient and light steering or its price should ensure that you do not hesitate for too long...
Positives
Vivacity and extension engine
Equipment/Instrumentation
Lightweight and precise steering in 4x2 mode
Separate braking, engine brake
Comfort of the passenger
Air filter and oil level accessibility
Removable AR bridge
Negatives
No motor brakes at very low speed
Absence of AV port and winch
On the dry heavy direction in 4x4 mode
Pilot/passenger space too large
Do not forget to lock the rear axle in use TT
Performance
Vmax 60km/h
Cons NC I / 1000km
Autonomy NC km
Final marks:
Engine 5/5
Behavior 4/5
Style 4/5
Price 5/5
Equipment 5/5
Total 23/25
Find out more about the TGB Blade 1000 online at Dualways.
Content & imagery credits to MotoServices.com
