Nov 12, 2021 Taiwan Golden Bee (TGB) Blade 600, Gerotek Testing Facility, Export Trading Group Logistics (ETGL), Rajeev Saxena,
Launch of TGB 600 quad bikes offer exceptional value for money
The feature-packed Taiwan Golden Bee (TGB) Blade 600 range of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs - or quad bikes) for the Southern African market was introduced to invited media and guests recently at the Gerotek Testing Facility west of Pretoria.
Initially, two models will be available, namely the TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 aimed primarily at recreational users and the TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4 which is expected to appeal to agricultural and other commercial users like the mining industry. Export Trading Group Logistics (ETGL) who has been appointed as the distributors for Southern Africa also announced plans to expand their product offering through the introduction of the more powerful TGB Blade 1000 series as well as 3-seater Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs – or side-by-sides). Rajeev Saxena, CEO of ETGL, says: “We believe that the TGB Blade 600 series will find quick market acceptance given the very competitive price positioning. And, considering the generous standard specification level, we are confident that buyers will appreciate the outstanding value for money proposition.”
The TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 ATV is a sports-style ATV that offers many uses as a day-to-day work tool or purely for leisure and recreational use. The sports styling results in a streamlined body design with a narrow rider seating position. Sporty styling is evident in the high-brightness LED front lights, seated in an aggressive front body panel and LED strip indicators, giving a contemporary and edgy look. A clear give-away as to the recreational suitability of the TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 can be found in the comfortable rider and pillion seat, complete with backrest. The fact that the TGB Blade 600 is the only ATV on the local market fitted with standard rear-view mirrors to assist with difficult reversing tasks and to keep an eye on the rear passenger, further reinforces its recreational credentials.
The TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4 model is designed to withstand the rigours of everyday use required on a working farm, a forest or on a mining site. Featuring a tipper, drop-side configuration load tray that can take up to a class-leading 200kg of equipment, the TGB Blade 600 AR is the ultimate workhorse. Perfect for cutting a path through rough terrain, towing substantial loads and commercial tasks. Given its workhorse nature, the rear suspension of the TGB Blade 600 AR has also been beefed up when compared to its recreational stablemate.
The TGB 600 models are powered by a single cylinder, 561cc, 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) that produces 33.4kW of power at 6,500 r/min and 46.5Nm of usable torque at 5,500 r/min. The modern EFI system ensures instant throttle response in the most demanding riding conditions and the engine’s durability is protected through liquid cooling, two separate radiators and an auxiliary fan. The radiator cover is easily accessible and can be removed for easy cleaning of mud and grasses. The durability of the engine is further enhanced using high-quality Japanese bearings on the conrod.
Drive to the wheels comes through a drive shaft connected to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) allowing for full rider control and safe handling in all conditions. The TGB Blade 600 offers selectable 2wd and 4wd traction while an electrically activated front differential lock provides additional surefootedness in tough conditions. Fitted with chunky Kenda all-terrain 6-ply tyres on sporty, 12-inch matt black aluminium rims, this ATV not only looks the part but also makes light work of severe off-road conditions, given its class-leading 320mm of ground clearance.
Weighing in at 450kg wet weight, the TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 achieved a top speed of just over 100km/h whilst being tested by a member of the media at Gerotek, however the distributors claim figures of 80km/h, while the TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4 tops out at just over 70km/h. Fuel consumption is indicated at 11km/l or 9l/100km.
Ample suspension travel of 220mm in the front and 240mm in the rear ensures easy travelling off the beaten track. This is achieved through the adoption of double A-arm fully independent suspension on all four corners and an anti-roll bar in the rear. Hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable dual-rated coil springs with a relatively low initial spring rate are designed to absorb undulations and increase grip with a precise transition point and transition range, and progress to a secondary higher spring rate to improve roll control during cornering. The suspension can be fine-tuned for individual riding styles and/or load carrying.
Rider fatigue is minimised through the adoption of innovative adjustable Electric Power Steering (EPS). The Tri-Mode Speed Sensitive Electric Power Steering senses the ATV’s speed to provide varying levels of assist for the most comfortable ride. Riders can conveniently select their required level – from no assist to minimum assist for trail riding and maximum assist for low-speed riding in rough or muddy terrain. The end-result is precise steering, easy handling, and a high degree of stability.
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with ventilated discs provide confidence to traverse steep downhill slopes or work with a trailer. The front and rear brakes can be independently applied for varying conditions while armoured brake hoses ensure protection in difficult off-road conditions. The TGB Blade 600 also features smooth-action engine braking for even more positive rider control.
Whether working the farm or enjoying a Sunday afternoon ride-out in the wild, the TGB Blade 600 has several utility features to ensure the job gets done safely. A 1360kg capacity winch mounted to the front of the ATV provides added peace of mind when in the most strenuous of conditions. The TGB Blade 600 also comes with a towing hitch as standard equipment and boasts a class-leading 830kg towing capacity with a braked trailer. The TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS is equipped with composite load-carrying racks with capacities of 30kg front and 50kg rear ensuring that you can travel to remote spots with camping equipment and/or tools.
The TGB Blade 600’s information display provides accurate information whenever you need it: the modern multi-function LCD screen is easy to read, and offers numerous functions such as digital tachometer, digital speedometer, maximum engine speed, maximum speed, average speed, total odometer distance, daily odometer, fuel gauge, clock and EPS setting. Surrounding the display are easy-to-identify indicators for transmission position, high temp, low battery, high beam, low oil pressure, check engine, 2wd/4wd and differential lock indicator.
The TGB Blade 600 offers a high level of standard equipment that includes sporty 12-inch, 8-spoke matt black aluminium rims, all-terrain 6-ply tyres, hand guards, rear view mirrors, robust front protective frame/bumper and engine protector plate, modern composite luggage racks, comfortable rider and pillion seat with backrest, modern full-LED lighting, a 12-volt auxiliary power socket, towing hitch and a 1360kg capacity winch. Says Pavan Nair, Business Head of ETGL: “The TGB Blade series heads up the next generation of ATV technology with unrivalled levels of specification and delivers outstanding value for money. It is for this reason, that TGB has won the coveted title of European ATV of the Year on numerous occasions. We are looking forward to buyers who will appreciate both the workability and fun elements of these vehicles.”
Arthur Lin, President of Taiwan Golden Bee Co. Ltd adds: “TGB has been manufacturing and developing for over 50 years in the powertrain industry. It is our honour to have ETGL bring our Blade series into Southern Africa. We believe customers will feel satisfied with our outstanding products and service, including the exceptional ride experience and versatile applications.”
ETGL’s South African dealer network consists of nine dealers nationwide, with a target to expand to 15 dealers by March 2022. The TGB Blade 600 series is covered by a 24-month warranty.
Pricing (inclusive of Value Added Tax – VAT) is as follows:
TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4: R 183,500
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