 |
Ground
Clearance concerns is a thing of the past with
the Polaris Outlaw |
Next we would head into the mountains on some narrow
ridges with steep climbs and descents. One particular
hill climb, I purposely took a line with some deep
rain ruts. The IRS went through these ruts like they
weren't even there. I would have been stuck for sure
on a solid axle quad! There was never a time when
I wish I would have had more power. I could climb
all the hills in a taller gear than I would have on
another quad. Just roll on the throttle and hang on.
On down hills the brakes worked incredibly well.
Until now I thought that Honda had the best front
brakes on the market. Not anymore, the front dual
piston calipers bring this quad to a stop on a dime.
Stoppies are a blast on this quad. The rear brake
worked equally well and showed no signs of fade even
after my attempts to make them fade.
Steering was quick and precise with no bump steer
noticed. Even though this ATV weighs a little more
than the current 450's, the weight is carried low
and is very flickable. I could easily change directions
and off cambers were easily negotiated.
| |
|
|
The
Outlaw 525 was extremely predictable when jumping,
and the IRS was very effective in absorbing
the landing even when landing a little sideways |
After the trail ride we were allowed to go out on
our own for some photos and testing. Harlen found
this huge drop off into a sand wash and told me I
had to jump off of it. I'm not much of an MXer, but
you gotta do what the boss says. On the first jump
I came off the ledge a little crooked and braced for
the one rear wheel landing. To my pleasant surprise
the IRS soaked up the landing and did not sling me
to one side like I was expecting. You can get away
with crazy landings that would send you flying off
a solid axle quad. I made the jump several more times
with the same results, smooth predictable landings.
Next was some high speed runs over small whoops with
some turns thrown in. Again, the Outlaw 525 would stay
right on top of the whoops as long as you kept the throttle
pinned and your weight back. Through the turns it stayed
level with no signs of body roll like one might think
with IRS. It corners just like a solid axle quad.
I believe that Polaris has a winner here! This quad
is very capable of winning a GNCC or desert overall
as well as being a great trail quad for the experienced
rider. This is the quad I have been dreaming about
since the early 90's. It is only time before the other
manufactures will follow suit and make the IRS switch.
