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| Andy
Lagzdins & Kevin Hill chased each
other through the trees, and the Outlaw
525 IRS shined as it provided great traction
and out handled the straight axle 525
over the rocks and roots |
At one point we were shooting on a long, slippery,
root infested, rock riddled uphill, with both
Outlaws running up the hill in close formation.
I was in the front, and this guy riding the IRS
was pushing me up the hill every time!
Immediately I saw first hand one of the benefits
of the IRS. It keeps both of the rear wheels
planted on the ground and getting traction regardless
of what the rest of the quad is doing.
We headed to the fields to get some high speed
action, and we started to make runs at the camera,
throwing up a wall of fresh mulch and cow patty
parts with our rear tires. This is where the
S model outshines the IRS. The straight axle
is easier to get into a slide and keep it there,
where the IRS wants to hook up and rail around
the turns. I’m sure the Maxxis Razr’s
on the S model had something to do with it,
and the radials on the IRS had a much more flexible
sidewall, but it was mainly the suspension mechanics.
Overall, my first impression of the machines
was good: average handling and ergonomics, good
motor and power.
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|
Out
in the fields, the Outlaw 525 S held an
advantage over the 525 IRS as it would
carve a turn easily with the rear end
much easier to slide, but on the 525 IRS,
the rear end didn't want to break loose,
and it had a tendency to high side as
shown above |
When I got the quads back to my shop and cleaned
them up, I noticed the front of the S model
was out of alignment. I had to adjust the tie
rod on the side that I had landed hard on during
the photo shoot. I inspected every part of the
front end, and nothing was bent, it just needed
an alignment for some reason. Nothing more ever
became of this, and I had no problems at all
with the front end afterwards.
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| The
Outlaw 525 S was the quickest in our drag
race, which is due to the extra weight
of the 525 IRS since the engines are indentical |
Now it was time for the drag races! We took
turns running the two quads together on a roughly
1/8th mile straight paved road, doing both standing
and rolling starts. The S model would pull ahead
slightly in every run regardless of who was
riding it. I would have to say that some power
is lost both through the extra drive train and
the exhaust shape on the IRS model, resulting
in the difference between the two.
Next we ran the Outlaws against a National
kitted 470cc Honda TRX 450R. The Honda would
pull both the Outlaws right off the start by
three to four quad lengths, then maintain it
through the gears. The IRS would always bring
up the rear. Next was a KTM525XC with a slip-on
exhaust, airbox snorkel off, and rejetted carb.
The KTM and the 470 TRX would takeoff and battle
amongst themselves, while the Outlaws fought
over the scraps. I believe the main reason for
the difference in power between the Outlaws
and the KTM is a more free-flowing exhaust and
intake. The no link rear shock limits the airbox
shape to the point that it appears to be choking
the motor’s maximum flow.
