I need to know likes and dislikes and is the handling that bad, as you read on the honda.

 

I would assume you have decided you definitely want IRS????

The XX seem pigish, but I guess that is the price for all those extra parts compared to an SRA.

 

I've read way more positive things, handling-wise, about the 525irs than I have about the 700xx.... though both are fine machines. I'd say try to take them both for a spin and see how the feel...

 

I have an XX and "if" there is any handling difference you cannot see it or feel it. I have chased down a few 525 IRS's in the tight trails and once I catch them they cannot leave me. The XX is not pigish. That interpretation always comes from someone who has never even driven one other than maybe in a parking lot. The only real flaw I have found in it is the selection of stock tires. The Dunlop's are good enough to get by, but do make the front end push. I switched to Maxxis RAZR's front and rear and it has nearly eliminated the push. Plus I now have more traction than I need that the front end wants to come up anytime I blip the throttle. But now that I can get the power to the ground it's all good

 

I think I would go for the XX for one reason only and that is EFI. Just a thought.

 

I've looked at both and only sat on both. The Outlaw has a stiffer suspension from what I've read. The XX has the EFI which is a plus in my mind. As others have said take them both for a ride and see what you like. They look like great trail machines if you ride where there are ruts, roots, and rocks. If your trails are mostly smooth or soft sand take a look at the swing arm solid axle machines. Lots to pick from. I liked the XX and Outlaw mainly because they seem to be geared toward a bigger rider than the 450 class machines. If I didn't have so much mud to go through I'd definetly give either machine a long look.

 

I see the 700XX and 525 IRS and pretty different bikes... and probably shouldn't be compared...

EXACTLY what Honda INTENDED I am SURE.
Better business decision than directly competing with a 525 IRS or Raptor 700R.

Which one to go with I think really depends on you and what type of ride you prefer.

To me, the 700XX is roomier and a more comfortable trail cruiser that can get REAL sporty, and will ride better in the rough than a SRA sport quad. The price you pay is over 100 lbs in weight.

The 525 IRS is more in line with SRA sport quads.
The 700XX is more like what a KFX700 or Scrambler 500 ought to be...


Anyone who trys to tell you that you can't really notice the extra weight is CRAZY though.

I myself own...

400EX.................. 374 lbs
KFX 450R.............. 364 lbs
Polaris Sport 400.... 475 lbs (Scrambler 2x4 w/400cc 2 stroke)


Now, I have dropped some weight on the Polaris and added some weight in bolt-ons to the other two.

And TRUST ME I can feel the weight difference!!!!
There is no "not noticing it" many times a ride.


Now I am not at all saying to go to one side of the fence or the other.
It's a matter of CHOICE!

It's all a trade-off.... personal preference, etc.
And for a guy like me, it depends on what day you ask me.
That's why I have what I do... and which one I go out on depends on the day...
I can run with anything out there on woods trails with either of them...