Seems that the Independent rear suspension is growing in models, but is it better than a swing arm? In SUV's I think it is, but this isn't an SUV.

 

One positive of a swingarm is that it is more stable in turns at higher speeds (they don't let the bike sway as much). Other than that, the IRS is able to go through the ruts so much better that it really is nice to have. I know that I have a swingarm and have to stay out of the ruts that the IRS in the family go through, like the Arctic Cats. I prefer the swingarm because it is better for higher speed trail riding and jumping, but for mudding or ground clearance issues, the IRS is the way to go, for sure.

 

The IRS will also cause the tires to bow out while pulling...

 

Sorry, but that's not true. That is such a common misconception. The 700 Sportsman has a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. It will not bow the wheels pulling it. I put the front end of a 500 Sportsman on the rear rack of a 500 sportsman to tow it out of the woods after a ball joint broke and we could't get it out any other way. The rear suspension sagged, as I should, but the wheels did not bow out one bit. It handled just like a machine with a straight axle would. The Sportsmans have an anti sway bar on the rear, and you won't have that to contend with. Maybe some of those other ones don't, but with a Sportsman...no worries. Besides the fact, that the IRS will always ride better than a straight axle. Having said that, I love my Predator with the straight axle. So, to each his own.

 

OK I stand corrected but is that just for the new modles because I seen a 500 sportsman and two people were on it and the tires were bowing out. I know that you can buy a lock for the IRS so it will become like a solid axle...later

friesen

 

GasMaster,aren't they sport utilty atv's( the v standing for vehicle)?

 

I agree. The ultimate goal is to figure out is it worth it to buy an Independent Rear Suspension vehicle and still be able to tow what the manuf suggests or is the swing are the only way to go. Again, I like the IRS as it will make a much smoother ride on the trail. Seen the comments about jumping, but doubt I will be doing much of that, will try at times but not much.

 

With the exception of power sliding I think it is just a matter of personal preference.If you are going to do alot of rock crawling,mudding or deep snow,the IRS comes in handy.If you are doing alot of tight ,fast trail riding the solid axle seems to be better.Personally I don't think I would buy another solid axle sport utility machine because of the type of riding I do.As far as towing I have towed several broken quads out of the woods as well as trailers loaded down with firewood and have never had a problem.I'm sure when I was towing the trailers I was surely exceeding the manufacturers wieght limit.But it just kept on pulling it like it was nothing.Like I said purely personal preference.