I see a lot of articles that mention a solid rear axle is preferable for trail riding. Why wouldn't an independent rear suspension be better?

 

I think independent IS better. I don't care what any article says. I've been on both and I definitely prefer independent suspension.

John

 

I think that the main reason that solid is preferred forr trail riding is the off camber stuff. Solid is better for that since irs tends to roll more and the rider needs to adjust much more.

 

A solid axel machine normally is lighter but the IRS has ALOT more ground clearance which is VERY beneficial in the mud!!!!!!

 

IRS gives a better ride while a swingarm is better for jumping.

 

The only folks running solid rear axles today are those that want to go as fast as the pros do; haven't experienced IRS or can't afford to make the switch.

Anybody that doesn't recommend IRS to a newbie wanting to purchase a brand new machine, not caring 'how fast their buddy is', is doing them a diservice.

John

 

<< IRS has ALOT more ground clearance >>



normally, but the ones i saw this weekend look sagged out and have the same...............but yes they are A LOT more comfortable!

they are however more heavy on the maintenance side, because they have more moving parts. IRS also handles a lot better, in a corner they squat more and on off chambers i fell more safe on a IRS quad (when you get used to the tall felling) because the quad stays more level.

just my $.02

 

I have both types on two quads right now, and the IRS is the hands down winner for me. More comfortable, more capable, better clearance, sticks better. In fact, the IRS sticks a little too good for some riders, I've heard of people rolling IRS machines while trying to slide around corners, the rear end sticks instead of sliding.

What I like about the IRS the most on a trail is how it remains in control when you hit something unexpected. I was following a buddy riding my new AC 500i, watched him dive into a turn, saw a rear wheel clip a tree stump, and the IRS did exactly what it was supposed to do. The one wheel hopped over the stump, while the rest of the quad remained unaffected. Didn't throw him off line at all. My solid axle big bear tends to toss its rear end around when it hits something, but the Cat just shrugs off the bumps.

 

the older irs squated, the newer ones like polaris and grizzlies have sway bars that get rid of the squat without losing the confortable ride. after a long day of riding you'll know why people like their irs.