Ate up some ground today just south of Reno, NV. put 39.7 miles on my wifes 07 Sportsman 500 EFI, needed to get it broke in. MUCH, MUCH "funner" to ride than my 06 700 with EBS. I had some long steep downhills that I would've paid big bucks for the EBS, though. Some pretty technical stuff, had to hop off a couple of times and run the throttle from the side to get through a few places. Spent a lot of time in areas that were really just motorcycle trails.

I'm learning quick; there's times it's just better to hit some places fast and let momentum carry you through, rather than crawl.

I can't believe how great the IRS ride is. I know people say a solid rear axle is better anytime you get into the nasty stuff, but I'll take that cushy IRS ride anytime!!!

TR

 

in my opinion, noway is straight axle anywhere near the irs in all aspects. handling, ride, and bad stuff.

 

Talked with a guy yesterday at the Honda dealership; asked him why if straight axle was so much better, Honda's making an IRS now. He said it was market driven; but straight is still the better choice.

No thanks.

TR

 

No defensive attitude here, I am just curious, what does "Better" mean? An argument for straight axle
over IRS, I would think an Engineering one. Obviously, more sport quads are that and they
blaze thru with high speeds and all the jumps. BUT it just seems to me that an Axle and chain
drive would serious limitations going thru/getting over obsticles, too many to get hung up on
Rock, mud hard on chain, my 2cents..

R'