I was wondering which of these atvs are better? And is the independent rear suspension all that it is advertised to be?

 

Depends on your riding style and if you'll be riding in the woods, rocks, over rough terrain, etc. If you'll be riding strickly smooth trails, dunes, etc., there's really no need for IRS. If you're going to be on rough terrain, and occasionally ride with friends on utility ATVs, you might want to get the IRS model.

 

i ride a lot of flat land and hills(not dunes) and occasionally some trails that can be bumpy but im not sure if i like the feel of irs

 

The Outlaw 500 has a better stock intake system than the Predator 500 and therefore puts out a little more HP stock. But the Preddy weighs less and with an aftermarket intake it really wakes up. But if I was looking I would skip both of these and find a good used Outlaw 525 and get the best of both worlds, outstanding suspension and a killer motor.

There are a lot of people on sites that give opinions about the IRS ride on the Outlaw machines without ever even haven ridden on one. I love the IRS on my Outlaw 525. It does great in the dunes and trails. The rougher the dunes get the more I love it. The only time I would pick an SRA quad is if I was going to turn it into a drag machine and wanted to stretch the swingarm out. I have both an 07 Predator LE with the upgraded Fox XL suspension and an Outlaw 525. Both machines are great but the Outlaw 525 with the KTM powerplant and less weight than the Predator and 40 lb less weight than the 500 Outlaw is so much nicer.

 

how does the outlaw 525 do with sliding

 

I fully agree with evasiveone. The outlaw rocks most everywhere. If I was to race on a track or drag, then go with the straight axle. The outlaw seems to get some bad info for sand dunes, but I think that is more from people who havent ridden one or who may be more hard core than most people. The outlaw with ktm motor is hard to beat and is proving itself on the track! As for the IRS, you will get used to it just like any other ride!

 

yeah in a ad i saw for a new 2007 outlaw 525 irs they are asking $5288
in my mind that is a steal but im not ready to pay that much for a brand new atv financially. i am looking for a atv in the 2500 or less range. this is from jacksonville powersports but im not sure the deal is still going. if you want to know more it is in the coastal trading post issue 26

 

The predator 500 was released before the outlaw 500. So the equip of latest techs are missed for outlaw 500. However, according to the engine performance, the outlaw 500 is better. On the other hand, if you consider the weight balance then the predator 500 is the winner. You can read this article to learn more- Outlaw 500 vs Predator 500 – 5 Differentiating Factors