Before getting hammered by the economy I did a lot of research into both of these quads and would be happy having either one in my garage. The Honda's weight is curb weight, while the Outlaw is dry weight, so the difference is not quite as big as it first appears.

Honda 700xx advantages:
Honda's reputation for build quality.
Fuel Injection.
Better quality wear components (bearings, rubber, cv-boots).

Honda 700xx disadvantages:
Weight
Handling (can be corrected with aftermarket sway bar)
Odd rear wheel sizing.
Unless they bring it back for 2013, it was only made for 2 years.

Polaris Outlaw advantages:
Lighter
KTM is known to be a powerhouse motor.
Better stock handling
Has at least 5 model years under its belt

Polaris Outlaw disadvantages:
Some wear items tend to wear out quickly. Bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings.
Torn CV boots are fairly common.
General attention to detail not quite the same as the Japanese manufacturers (although '09-up models are better with the updated fasteners).

For me it is about 50/50. Both would require something to make them fit my needs, but either would be a nice quad to own.

 

I think you're cofusing facts vs. opinion...

there's no data showing honda is any more or less reliable than any other atv on the market- especially over the last 6 years.

"Better quality wear components (bearings, rubber, cv-boots)." is hog wash. They are no different than any of the components on any of the other 3 japanese makers (raw material wise.)
Ever compare a cv / axle on any of the 4 japanese brands to the axles found on the can-am, polaris or arctic cat's? The japanese axles are 30% thinner. I've ownd many honda atv's- some good & some bad points- and honda's ES tranny was a major pain in my *** on both my low milage rincons.

also- if cv boots are tearing, then it's the rider or a design flaw in the front / rear suspension that's leaving the boot susceptible to damage, not the boot material, and it isn't an advantage or disadvantage point to either quad.

My point really isn't to flame honda, but to point out that hearing a honda owner say he has the most reliable atv is no different than hearing a polaris rider say he has the most reliable atv. And anyone who says "honda's reputation for durability" is an advantage for chosing between two atv's, has not been keeping up with the current market- and is one of the most annoying and unproven atv cliches around.

and I couldn't disagree with you more in regards t your statement "japanese attention to detail" - have you compared the recent "detail" of a japanese atv to that of polaris, arctic-cat or can-am?
It's the lack off detail that's been keeping me off any japanese atv.


Just debating your statements, not looking for an argument

 

I know the cv joints on the outlaw have been known to tear easier because of the design. Also the ktm has to have an oil change ever 15 hours. I have talked to a few people and it sounds like the outlaw has alot more problems with maintenance.

 

I have no bias in this. I don't currently own either quad in question. I was not bashing either manufacturer. Every manufacturer has their issues, none make a perfect quad. As I said, for me it is a 50/50 split and I would be happy owning either one. The information I offered was directly from owners of the respective quads.

Outlaw owners will tell you that the Chinese bearings Polaris uses are both lower quality, and not properly lubricated from the factory. Ball joints and tie rod ends are also shipped dry from the factory with no practical way to grease them, thus causing premature wear and replacement. When it comes time to replace these parts owners are replacing them with better bearings. Torn CV boots are a documented issue, either due to the design that doesn't allow stress relief, or the type of rubber that is reacting to the chain lube. This suggests a certain attention to detail or cost cutting measures chosen by Polaris. Yet Polaris did choose Fox Podium shocks for a lot of their sport quads.

On the other side Honda chose to cut corners on the shocks, stock tires, and cheap plastic front bumpers. 700xx owners will tell you that handling and suspension need improvement, that 505 lbs. is still heavy for a sport quad, and that 11" rear wheels was a bad call. But rubber parts aren't tearing, and bearings aren't wearing out prematurely. I am no Honda apologist, BTW. They've given tons of market share away by sitting on their hands, happy with "bold new graphics", while allowing others to innovate and pass them by.

It ultimately comes down to the decisions each manufacturer has made as to where they will cut costs, and what you're more comfortable with fixing or maintaining to meet your needs. In the end any issue with either of these quads is fairly easy to address, except one...weight. But that may not bother some riders. My advice to others has always been: Buy what you want, but know what you're getting.

 

I have a 700xx so I'll give you my honest opinion on the quad. Its a very versatile quad, very reliable, I had mine for over two years without even a single problem. The machine can be amazingly fast in the trails, the engine seems like the more you ride it the more your impressed by it. Easy to wheelie, good torque but first gear is a bit tall lots of people change to a front 13t sprocket because of that.

Anyways the not so great is the rear rim size, not sure why they went with that but you can always get 10in rear rims. The stock front shocks are horrible if you want to jump but they are comfy for trail riding. I changed mine for elka stage1. The weight of the quad I never really felt it was heavy, 505lbs is with all the liquids, wet weight. Oh yeah also if you buy one remove the stupid mud scraper from the rear rims they only serve one purpose its to destroy your rims when rocks gets stuck in them.

The Outlaw on the other hand from what I've heard will give you more performance, it got better shocks all around and is lighter. Although they are not quicker and a stock XX from what I've seen on the net will beat the Outlaw just by a bit. The price for that is more maintenance, you have to adjust the valves just like a 450 quad as well as oil change etc and as far as reliability goes for the rest of the quad from what I've heard its just not on par with the Honda.

All in all its pretty much that, if the XX would come with better all around shocks and would be 30-40lbs lighter it would be a hell of a machine but I guess no machines are perfect.

 

I just got a 700xx today, so I'm feeling it out. I have 4 Honda machines. Two are newer four wheelers and two are old 3 wheelers. Despite a couple goofy transmissions, Honda is the poster child for reliability. I also have an Arctic Cat, but I've always run Polaris and Yamaha in the past. Both were too unreliable for me to continue buying. The Honda atv's from the 80's are still around and usually tough as nails. I know it probably seems like I'm biased, but the two four wheelers I have I just bought this year. I bought them because I like the setup and they are Honda brand. I've gotten bit by every single Polaris and Yamaha I've ever purchased except for one really good Banshee that was completely restored. Now that I'm getting older I appreciate the reputation. Polaris utility quads used to be the most fun to ride, but you can't go ride a 10 year old Polaris with no problems. You're lucky if the 4wd, starter, pull start, and cvt work like they are supposed to. There's a reason I'm going to Honda. You guys put up a good conversation.

 

I finally found it, makes sense to me too.

"
An interesting outgrowth of Honda's goal to fit the longest A-arms and axle shafts possible is the use of special 11-inch-diameter rear wheels (larger than competitive designs). The larger-diameter wheels allow the knuckles and hubs to reach farther into the wheel cavity, which effectively extends the A-arms and axle shafts to the perimeter of the 700XX's track width. To maintain strength and light weight, the thickness of the rear-wheel wall varies as it extends from the center plate to the outer ring of the wheel—another Honda ATV first. And here's another: the fitment of replaceable rim scrapers to remove mud and debris from rear wheels, a feature pioneered on Honda's popular Foreman and Rincon series.


Gathered from atvscene.com Honda 700xx irs ride test and review

 

If I were you I would get the 700xx I did some research and I might get one next week but it is more reliable than the outlaw, a little faster after 3rd gear stock, both are great machines though just pick and go.

 

Go with the Honda every sport polaris I've seen hits water/mud and just gives up. Hondas are bulletproof