i have a striaght axle and i wanted to know what is the differences between the straight axle and the independant axles. are the independant axles less tippy as the straight axle?

 

I have had them both and would have to say, going into a hard fast burm or curve the straight axle would be the first to roll if going too fast.

 

Generally, IRS is less tippy with the exception of some IRS bikes without a stabilizer bar in an off-camber situation. No question that IRS is better for rock climbing and the higher ground clearence with IRS makes it better for mud and deep ruts. Powersliding works better with SRA.

Jaybee

 

I respectfully disagree with the prior posts. IRS is more tippy. They also ride better and have marginally better ground clearance. The SRA is much more predictable in off-camber situations and high speed cornering. They are also less maintenance and cheaper to maintain. IRS has 4 more CV boots to rip, weaker axles, numerous suspension bushings...

For the most part it is a matter of personal preference. If I was a mudder, IRS would be important. If I had a bad back, IRS would be important. If I liked sliding around corners and did a lot of technical stuff with side hilling, I would have the SRA.

Some SRAs ride better than others, same with IRS.

 

I have an IRS (Rincon) and a SRA (Foreman).

The IRS rides much smoother over rough stuff. You really don't realize how fast you are floating over rocks and roots until you ride the same trail on a SRA quad. The IRS also has better ground clearance, unless you land a jump when IRS can squat more. Feedback of what the tires are doing is more muted.

The SRA quad is more stable and has less body roll in corners, or on off camber trails, it slides better, and it is easier to feel what the wheels are doing.

 

I have to agree with MikeM... the IRS does feel more tippy. The SRA can get tippy in off camber situations though. The IRS gives you a much more plush ride, better ground clearance and helps keep all tires to the ground much better than the SRA.

 

stupid dbl post...

 

the thing with an SRA is you know when you are getting close to the edge where an IRS can surprise you

 

Yeah. Like anything else, though, you get used to your particular machine, how it reacts and what it will do...

 

Exactly... Jeffin!!! I've had both my self and found each was respectivly fun. As long as I was used to how the bike would react in different situations.

IRS is a little les bumpy though and SRA is a little more powerslideish, if that's a word. (powerslideish)