It's to bad really, this is the machine I wanted Honda to release 2 years ago. If they had I would be riding red right now. It will be interesting to see who has the better quad in the shootouts this year, but I haven't seen any huge improvements that would make me trade in the ole Yamaha just yet[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Man, it's like bickering Democrats and Republicans basing and shifting every opinion on a party label. (Red and Blue. hahaha)

I like the analogy but, now I have to sell my Raptor! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

There ya go Happ!!!! 13lbs? OH MY!!!

 

Now, now, now, don't be a sheep. If you really get the analogy, blind loyalty is pointless in both areas. I don't prejudge brands or Parties. But I do dislike certain models and politicians (Jesse Jackson and Santorum for example). There's a difference. The nice part about being independent is that you don't need to think one side is always right.

I thought the 400EX was a lazy parts bin quad with low standards that didn't deserve to be sold for more than one year after Honda saw the market for sports quads was still there and I never liked the Raptor 660 because it was a heavy-feeling, wheelie-crazy clutz. I can also easily say as Kawi Guy that I'm disappointed that Kawi's been quite lazy in the sport quad market lately: one genuine new ATV since all these machines started coming out: the KFX700 and I'm not crazy about that one either.

The best "fresh new idea" sport quads when they came out where the Quadracer 250 and 500, the Blaster, the LT80 and the Mojave. Recently, it's been the Cannibal (1st super fast 4 stroke AND EFI...too bad it had a lot of glitches), The Z400 (for exposing the 400EX for what it was) The YFZ450 (really raised the bar) and the new Outlaw (Independent rear suspension).

Maybe when the KFX450 comes out, I'll be able to tip my head to them (maybe).

 

To tell ya the truth, I don't think that new Outlaw IRS will raise the standard much. I have a feeling maintenence (upkeep), reliability, price, and weight will become a problem. Also the only real use for suspension like that would be for hardcore XC or 4x4ing. IRS belongs on 4x4's, not sport quads! Making a bike that only takes advantage of it's new design in ONE area (XC) isn't a good idea. How many people have problems keeping both tires on the flat ground in MX, dunes, trail riding, baja, and etc.....NOONE because there's no obstacles in the way to make use of the system. It's just a marketing gimic if you ask me.

*Also, I believe it might decrease stability and make it more tippy on turns. The straight axle is what keeps quads so stable on fast turns by keeping the frame from leaning or tilting. Think about entering a turn really fast with IRS, the top of the quad will lean to the outside of the corner, possibly dumping the rider and quad.

 

The 06 450r has new better looking headlights.

 

Yea i totally agree with that..you see these big old 4by4's with irs and guys flying around on em they take a turn and the hole entiire damn thing leans...boy sure looks scary to me. Sure the irs "predator" or outlaw will be better for staying flat than the 4by4's due to the weight and the shocks of it but i dont see it doing very well in anything except XC type racing....who is going to want it for the track? not many people and for the dunes there wouldnt be very much point since its all nice rolling dunes.

 

I personally think with the adjustments to this years trx450r it should be neck and neck or accelerate faster than the yfz. And with regards to the weight just like others have mentioned...put the fork down or that would be the equivalent of someone riding a yfz with a loaded backpack and the guy on the 450r nothing. All depends on the scenario and how you look at...like a heavy rider vs lighterrider but the lighter rider on the heavier machine is still lighter then the heavier rider on the lighter machine.

 

Why so closed minded guys? No one has ANY idea as to how the IRS on the outlaw performs. IMO, you are probably looking at the future of atving.

 

Im not being closed minded...i do believe the outlaw will be good for what it was made for and i would like one for the trails...was just giving my opinion on it.