The 2008 Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS may just look another sports quad at first glance. It has a lightweight chassis and menacing hood design that's popular among many high-end ATVs, and packs a lot of power with its KTM four-valve single cylinder engine. But what sets it apart from other quads is the "IRS" in its name. No, it's not a flag for auditors to track you down on the trails - it stands for the Outlaw's revolutionary Independent Rear Suspension. Most sports quads have a single-axis suspension, giving you tight controls on unbalanced terrain, but making those rough spots are a real pain. The Outlaw's IRS solves this problem, giving you 11 inches of clearance and a suspension that can handle the rockiest and roughest trails out there.
It's really the marvel of the IRS's effectiveness that sets the Outlaw apart. This quad can take a licking and keep on ticking, bouncing off even the toughest obstacles. The only problem with this system is the added weight caused by the extra set of A-arms in the rear. Fortunately, the 510cc engine and responsive 5-speed transmission (with reverse) make up for this problem - to a degree. The Outlaw has a tendency to not handle off-camber terrain very well with the added weight requiring more driver control to keep on the trail. Other than that, the quad performs remarkably well while providing maximum comfort for the driver (again, thanks to its IRS). Professional riders looking to push their ATV to the extreme may not be too impressed with the Outlaw, but it makes a great ride for recreational enthusiasts. |
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