Question:
Dear Motorhead:
I watched a recent episode of Dirt Trax about the Polaris Outlaw IRS. You said it was a great ATV for trails but you wouldn’t see it on a motocross track and I was wondering why?
I enjoy weekend trail riding. At 46 I’m wondering what you might recommend for some light racing for us older guys who still have to go back to work on Mondays – Something like a sport class with moderate skill levels.
Thanks,
Mike
Reply:
Hey Mike
Thanks for your question. It is a good one. The problem with the Outlaw IRS is that the rear end is really quite soft. Which is why its such a great trail ATV.
However, it tends to jump VERY nose high. The rear end doesn’t have enough rebound to kick the back up off the lip of a jump. Its not that it can’t be jumped, its just not as good as a track-specific pure sport ATV.
Furthermore, the extra weight will be noticeable on a moto track as will the body roll. On the trail, these traits aren’t a problem. but on a track they tend to be much more pronounced.
If you are looking to do some light racing I suggest picking up a used motocross ATV. A Yamaha YFZ 450 would be great and sometimes you can score a good deal on one.
I suggest staying away from modified ATVs as reliability can be questionable
If you want to have an ATV for trail riding and a bit of motocross you could get a Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS and try stiffening up the rear shocks a lot. That may help with the nose high jumping and body roll in the corners.
Hoep this helps,
Luke Lester
DirtTrax Television
