2008 Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS

The KTM mill has six cogs, much like the 2-wheeled version it comes from, but one of those is a reverse in the Outlaw.

Jumping can result in some disagreeable noises from the fenders rubbing against the tires. Small stuff like this is acceptable, but larger impacts will have the Polaris crying out in defiance.

In the drier, faster mountain trails of Southern California the Outlaw is actually almost as comfortable as in the tighter woods.

The deeps ruts of a XC course and generally 'worked' conditions also play right into the Outlaws' strengths.

The Fox-Shox-equipped IRS works unbelievably well in cross-country style applications. Motocross and dunes are a different story.

You only need to look around at the field of high-end sport quads to see that the Outlaw is a unique-looking ATV.

In the higher-revving reaches of high speed riding, the torquey mill enjoys less of an advantage versus lesser-displaced quads, but between the greater comfort in the rough stuff, and less shifting to get in the power, it's less work to ride overall.

The effort required to ride the machine in challenging terrain is virtually nothing, as your body gets pounded less by the bumps and ruts.

There's plenty about the Polaris that's big. The seating arrangement is spacious and the larger motor has an advantage over 450cc machines.

Comfort-wise its similar to an IRS-equipped sport-utility ATV, but you can push far harder on the Outlaw, and you never miss the lack of front-wheel drive.

Higher ground clearance and independent rear suspension make sliding the Outlaw more difficult than standard 450 sport-quads.

The real revelation is the fully-independent rear suspension system, freeing the Outlaw from the straight-axle shackles of most sport ATVs, and making it far more worthy of the moniker 'All Terrain Vehicle' than it otherwise would be.

On flatter/smoother terrain, or in the sand, the IRS is counterproductive and digs-in rather than sliding predictably.

Polaris came out with the IRS concept years ago and has found a terrific match with the new KTM-powered Outlaw platform.