The Kawie is to heavy of a pig for "tight tight" woods, and it needs suspension mods to do much jumping. Either the Rappy or Outlaw would make a good choice, you just need to decide between IRS or straight axle
The 700xx is an awesome machine. The mags have not done t justice, hence the lacking sales. I have one and it'll go nearly anywhere except 2 foot deep mud. It'll kill a KFX700 in every way possible. I sold my 2008 400EX after one ride on an 700xx. It's that good!!
I bought an Outlaw 500 IRS back in Feb. I have had a utility quad and ride in mud and tough trails but wanted something for the sand pits that I can get to through the trails.
I really like the IRS. It gives me plenty of ground clearance to get through the mud, over rocks, logs etc but still rips pretty good in the sand pit.
I looked at the 400ex and it seemed small. I am 6' 1" and 215, the Outlaw fit me much better. I also considered the Raptor but went for ground clearance.
The Honda IRS looks nice but I do not know anything about it. I was only looking used as it is my second quad.
I can only tell you I love my Outlaw IRS and I have heard the 525 is fast.
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06 Polaris Outlaw 500 and 04 Suzuki Eiger
I have 50/50 wanted to try the IRS since it came out for the better ride, better traction and better clearance.
But I've only had one occasion so far that teetered me over the line to get one. It was the right machine at the right price... an Outlaw 500 leftover, over a year ago.
I made the deal and was waiting around on the paperwork to get completed when I found out the shop had robbed the wiring harness to get someone else back going because of a back-order situation.
Had that not happened and broke the deal, I would have an Outlaw 500 IRS instead of my 400EX, and probably be a lot happier.
So of course I considered the Outlaw 525 IRS when I bought again.
But I ended up feeling more comfortable about the KFX 450R.
I may try an IRS sport one day.
__________________ '00 TRX400EX
A project in progress......brought to a screeching halt (3/09)....Time for a new 450R!
the raptor is without a doubt faster than the honda 700 if you want speed go with yamaha
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09 YFZ 450R
GYTR Full Exhaust
GYTR Billet Air Filter
Power Commander
13.2 GYTR High Compression Piston
Port and Polished Head
GYTR Intake and Exhaust Cams