OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[buzzbro]

Hi guys I am thinking about updating my beloved Z400 next year and am looking at the outlaws.
Can anyone tell me the fors and againsts for the 500 vs the 525's
I have heard that the 525 is a high maintenace machine but it is 20 kg lighter and has blistering pace but you rarely hear much of the 500.
I only trail ride and have one annual pilgrimage to the dunes and I don't want something that is high maintenance.
What is IRS like in the dunes? Do they suit short@rses?
Am I more suited to the 500 and yes I will probably be looking at the secondhand market.
What are your thoughts?
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[Barney]

I know where there is an 09 Honda 700 sports quad with irs second hand for around 8 grand low hours only purchased april this year and was used on a farm
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2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[buzzbro]

sorry grizz red doesn't float my boat
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[bigjon]

I'd go the 525 IRS.
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[Barney]

go the 525 buzz , probably haull your butt better after having a few coldys , and u know what they say , u can never have to many cc
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2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[priesty]

buzzbro wrote:

I don't want something that is high maintenance.

Check this thread Buzz, doesn't inspire much confidence :

http://www.ozatv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82705#82705
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08 700xx

[yogie]

bigjon wrote:

I'd go the 525 IRS.

yeah me too on that one...
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[noodles]

priesty wrote:

buzzbro wrote: I don't want something that is high maintenance. Check this thread Buzz, doesn't inspire much confidence : http://www.ozatv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82705#82705

that is not the same motor as the 525.

Ive had a 525 irs and they are an awesome machine if i wasnt riding motocross i wouldnt think of owning any other bike .They have a ton of torque and pull hard all the way to the top, they are a little more expensive to service because they have 2 oil filters but on the upside they have 2 oil filters.
My 525 did a lot of very hard work in some very hot temps and i got about 170 hours out of the motor.There would be quite a few people on this forum that can vouch for hard this bike got ridden. It did 1 1/2 seasons of motocross, 5 enduros including track marking minimum 6 trips to kingston where it got flogged hard for 3 days each time, it did an Anabranch trail ride, a trail ride in tassie, a dozen trips to my mates place at swan reach where it also gets flogged for 2 days straight each time, It also crossed the Simpson desert (500km)in 45 degree heat. I reckon thats pretty good. I used to call it the sponge because it would soak up any thing you would throw at it. I can vouch for the IRS saving my ass at least once and i seen it do the same for Scooter and Drea.
When the motor finally started to let go is in the middle of a trail rode in the flinders ranges, the main bearings started to lose their hardening which meant a crank rebuild, whilst it was apart i put in the following new parts, piston, rings, conrod, 2 new intake valves, timing chain, full gasket kit, all seals and bearings it cost me just under $2000 for the full rebuild buy a mechanic. If you have any specific questions just ask me.

Dave
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[doel#20]

noodles wrote:

priesty wrote: buzzbro wrote: I don't want something that is high maintenance. Check this thread Buzz, doesn't inspire much confidence : http://www.ozatv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82705#82705 that is not the same motor as the 525. Ive had a 525 irs and they are an awesome machine if i wasnt riding motocross i wouldnt think of owning any other bike .They have a ton of torque and pull hard all the way to the top, they are a little more expensive to service because they have 2 oil filters but on the upside they have 2 oil filters. My 525 did a lot of very hard work in some very hot temps and i got about 170 hours out of the motor.There would be quite a few people on this forum that can vouch for hard this bike got ridden. It did 1 1/2 seasons of motocross, 5 enduros including track marking minimum 6 trips to kingston where it got flogged hard for 3 days each time, it did an Anabranch trail ride, a trail ride in tassie, a dozen trips to my mates place at swan reach where it also gets flogged for 2 days straight each time, It also crossed the Simpson desert (500km)in 45 degree heat. I reckon thats pretty good. I used to call it the sponge because it would soak up any thing you would throw at it. I can vouch for the IRS saving my ass at least once and i seen it do the same for Scooter and Drea. When the motor finally started to let go is in the middle of a trail rode in the flinders ranges, the main bearings started to lose their hardening which meant a crank rebuild, whilst it was apart i put in the following new parts, piston, rings, conrod, 2 new intake valves, timing chain, full gasket kit, all seals and bearings it cost me just under $2000 for the full rebuild buy a mechanic. If you have any specific questions just ask me. Dave

even took a hit in the rear from my 700xx and came out unhurt on the ride in tassie lol

[mitch41]

the 525s are newer than the 500s

[IRS 525]

noodles wrote:

They have a ton of torque and pull hard all the way to the top, they are a little more expensive to service because they have 2 oil filters but on the upside they have 2 oil filters.

I just bought an 09 525IRS a few weeks ago, It's my first Quad so I can't offer much good advice.
They definitely pull hard all the way to the top. As far as the oil filters. I have the same engine in my bike. It costs me $40.00 ( fully synthetic oil and filters) for every 300ks and doesn't take that long to change. IMO doing the Maintenance is half the fun anyway.
In 3 rides, I haven't been stuck or scraped the bottom once, The front's a bit pushy in the really tight stuff but I doubt my suspension would be bedded in yet so that may improve without any changes. I'm getting the Pure Polaris front crash bar, If thats a bit heavier that may also help.

I didn't set out to get the IRS but as I wanted a Quad for trail riding It seemed the only real choice and so far I'm very happy with that choice.

I'd be happy to give you a ride if you're interested to travel to Gippsland. PM me If you're keen and I'll give you some more details.
Other than nerf bars It's still stock and only just run in.

Willow.
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09 Polaris 525 IRS
Honda TRX 450R

[buzzbro]

Where is the 20 kg weight saving ?It all isn't in the engine is it?
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[Clarkie]

buzzbro wrote:

Where is the 20 kg weight saving ?It all isn't in the engine is it?

Correct me if im wrong but im sure ive read somewhere it is all in the engine.
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[PeteW]

a fair amount of the weight difference is in the engine, the KTM 525 is much lighter than the old Fuji 500 motor, the chassis are pretty much the same just different shocks the between the models, the 500 is a bit of a slug compared to the 525 but you're likely to get one cheaper than a 525 too...., my preference would be for the 525 for is out of the crate power over the 500 but the 500 will be marginally less maintenance over the 525.
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[47industries]

Before you commit to buying one second hand, chase up a Polaris dealer to see what specials they have running at the moment. Polaris often have big discounts on current and old models when a new model is about to hit and I think they are doing that right now. Give Scooter a call. He owns one of the better Polaris dealerships. 08 8353 2888.
Mick@47
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[IRS 525]

In 2009 the main updates for the IRS are: Fox podium shocks on the front and the rear, 10" rear wheels, Footpegs have been moved further forward, New steering stem, Alloy heel guards, new design plastics and a Lower seat height.

The weight savings between 08 and 09 IRS are not in the motor,(the 08 IRS had the same motor) they were in the new plastics, lights, alloy front bumper and heel guards ect.

Cheers,
Willow.
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09 Polaris 525 IRS
Honda TRX 450R

[buzzbro]

47industries wrote:

Before you commit to buying one second hand, chase up a Polaris dealer to see what specials they have running at the moment. Polaris often have big discounts on current and old models when a new model is about to hit and I think they are doing that right now. Give Scooter a call. He owns one of the better Polaris dealerships. 08 8353 2888. Mick@47

Wont be in the market until mid next year but I thought for a change I would do some homework and check out my options.
Sounds like the 525 is the go but I am not taken with the looks of the 09 model. I will certainly check out the dealers when I am ready and if they are still carrying 08 stock I may pick up a bargain.
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I am old and wise because i survived young and stupid

[IRS 525]

I was offered a new 08 IRS for $9.500.00 but I went the 09 for $11.500.00. The 09 looks will grow on you and It's a better bike
They look good with the addition of a few upgrade parts. IMO the 08's look heavy.

Willow.
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09 Polaris 525 IRS
Honda TRX 450R

[bullet]

PM Noodles, he knows both the 500's and the 525's back to front.
Scooter is this planets best Polaris dealer.

If you want to ride a 'second hand' polaris around australia (assuming the same hours), i'm sure the 500 will have a much better chance of making it.
While te 525 feels like it has a lot more snap to it... (it does)
In reality, when you race them side by side there is not much in it
like scarily bugger all. Just ask Drea and Wes
If you do get a 525... leave the engine stock.

I've watched noodles land some big sand dune jumps in ugly ground and the arse end works a treat...
His bikes IRS rear suspesion is not bad either
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[priesty]

Quote:

I've watched noodles land some big sand dune jumps in ugly ground and the arse end works a treat... His bikes IRS rear suspesion is not bad either

So I take it Noodles is a man & that you frequently enjoy watching his rear end ?
hmmmm.....note to self...
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08 700xx

[bullet]

priesty wrote:

Quote: I've watched noodles land some big sand dune jumps in ugly ground and the arse end works a treat... His bikes IRS rear suspesion is not bad either So I take it Noodles is a man & that you frequently enjoy watching his rear end ? hmmmm.....note to self...

I wouldn't go so far as to call Noodles "a man"
But his old rear end used to suck up rough sand really well
But these days he has a solid rear end
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[buzzbro]

bullet wrote:

PM Noodles, he knows both the 500's and the 525's back to front. Scooter is this planets best Polaris dealer. If you want to ride a 'second hand' polaris around australia (assuming the same hours), i'm sure the 500 will have a much better chance of making it. While te 525 feels like it has a lot more snap to it... (it does) In reality, when you race them side by side there is not much in it like scarily bugger all. Just ask Drea and Wes If you do get a 525... leave the engine stock. I've watched noodles land some big sand dune jumps in ugly ground and the arse end works a treat... His bikes IRS rear suspesion is not bad either

When you say leave the engine stock do you mean the internals or pipe jetting etc?
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[bullet]

Yeah, just the internal specs.
Throw a slip on at it and re-jet to suit as necessary.
LBM will be able to advise you well there
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[buzzbro]

thanks for everyones input but it all seems about the 525 has anyone out there got a 500 and will share its pros and cons?
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