QUAD Single Rear Axle vs Independent Rear Suspension

[Mule3006Elk]

Background: new to quads never owned one.
Use: hunting, scouting, forest roads, spur roads, BLM, nothing hardcore. I don't plan on using this for hardcore off-roading. Not going to be used on property/land so I don't need a workhorse.

No downside to IRS but do I need one for this purpose? Looking to buy used and a lot on the used market have SRA. I do want EPS, 4x4, etc.

Thanks for the feedback. I have read online pros/cons but looking for real world use feedback.

 

[browning2480]

For those who might have questions, by SRA you mean Single Rear Axle vs IRS Independent Rear Suspension?

Just want to clarify as when I first seen the title I thought we might have a new federal tax agency or something

In my opinion, an ATV with IRS is much superior running around the mountains. I have had both and the level of comfort is hands down better with IRS

 

[Mule3006Elk]

For those who might have questions, by SRA you mean Single Rear Axle vs IRS Independent Rear Suspension?

Just want to clarify as when I first seen the title I thought we might have a new federal tax agency or something

In my opinion, an ATV with IRS is much superior running around the mountains. I have had both and the level of comfort is hands down better with IRS

HaHa. I changed the title. Thanks for the feedback. IRA +1

 

[nphunter]

IPS will ride better on rough stuff and typically have better traction because of that. Solid has less moving parts and won’t wear out as fast.

I would opt for independent suspension and make sure you air down when in the woods. That will make a bigger difference than the suspension will. The only way I’d want a solid axle is if I picked up an older Honda 300 or something like a Yamaha Wolverine. The only disadvantage to the newer stuff is that the machines are giant compared to atv’s of the past which means they are harder to get unstuck or lift over logs and such.

 

[cnelk]

Will you ever be carrying a passenger?

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Will you ever be carrying a passenger?

Most likely. My son, he weighs 145 lbs and I don't see any major weight changes anytime soon.

 

[BRTreedogs]

IRS only

 

[JEck]

IRS is the only way to go, coming from someone who rides atv’s everyday for work and has had both IRS and SRA…so much smoother riding

 

[PathFinder]

Solid rear axles have a few advantages. One is cornering stability. Found that out the hard way when I was younger and dumber; my first fast corner on an IRS machine was almost the last. Solid axle machines are more stable on severe off-camber terrain at low speeds as well. Fewer suspension components and less to wear out.
IRS has a bit more center ground clearance and will ride more smoothly.

 

[cbat]

I have both. You are probably not going to be riding often nor 100s of miles. So with that being said, I would stick with a Honda SRA. Most dependable and forgiving machine out there. Mistreat it and it keeps on going.

 

[cnelk]

I also have both.
They both have their place.
If having a passenger a lot of the time, independent rear susp will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

The one I'm looking at is a Honda Rancher 4x4, EPS, DCL, SRA. 1251 miles.

 

[180ls1]

The one I'm looking at is a Honda Rancher 4x4, EPS, DCL, SRA. 1251 miles.

That'll be bomb proof but also ride like a boner.

 

[cnelk]

The one I'm looking at is a Honda Rancher 4x4, EPS, DCL, SRA. 1251 miles.

Get one of those Cabelas rear seat/gear bags - I have one and passengers really like it

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-tac-gear-atv-rear-padded-bag

 

[Weldor]

I have the polaris sportsman 500 X seats 2 legally here in AZ. (required in AZ.) Slightly longer wheelbase but rides great.

 

[Beendare]

IPS will ride better on rough stuff and typically have better traction because of that. Solid has less moving parts and won’t wear out as fast.

I would opt for independent suspension....

I have both......,. an older Honda Rancher and a Polaris 570...and would agree, the independent rear is worth the extra $$.

 

[Marble]

HaHa. I changed the title. Thanks for the feedback. IRA +1

I've had both. To answer your question directly, it isn't needed for what you are doing. My favorite little quad is a SRA, 4x4 all the time and a manual shift. It's great and goes damn near straight up a telephone pole.

But the comfort of riding on a 2024 Can Am with the EPS and IRS, so much more comfortable. Less fatigue at the end of the day.

My style of riding is exactly what you described.

Riding on this new quad vs other older models with IRS, Can Am hit it out of the park with ride comfort.

Mine is also a 2 seater. Very comfortable for the wife and I.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[steep-siding]

For your needs (hunting, scouting, forest roads), you don’t need IRS, but it will make the ride much smoother. SRA will work fine for easier trails and is typically more durable. EPS and 4x4 are great for comfort and traction. Look for a used quad with 4x4 and EPS—either IRS or SRA will work, but IRS is better for comfort.

 

[Haro450]

Reliability the solid rear axle. (honda)

Best ride independent rear suspension. (Polaris Sportsman)

I have honda's with a solid rear axle.

My dad has a sportsman with independent rear suspension. He is getting close to 70.

 

[BluMtn]

Find a 08 or newer Yamaha Grizzly 700 with power steering. That will do everything you want to do and will get you there and back. I have had several, all with a ton of miles on them when I sold them. My son's 02 Grizz 660 is still running everyday and I have no idea how many miles it has on it. I have changed the oil and air filter, plus I have changed both rear axles (Ice can be hard on the rear axles when you are horsing around and hit solid ground). My last Grizz was a 10 and it had 8,000 miles on it and the only thing I ever did to it was oil and air filter changes. Also I have never put battery tenders on any of my grizz's unlike most of the other ATV's. I have replaced 2 batteries in my son's 02 Grizz, not bad for an ATV that is 23 years old.