The innovative lineup of machines for 2006 illustrates Polaris' commitment to aggressive research and development. Growth in the big-bore segment, a strong sport market, high customer interest in EFI-powered machines and the emergence of the two-up market have heavily influenced the new models. The latest ATVs from Polaris are so much more than last year's models dressed in new graphics.
Creating the biggest buzz of excitement was the new Outlaw. From a distance, the Outlaw looks exactly like the Predator, but a rub of the eyes and a few steps closer, and it's immediately apparent this is something featuring new and radical ideas. Under a sexy rear end are very trick-looking single-link aluminum control arms and forged lower A-arms that support the frame an unheard of 11.5 inches above the trail. Rear piggyback Fox Racing shocks, braided-steel brake lines, a flatter and more comfortable seat, reverse, electric starting and radial tires are all stock. A plethora of Pure Polaris accessories will follow and enable customers to enhance this machine even further.
The 439-pound (claimed dry weight) Outlaw shares the power train with the Predator, differing only in the fourth and fifth gear split in the five-speed close-ratio transmission. Its center-mounted exhaust system routes slyly out the back above the rear disc brake, chain and sprocket that are protectively cradled by the frame. All are easily serviced, as demonstrated to us journalists gathered for the quad's introduction. Up front, the Predator steering system was adapted and redesigned to be stronger, simpler and more precise; likewise, the suspension was reworked to handle rough terrain with a minimum of feedback to the rider.
So how does it really work? Riding both the Predator and Outlaw back-to-back offered us the opportunity to experience just how phenomenally this new machine performs. While Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) is nothing new, incorporating it via aluminum A-arms on a sport model is a radical venture that works really well. The Outlaw handles rough terrain with finesse-it's easier to ride quick and is less fatiguing. Besides being downright fast, the machine is able to clear obstacles that would hang up most sport quads.
The new Polaris is definitely designed for the woods. Sharp-edged bumps, rain ruts and roots-terrain that would get the Predator slightly out of shape-are all handled in stride by its younger sibling. Designed for the realities of woods riding, this trail quad is a departure from the standard practice of other OEMs to develop motocross machines for the woods. The black/silver Outlaw could quite possibly be one of the best trail ATVs ever-we are so going to compare trail machines as soon as possible!
Sportsman 500For '06, Polaris has introduced an EFI option to the Sportsman 500, even as the Minnesota company retained the economically priced H.O. carbureted model. The EFI system trumps it in drivability and responsiveness and offers a claimed 25 percent increase in fuel economy. The performance increases and the convenience of not having to fuss with jetting make the EFI a benefit. Factor in the Polaris engine-braking system that comes standard on EFI models and you'd have to be strapped for cash to pass on this EFI option. Unfortunately, as with the rest of the Sportsman line, the 500 still has only one brake lever on the bar, something we've repeatedly complained about. The Sportsman 500 EFI is available in black/silver, green/black, red/black and Mossy Oak New Break-Up camo, and the 500 H.O. comes in green/black, yellow/black and Sonic blue/black.