Why is the 700xx so slow

[hotmessDS450]

I was interrested in getting a 700xx but decided to get a DS450 instead.  I have raced numerous 700xx's with my DS450 and just straight wax them.  How is this possible that my little ol 450 kicks the Sh!t out of a bigger 700?  Are the 700xx's really that crappy?

[hotmessDS450]

I know that sounds like I am trying to start a fight but, I was really dissapointed in the 700xx's performance.  Is it the added weight or perhaps the IRS that is slowing it down?  My friend wants one now and I dont think it would be a good choice

[hrchonda]

The 700xx wasn't made to compete with the 450s. And stock for stock the the ds450 will be a bit quicker, especially off the line. The ds450 is putting out 47hp @ 350lbs dry and the 700xx is 53hp @ about 450-460lbs dry. 100lbs is quite a bit of weight. The XX was designed for a completely different crowd.

[700xxmaniac]

and most ppl on a 700 dont know how to shift it right. now try to follow the 700xx on a trail ull end up with a broken sproket.

[Overlord]

Gee folks we hear in OZ must get the more powerfull version cause I ran my 700xx against a big3 DS450 and walked on it. I also owned a ds 450 and I can assure it has not got the grunt of a 700xx.

Regards Overlord

[twinbratz]

Just picked up my 700XX in Scottsdale. After reading some of the remarks on this forum I almost did not buy one.  My son and I just went for a 80 mile ride in the high desert. Lots of rocky trails, lots of high speed sandy roads.  We both had Outlaw 525's but at 250 lbs I was 50 lbs over the max weight for the Polaris and it showed. Not in performance so much but in broken and bent parts. I even broke the sway bar on the last ride.  So we took off on the new 700 and his 525.  I took it easy for the first 40 miles but on the way back we decided to play.  I found out that a 120lb rider on a 308lb Outlaw can pull away from the 700.....until you put the 700 into 3rd. He maxed out just as I shifted into 5th.  So much for Polaris claim that the 525 is the fastest thing out there.  I waited for him a few miles down the road. When he pulled up a few minutes later he told me that he was wide open and all revved out when I passed him and he heard me shift into 5th. as I went by. 
I know that the Outlaw will be faster in the woods and on tight trails since you can throw that lightweight around much better than a 500+lb 700.  The guys we ride with have assorted 450's and can't keep up to the 525 on the trails.  We don't ride the dunes. I hate the grit in my teeth.  The 700 will push around the corners if you ride it like a straight axle. The comments about handling almost made me change my mind about the purchase. Then I watched the videos on youtube and realized that everyone was riding it like a straight axle quad. Even the magazine test pilots were doing a lousy job. Yea they can pull the front wheels off the ground but almost stopped to get around a corner or do a 180.  Get your butt of the back of the seat and forward on the seat and use the throttle to persuade the back end around.  You don't even need to lean as far as you would on a straight axle quad. It will blast around any corner with ease.  This beast will slide with the best of them.   Does require more effort than the Outlaw but was easy to get used to.  We have been riding IRS quads since the Outlaw was introduced.  It did take a few miles to learn the different riding style but now neither one of us would go back.  I think that I will enter in the WHIPLASH series on the 4th of July.  Anyone in Prescott Valley that weekend should come by and say HI. I'll be the 56 year old riding the senior class and kicken butt. Honda did a great job on this one and at $2000. less than the Outlaw and a 5 year extended warranty to boot you just can't go wrong.