I have not been on an 09. But these things are amazing. Last year it was the fastest production quad. It has an extremely smooth power band. The weight is not even the slightest factor when you're riding it. It jumps, flies, and land very nicely and straight. It is similar to the 400 where it can be lugged way down for the tight stuff but it will go much beyond the 400's capabilities...obviously. The IRS is so smooth it's almost an unfare advantage. It takes a bit to get use to the difference from a straight axle. I think it is the most potent machine Honda has put out yet.