Nobody is talking about the X2, so here are some details....

The motor is a Sportsman 500 EFI. So is the front fenders, racks, and headlight. That's about all that is the same... The 4wd system is completely different. Not only does it have the Versa-Track which allows TIGHT turning radius, but it also has 4 WHEEL EBS. However, it only works under certain conditions:

1. 4wd switch on
2. Speed is below 15 mph
3. Throttle is not being applied

Why it's not featured on all the Sportsmans, I don't know... Maybe this is a test goat?

Also, the 2-up setup is slick. You esentially have an ATP dump bed for work chores, but it does have better tie down spots on the floor of the bed. And just like they advertise, it only takes a few seconds to change over the 2-up configuration. The back rest is also adjustable for height.

The rear suspension is completely different from your 'normal' Sportsman. It does have IRS... But nothing even looks similar on the rear ends. The shocks are mounted further rear-ward and also tilt slightly forward, as do the a-arm. This helps absorb forward impact. It also has dual rate springs. The initial spring rate is soft for a smooth ride, even unloaded or riding with one person. The second spring rate is heavier for heavy loads. Unloaded it doesn't ride as good as a 'normal' Sportsman, but it still rides real nice and better than an ATP.

I think if people give this a chance and test ride it, it will be a popular model. With 500EFI, you have a great powerplant. Not the biggest, but it's enough. The extra cargo/rider capacity, AND tighter turning radius, is awesome. You might consider it instead of a normal Sportstman!

As far as two ups go, I wouldn't say it blow the competition out of the water... But think it's still a step ahead with the way the box is setup. Also, it has EFI (they claim 25% better mileage) and a 6 gallon tank, so long rides should be no problem.

 

I think its there best new model but i a few complaints on it. Its too expensive at $7900 compared to the bomb 400 for $7000 plus it only weighs 657lbs and the 800 for $9400 which you really cant compare it too. Needs a bigger engine with the two riders on it because the weight of the vehicle is 800lbs. besides that I bet it rides great and its real practical.

 

In looking closer at pictures of the X2 it looks like it may be similar to the Military model.

 

Looks like I got one of the last few 425's, now is a 455? I think, I don't remember. Is the new 450 the same size as the larger sportsmans? Or did they shrink the frame a bit for it?

I like that x2, I think. It's gonna be fun seeing what comes up with all of these new quads here on the boards.

tyler

 

Now I have a decision to make.... the X2 or the standard 500EFI. I like the flexibility of the X2. I really like the utility aspect of it as well. Probably won't be buying until next spring so have time to think about it.

 

If I understand correctly, the Sportsman 450 is a 455 but the same bore as the 425 just more stroke. It has the HO cam, crank, etc. but same carb. The frame and racks, etc. is the exact same a '05 400 or 500, etc.

 

Thanks for the details on the X2. What is your source of information?

As to the tight turning radius, it may be tight for the wheelbase, but at 82" it is considerably more than the 65" for the 500 efi.

I'm looking forward to test riding it. The big question for me is, I guess, whether it is worth $1,000 more than the 500 efi.

Please reply privately to wcrowe1415@sbcglobal.net. Thanks.

 

im all over the sportsman X2 I love the idea ive wanted a two person quad but didn;t like the ones offered.

sadly with the price tag and its release 3 onths before my wedding it doesn;t look in the cards. the price tag alone is more then I want to pay.

 

I am a dealer, and was at the intro where they unveiled the X2.

As to the turning radius specifications... I don't think any of them are correct. Some are listed too big, others too small. As an example, it list the '05 500 HO turning radius as 82". The '06 500 HO EFI, which is the EXACT SAME but adds EFI, is listed at 65". Does EFI really reduce the turning radius that much, even though it uses the same suspension, frame, and tires? No way... I think someone at Polaris or their web design firm is just lazy and not putting in the correct numbers.

That being said, the X2 should turn tighter than the regular Sportsman due to the unlocking rear diff. The ATP definitely turned tighter even though it had a longer wheelbase. The X2 is only an inch longer (wheelbase) than the ATP. It may be hard to believe, but I've seen it demonstrated in person with both machines side by side (ATP & 500).

To me, whether or not it's worth a $1000 is really going to depend what you're using it for. Me personally I just trail ride and maybe carry a hunting gun at times, but that's it. Even when hunting, it's for birds not big game. No cargo and I hate carrying passengers. So I don't need the X2. But for the majority of my customers I really think it would be a better option for them. If you actually want to carry an extra person, or even just want the extra room for cargo, it's worth the $1000. It’s just a more versatile machine.