This is an edited version of a review I wrote just after I purchased my 2007 X2 500 SE. My original opinion hasn't changed.

I have owned several Sportsmans since 1996 and for the first time was tempted to buy another brand. However, I eventually decided on the X2 and have no regrets based on early impressions.

First Look
I like the front storage, the new instrumentation, but I?m not sure of the light duty tires.

The front storage provides a place to store little "must have" items such as the owner's manual, toolkit, first aid kit, tire repair kit and extra tools. The cover can be lifted even with something tied to the rack making it ultra convenient and easy to use.

The instrumentation is much improved from previous models. It hasn't fogged over yet and I'm hoping this problem has been solved. The functionality is excellent! It has everything I need and the readouts are large enough to see with a quick glance while driving. The clock feature is very much appreciated. The electronic fuel gauge is not very accurate.

I wonder why the X2 doesn't come with the PXT tires found on other Sportsman models! The Carlisle 489s are light and appear to be delicate. I was expecting trouble before now, but so so good.

Engine and Drive Train
The 500 HO engine gave me no surprises. It feels exactly like the engines in my older machines. It has adequate power, speed and torque. I had a bad vibration at high speeds when it was new - the dealer fixed this problem with a new drive belt. My previous Sportsmans gave me many miles and years of trouble free service and I expect the same from this one.

The gear shifter is improved from my '04 model. I no longer have to use the foot brake when shifting, and after a little usage I find it easier to use, although I liked the '01 set up better.

The 4X4 system hasn't changed. I like the Polaris set-up and have never encountered situations where the system did not perform superbly.

Braking is excellent. It has four wheel disc brakes and the EBS is adequate for my use.

The turf mode is fabulous. It allows the rear wheels to operate independently making it more maneuverable and easier to steer while driving on pavement. And, as advertised, it is "easy on the grass".

Maintenance
There are less grease nipples on the X2 then my '01, but more then my '04! The '01 has over 30 and I never had a problem even after accumulating high mileage. I like the ideal of less maintenance as long as I get the same reliability and durability. Having no grease points on the ball joints bothers me a little.

Fluid change procedures have always been easy with the Sportsman. With the X2 they seem to be even better. I like the transmission set-up without the dip stick. On previous models it was sometimes difficult to check the transmission fluid without having something fall into the hole.

Ride Comfort and the Suspension
Surprisingly, the ride on the X2 is as good or better then any other Sportsman I have owned or driven. I was expecting the rear suspension to be a little stiff, considering the 400 pound rating. But with either a single or double rider, the X2 suspension manages to deliver a smooth ride even over rough terrain. The "two phase" springs seem to work very well.

Cargo box and Passenger Seat
I install a Kimpex deluxe seat/cargo/box when traveling with my wife. The ride is excellent and there is plenty of room. The suspension is more then adequate for the extra passenger and anything else you can strap on.

The stock set-up is ok for a single rider and the dunping cargo box is nice. However, If Polaris is to continue promoting the X2 as a "2-up" they need to fix the passenger seat. Polaris was expected to offer a "real" 2-up Sportsman. Instead, they pursued the niche (small numbers)?ATP? market.

The cargo box has a tail gate and a 400 pound payload rating. The seat folds out of the box with little difficulty as Polaris Industries proudly advertise. The seat is ok for short impromptu rides, but lacks the comfort and rear storage required to take a passenger for a day's outing. The seat is without shape or contour and is unbelievably hard. It is little more then a space for a passenger to occupy! Furthermore, with the box arranged to carry a passenger, most of the remaining space in the cargo box is unusable due to the "wing" obstruction that serves as a front side panel when the seat is stored. When carrying a 200 pound passenger there is a 200 pound cargo capacity that can't be utilized! In fact, the owner's manual suggests not to carry anything else besides the passenger.

One more complaint: the dumping capability prevents the easy installation of a bumper.

Conclusion

Mechanically and operationally this is a great machine; comfortable, capable and built to be tough and durable. Exactly what I expect of a Sportsman. The X2 is a far superior utility machine when compared to the standard Sportsman. With a proper passenger seat it is also excellent 2-up.
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Good review ebel. I find that I only, with due respect, disagree on the box. To each his own. But I find the dump box very handy with firewood and carrying an armful of tools and the like. I, personally, would hate to have to take a seat off and then put it back on, back and forth, etc. So far the people I've had on have found it comfortable enough. I was down in Virginia at Bass Pro Shops and found a triangular shaped tree stand cushion for $5. It has straps on it to lash it on. I'll let you know how it works out in late May when our trails open. Ebel, if you agree with me on the X2 95% of the time, don't let anyone tell you we disagree. It's a great machine. PS. I thought the 489s looked a little weak too, but haven't had any problems on the X2 or the ATP.