Really liked it.
From what I could feel it is even more of a caddy in the ride department.
Felt really comfortable, lots of power.
Not an 800 but definitely more than the 500 I have.

Very stable machine, the new suspension felt strong, stable yet plush.

Dealer says he expects to have 3 or 4 850 Xp's in a couple of weeks.
Wants me to stop by a ride one when they come in.

 

Got our first 550 in today,serviced it up an took it out for a test ride myself! I always check em out from the service viewpoint EASY to get to starter,throttle body and sensors,new front like I've already seen on the Rangers,easy to get to valve cover,BUT clutch cover a different story! Did notice a little buzzing in the bars, probably because of the 1670 RPM IDLE,plus BMW/Moto Guzzi like side torque from the transverse engine mounting,but like all new machines,JUST has to grow on me for awhile! Our 850's due about end of month also.

 

The rep told me that to change the belt the frame sections in the back unbolt to get to the clutch cover.He said belt changes should take no longer than the current sportsmans.Also all three headlights are on when you switch to high beams.

 

You can have low [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img] or high [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img] or all three [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/light.gif[/img].

 

i wonder how it will do against a grizz 550?
has there been a shootout between the two yet?

 

On the Polaris video they said only the 850 was transverse mounted. They said the 550 as a single was already narrow enough to fit the new frame.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: miande

On the Polaris video they said only the 850 was transverse mounted. They said the 550 as a single was already narrow enough to fit the new frame.</end quote></div>

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Sitting on machine valve cover by your right leg,starter and throttle body by your left!

 

I rode one a couple weeks ago, serious nose dive when you get on the brakes hard. Definately a different feel to the XP, not bad mind ya, just different. I'm a creature of habit though so I bought an '08 Sportsman 800. Maybe the 850 would have made a believer out of me but the 550 didn't.
Q