Because of a major back problems I am looking at a Sportsman to replace my current atv. Which of the 2 has a softer more softer more comfortable ride for one with back issues? The 07-08 Sportsman 800 or the 09 850XP? Thanks, Thor

 

My guess would be the 800 ,not because of the suspension but more due to Polaris's cushy plush seats that all the Sportsmans had,which the XP no longer uses.

 

MrThor, I also have back issues. I dont have any long term expirience with the 800 or with the 850XP. I do with the 550 XP with is the same as the 850. Thhe 850's extra weight would probably make it even smother than than 550. I spent many an eight hour day on the XP and can tell you that it does not do the usual number on your back.

 

The 850 IMO has the softest ride. Much better than my SP 700. My budy has back problems also. His 700 its to bad on his back but after riding my 850 his 700 is up for sale. He couldn't belive the differance.

 

I've had both..the 850 rides alot better,especially in rough terrain..it soaks up bumps amazingly well and the steering effort is ALOT less even on the non-EPS..the difference is amazing. The 800 rides nice and on hard pack the difference is not drastic,but once you hit a trail the difference is very noticable IMO.
I actually moved from the 800 to the 850 due to a shouder injury.
The 800 rides nice but if you have an injury the steering at slower speeds will make riding miserable.
Also,since you have a bad back you probably don't want to be leaning forward when riding..the XPs seat is narrower up front which makes it alot more comfortable to slide forward and sit straight up. But it is still wide in the back and I've rode hard all day and not had even a hint of monkey butt.
So the 800 and the 850 both ride well,the nod to the 850 for sure on rougher trails,steering effort the 850 is the hands down winner..
The 800 feels like it weights almost 800lbs..with the 850 you would never guess it weighed what it does..I had to weigh mine for myself as i thought possible the weight was over stated.
Bottom line if I were you i'de go ride both...my bet is you'll choose the 850 with no doubts..

 

I should mention that I am 6. 4 and 270 lb.

 

I wondered about your size,lol..MrThor..I still think the 850 would be better..alot of the bigger guys tend to think the narrow seat wouldn't be as comfortable..I can't say for you but for me it is more comfortable..the rear is still nice and wide. I know a guy about your size who rides an XP and he loves it.
But like I said I would go ride both IMO..you know your preferences better than anyone..
Here is some photos for comparision original Sportsman on top, XP on the bottom



From the rear..

 

MrThor, I am 6' 5" 270 the XP will fit you perfect. It's seating position is great. You feel like your sitting in it not on it. You don't feel like an elephant riding a trike.

 

The XP reminds me of my current 07 Rincon which is also narrower around the tank. One of the issues I do have is the seat is too stiff. I am getting sick of standing around most of the bumps. BTW the riding i do is up North in Wisconsin around the Dunbar area. Mostly trails with bumps, nothing major but enough of a issue for me.

 

The seat is as soft or softer than the 800 IMO..but then again I only weight 175..
The XP is hands down a better ride on the bumpy stuff than the 800..no contest!!
If you want an opinion comparing it to the Rincon PM Jonathan680 on Highlifter..he had a 2007 Rincon and now has an 850..he is about your size too.