So I thought I wanted the Rotopax tanks mounted vertically behind the Polaris cargo box but after positioning everything I am not so sure. I do like the look of the tanks mounted like that I have two concerns, one is the tanks line up directly in front of the cargo box latches. There can be enough room to open and close the latch but not ideal. Secondly I do not like the tanks infringing on the tail lights as you can see below. I didn't catch the infringement until I noticed in the picture below so I need to take a closer look. I will also try turning the tanks horizontally and see how that looks ..... maybe even go with connected tanks at that point. Other wise I am going to look at mounting up front next.

 

The tail lights don't bother me, the blocking the latch might be a PIA. My biggest plus for mounting gas cans up front is getting some wieght in the front. Your set up is adding a lot of wieght to the rear. If most of your riding is pretty flat or hills, no problem. If like me you are attracted to steep hils and climbing over boulders, some added wieght up front helps keep the rubber on the ground.

 

I agree that adding the weight up front would be better, I also find it a little light. I find myself shifting my weight forward on tight corners and it seems to turn a little better. I may end up rethinking the fronts storage box and change to keeping the back one mounted and remove the front and replace with the front rack and extension then no problem strapping extra fuel on the front.

 

On the 850 you definitely want the majority ofthe added weight up front IMO,especially for inclines ect..it is very front light. The more of your accessory weight you can put up front the better.. the weight on the front wheels is about 100#'s less than the rear. They did a very good job of centralizing the mass and balanceing the machine frim side to side...look at the frame design and how close together the rails run in the center,low slung fuel tanks ect..but where the motor and tranny had to be positions puts alot of the weight rear of center.
Don't forget to turn up the front pre-load some when you add the weight.
The above set up looks good..but function over form right?

 

Did you try connecting the packs and mounting them horizontally as a single unit?

 

No I did not try that but I will. Unfortunately it looks like taking the front boxes off and putting the front racks back on (glad I retrieved from the dealer) with extension seems to be a better option as the front does need some weight. So yes HO, I guess function over looks will win once again! lol

 

Jumbofrank......you have got to stop working out....those abs are killing me! LMAO!

 

The other thing with rear mounting vertically is that it vibrates a lot over rough ground. I had a set where the bracket mounting bolts broke and the 4 gal tank got dragged along the ground resulting in several holes and a completely trashed kolpin fuel pack.

When I remounted I had to install braces that held everything firmly in place.

I had so much stuff on the front the weight on the back wasn't a big issue.

 

I run an 08 500EFI. I put the Kolpin on the front rack. I like having the weight up front for climbing trails. I do wonder if its a lot of weight with it and the Winch up front.

 

I have one of the older style 3.2 gallon packs that I have always mounted up front for the added weight too. Like those new Rotopax's. Think I'm going to sell mine and buy two of them.