I have started to look for my next toy and can not decide on power steering or not for my 850 XP? I will be buying a used unit with low hours. It will be used mostly for trail riding in Wisconsin (once the XP is legal) and some minor plowing of my driveway. I am 6.4 270lb and have no issues with my current 800's steering. Any suggestions from you happy owners out there please? Thank you.

 

I got my 850xp with power steering in July and it is great. I up graded from a 2005 polaris 700efi. To me after riding it the power steering is a no brainer. We went to Utah in July and rode 450 miles in about 5 days. The power steerring was great not only for the ease of steering but how it absorbs the shock when you hit ruts or rocks etc. Just my two cents worth but you won't go wrong with the power steering.

 

I got mine without EPS and it steers just fine. That being said, I haven't driven one with EPS to feel the difference nor have I had it out in snow yet to see how the manual steering does. I decided I didn't need the EPS and am happy with my decision.
Cheers,
cc

 

I didn't have a choice as the unit I bought was the last one on the floor and it has EPS. I absolutely love it. I am looking forward to the real test of some technical trails and longer rides to really see the difference in terms of less fatigue, etc.

I wold think that plowing with EPS would be absolutely awesome...with the weight on the front end the EPS would making steering effortless. I saw an ATV show where they reviewed the power steering with the max weight on the front rack (I think it is 150 lbs) strapped on and they said it was just awesome.

 

I've read many reviews that say the non-EPS steers tons easier than previous Sportsmans. Some say the EPS gives a little bit of disconnect with the trail, others say it is the best thing since sliced bread. Give it a test drive if you can.

 

Well satisfied with the EPS so far, with my 250 lbs and any extra weight on the front it will help out. For a heavy machine it handles like a smaller one!

 

I rode both and got the EPS. The manual was nice and a big improvement but we do lots of rock crawling and stump jumping and for that it's way better than sliced bread! I kind of wonder how it will hold up in a water mud enviroment. Does anyone submerge their EPS on a regular basis?

 

Haven't had mine very long, but I wouldn't want it without EPS.

 

This is a GREAT thread!

I was able to test both and preferred the feel of the non-EPS...for my needs. Also...I thought that owning an 850...it was more important to have the larger fuel tank for those extended trail rides.

No regrets with my XP 850 non-EPS.


biz

 

I don't have EPS on mine and don't think it's really needed, it steers easier than the older quads BUT I haven't rode one with EPS either! Try both for yourself and then decide!