Ok, so I am not too far away from getting an ATV, my first one too.

How have the XP 550's been? With all the rebates, they are not too much more than a Sportsman 500HO. (After you add EBS to the 500 that is.)

Thanks in advance.

 

Perfect first atv. power, comfort, & reliable.

 

havent heard anything bad about them, would be a good choice imo

 

ALWAYS ride before you buy. I rode a friend's XP550 and I really have a problem with the overall feel of this machine. Suspension seems very sloppy and makes me feel like I have to drive really slow or I may lose control of it. Not sure if this reflects the machine's original design or some of the minor mods he did but this is definitely not the right machine for me.

I couldn't be happier with my Suzuki King Quad... Maybe at least take a look at one of those ?

 

I agree , go to a dealer, preferably one that sells multiple brands and ride what your interested in, buy what you like

 

My 550 has been the best wheeler I have ever owned!!! I will be buying another. I went from the 700 EFI to the 550 and love it! But go ahead and test ride a few diffrent machines, you are the only one that can determin what machine is best for you. My big two to choose from was the Grizzly 550 and XP 550... I am glad I made the choice I did

 

I've got one and so far so good. First item of business is to ditch the stock tires. They're awful - or were in 2010.

Handles great, rides great, power is adequate. I've had mine up to 60 and that was plenty fast. Mine gets a lot of farm and trail use. I haul around trailers and a lot of weight on the racks and in very tough conditions and it handles all of it fine so far.

I've only got a couple of minor gripes. The clutch engagement is very abrupt. It gets a bit better after break in but it's still pretty abrupt. You can make allowance for it in delicate situations by using the brake and bringing the rpms up to engage the clutch. The shifter is a straight throw and while it's ok I would have preferred it had a pattern or was gated.

So far it has been a great machine. I don't abuse it but I sure don't baby it either.

 

Have a 2009 550 XP with over 60000 miles.. AND WHAT A GREAT RIDE..Have owned Polaris atv's since 1988.(I always try to buy American) this just might be the best Polaris yet.My family has about 12 atv's( All Polaris) and the 550 seems to be everyones favorite.When I see someone on here THAT post and talk about another brand on Polaris site I wonder why they are on this site.Some people just seem to like to bash AMERICAN PRODUCTS..It is no wonder this country is in the shape it is in.PROUD TO BE AMERICAN AND DAMN PROUD TO RIDE AMERICAN...

 

Pretty sure meh Suzuki was made in the US too. Georgia I think it was... I haven't seen any bashing here... Just people sharing different experiences and opinions. The reason I came in here is because when I am bored I click on "new posts" and this one came up on top recently. I don't care what kind of machine the OP buys but I hope he is able to find something that makes him happy. All ATVs are cool regardless of what brand. Sorry if my opinion upsets anybody. Peace.

 

No offense. Taken here. I did look at a 2010 KQ 450 AXI, until I got the price. No haggling at all, so I walked out. It is still there. Bad dealer. I called a Popo dealer, great guys and I know at least one who has bought from them, so that is where I will buy.