Hi there, new member here. I have been conducting some research prior to my first quad purchase, and am really drawn to the Sportsman X2. My question is, is the 850 worth the extra money over the 550? I notice the towing rating is the same, as well as the rear bed hauling capacity. I plan on possibly pulling a log arch occasionally and want to have plenty of power. Any thoughts? Also, any big difference besides rear seat foam between the 2010 and 2011? Thanks.

 

They will both carry the same about of weight but when you load both down the power difference will really show it's self. For low end grunt towing they will both do the same about of work in Low range. but for riding two up with gear down hill trails you will enjoy the extra snort of the 850

 

if you buy the 850 you will never wonder if you should have,if you buy the 550 , within a year you will be asking yourself if you should have bought the 850, its a man thing

 

welcome to the forum. basicly the 850 will have more power and be harder ongas. working in low range they both will do the job most likely.

 

I have the previous 500 version X2. Great all around quad and love the versatility of the dumpbed/passenger seat. I use it all the time for hauling firewood around and my 350 lbs. and a couple hundred lbs. of wood don't phase it. In low the 550 will pull just about anything but if you need power for long hill climbs, snow riding, etc. the 850 will be tons better.

 

get the 850, i ride with my bro who has a 02 500 HO and dont use any more gas than he does. get the 850 and be done with it.

 

Don't second guess yourself. Get the 850 if you can afford it.

 

I was in a similar position recently and got the 850 Touring. I had noticed that on all the forums, people would switch up from a 550 to an 850. I have never seen anyone move down. One thing I will advise is to get something with power steering as it will leave you less fatigued at the end of a ride, no matter what your age. Unfortunately, I don't think the X2 offers it yet. Another point is the fuel consumption (which will vary greatly depending on your riding style and trail conditions) of the 850. I have been getting 15-18 mpg. If you can't live with that, you will have to choose another option. Best wishes!

 

Thanks for the feedback all. I think when the time comes, I will look for an X2 850. Have been looking for a used one only a couple of years old, but they are few and far between. I have time to wait though!

 

welcome to the forums. personally after owning 2 800's if i get another bike it will be the 500 class as in low range the small cc bike will do what the bigger cc class w/ better fuel milage. imo