A few other points to think about when you make your decision.

Some machines are easier to work on than others. All quads are pretty much high maintenance if you want them to continue to run well. How much are some of the stock replacement parts?
Example: Outlander Stock paper / Foam Air filter. Cleanable once cause of the paper - $85.00 Cad.
Kawasaki - Duel density Foam Air filter. Cleanable 5 - 6 times, comes oiled initially stock - $7.00.
Not sure about other brands but I'm fairly certain most come stock with paper filters good only once before needing replacement.

Warranty is something to think about. I know can am has the best warranty in the business as far as I know with three years (Six months full then limited warranty for 2 1/2 years). Kawasaki is a year full, with an optional three additional years limited if you pay for it....some are only six months unless you buy extra warranty.

Stuff you want to add on. I know Outlanders are more expensive off the shelf but if you get the XT package it is dressed up very nicely with the stuff you will probably add anyway. 3000lb winch, brush guards, hand guards, Larger more aggressive ACT radial tires and a few more goodies as well. On some machines you may pay less initially but when you add on things it can add up quickly.

 

The X2 is a great choice if you need a really utility oriented quad. The dumpbox in the back is very handy and also converts to a passenger seat. Takes all of 15 seconds to do the conversion. What's nice about the rear springs is that they are rated to carry 400 lbs. I've had my 350 and passengers up to 200 pounds on it and it didn't effect the handling. I swapped out the front springs for heavy duty units and the ride is that much better. The newer XP-based X2 has adjustment on the front springs. XP based is a 550 and you can probably find the Limited Edition 850 around. The older version came with a 500, 700, or 800. All the X2s have the front storage box under the front rack. I've got a ton of stuff like tree straps, pull strap, ****** block pulley, hex wrenches, torx wrenches, small socket set, quad's toolkit, a belt, TP, folding pruning saw, and more. I've got about 3500 miles on it and just replaced the battery a couple weeks ago. Other than that I had to replace a set of wheel bearings. New England is tough on quads. Especially if you ride in winter.

 

Any idea what the combined weight limit is on the 2012 800 EFI? I'm assuming at some point I will have a passenger and some equipment along with myself on the quad.

 

Racks are quoted as 100 lbs. front, 200 lbs. rear. Very nice riding comfort on the regular Sportsman line. Not sure if you were asking about the 800 being in the X2 still. If so, they only make the XP based X2 now. 550 or the harder to find 850 Limited Edition.

 

my 09 xp850 was the LE (limited edition) model- which comes with heated grips, thumb & seat (my LE did anyway)
should be able to find a good, low milage 2009 / 2010 xp850 for $6500 - $7k.

 

Is it gone already??


I would only recommend 550s and 850s in the Polaris lineup. I don't know how much more they cost over the 500s and 800s but I think whatever it is it's worth the extra money.

Here's a short video that mentions a lot of the improvements the "50s" have.


2011 Polaris Sportsman 850 XP Touring LE Limited Edition test review. ATV Television. ATV. UTV. SxS. Tests Videos and Information. Latest News. Product Reviews. Ultimate Adventures

 

4 months ago

back on a can-am - there's pics in my album... (have to update my list)

loving my 2009 650xt outlander- though I often find mahself day dreaming about that 1000.

that's a great review- I watch all his reviews. I wish he'd punish his atv's sometimes tho-
keep in mind that the 850 has a totally different dash than the 550...
(see my pics above to compare)
I thought the 550's were twin cylinder

 

Nope, 550 is a single thumper.

 

I'll get the 850 for a while sometime down the road, the goal is for me to put as many miles as I can on this 550 during the year that I have it so it's true long term test. That and Doug thought I would hurt myself on the 850.

 

It runs pretty darn good too but it sure is a noisy engine and trans. Maybe I'll check the oil.

Doug and I were talking and I was telling him a few things about my Touring and he looked at me and said:
"that's the problem with you Honda owners, you expect everything to always work".