Hi guys,

I'm debating on buying a new sportsman and wanted to see if anybody had any feed back. I am wondering if having the 850cc engine is really needed. I could buy the 570 and upgrade it with eps and other features for the same price I could get the base model 850. I am a bigger guy and will be mainly using it for trail riding and hunting in arizona. Any thoughts?

 

If you're going to be hunting and riding at high elevations I'd go with the 850. My son and a friend's son rented Polaris RZR 570's when we rode the Paiute Trail in UT. The 570 did pretty good but was a bit taxed at the higher elevations around 10,000 ft. Only other reasons to get the 850 are the engine is smoother with a twin cylinder and if you want to go really fast.

Another thought is that the bigger engines are better in the mud as they can spin the tires more easily to get the mud out of the tread. I don't associate Arizona with much mud so...

 

Thanks I appreciate it.... does anybody have a thoughts about the electronic power steering on the sportsman? Worth it or not?

 

Everyone that gets power steering likes it. I think I'll get it on my next ATV.

 

I've never rode a Sportsman with eps but I have ridden a Grizzly 700 with eps and it is so nice. The Polaris system is pretty nice too I have heard. I honestly think every machine that has eps has developed a nice system, no matter what atv you buy. It is a bit curious that the 570 and 850 are relatively close in price even if you compare the base model 850 to the eps 570 Usually the 570 is still much less. Too bad Polaris discontinued the Sportsman 800, I think that would have been the perfect machine for you. No eps ever offered on it though but it was basically the least expensive twin cylinder 4x4 utility atv you could buy. It was a lot of bang for the buck.

 

I can see the benefit to power steering. Worth it is up to you but most people mark it as a nice bonus. Keep in mind we all rode these for 30 years without and managed just fine. For general slower trail cruising/touring I don't see much need for it. A lot of rou th terrain, 4x4 and diff lock use it can really shine though.

Same thing with engine size. The 570 is pretty beastly and about all anybody really NEEDS. On the other hand, we all like more power, and the bigger 850 motor is a good choice. Bigger is usually better if operating at elevation .

 

I have never had eps on any of my atvs, I have driven friends atvs with eps and it is nice but I don't consider it a must have.

 

While it's not a must have it sure is nice having power steering. Especially if you are plowing snow. Not only does it help with arm fatigue on a long ride, it also dampens hits to rocks, roots, etc. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I do now. It's a great option.

 

I guess for me it's one of those never had it never gone miss it situations Moose but I hear you on those situations where you hit a rock just right or a stump and the handlebars snap almost breaking your wrist! Been there done that!

 

Ya know, for about $120.00 you can put a stick style stabilizer on and it will also reduce those impacts quite a bit. Get a rebuild able one and it could outlast the quad.