If you had your choice between an outlander 800 and a Polaris 850, which one would you take? Why?
Money is not a factor.

 

Well since the 800 Polaris would beat out a 800 outlander in everything but power SP800 vs 800 outty and the new 850 took care of that problem and some ,I don't know what to tell you.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>The Outlander turned out to be a good machine with power being the main focus on design. Yes, the machine is adequate in comfort and ride but some might want more than adequate. The frame is really the steel backbone of this ATV and we feel a slight problem. The frame should be built just a bit thicker producing a more durable backbone. Especially, since the engine is now larger and the frame has been lengthened. Also, each component is attached to the slim frame. </end quote></div>

Don't kill the messenger.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I like the CanAms and the Polaris. For me the power steering and ground clearance of the new 850XP is hard to beat. Also, the front storage box that is now an option looks like part of the quad, not an add on. If anybody gave me either for free, I wouldn't turn my back on them. And my guess is they are probably very close in power now, too.

 

so what kind of riding do you do? its like comparing a honda rincon against a grizzly. reliability aside.

 

Well from what I've been told. I have a buddy that works on the assy line at poo. Is they have been havin some problems with the 850 motor. He wasnt sure what it was. But thats what he told me.

 

You also have to keep in mind that when all is said & done you're still riding a Polaris, the fit and finish and quality of workmanship is simply not yet on par with the Can-Am or Japanese makes. It has improved in recent years but there's still a good bit of catching up to do. A good analogy would be comparing a lawn mower or pressure washer with a Honda engine and one with a Briggs & Stratton, there's a very noticable difference, y'all get the point right?

 

My 2005 Polaris ATP 500 has been the most reliable quad I have ever owned. The quality and fit and finish are very good.

There is no Japanese 4X4 quad I would buy over a Polaris or a Can-Am. You can call it a Briggs and Stratton if you like, I do not care as I know better.

 

I had both 09 modles up untill a week or two ago. The 850 with EPS was the clear winner. I sold the 800R. Ride a EPS 850 on some tight technical trails or some rocky trails and you will see why in a matter of only a few minuts. Witout EPS I would have said it was sort of a toss up, pros and cons both ways. However with EPS, its the 850 that is by far the best machine I have ever owned, and I have had a machine or 2 over the past 28 years LOL. The new 850 is going to be very hard to beat in its overall pkg. The 09 800R will beat it in a drag race, but not by a lot. The 850 is pretty much even up with the older 06-08 Outlander 800s in power. The 09 800Rs have about a 10% advantage over the 08s and older outlanders. That combined with the lighter weight the 800R is a little faster. But put some turns in that race the 850 will run away and hide in a wooded technical race. EPS allows you to flat fly through the woods and over the rocks.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 1882

You also have to keep in mind that when all is said & done you're still riding a Polaris, the fit and finish and quality of workmanship is simply not yet on par with the Can-Am or Japanese makes. It has improved in recent years but there's still a good bit of catching up to do. A good analogy would be comparing a lawn mower or pressure washer with a Honda engine and one with a Briggs & Stratton, there's a very noticable difference, y'all get the point right?</end quote></div>

I would have to say you have not seen the 850 long enough for an inspection. I will put my 850 up against any bike for fit & finish & against any bike in ride & comfort & it will handle as well if not better than any utility 4x4 out there.

 

cc1999. Your new Popo must be quite a machine. It takes more than p/s to make a quad handle. I know my wifes Grizzly is easy to ride, but it can't hold a candle to my Outlander for high speed handleing. It is a real tribute to Polaris if they can make a 1000 lb machine still handle OK. Allways nice to read your reviews.