I just took delivery of a '05 SP 800. The only modifications are 27-10/12 mudllites front and 27-12/12 mudlites rear, a Warn 3.0 winch, and a brush guard. I use an ATV for two puposes, work on the farm and moderate mud and trail riding. My previous ATV's were a '96 Honda 300 and a '97 SP500.

Farm/Work/Hunting: The Sp800 is an awesome machine for farm/work. I carried 300lbs of corn and a deer feeder on the front and rear racks effortlessly. The poly rack configurations allow an endless variety of load securing methods. The water resistant front rack compartment is roomy and functional. Although "resistant" is the key word. It is not waterproof. I purchased the "lock & ride rear hard box and the gun scabbard. They both preform above expectations. They go on and off in seconds and are well constructed. I have not used the winch yet, but I will report on it after I have a chance to use it. Overall the SP800 is outstanding as a utility ATV.

Trail/ Mud: I went riding at a friends camp on the Leaf River near Moselle, MS. WE had access to 640 acres of muddy trails. The terrain was relatively flat with a few gullys and ravines. The water level on some of the trails was seat level. The mud was 6" to 12" with a hard bottom. The SP800 did not strain at all. I went through the worst conditions with ease. The only trouble I experienced was when I was in a deep rut in 3 feet of water and I popped the front tire off the wheel. The Sp800 had so much torque it busted the tire bead off the rim. The machine was excellent overall. The exceleration was not as strong as I expected. Although I must say my expectations were very high.


One other comment in reference to the complaints of clatter on other Polaris models. I have had zero clatter so far. The exhaust noise is somewhat high pitched due to the twins and of course the belt drive has a whine to it, but overall I found the sound is pleasing.

 

Great to hear, I would like to gwt one next year for hunting.

 

Thanks for the report....

 

I can't wait to get mine Wednesday!!!!

 

Have you tried writing for the magazines? Thats a better report than some I've read. Real good report. I like to hear what people have to say anyways. Hope all goes well for you......

 

I agree... Un-biased reviews are always welcomed my way too and as always I will answer in an as un-biased answer as I can. Good review!

 

MISSISSIPPIMUD,
congradualtions on the new 800.Sounds like an outstanding ATV to me.

Just a LITTLE food for thought here?The real cause of the tire blowing off the rim is that in the sticky situation we can sometimes get our ATVs into,what happens is [if you'll check]you'll notice that the tire is UNDER-INFLATED,and when the tread gets stuck into the deep/serious mud and you TORQUE up that big/powerful 800cc engine quickly,what happens is that the tire STAYS in the MUD,while the RIM torques itself LOOSE around an under-inflated tire and POPS the rim away from the tire

To remedy this,make SURE if you plan on doing some SERIOUS mudding,that you have maximum allowable air pressure in you tires.

Best of luck with the new beast.

Bill

 

Thanks for the tip on tire pressure, that is exactly what happened. One thing I forgot to mention in my review was how pleased I was with the clean up..Polaris seems to have done a good job of eliminating places where mud cannot be easily washed off. I was also pleasantly suprised at how clean the radiator guard/screen stayed even in the worst conditions.

 

Great Report.
I am looking at getting an 800EFI and have a question for you.
You stated that you were in some mud/water holes up to the racks and was wondering how well the exhaust was running under water. I currently have a 600 Twin and the single exhaust on the Polaris is the greatest under water exhaust ever. It never hick-ups and sucks water in like allot of the other machines. With the new dual exhaust I am concerned that thier might not be as much back pressure.
Any problems? Thanks

 

I have only been in water above the exhuast once, however it was a 150' long sunken trail. I had zero problems. I even got stuck once and had to get off and push with the exhuast underwater and engine at idle, still no hiccups or sputters. I was very pleased. I have made no modifications to the exhuast or intakes.