I was phsyc'd to trade in the 08 800 on this new bad boy - but then I test drove it. I see other posts that praise the ease of steering on this unit which I do agree with but the snap I was expecting (or hoping for) was not there. Another 08 800 owner test drove the 850 just before me and we both came to the same conclusion that our 800's would take this thing. The sales guy went on to explain that after 500 miles or so the XP would become quicker and more powerful. I do believe there is some merit to that because I have seen that with my 800 at about the 700 mile mark. I can now get 68 or 69 mph where I struggled to get over 65 when it was newer. Just throwing this out so that anyone with dreams of trading in a broken in 800 on a new 850 to get more speed and snap might be disappointed. Maybe after the break it will be a big improvement but I can't see taking a bath on a year old trade in for what I got out of this thing on Saturday. If its the steering your after then by all means. Test drive it first IMO

 

i agree,why take a bath for alittle improve.you would have to hate the piece of crapola to be trading it in any time before the next piece of s#it pres.why dont you add some speed modification?

 

Happened before, when the new 700 Grizzly came out people traded the 660 and bought the new 700 (686cc) Grizzly they though the extra 26cc was going to be some kind of rocket over the 660. Never happened.

 

I must say I agree, the ONLY reason I sold my 800 for the 850 was the steering. I just had shoulder surgery and prior to the surgery I would be pretty miserable after riding,even for short periods. I know that unless I make some changes I'll end up needing another surgery eventually. I originally ordered EPS but after checking out the non-EPS in person I opted for it, it steers very easy. I do like the narrower feel and steering. But I agree if you think the 850 is going to be scary quick and you are used to the 800, then you would be wrong. Now it may be if you are used to a 500 or smaller.

BTW- I would never trade in an ATV, the dealers will give it to you where it doesn't feel so good. Even in this economy you can sell the thing for quite a bit more than trade and pretty quick too. I started high on mine while waiting for the 850, when it got close to time I dropped the price to $1100 more than dealer offered for trade,and they offered me $100 more than high trade value. It was gone within less than 48 hours. Did I lose some money? Yes, but it could have been alot worse. Overall I'm happy and the buyer knew he was getting a great deal. If I would have traded I would have always regretted it and not been able to really enjoy the machine.

 

you guys must rememeber that the new 850 stil weights a ton and i have heard they are a little slower off the line, but the mid range is alot more. i felt the same when i went from the 800 to the ho 800 but there is a little more but i wouldnt want to trade a 1 year old bike in as you WILL take a bath and then some. imo.

 

I first tried the 850 xp 1& 1/2 weeks ago the bike had less than two miles on it. I found it to be slugish not at all what I expected from an 850,the bike was ridden for two days by the dealer over all kinds of terrain for a total of 170 miles. I then tried it again what a difference the power was what I expected with a lot of snap. I now own that demo. I had an 05 800 SP with a HSP cam,ported head & clutch upgrade & let me tell you this thing will walk all over the 800. First drive down the street I hit 73 MPH & it was still climbing not sure what the top speed is yet but I am very happy with it.

 

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

I first tried the 850 xp 1& 1/2 weeks ago the bike had less than two miles on it. I found it to be slugish not at all what I expected from an 850,the bike was ridden for two days by the dealer over all kinds of terrain for a total of 170 miles. I then tried it again what a difference the power was what I expected with a lot of snap. I now own that demo. I had an 05 800 SP with a HSP cam,ported head & clutch upgrade & let me tell you this thing will walk all over the 800. First drive down the street I hit 73 MPH & it was still climbing not sure what the top speed is yet but I am very happy with it.</end quote></div>

Very good to hear! These machines like some break in for sure. I think it is mostly the clutches and belt that make the difference after being broken in.
The engine, tranny and other driveline shouldn't need to "wear in" much if any.

 

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

I first tried the 850 xp 1& 1/2 weeks ago the bike had less than two miles on it. I found it to be slugish not at all what I expected from an 850,the bike was ridden for two days by the dealer over all kinds of terrain for a total of 170 miles. I then tried it again what a difference the power was what I expected with a lot of snap. I now own that demo. I had an 05 800 SP with a HSP cam,ported head & clutch upgrade & let me tell you this thing will walk all over the 800. First drive down the street I hit 73 MPH & it was still climbing not sure what the top speed is yet but I am very happy with it.</end quote></div>


Nice post! Do...share some pics! Would love to see it (especially with the mods)...


biz
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I've had my 850 for about two weeks now, and have tested it out against some of my friends quads. The 850 walks away from two of my buddys polaris 800's, a BF750, and a new king quad.

I will say though, that a Renegade 800 will smoke the 850 xp.

Again, every quad is different, and everyone has their opinions, this is just what Ive seen since I picked my quad up. This was done in colorado springs, at 6000ft+ elevation.

The only thing that bugs me about my XP is the low range, or lack thereof. The low range doesnt seem to be low enough for real rockcrawling. I tested mine back to back with my friends sportsman 800, and the 800 is much easier to handle thru the slower stuff.

The lack of storage on the 850 also has me a little confused....

 

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

I first tried the 850 xp 1& 1/2 weeks ago the bike had less than two miles on it. I found it to be slugish not at all what I expected from an 850,the bike was ridden for two days by the dealer over all kinds of terrain for a total of 170 miles. I then tried it again what a difference the power was what I expected with a lot of snap. I now own that demo. I had an 05 800 SP with a HSP cam,ported head & clutch upgrade & let me tell you this thing will walk all over the 800. First drive down the street I hit 73 MPH & it was still climbing not sure what the top speed is yet but I am very happy with it.</end quote></div>

That's amazing! So basically what I should expect (after break in) is the machine to pull harder (low mid and top end)? I'm wondering how this machine will compare to my old Prairie 650. I can tell you that the Sportsman 800 really impressed me, that is with the ride and power.

IronBear