Picked up a new 850 last week! Was planning on modding the 800 this winter but after riding the 850 changed my mind.
So after 90 miles on the new machine I have a little comparison data. First off let me say I loved my 07 800, then I got the 08 and loved it even more, now the 850......life just keeps getting better!

The first thing I noticed with the 850 was the feel of it, feels like a smaller machine physically even though its not. The squishy feel is gone as well as the abrupt clutch engagement. Steering effort is much better than the previous models, turn radius is about the same. The ADC works better, not quite as touchy when coming down a steep grade. So far it appears to be a little more fuel efficient than the 800 and it hasn't consumed any oil yet. Love the larger fuel tank and new location, much easier to refill from a can without spilling. I measured the power output in two different ways (racing a 750 Kingquad) and (climbing a hill at 8000 ft elevation). The 800 handled both of these tasks very well, but the 850 pulls away from the Suzuki considerably faster. On the hill climb the 800 maintained a speed of 18-19 mph wide open in high range, the 850 maintained 26-27 mph wide open in high range and felt better even at the higher speed.

On the down side, there is still plenty of heat on the right side panel, but the annoying heat shield rattles so far have gone unnoticed. A couple of times at around 9000 ft it almost stalled when letting off the throttle and dropping to an idle. The stock tires look a little wimpy, but so far have handled the rocks very well and actually seem to hook up very well.

Will have it in the snow this coming weekend, I'll update if any note worthy discoveries are made.

Overall, I love the new design and feel. Huge improvement over an already amazing machine (the 800).

 

hey wolf......thanks for the review..you seem to know what time it is...let us know what else you like/dislike ...im waiting for my limited edition nuclear sunset 850 to come in anyday now..hope i like mine as much as you seem to like yours.. anyway thx for sharing your take on the new 850. i hope 2 put in my 2cents worth soon..

 

It's interesting that everyone so far with new 850's has mentioned there is no longer any heat felt through the machine from the exhaust. I just purchased one but I don't pick it up for a week. I could probably write a two page post on the differences and how much more I like the 850 considering I'm moving up from a 600 Grizzly[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Thanks for the post. I'm so far behind as to what Polaris makes.I think I was the one standing looking at an 800 Polaris belonging to a fellow we met on our hunting trip this year with that funny little "I just plugged the toilet look" it's an 800 twin. Holy sh*t.
Take care,
Dave

 

Congrats on your 850 XP WOLF1 !
Nice review, looking forward to more!
Enjoy!

 

a very nice comparsion thnaks for the input.

 

Nice review. I can only surmise that that WOLF1 has felt heat on his machine due to the extreme riding conditions he rides in. Climbing hills at sustained WOT in high range at 8000!! Can you imagine how much load it would take to keep the XP from getting over 27mph in high range? That is alot more of a test that my machine has seen and I'm not suprised some heat built up lol.
Keep your reviews coming WOLF1. Sounds like if there is a weakness you will find it.

 

Wolf1 Did you go riding in the snow this weekend? Anymore new reviews?

 

I tried the hill climb again this weekend, the machine now maintains 27-31 mph. At 31 I would have to let off for a split second, it would drop to 27 then right back up to 31 and I would let off again.

 

Your kidding me this thread magically comes back up when I am pondering trading my 08 800 Touring for a 850 XP EPS you guys are killing me I have this sneaking suspicion I will have a 850 before long.

 

Great review. I think I'll wait out Polaris and get the X2 850 PS if they ever get to making one.