I think that it is unlikly there will be any more than small changes made to the 850 in the next model year. It has very smooth predictable power. The 850 will wheelie with even half the gas, but you can feel and control what it will do. If you like pure power the 850 is the best choice. I say go drive one and see what everyone is sayin about this bad a$$ machine.

 

If they made an in-between size like a 700 XP I would probably buy it. I think it would be the best seller if it didn't cost nearly as much as the 850. I don't like buying a first-year anything just in case there are any bugs in it, but so far it doesn't look like the XPs have any.

 

I was very hesitant about the big 850 myself and was going to the shop with intention to purchase the 550, but change my mine once I drove the 850. It is not just the amazing power, but the smothness of the engine as well as the trasmission engagement. Drive both before you buy.

 

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

I was very hesitant about the big 850 myself and was going to the shop with intention to purchase the 550, but change my mine once I drove the 850. It is not just the amazing power, but the smothness of the engine as well as the trasmission engagement. Drive both before you buy.</end quote></div>


Welcome to the forum cmbertrand!
There's a lot of good info in here!

 

I would cancel the XP550 its the most over priced mid size ATV made after the Can AM 500. You can get a much more powerful SP800 for almost the same price and a 700 KQ for the same or even less.

 

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

I would cancel the XP550 its the most over priced mid size ATV made after the Can AM 500. You can get a much more powerful SP800 for almost the same price and a 700 KQ for the same or even less.</end quote></div>

It could be that next year they'll trim down the line and do away with the 500 EFI and reduce the price on the XP550. I mean, it'd kinda make sense, really to do something along those lines.

 

Yea, originally I was thinking... I'll wait a while and get a 550. However, after reading a lot about these two machines, I'm definitely going to get a "twin". If they make a 650/700/750 twin by the time I'm ready... that will probably be my choice. If not, I'll go with the 850 for sure.

 

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

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


It could be that next year they'll trim down the line and do away with the 500 EFI and reduce the price on the XP550. I mean, it'd kinda make sense, really to do something along those lines.</end quote></div>

If they ever do away with the 500 I would be very surprised.

 

Thanks Rancher 55. There is really good information in here and I appreciate folks input. I too debated a replacement for my rubicon and used this sight to help with the decision. The rubi was great, but I wanted to get away from the carb. The 850 is great and I thought I should return the favor and add some flavor to others looking at a bike.

 

thanks again everyone, its a very good forum.