Just wanting some input on the new 550XP, it seems all I read about is the 850XP. So anybody that has the 550 please chime in because I'm about to buy one in March. How's the power compared to the old 500HO engine, how do you like the power steering, are there any thing you don't like about the 550, are there any drive line noises like the old sportsman, does it ride as smooth. So let's hear it from you 550 owners, Thanks

 

yes you cant go wrong with this quad, Compared to my 2006 500 efi sportsman, the 550 with non eps, the steering is so lite and effortless You dont need power steering, I think it rides smoother then the 06 in my opinion.
Everything said about the 850 is the same as the 550 except the motor.

What i dont like is there is no front storage anymore thats one thing i miss, and another is there isnt enough room for bigger tires in the back because of sway bar clearance issues. unless you use spacers. or modify.

I only have 70 miles on so far.

 

bump, any one ells have there thouts on there new 550XP. Thanks

 

Picked mine up on Valentines day..Removed all the warning stickers and painted the fangs black..Rode it very little but am going on a 4-5 day ride in the mountains of WV..Should put 250-300 miles on it and will report back...Sure is a lot different than my 2007 Sportsman 500 Deluxe..For the better I hope...

 

I have 1200 miles on mine. No power steering, don't feel its needed a wonderful machine, not a single problem so far

 

My dad is 84 and he rides a new 550 without powersteering and he loves it. He had a 07 500 deluxe before that and there is no comparison ,the 550 vibrates a little at idle but once you take off it smooths out.Like was said above everything good about the 850 is good on the 550 and the handling on the 550 is probaly a little better do to less weight.

 

I love mine! Power wise it is more than the 500. Maybe not out of the hole but the mid and upper range is much better. When i race my buddy with his 02 500 we are almost even for about 200 feet then i start to pull away. He usually beats me to 100' by a half of quad length. The steering is so easy i feel no need for the eps. The suspension is great. It is a perfect balance between plush and firm enough for great handling and comfort.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DELUX500EFI

Picked mine up on Valentines day..Removed all the warning stickers and painted the fangs black..Rode it very little but am going on a 4-5 day ride in the mountains of WV..Should put 250-300 miles on it and will report back...Sure is a lot different than my 2007 Sportsman 500 Deluxe..For the better I hope...</end quote></div>

What did you use to remove the decals???

 

whas the top speed?

 

I have EPS on the 850, All I can say is wow what a difference EPS makes. I have owned quite a number of machines over the years and, this new EPS features is the only way to go IMO, its worth every cent. In fact, I never plan to buy another machine without it. It does take a few minuts of seat time to get use to the reduction in steering effort needed. That said once use to it, you won't want to ride anything without it.