Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

I'm looking at buying a new machine in the next month or so. I can't make up my mind between a 550xp or a 500x2. I'm not interested in a 800 or a 850 so I don't want to discuss those. I just want to hear some good straight to the point advise.

I've been around polaris atv's since '96 and still have these in the family: two '96 sportsman 500's, a '99 sportsman 500, two '05 sportsmans 500's, and two '07 500x2's. So I'm pretty familar with the machines, my parents own the X2's and I own the '96 500. I'm putting the '96 out at our ranch for work so I'm upgrading to a new machine.

I know comparing these 2 are like apple vs oranges but I still would like to hear input. My riding style: no, I'm not going to snorkel it, not going to go in 3' of water, not going to mud race, but I will play on it in light mud / water and use it for LOTS of trail riding. I'll have a passenger on it SOMETIMES but not all the time since we have so many machine and dirt bikes, so the added seat on the X2 is not a must.

Here is what I like and dislike about each model:

<u>550XP </u>

PROS: new technology (suspension/motor/etc), I like the looks and style, new engine mounting make the wife "fit" better, bigger radiator (we ride where it's HOT)

CONS: new technology (First year out), not a huge aftermarket yet, no stock front storage

<u>500X2</u>

PROS: We already have 2 of them with zero problems, "kinks" worked out the the model, lot's of aftermarket, probably get a better dealer discount, little bed on back (I like that)

CONS: Not the newest technology, Sometimes our X2's over heat when is hot on long rides

How do y'all feel about the added wheelbase on the X2's? The trails and such we ride on are not tight so thats the added length is not a problem. How about the little bed on the back, seems like this would remove easy to do major repairs and such, but I'm assuming you couldn't put a rear bumper on because of the "dumping" of the bed.

I'll stop blabbering now and look forward to the debate

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

Here's my 2 cents worth.

I to believe those are both pretty cool machines! X2 does have a turf mode and is nice if you are on ground that you dont want to tear up. The dump bed is and the converted double seat is cool to.
Let's say that we can forget about the extra seat and move onto the bed. The bed is pretty small. Does one really need a dump bed for something that small? Why not get a trailer with a dump bed? It can haul and dump much more..
The XP is definetly more sporty, can haul a trailer, [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] and has the highest trailer weight rating out there.. (1500lbs) for towing, heck even more than some of the bigger machines like 700 Yami and 750 suzuki which i think are at or little less than a 1000lbs.
Yeah there isnt as much in the way of accessories right now but i didnt let that stop me. We had a Quadrax box from our Eiger that we traded in for on the XP and i was able to take the quick connects that Polaris sells separately and make it work. Polaris sends you brackets with the Q.C. and i had a fab shop cut them down to my needs and powder coat'em as well. you can see in my pics the Quadrax Box on the back. I like the looks way better than Popo's! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
The XP bike is a pleasure to ride! I cant believe how nice the suspension is. when i got on the XP and ran it up a little 2' incline i gave it throttle, it gripped and put the nose up in the air! When i let it back down it was so soft! I let out a smile and laugh so big people could hear me in the house laugh!
I'm very impressed with the craftsmanship of the XP and the attention to detail they put into it! Everything looks solid, the frame, electrical, and so on..
I've been told that Suburau makes the 550XP motor and if its anything like their cars it should be fine.. Btw isnt that the same manf. of the 500X2 motor as well?
I've never owned a X2 and from what I see its a very nice machine but since you really do have others you could use if you need to haul another person, get the 550xp! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]


Any way like i said my 2 cents. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

bigt,

Few things...

First, I think your approach is a good one, and you've got it pretty much have it figured out.

Secondly, Polaris has some great deals going on right now that just started. You can save up to $1000 on select models. You can even save a few thundered on XP's.

Third, if you ride 2 up, you really should have a two up machine. That eliminates the XP's for now.

Lastly, I have a 500, but I had the chance to have a good long ride an 850 XP EPS, and a short ride on an 850 non EPS. With that said, if I HAD to buy an ATV tomorrow, it would be an XP. The riding and handling are worth it alone... never mind a few dozen other things I like better.

Anyhow, in your case, you might think about holding out for a while, as I've got to believe there is a 2 up XP in the near future. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Good luck with your decision.

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one of them! But if it was me in your situation I would choose the 550 Xp. There haven't been any major issues with the first year models, but like you said, the XP's do lack storage space. That said, they more than make up for that with their improved performance, handling, great ride, towing capacity, easy steering,(with or without EPS) and the anti-kickback design really does work!
These are really nice machines! IMO![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

Polaris spoils people with factory storage other companies offer you steel rack that rust and no storage. Fuji Heayy Industries builds all of the single thumpers for POPO. So your current engines are manufactured by the same co. Suburu happens to be the parent co of FHI. I have the 550 XP with EPS and would highly recommend it. The ride is silky smooth fuel economy is good and other than a bad throttle cable on mine (replaced very quickly under warranty) It is a very quality build machine. I run equip for a living and can tell by looking at it if it will not brake in half for the use I have intended for it. The XP is beefy and I like heavy built stuff so weight does not concern me. All I can say is I Love mine so far.

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

BigT the extra wheelbase is excellent for going up and down hills as it is less tippy forward or backward due to the wheelbase. Having replaced my pickup bed on the X2 it is not a bad job if you are taking off the whole thing as a unit. Tedious to take apart and piece back together. Check my pics out in my page to see a wood box I made for the back. I can tote a good bit of wood with it and I use it for small cleanup jobs like after splitting wood and getting rid of the extra debris. I find it holds a cooler very nicely as it won't slide off as easily as a traditional rack. I think there is now a Polaris rear bumper for the X2. And there are aftermarkt bumpers for it also. The XP does have a front storage box that is available to put on. You could probably talk your dealer into including it as a goodwill gesture.

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

We chose the 500 Touring for the comfort for the passenger and the longer wheelbase for safety. If you carry a lot of cargo the X2 is the way to go, if you carry friends the Touring is great. Don't minimize the better ride of the longer wheelbase, especially if you do climbing over rocky terrain.

BTW, ATVguru makes really nice front and back bumpers for the X2

here's our Touring on the Paiute trail

http://tiscarenophoto.com/qh20.jpg

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

Nice pic reno82!

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

Well I went to the dealer and checked the XP's out, I love these machines! My wife came along and we sat on it to make sure it has enough room for us two, which it has plenty. They have 2 of them a red one and a black one. My wife likes the red, I think the red looks pretty good myself and it's the one on the showroom. I'd rather get one straight out of the crate and not off the showroom since I'm sure people test drive and "hot rod" the tester on the showroom. I pretty much made my mind up to go with a XP550. Thanks for the help and I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions in the future!

I like the Touring and X2's for sure but I think the XP will be better for me since my riding habits are about 0% towing, 25% riding 2 up, 25% riding single, and 50% riding will both front and rear racks loaded with gear (riding single or 2 up). I tried to talk to a dealer and polaris directly and I couldn't get anything our of them about a new XP X2.

Buying a new machine, can't choose which one, need advise
 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: malibu94

Here's my 2 cents worth.



I to believe those are both pretty cool machines! X2 does have a turf mode and is nice if you are on ground that you dont want to tear up. The dump bed is and the converted double seat is cool to.

Let's say that we can forget about the extra seat and move onto the bed. The bed is pretty small. Does one really need a dump bed for something that small? Why not get a trailer with a dump bed? It can haul and dump much more..

The XP is definetly more sporty, can haul a trailer, [img][/img] and has the highest trailer weight rating out there.. (1500lbs) for towing, heck even more than some of the bigger machines like 700 Yami and 750 suzuki which i think are at or little less than a 1000lbs.

Yeah there isnt as much in the way of accessories right now but i didnt let that stop me. We had a Quadrax box from our Eiger that we traded in for on the XP and i was able to take the quick connects that Polaris sells separately and make it work. Polaris sends you brackets with the Q.C. and i had a fab shop cut them down to my needs and powder coat'em as well. you can see in my pics the Quadrax Box on the back. I like the looks way better than Popo's! [img][/img]

The XP bike is a pleasure to ride! I cant believe how nice the suspension is. when i got on the XP and ran it up a little 2' incline i gave it throttle, it gripped and put the nose up in the air! When i let it back down it was so soft! I let out a smile and laugh so big people could hear me in the house laugh!

I'm very impressed with the craftsmanship of the XP and the attention to detail they put into it! Everything looks solid, the frame, electrical, and so on..

I've been told that Suburau makes the 550XP motor and if its anything like their cars it should be fine.. Btw isnt that the same manf. of the 500X2 motor as well?

I've never owned a X2 and from what I see its a very nice machine but since you really do have others you could use if you need to haul another person, get the 550xp! [img][/img]





Any way like i said my 2 cents. [img][/img]</end quote></div>

FWIW The 09 Grizz towing capacity is 1322 lbs. As far as topic at hand and trail riding goes XP all the way!