Hey all,

I have been reading these XP related threads from time to time. I wanted to know is it worth upgrading from my former Sportsman to the new XP's? I read alot of great stuff about the new design in the magazines.

Whats up with these new suspension (A-arms or something else?) issues? Are they iscolated to those who jump them? (I don't plan on doing that) Warrenty/recall issue?

Thanks all for the info.

R'

 

Just from looking in it seems to me that there are some things that need to be fixed. Bugs to work out if you will. I would keep your older SP for a year or two more to get the best XP product. From what ive read it seems the 850 is ridiculously awesome.

 

I would agree! Wait a while before buying. I am a true believer in never buying the first year anything whether it is a car , computer.....operating system, quad, whatever! I said it when the XP's fist came out and the adage is still holding true!

 

R',

I wouldn't. You've got nothing to loose by waiting... except to find out that there are possibly other issues that may crop up as they get into the 1,000's of miles category.

For the most part, they are probably excellent machines. However, the "mysterious" belt problems, and more serious suspension issues are enough to hold me off for a while. Mix in these absolutely uncalled for plug fouling/cold start issues and a few other "strange" noises that everyone seems to call "normal", and you should have good reason to wait... I know I do.

As long as Polaris is selling them as fast as they can make them, they will do nothing. If sales start to slow down because of consumer concerns, they will start looking into why.

Plus, maybe they will finally put a decent OEM tire on a $9,000 machine.

EDIT: One last thing... for some other strange reason, some of these machines seem to be eating brakes. A guy that we ride with who had belt issues on his at around 200 miles, also found out that his rear brakes are almost gone. Needless to say he is not a happy camper.

 

its a whole new design so theres bound to be small issues to be delt with. maybe the 2010 will be a better year as its been out for a year.

 

Here's a thought...I can't help but wonder if the belt issue and the brake issue are related as they are opposing forces?

 

All the guys without XP's share their opinions as non owners and limited if any seat time on a 850XP. I don't have alot of hours or miles on mine but I can say that every minute/mile has been a blast on the 850!! We all know the faulted logic behind the theory of I'll wait on the purchase because next years model will better when that will always be the case. Just like the guys that says I am not going to buy that new computer because next year Windows 7 is out, or the processor will be faster or or or. ..... and if you buy into it that approach you will never enjoy the benefits of newer and better models. The 850 is awesome and there has been enough ink written about it so that point is pretty clear.

I almost started a post the other day to draw out the many XP owners on this site that have had no problems but figured that we all know there are lots of owners on this site and the problems are limited to a few. In addition what doesn't get posted in the information about these problems are some of the "small" details that lead up to a particular problem.

I think I share the viewpoint of most 850XP owners in that the quad is awesome and a blast to ride. Totally enjoy it and don't have one regret about purchasing it. It may not be for everyone but heck that is why they make slower quads.

 

Agree x10

 

Rtckwad ...... In your case you have a 2008 800 Sportsman which in itself is also a big bore great quad. Given the 2008 model year I think you would probably lose some money going to an XP. In my opinion I wouldn't make the change only because you have a new, nice machine now. No need to change IMO.

- brian

 

yep, mine has been great!! I love it. I went with the 550 instead of the 850 simply because of fuel milage. Where we go riding from time to time there are long 100+ mile trip each day and the closest gas station it 40 miles or so the other way. I didn't want to haul around fuel or bring a boat load of 5 gal cans. Other than fuel milage the 850 would be a blast