I have owned both a 04 Sportsaman 600 and my 09 Grizz 700 both/all quads have there falts and for my puposes the Grizz has been a GREAT quad the overall quality has been twice what the 04 Polaris was in a machine that rids as good if not better than the 04 as well. I know this does not help with the XP but I will give you the reasons why I went with the Grizz over the XP.

Yamaha Grizz

3rd model year, bugs worked out if any
lighter = better fuel milage
replacement parts easy to find (tires, plastics, ect)
more onboard storage
4x4 system thoe my old polaris was good I prefer the one on the Yamaha system!
build quality nuff said

Things I miss on the Sportsman!

Weight, only for plowing snow
longer seat, Riding two when needed (Yes I know you shoulden't)
twin cylinder, smothness

All bikes have there + & - but you need to find the one that fits your needs and go with it! All I will say in 4 years of ownership of my Polaris I have had to replace 4 rear foot pedal brake master cylinder allong with a handle bar master totaling about 400-500 $$$$ in Parts that should not been needed to be replaced, now with the Grizz in 6mo of ownership I have not spent a dime other than operating costs, knock on wood I hope it stays that way. I spent about 6mo researching my purchase and am still 110% happy with my decision without any regrets whatsoever! If you do have you heart set on a XP read and talk to others who own them and make your decision. If it were me I would wait at least one full model year befor spending $10.000 of hard earned money on a unknown quad! Good luck with your decision!

 

bump

 

no bumps, or heated discussion needed. everyone is entitled to thier own opinion and donesnt need to have it debated and turn into a full blown debate!!

 

I have the 550 XP EPS and love it. When I bought it, it was sitting right beside the Yamaha 550 grizz, which I was looking to buy. Looking at these two same class quads and you will see Polaris has definately raised the bar. I chose the Polaris because of these factors.
1. Weight to plow snow
2. Ride was wayyyyyy better
3. Looked alot better built for my intended use.
4. Stock exhaust note was alot more throaty.
5. Nice lock and ride system.
6. ABS racks cause they wont rust.
7. One of my freinds has an 08 700 grizz W/ EPS, and I liked the feel of POPO's system better and cause it works with the just the key on.
8. The 08 700 grizz didn't pull a drag as well (Same drag section in same dirt side by side) as my 03 or 06 500 rubicons.
9. Ground clearance to plow snow.
10. Nicer original equipment wheels.
11. Fit and finish was best I've seen of any ATV.

 

I have a 2004 660 Grizzly, 5500 miles not a single problem. Love it

 

If you want a lighter more nimble machine and want to save a little $ go with the Grizz over the XP 850. If you want an overall smoother and more plush ride with the newest technology and lots of power, go with the XP. Also, I don't know which State you are in but make sure that the 850cc and 14" tires aren't excluded for registration. I know this topic has come up for Wisconsin.

 

I second that description.......super smooth and wicked fast. Blows a Grizzly away. You sense it the first 2 seconds on the bike, and fully recognize it less than a minute later.

Only thing I'd add is that I personally found the Grizz a bit top heavy. You MUST ride both to make a solid judgment. Both are quality rigs though. -Not sure what Yamaha has planned for 2010. That will be a new model though, so you're back to square one according to some.

Edit: XP is designed and built in the US by an American company. Grizzly is not.

 

I'm thankful.

 

Based on your needs...and the two ATV's being considered...the Polaris XP 550 is the way to go. I mean...look at what you are getting compared to the Grizz...plus a lower price. YES...you could eventually add those components to the Grizz, but then you would also need to add another $500-$600 to the Grizz price.

IMO...got to go with the XP 550!


biz

 

XP all the way, no comparison. Previous generation Sportsman all the way. Sounds like the new XP completely blows away the grizz in all areas. The weight issue is a pointless debate, you won't be lifting any of them out of a mud hole by hand. Why is it that a Yamaha Apex snowmobile at 600 pounds is a tank, yet the grizzly at 600 pounds is "light and nimble" lol. My snowmobiles are less than 500 pounds, and have just as much fun on my 800 Sportsman, which is 275 pounds heavier.

And Dodge57Hemi in 3.... 2.... 1.....