Here's something for ya. When I called my dealer to get pricing on the 550XPs and 850XPs. With or without EPS. At cost, there is only a $1000 difference.

Say what? Well you get so much more of a bike from a 550-850 especially since you
don't have a 650 or 750 class. On the former Sportsman classes and prices that was about the going price from a 500 to a 700 ($1300). So if your thinking of going for the new XPs you might just spring for the 850, IMO.

I guess the 550 are much more over priced 500 then the 850 is then the traditional 800, I guess thats is based on the Mid-range being Polaris best selling, only all to compare.

Regards,

R'

 

Are you saying it is a bigger $ increase to go from the 500 to the 550, as opposed to the 800 to the 850?

The 550 is $500 more than the 500. The 850 is $1000 more than the 800. This is msrp. Real world prices might be different?

 

The 550 XP blows the competitors in the class out of the water, in terms of ride, power and handling. The 550 has way less roll through corners than the previous gen or other IRS machines even though it has more ground clearance. The only gripe I have is that the stock tires are not matching the performance of the rest of this package. So if your buying one maybe you could get the dealer to throw in some better treads. I had 64 MPH on a snowmobile race track with the lock and ride windsheild and my 275 on my XP 550. I highly recommend the EPS it is awesome.

 

well i dont know what to get because my brother and mom went out to the polaris shop like 30 minute drive from where i live and my brother said he really liked the power steering and where doing a trade in and i was thinking if were going to get a 550 with power steering why not just spend a little more and get the 850 ?

 

The 850 and 550 are nearly identical but yet two very different machines. If you like big HP and having all kinds of power then go with the 850. But if high power and torque aren't your thing the 550 has plenty for the average rider and you will surely enjoy all the other improvements with the XP. IMO.

 

I have not ridden the 550, but I've read that the weight difference is noticeable. Might be worth riding both and using weight as a partial gauge too. Total milage may also be a consideration.....The 550 will travel greater distances between fuel stops. The EPS models carry less fuel than the non-EPS....something like a gallon less. Not sure, but the 550 is likely less $ to insure. Different engine manufacturer. Is it going to be used for work, like plowing snow or pulling firewood, etc?

 

Good points .... yes the 550 weight is around 52 pounds lighter, with the EPS I find the difference to be minimal, without EPS I suspect there would be a difference with the feel of the steering. I find both machines to be be large, bulky and heavy.... but boy do they ride and cruise nice. Fuel consumption is definitely higher the 850.

I just got a quote from my insurance agent to insure the 550 and 850 and the cost was the same. But this is Massachusetts and the insurance industry is "regulated" which means crazy policies and expensive. About $450 for liability, fire, theft and collision. About $370 for liability only. I think I am going to do full coverage at least for the first couple years.

- brian

 

HI Ruggo
I was told by the dealer that there was only about 1 to 1.5 mpg difference between the 550 and the 850. I watched an ATV test between the 650 Can Am and some other comparable Quads. Just cruising along the 650 got way better mileage but as soon as they started to ride the machines it dropped to the same mpg mark as the rest of the quads. What have you found for mileage between the 550 and the 850?
Take good care
Dave

 

Huhhhh. Your dealer doesn't "do that". I've never heard of a dealer that won't let a serious buyer test the gear. Not like you're a 18 year old looking for a joy ride. You gotta find a new dealer R. Honestly have never experienced that when I'm seriously looking to buy.

My somewhat arrogant view is: Who cares. Life is short and actual fun is relatively rare when compared to the daily grind. It's a cheap price to pay for grins in the long run. If you can afford to do it of course, and your kids have shoes . -If you look back in five years and try to account for all the small stuff that eats away at your income, you won't be able to do, it just disappears. At least you'll be able to look at the bike and know where your money went. It's an investment in life.

 

2 mph diff?

R'