Its a very very tough choice honestly. Both bikes are the top dogs in the 500class without a challenge from any other maker. The only thing im having trouble with is which one to buy lol. Im a month or so from buying it but its better to know which you want then get stuck at the time buying and not sure ya know. What I wanna know is how does the 550XP handle? Im told in Dirt Wheels mag that is has bad front end push at slow speeds when turning, is it that bad or just a thing were they road?

 

The xp does have some "push" in the slow speed steering. At trail speed you will not notice it. Mine got much better when I added the winch(xtra weight)to it. As far as overall handling? I have not drove a grizzly to compare it to but the xp is the best handling machine I have been on. And I have rode quite a few machines. As far as dirt wheels....I think they are very pro yamaha. In the article i posted on my other response the xp beat the grizzly. And it also stated it was the best quad ever built! So I guess you just have to decide for yourself. Good luck whichever machine you get.

 

My 850 had the low speed push too. It does only happen on certain terrains, but I clicked up the preloads 2 notches in the front and bumped the air to the 7psi the manual stated, and that helped a ton. The chassis handles better than any 4X4 I have ridden to date. The XP is heavier than my last ride (05 SP 500HO), but feels better in every way. Steers better, rides better, more comfortable saddle and ergo's

I also have noticed that Dirt Wheels seems, well, not quite anti Polaris, but very pro Yamaha. Ever notice that yami's win almost every shootout their in in DW? Go to DW's website. There's a pic of the Griz 550 on it's side in a mudpit. The article doesn't mention that, does it? But it still won the shootout.

 

Yeah, I do agree i think you got a point there guys, DW does seem kinda Yamaha happy. Ive read and read and read and guess what? Read that 550shoot out over a dozen times lol. Does that extra weight make the XP sluggish though? I mean 130more pounds isnt a thing to not think about. Also, is it a brute size wise or is it just a inch or 2 not like they make it sound? They sorta make it sound like its 5feet wide compared to 4feet wide and hard to trail ride and stuff.

 

Yes, the 550 XP is sluggish, only compared to the 850 xp. lol It is not sluggish at all and I'm 270. As far as it being big, the fenders all taller than my rubicon. With the EPS it feels and handles smaller than my Rubi's. The seat height is the same as my Rubi's and width is the same. It feelsd bigger because of the high fenders. You feel like your in it instead on top of it like other wheelers. With those big fenders they will keep you cleaner in the nasty stuff to.

 

The XP ride is awesome. If your worried about the extra weight just get the 3500 lb. winch. I went out and got stuck in the snow a few times this weekend with my 850 but it was easy to get out with the winch. The snow was a bit firm on top but when you broke through you were immediately to the frame. My buddy with his Foreman was stuck just as often and it was a lot lighter. The XP is very stable. It may be heavier but I'm pretty light so I make up for the overall weight. A 275 lb rider on a 700 Grizzly and me on my 850 probably works out to the same overall weight. Have fun with what ever you choose.
Dave

 

well I currently have an 02 sport 500 and thismay be the bike for me!!

 

As I had said befor, this is going to be one tough choice. The decider will be which bike i can get for the cheapest price! Both bikes will rock either way, weight or not and so on but their both the top dogs in the 500s and Im gonna be happy either way. Price will be the match maker in this decision I think. Also, do any of you guys have any pics of your bikes you mind sending to my email? Evilgto1@hotmail.com is what it is, i wanna see what some of your bikes are and stuff. May help me decide if the prices will be the same from one dealer.

 

Have you thought about the fact that one is designed and built in the USA and other is not. Buy American if in question.

 

I do know that fact actually. But im leaning more to the Grizzly then anything, we`ve had Yamaha`s and still in fact own a running 87 with the orginal engine lol.