My first post, I have done lots of lurking over the past week and have found this site very helpful

Our '95 Polaris 300 2-stroke Chain Drive 4WD is in need of an upgrade, or at least a newer machine and keep that as a spare.

We have been looking pretty hard at the 2009 machines, we think we have it narrowed down to the Polaris Touring series. If we wait and buy a 2010 XP model we are looking at $2700 extra (CDN) to go from the this years 500 to next years 550, and $3800 extra to go from this years 800 to next years 850. (the 'extra' is before tax price).

The 2009 500 Touring is on sale for $8500 ($1500 off reg price of $9999)) , and the 2009 800 Touring is on sale for $9500 ($2200 off reg price $11699). It's going to be very hard to justify the wait and extra dollars for a 2010, unless we wait for another sale.

I tried out the 500 in the dealers yard, even had someone drive for me while I sat on the back. The Touring model seems to work well and should be quite an upgrade from our previous machine. The only thing that bothered me about the ride as a passenger was the vibration in the rubber handles, I did not think it would be that bad. The 500 power seemed okay, it will be used to haul some bigger game, a small trailer and two people for hunting/fishing/riding. I think the 500 is the right machine to get but I keep wondering if the 800 might be a better choice. To me the 500 should be a more proven design, easier on gas and cheaper initially. The 800 would have more power, possibly smoother because it is a twin (have not driven one yet), but harder on fuel and $1000 more initially.

Any feedback would be appreciated, we don't 'need' a new machine now, but the sale makes it a bit easier to spend the money.

 

The 800 probably has a lot less vibration than the single cylinder 500. I tried to mount a digital camera to my handlebars to do some video. Way too much vibration, so I know what you are saying. The 800 probably has a lot less as twin cylinders counterbalance each other. Maybe someone else can give you more input. I have ridden many times with 2 people on my Sportsman X2 (like the Touring except it has a dump box that turns into a less comfortable passenger seat) and never needed any more power. It's a great engine.

 

i just purchased an x2 last week. Like he said it is the same wheelbase as the touring, just with a bed. As far as the vibration goes I know the 500 does have more than the twin motor. That being said, the reason that I went with the 500 instead of the 800 was that I have researched and it seems to me that the 500 is a less fickle motor. More dependable, better on gas so on and so forth. The thing that really sold me on the 500 was the dealer actually advising me to go with the 500 for dependability reasons. I would like to get an 850 for pissing contests, but I have been really impressed with my 500. I rode it last night with a friend (i weigh 245, he weighs 230) and it didn't squat and handled awsome through all kinds of terrain. On the open road at about 7/8 throttle we were going 58 with power in reserve. Either way, you'll be happy. If you don't care about running 80 or about trying to turn 30" tires through a mud bog, i think the 500 is the most bang for your buck. Thats why I got it.

 

I have a touring and my buddy has the X2 they're both 500 and they are both great. Touring is way more comfortable for longer rides.

Both have plenty of power and we get about 21mpg. 800 has a lot more power but poorer gas mileage. To be honest I think the extra power of the 800 and my testosterone and stupidity would make it more likely for me to get hurt.

The new XP models have a smaller gas tank for some reason (2 gals less). I'm sure it is a better quad otherwise, but for the extra money you can buy a lot of other stuff.

 

Thanks for the comments, the 500 sounds like a good fit, will probably see the dealer tomorrow.

 

My riding buddy's 500 X2 is a fantastic & relieable machine. This engine is been around FOREVER & the bugs have been worked out.

 

Well we went to the dealer yesterday to do up the paperwork on a 500 Touring, but before we got inside I noticed an 800 Touring outside, I 'needed' to try it out. My wife hopped on the back and I fired it up, a bit more noise than the 500 but less vibration. I eased on the throttle and it jumped forward, it was very evident that the 800 had more power than the 500...

In the end we made a deal on the 500, the power suited my needs better, and might save me from myself

My wife and daughter will drive this once in a while, and when that happens I will be glad it's the 500 and not the 800

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Enjoy and ride safe!.

 

Sounds like you'll all have fun.

 

I have a 09 X2 also it is Very dependable, decent ride, stable, way better on gas than my 850, if I put 7 dollars in my 500 my XP takes 12, although I drive my XP a little harder than she does the X2