EXACTLY!! Can't get that through to some people though. Whether they are worth what they cost for a 500 class machine is debateable I guess...but you can't compare the 550Xp and the 500 solely on engine size or power...totally different machines.

I think with the power difference in the 550 and the 850 they could sell a machine in the middle,aroun d 50-55 hp...
What they really need to do IMO is lighten the thing up....I know not the Polaris way and it is made like a tank..but a 675-700lb XP would be SWEET and would go along way toward letting the 550s power shine...imo

 

The cc size increased to 960 about 6 months ago or so here in MN.

Polaris doesn't care much about being in MN. They focus on mud because of HL. You can't legally ride mud here. It's all about the $$$$$$ fellas.

 

Sad part is, the average guy coming to buy a "4 wheeler" won't even look close enough to notice the advancements in the XP. They look at engine size and price when in the 500cc range. In fact, some may choose the 500 because it actually is taller and noticeably bigger. Plus it come with meatier tires.

Was at the dealer a few weeks ago. I noticed they had a 550XP X2 on a trailer outside that just came in. I said "hey I noticed the new X2 out there, nice!" Salesman said, "yep that is a 2010 and we have a 2009 model right there".......... I said " but the new one is a XP"........a pause set in and he looked around " Oh, I guess you're right"

 

Why do XP550 cost as much as 750 KQ ? What advantage does a 550 have over the 750? I know a few advantages the 750 has over the 550,its lighter and has much more power but I dont know any of of the 550s advantages over the 750.

 

About +60lbs and -$900.00! LOL

2009 Suzuki KingQuad® 750AXi Power Steering Limited ATVs

 

2.4" of wheelbase,1" advertised ground clearance,over 2" more advertised suspension travel, plush Polaris ride and Polaris AWD system for those that don't like manual diff lock, ADC,35w lights(vs 30w) Polaris lock and ride racks(I honeslty have come to like plain old tube racks better) But many like the lock and ride plastic racks. Higher quality wheels and 26" tires(ok the terrathons suck,but not as bad as the Suzuki stockers) standard and $900 cheaper than the "limted" PS KQ and $500 cheaper than the PS KQ.....lol For $600 more (list prices) that the "limited" Kingquad you could get the 850 EPS...so what is the advantage of the Kingquad over the 850? that is about the same as comparing a Kingquad 750 to the 550 right?

Kind of like I said above..a machine inbetween the 550 and 850 priced about like a similarly equipped KQ750,or even a little cheaper(doable) would sell well I think...JMO

BTW what the heck do you get with the limted KQ for $400? A different color and maybe different wheels..that still aren't as nice as the base stuff on the XP?

Just playing devil's advocate..

 

I just saw that the reg's have changed but you beat me to the punch. I have been looking into the 550 but I guess know that means the 850XP is officially back on my Xmas list!!!

 

I agree, but it's too late now that the 550 is out and so high in price. The should have just kept the 500 (between the 500 and 550 engine, there is very little difference), and built a 650-700cc twin.
Now, they will just have to make the 850 the "one inbetween".

 

Funny you say that...that is exactly what I was thinking about the 850 being the in-between one..didn't say it though because then that starts the whole where's it going to end CC conversation..
But IMO they really need to do something like that for the XP to be on top of the heap "performance" wise...that or unleash another 10-15 hp on the 850.
A 1000XP Touring with say 85-90 HP (edit/add)..and a different shifter lol might just make me come back.
Whether we need the fastest/quickest utility machine out there or not,you have to admit there is alot of interest in that one area...
I still think they could do say a 50hp-55 HP 650 and it would sell well though.

 

New shifter, yes! LOL

A 1000XP would be nice, but the Touring is a big mistake, IMO. Just a waste in such a big expensive machine. Sure, a few sell, but probably not worth it. I have yet to see an owner on the forums. Dealers have very few of them....even the older ones. Just not a big seller.