As what bigt2317 said its the same bike with the exception of the engine size. The only benefit I have had with my 850 is the extra torque available to hit hills where there is not much of a runway to gain fast momentum. Outside of this 550/850 are the same bike. Please keep in mind that there is more to climbing hills than just engine size. Unless you have the tires to put that power to the ground all the extra power isn't going to help you much.

 

All,

I was thinking more from the standpoint thats the 850 "could" be at a disadvantage with the extra power on the throttle giving the lift effect in the front as the power "may" squat the rear from its accerlation.

But...As I understand that is one of the KEY features of the new XP's is the throttle response and engagement. So with all the Extra power of the 850 is it still as SAFE as for steep hill climbing as the 550XP if all things being equal?

Thx,

R'

 

OK. I didn't count, but believe you. And I stated it was NOT a "waste" of my money. I ride trials as you state you do....I also have tracks, and I find it helpful for both. EPS is awesome on the trails with tires or tracks. You think it's a waste of money, and indeed that is your opinion.

 

The EPS is awesome, especially when spendind 7-9 hoours plowing snow. I guess you don't NEED power steering in your car or truck either, but it's nice to have.

 

My honda rubicons engines are sideways and have working recoil starts. With Efi pull starts are pretty much useless. If you have no power from the battery the fuel pump does not operate.

 

Fuel pump must take very little power. I've had the battery low on the 500 where the electric start wouldn't work, but I pulled the recoil and it started right up.

 

I think all ATVs should have a back up pull start. **** poor decision if you ask me.

 

Only to a certain bore,it takes two off us on the rope to pull start a 660 Grizzly and it hurts the hands when it kicks back and rips the rope out of our hands. The big ATVs may need a kick start for a back up instead.

 

My nephews Honda Fourtrax has a kickstart. I wonder how Polaris would add that to their Sportsman design? And do we really think they would?



Cheers,

R'