I have owned a 800 in the past and just purchased the 850XP with EPS. I really loved the 800, but I have to say that the 850XP is amazing. I'm not sure what I am going to do with all the hp, but I'm sure my buddies with their 800's will try to drag me when we get out this Spring. You will be happy with either unit. Good luck with your decision.

 

800 is a awesome machine but if you are like me & do not like rattles and strange noises get the 850XP like I did. It is as quiet as a quad can be. If you do not you will regret it!

 

The fenders are far superior and keep the rider much clearner in the slop. The growl of the 850 is just awesome. I smile when I pull up next to an 800 and listen to it's exhaust note compared to the 850s. The seat, riding position and fit and finish are not comparable. 800 is still a cool rig though, just think if one had the option, from a financial standpoint it would be a no-brainer.

 

I run Low most of the time on my 500..and havent really been stuck but a few times and I've always had the 500HO's and they seam to be bullet proof....the only scary thing is the 800 when need to be rebuilt u have to buy new cylinders and are not bore-able.....so which way 2 go?

 

The 850 will get real close to the mileage of the 500's you're used to. The 800 will get about half.

 

got my 09 500HO clutch 2 the max top speed in high is 42 and in low about 5 to 7 but i run low cuz i'm always in the muck and deep mud/deep water...so gas mileage on the last ride to Whitheads i got 14 miles outta half tank...horriable..but is not a concern so does anyone think i should sepnd the cash and go bigbore cuz i ride slow and i'm clutched well enough-with AAEN exhaust on 27-bi/tri's and the only reason 4 the bigbore is to run the 29.5 or 30's

 

+1 on that. The splash protection is better, and the 850's 270 degree crank makes a way better rumble than the buzz created by the 180 degree crank on the 800's. The seat and narrower tunnel are way better. The power delivery is very different too. The 850 is smooth and linear compared to the 800, which I always thought was a bit thrashy off the line.

 

+2, the 800s killer bee sound, enough reason alone to get the 850 IMO. LOL
All the other pro's for the 850 are true as well. I was told by the tech at the dealer that an XP belt change was about a 30min job, if you have the right tools. Not sure I woul really want to try and do it on the trail though. LOL


There is a vid on you tube of an 850 running an open header that sounds wicked.

 

Roofer, you don't need to be in Low to run these bigger tires. Only if in the deep stuff and at lower speeds, pulling a heavy load, steep hills etc. With the 27" it doesn't put that much on the clutch/engine and a little assist with the Dalton spring to makes up for the power diff. The catch22 is though the clutch spring gives abit of a more jumpy front which I HATE for hill climbs.

R'

 

R' I am pretty sure Roofer was referring to the 29.5s/30's the OP mentioned. You can run high with 30's..but you will need low in alot more situations than with a stock sized tire if the belt is to last.