All -

I wanted to know how the XP riders are fairing with hilling? More so up? I hear a little
scuttle about some 850 owners (not posted on here, least I don't think) flinging off
b/c of the extra ponies? Any truth to that?

As a 800 operator I must say I just wish my HO didn't have that jumpy effect with hills as it could
spill diseaster. Not sure IF I could detune for those ride applications whether it be by the clutch setup or what?

Thoughts?

Thanks,

R'

 

I would say it depends more on how you ride, your ability, knowledge, skill level, and reaction times. I know some people that and flip a 10hp machine backwards up a hill in a heartbeat, BUT I also know people that wouldn't have any trouble up a steep hill with a 850. So if you know what your doing, which I'm sure you do, and have knowledge about "hilling" then any ATV you ride will be fine for it. But I do think it would be much more of a hassle to "detune" the atv just for hills, it would be easier to just learn the bikes capabilities

 

Any hill that looks steep and difficult I go up in low range, not sure how I would get up any different on a big bore.

 

I have an 850 and my Dad has an 800. I have ridden them both, back to back, one after the other......The 850 has a MUCH smoother takeoff. IMO, that would make it better for hills, although I have very little experience with steep hills.

Also, the XP has easier steering and much improved suspension.

 

Biggest problem on hills with the XP is not the engine, its the front suspension. There is a lot of "up travel" in the front shocks/springs. When going up a steep hill & power is applied, the front rises a lot and has a tendency to get REALLY light in the front and feels like it is going over.

 

I was going to say that, and that my 500HO was easier to hill under most conditions. The 850 is way faster up hills. The front end gets light way before the 500's would have, if the hill is steep enough. I wonder sometimes if the rolled IRS has something to do with it too.

 

Mongrol, I don't find my 850 has very much up travel but I have the LE with the box on the front which probably adds at least 25 lbs to the front of the bike. I keep my gear in there (maybe 20-30 lbs) plus I have a winch so maybe that keeps the front end down on mine? It is actually quite difficult to wheelie with it (only on asphalt) whereas I have seen 850s without winches and the box wheelie on gravel or grass.

 

If your having that problem when you get on it tighten the back ones.

 

Maybe we're talking about hills of different steepness. My 550XP is equipped like your 850 so we're pretty equal in that respect. My rear springs are set at max, (for running Tracks) so that may not be the reason. Compared to the other ATVs that I get to ride, I find the travel to be about double the others.

Po 400HO, Po 500 X2, Po 700, & Can Am 500 all seem quite a bit less.

 

Good thread guys! Just so we are clear my aim for this discussion is NOT in any way
to cast a negative shadow over one of our stellar models but I am getting info. from
some reliable sources on other internet threads that something is going down here.

So I was curious with any recent experiences with everyone on this thread.

And really going back to the point of the discussion how do we compensate and configure
these things to adapt to these trail situations?

Would adding more front weight be the solution? If so, what then when you got to come back down?

R'