That's what I'm after, just want to make sure the 850 can handle its own like the 550 class can on slopes, I'm sure it will, just want some affirmation

 

I have 2009 850xp. I looked at both 550 and 850. Went with 850 with power steering. have about 600 miles on it. Trip to UTAH and West Virginia. My only dislike would be the gas mileage. It uses allot of gas and i don't ride it hard. I upgraded from 700. Other than that a great ride with more power than you will need. Plows great in the winter also.

 

The 850 is alot better on side hills and steep stuff than my 800's, but still ya gotta pay attention. I haven't rolled the 850 yet (and hope I never do)! whereas the 08 800 seemed pretty easy to tip. Most of my riding is mountain terrain and steep, with alot of rocks and side hills.

 

Surprised ! My 550 gets about 23 US mpg with avg speed on trails of 10-15 mph.

 

so about 100 miles to a tank? that sounds good to me, am i missing something?

 

The XP will suit your needs well. I have totaled a Sportsman 500 but it was because I was climbing close to verticle hills. The Sportsman line is very stable but you MUST respect the power or things can get nasty. The 850 is truely an incredible machine.

 

damn, hope you're alright after taking that tumble, thanks for the input. I can't wait to get mine

 

I/we have both machines. The 850 is awesome but heavy as stated by others. Leaning in corners doesn't help much you must SHIFT your weight to make a real difference.
I haven't rode the 550 a lot but when I do it feels much lighter than the 850.
IMO they are both good machines!

 

I'm riding a SP600 twin that weights about 750 lbs. True, a little body english doesn't affect it much but since I bought this thing new in '03 I've learned how to apply body english to help a little. But it seems to me the power steering and the width, length of the ATV will have more effect on tight quarters than 30 lbs of weight. Besides with the addition of front & rear bumpers, a winch and rack extenders either the 550 or 850 will weigh out 750 or better.
I like the smooth ride of the twin but worry a little about HP and quick wheelies the 850 generates. I can think of several places where that would have been a deciding factor in flipping one over. Which one of these, 550 or 850 will generate smooth power in small increments for the tight stuff?
550 or 850? Just trying to make a decision and talk to people before I go to a dealer.
BTW, what is the widest tires I can put on the XP without needing spacers (ugh) or new wheels?

 

well guys, as I await my tax paycheck so I can pickup my XP, i again am questioning which model. I am still leaning towards the 550, but i'm not 100% on it. I plan to add a pipe, exhaust, underbody, chip, etc, the normal upgrades. so I can look at it as the 550 with 1500 in upgrades, or a stock 850, with the same upgrades much later. again, i ride mountains, trails, and love the tight twisties. Any final recommendations on model? I think the most compelling argument i can give my self on the 850 is that it can do dirt drifting, which is a blast.