I was trying to find the difference between the Sportsman 850 XP 2010 vs 2011. I am trying to purchase a 2010, but I just found out I can get a 2011 for about $300 more.

I did read somewhere that the 2011 has smoother engine braking and a different seat that you stick to better.

Are there any other differences? Are the two I mention noticeable?

Thanks.

 

Bold new graphics?

 

They look the same to me 2011 Polaris Sportsman XP® 850 ATVs

Go to this site and compare Part Numbers. http://parts.polarisind.com/Assemblies.asp

The 2011 all use the 2684699-070 seat. So I quess they did a seat change.

Now is that a good thing? Polaris did many changes for the worst in the past.

Smaller gas tanks, alloy to plastic oil tanks, twin metal roller cages to single Plastic roller cages and speedo that operate the AWD vs the older ones that had nothing to do with it and ECM brain boxes that had more brain farts than anything.

 

I though the 2011s had much better stock tires?

 

I don,t know "Maxxis" (2011) or "Terrathon" (2010) but the sizes stayed the same.

 

I would hope polaris put better tires on it.
2010 Tires suck for being a top end quad they would have put nicer rubber on heck my Outlaw came with awesome stock tires on it. why can't the sportsman.

 

I HAD a 2011. And still own a 2009
tires are still junk
larger fuel tank
rear suspension way stiffer
plastic feels thinner
front subframe cast aluminum
3 brakes
free winch JUNK
new seat cover is nice
steering fells a tinny bit looser
clutch did feel good

Other than these things I think they are very close to the same.

I did hear that they are made in Mexico now. But mine did have a USA flag on the back fender.

 

yes the tires are definately better on the 2011 the seat is different haven't put enough miles to see about adc being smoother the tires aren't great but they are much better than those awful terrablethons they sucked bad

 

You should see the tires AC,Yamaha and Honda come with stock I think there not even 6 ply.

The older Sportsmans came with 6 ply Goodyear P-Trackers,they were nice tires, I guess its a cost saving measure.

 

If the 1st number in the VIN is a 4 or 1 then it is American Made. If you see a 3 in the 1st digit of the VIN = MEXICO.