I'm in the market for a Polaris and have the possibility of buying a new 2011 Sportsman 800 efi for $5699 or a new 2011 Sportsman 550 for $5999. Which one would you choose? Are these great deals? Thanks for your help-----Chris

 

I would probably get the 550. The only problem I have with it is the price being higher than the 800. But it should be better on gas and cheaper in the long run. I could always use better suspension too which the XPs are supposed to have.

P.S. Welcome to the forum.

 

welcome to the forum. i had 2 800's and i would buy the 550. way better on gas and can go alot miles on a tank or gas.

 

If you got the 550 you would gain the EBS and ADC......

 

Kinda depends on what you want. I have xp's 550 for the wife and 850 for me. We both love them compared to our old sportsmans. However the 800 are pretty stout machines. There will be more aftermarket parts available for the 800.

Me I would go with the 550, ask the dealer if you can ride them even in just the parking lot nad see for yourself.

 

I too would take the 550, ADC is a big reason.

 

the 550 is an xp, the 800 is the sportsman- both have fuel injection. There's a big difference between the xp & sportsman's chassis, motor position, suspension and ergo's. They are totally different in every way. You need to ride & sit on both before making a decision.
If those were the only two I had to choose from- I'd probably get the 800 because I'm a power junkie- I've been on a few 550's and they just didn't have the punch I'm used to.
Actually- I'd probably buy neither and save a few more dollars and buy the XP850.

 

Unless you have a large concern for the power differences I would go with the Xp550. New technology with a better ride and steering. Also, the 550 is probably more nimble if you use slow on trails.

 

I thought I would be alone in choosing the 550. I thought everyone would choose the 800 because it has more power.

 

well TLC would buy the 800 because of power... if the XP's are better like people say then id take the 550. the 550 should have enough power for everything you plan to do. plus ive replaced a lot of cv shafts on the twin cylinder sportsmanbs and even a couple 500s... seem to be a weak spot and the 800 uses the same shaft as a 500 (pretty sure)... not good