500 to 550 owners do you feel the power?
#41
02-16-2012 | 04:50 PM
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Well, golly JimBob!
Well, golly JimBob!
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Yep, there have a been a couple times where I hit an obstruction pretty hard. One was ripping up a two track and hitting a huge root that was up a good foot going 25 or so. Wrenched my handlebars right out of my hands and almost broke my wrist. Second one that stopped me short was a hole that I didn't see because it was snowed over. Was about 1.5 ft. deep and 2 ft. wide. Man that stopped me fast.
#42
02-16-2012 | 06:14 PM
Range Rover
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From: Hammond WI
The new xp's steer so much easier than the earlier model sportsmans did. If it were me I would rather have the 850 without power steering than a 550 with it. Especially if you don't have it now, the new machine will still feel very light compared to your old ride. If you ad aftermarket wheels with a wider offset the steering does get a little harder. The only time I wish I had it was with the bigger tires and offset wheels deep in the woods riding real slow and technical all day.
#43
02-17-2012 | 09:00 AM
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BUY AMERICAN!
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#44
02-17-2012 | 09:40 AM
Pro Rider
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Loves riding and can't get enough.
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We have (six) 550's and about 20 500's in our group of riders..We all agree the 550 has noticably more power and much better handling ..As for the jumpy part the fix is install an EPI silver primary spring or get a stock one from the 2012 550..But I will agree both are great machines..
I never liked the "jump" engagment but mine doesn't jump, it actually works pretty smooth.
#47
02-17-2012 | 09:22 PM
ʇsıʇɹɐ ɹǝʌolloɹ
Providing the enemies of the United States with the maximum opportunity to give their lives for their country since 1775.
Providing the enemies of the United States with the maximum opportunity to give their lives for their country since 1775.
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From: rindge, nh
Polaris says you can do 35 in low gear with the XP. Has that been your experience or is it really winding out bad at that point?
I'm just hoping for something to break in the next couple of months and am deciding between the 550 and the 850. I only have two situations where I'm looking for more power. Snow riding with hills (depending on the winter 3-6 times), and long steep climbs where the trail is smooth and open and I want to use high. In those situations the 500 with the weight of the X2 and my weight I seem to only be able to get into the middle of the powerband and it won't go beyond 35 or so.
I'm just hoping for something to break in the next couple of months and am deciding between the 550 and the 850. I only have two situations where I'm looking for more power. Snow riding with hills (depending on the winter 3-6 times), and long steep climbs where the trail is smooth and open and I want to use high. In those situations the 500 with the weight of the X2 and my weight I seem to only be able to get into the middle of the powerband and it won't go beyond 35 or so.
rules of thumb:
1 - buy the biggest tv you can fit in your living room.
2 - marry the youngest woman you can tolerate.
3 - always check on quiet childran.
and.....
4 - always buy the biggest atv you can afford!
seriously moose- get the 850- you're a big dude who really enjoys atv'in- and you'll never have any regret with the 850- whereas if you by the 550, you'll always wonder in the back of your mind...
"wonder if I should've gotten the 850
"
#48
02-18-2012 | 03:47 AM
Super Quad Patrol
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From: central maine
all i can add is that i've only drove my 500 a short distance before i cleaned it up and it kind of made me miss my 800's for sure in the power ranges. i know my first 02 500 i had we (my wife an me on it)could hit just 60 mphs on the speedo which i thought was great for a 500. but once you have had the big power, it is hard going backwards for sure. but i'm sure this will be enough and "alot" better gas milage.
#49
02-18-2012 | 06:13 PM
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Well, golly JimBob!
Well, golly JimBob!
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If things work out I've pretty much narrowed it down to keeping the X2 for work and getting a Can-Am 650 or 800 Max. If I get rid of the X2 the replacement will be the 850X2. Don't hold your breath. Things are going slowly on things working out.
I got to ride Beergut's 650 today and the power was about perfect for what I need. But, Polaris doesn't make a 700 class X2 anymore so I'd definetly go for the 850.
I got to ride Beergut's 650 today and the power was about perfect for what I need. But, Polaris doesn't make a 700 class X2 anymore so I'd definetly go for the 850.
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