Hi,
Just purchased a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 850 xp esp down in West Virginia while on a ride at the Hatfield and McCoys Trails. I had a 2003 Sportsman 700 with close to 5K miles and figured it was time to make an upgrade. I watched Dirt Trax about a month ago and saw that they gave this machine very high ratings, as well as an excellent write up in ATV UTV Action magazine. Just asking other owners of this machine as well as the 09, 10, 11 and 12 models how these ATV's are holding up out on the trails. Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

Mike

 

I have 1,950 miles on my '11 850. I think it is the best machine on the trails today. I had the minor issue of getting oil in the air box, that was common on the 2011 models, but other than that it has been a great machine. 95% of the miles have been on the high elevation, rough and rocky trails here in Colorado. Great atv.

 

Kudos on the new ride. How do you like the Hatfield-McCoy system? We are in Georgia and I think hauling the family's toys up there for some riding would be awesome for me, but not sure how the kids and wife would like it.

 

Ethosb,
I can't say enough about the trails system at The Hatfield and McCoy's. We ride the Browning Forks Trail between the towns of Gilbert and Man. Have been doing this the second week in November for many years. This ride is well worth the trip....Enjoy

 

Congratulations on the new machine. One of the top 3 in my mind.

 

Good to hear. I graduated from UK and worked in Lexington for about 10 years after but wasn't doing much dirt then. Moved back to GA in 2001 and had not heard of those trials. Not sure they were even open then. Will need to go sometime just to do it.

 

Congrats on the new ATV. i've got a 2012 version and have been very happy with it. It is easily the best handling and best suspended 4x4 ATV on the market right now. Its also very smooth running and very comfortable to ride. I've had no problems with mine.

 

Hi Mike, I have a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 850 and just wanted to tell you I absolutely love it. I would highly recommend buying one, they are awesome! I now have 1,000 miles on mine and haven't had any trouble. It's still 100% stock, but I'm going to put aftermarket tires on soon. Good luck!

 

As a current rider of a 2003 600twin, I would love to get your opinion of how much different and better the new ride is. Fuel Injection-EPS-new suspension. Maybe if you post enough information, it will convince my wife that I need a new machine...LOL

 

The new Sportsman 850 XP is incredible. Mine doesn't even have all the bells and whistles and I'm very impressed. I've ridden almost every Sportsman made, I'm here to tell you they keep getting better. Your '03 600 is a nice unit, but do yourself a favor. Go test drive one of these new 850 bad boys. 77 HP!!! (keep in mind they get WAY faster after the engine is broken in) The power difference is unreal! EFI is the only way to go!! EPS is up to you. If you've never had it, you'll be fine without it. But once you try it, you'll want it. If you want power, comfort, and control, the Sportsman 850 is all that. Plus there's tons of awesome accessories to go with. I don't mean to sound like a salesman, but I'm bias towards Polaris because I've ridden all the other junk. If money isn't an issue, my other advice is look at CanAm. Good stuff too. Problem is finding a dealer to service it. Perhaps look at the '12, the dealers want to get rid of them for the '13's coming in. Same motor, only thing that changed was stickers and colors. Tell the wife they have great rebate right now Send me pics of that new toy!!