I currently own 04/06 sportsmans that me and my girl ride.i want to upgrade to eps models but im concerned about some issues I have heard about.i may only hear about the negative and would like some feedback.i hear most engine problems are with the 850 but 550 models may be problematic also.i have also heard about assembly plants in mexico wich is a huge red flag.they seem like nice machines and get good reviews but if they are riddled with problems I would stick with the old reliable models.i do plow with mine so the eps sounds nice.

 

Scuttlebutt from the old shop and reading a few posts, some 850s had the pressed on lower cam chain sprocket slip and could tear up cranks. Guys at the shop haven't had any 550s brought in for any valve/head work,but have read several posts on having to keep the valves adjusted frequently,some have had valve/head failure. Again this may be isolated or could end up being a problem that Polaris really needs to look at. You can add eps for a lot less money than buying a new machine if you're happy with the 500. Couple places ranging from $650-$750.

2005-2013 Polaris Sportsman Electric Power Steering Kit Polaris Sportsman Power Steering Kit : Power Steering Kits : ATV Power Steering : Polaris Kits

 

You can get a Sportsman 570 with EPS if you don't want a 550.

 

The xp frames are weaker than the classic sportsman. They are cracking around the control arms.

2014 is the last year of the 550, it is a Fuji engine, Polaris severed ties with Fuji after buyi g back the shares of Polaris that Fuji owned.


If you buy s 570 with eps, make sure it has the latest software, as they had issues with running hot and fouling plugs.

 

thanks 4 the input.i didn't realize they had an add on eps to fit mine.im very interested in that for my 500.only concern is I barely have enough power to run my heated grips without the check engine light coming on being that it is an efi model.i would have to generate more power somehow.i didn't see a kit for the 04.as for the 570 its still too new of a model for me to trust yet.i hear they are fast.the storage boxes seem small and weak and it is sitting on the "economy" sportsman platform

 

The economy platform, as you call it, is stronger, and more durable than the xp chassis. You never hear of broken frames on the classic sportsman, but you hear plenty on the xp models. The xp has garbage ball joints, garbage suspension bushings, the classic has none of these issues. And 14" wheels are a huge disadvantage due to less sidewall.

The new 570SP now has upper and lower front control arms, but comes at a hefty price. Polaris seems to have their heads up their asses, very disappointed in the new line up.

 

It's not about building a quality long lasting product with polaris, it's about having more Hp than Can am.

 

I really don't think the horsepower wars include 500 class ATVs.

 

Well the 550 xp is the exact same machine as the 850 right, minus the motor of course. So issues involving quality would relate to both machines. Cheap chinese bearings and bushing along with the engine problems that were already mentioned for both the 550/850. The XP just seems like a money pit to me.

 

The 550 is a Fuji engine, the 850 is all Polaris. The 850 are known to either last or grenade. Not worth the risk.