polaris 800 vs 850

Rash · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 06:57 AM

Thanks, i'm going to buy a Sportsman in the next month, and when i look at the 800 EFI wich i think is the older model, vs the 850 XP, there is almost 3000$ difference in price...i know the 850 is a lot faster, but i mean.. how do they compare on other levels... cause for 3 G's i can get some fun elswhere maybe...

Anyone tried both?

Thanks..

Rash

Thor · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 07:03 AM

We have a rider in our group that has a 09 800 HO and the speed is about the same as the 850.

Rash · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

We have a rider in our group that has a 09 800 HO and the speed is about the same as the 850.

Good, what about acceleration and other features, why such a big price difference?

thanks..

shore · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 09:57 AM

Not much in common between the 850 and 800ho
52hp 800
56hp 800 HO...09
70hp..850 09
77hp 2012 850 HO.

Two completely different bikes.
Old suspension and old frame. Old styling.
Not a bad bike at all.
Is it worth $3k? Sure thing.

I'm not sure on the details of Thors buddies 800ho but in no way will a 800ho run with a 850xp short of substantial work on the 800ho and poor running 850xp. A 800 will get walked. 20hp is a lot when talking about 70hp.

SledRacer112 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 12:01 PM

I have an 07 800EFI and my buddy has an 09 or 10 850xp...and I see a pretty big difference.

The 850 seems to have better acceleration..BUT he is running stock tires on his and I'm running 27" XTR's..so my tires are bigger and heavier which will make a big difference. His 850 has a slightly larger gas tank so he can get a bit further than I can on a tank. His 850 has EPS which is pretty crazy...I can definitely feel the difference at low speeds on hardpack. The seat is narrower on the 850 which to me felt weird when I rode the 850 because I'm not used to that...but he swears its more comfortable. The suspension on the 850 seems to be much smoother and easier on the body then the regular Sportsman suspension...which is crazy because the suspension on the regular Sportsmans are so nice.

Is it worth 3k more? There is nothing that the 850 can do that the 800 can't do...but if your looking for more bells and whistles and top of the line...then the 850 is definitely above the 800. All depends on how much you plan to ride. I have ZERO problems keeping up with my buddies on their 850's...the only time they really dust me is on long open trails, but honestly how fast do you plan to be going all the time? I guess it comes down to how tight your wallet is...if you can afford the extra 3k....I say go for it...but if the extra 3k is going to be stretching you...just get the 800 and use the spare money to get some extras.

shui5612 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 12:41 PM

i own both a 800 and 850, both ARE NOT H.O.
now, power wise... yes there IS a difference...
will you feel it on the trails? NO...
the trails here are pretty windy, so there arent many places to go fast, i mean thats the fun part of trails.... not just to fly by them...

800: 10..20..30...40....50....60 MPH
850: 10..20..30..40...50...60 MPH
this is a difference in acceleration... now im sure you wont go past 40 mph on a trail so... there isnt much of a difference there...
suspension wise... well both have the stiffest setting on and they are about the same..

EPS is a major thing though.. its amazing, but honestly, the way i ride, i could live without it 75% of the time... like trails, highway, and such...
but it REALLY helps with plowing, slow riding and such...

seat wise... well when i sat on the 850.. it felt WEIRD......
BUT, i got used to it, and its very comfortable.

they are very different machines, but it all depends on WHAT/HOW you are going to use it... (might want to add details on this )
i like the clutching on my 800 more (smoother start) although my 850 isnt broken in yet...
and the sound of my 800 is better IMHO than the 850 (stock to stock, but maybe it changed with those new stricter polution laws)

you wont regret either machine... (lets say you buy an 850 bone stock with NOTHING or a very well customized 800, id go with the 800... you will feel better on it, be more comfortable, and love its looks even more)

feel free to shoot me a pm or ask questions on here...

hope i helped.

Rash · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 05:31 PM

Well, didn't last too long... i went for the XP 850.. thanks for inputs... with so much power difference and the orange madness one.. i didn't argue too long...

can't wait to push the gas..

crazyjoe · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2012, 08:18 PM

Congrats on the purchase! I cant see you not being happy with it! I would have love to opted for the xp if it were in my budget, but an extra 3k just wasnt happening in my case. Post up some pics of that orange madness beast when you pic it up! Congrats again.

Joe.

Rash · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyjoe

Congrats on the purchase! I cant see you not being happy with it! I would have love to opted for the xp if it were in my budget, but an extra 3k just wasnt happening in my case. Post up some pics of that orange madness beast when you pic it up! Congrats again.

Joe.

actually, the 3 gran included EPS and i need it for my neck problems, so it was more a 2 G diff, and it is just too nice.. after 2-3 years i would have regretted it so i think it will be the best in the long run..