My new 850 XP

[fpj66]

Well I Saturday finally came and I picked up my new 2012 Sportsman 850 XP EPS. I had to drive 2hrs to the dealership. Getting back to the house i could not wait to get on and take it for a spin(real drive, not the parking lot).

Let me start off by saying, WOW! Is by far way more power than expected. This thing is a beast. Ride, sound, power is unbelievable.

The one thing i noticed right from the get go is the backshift. I think thats what it's called. This thing doesn't even need brakes. As soon as i let off the gas, it will about throw you over the handle bars. If on gravel, the back tires will skid. Not really crazy about this. I would prefer to coast. Hopefully it will tone down with more break in time.

Another thing i am concerned about is the gap on the belt case cover. I have read other post on this. I will occasionally cross some creeks and don't want water in with my belt. I am mechanically inclined, just not on these machines. Would it be hard to loosen the cover and place some gasket sealer to prevent water from entry?

[Russ C]

should not be any gap in belt cover, if there is its not on right

[800touring]

the back shift is how fast the bike can reengage the tranny after letting off the throttle and ya these bikes do have good engine braking and also there should be no gap in the cvt belt housing on the case but you can still silicone the case so water cant get in

[cbrown1996]

You will appreciate the good ebs and adc going down a steep hill, but yeah, agree it gets annoying when riding at faster speeds.

[jp850xp]

what i found was annoying was on ice or packed snow you really have to watch cause when you let off gas and come in hot, your gonna slide sideways and shit so keep that in mind also

[Mystro]

The 850 did feel like it was trying to throw you over the handle bars when letting off the gas. The 550 isn't so dramatic and is much more predictable. There are many times and conditions that the abrupt deceleration is down right dangerous. You will learn to slowly let off the gas. The only plus side to this feature is you hardly ever use your brakes.

[Forrest]

I have noticed the rapid deceleration, overall I think it's PRO's outweigh its CON's. But I did have a dude bump into my rear partially as a result of me letting off the gas and him riding too close. I haven't had to use ADC as the normal engine braking handles most situations. Braking in general is hardly ever used either.

[800touring]

I would recommend front and rear brush guards and

[fpj66]

I knew i was going to get harped on cause not having any pics. But i have tried and tried to figure out photobucket and have yet to(sorry I'm a dumb*ss).

But you are right the Pro's do out weigh the Con's. Just gonna take some getting used to.

I did purchase a brush guard from dealer. (Moose brand) I picked it cause i thought it looked the best. Wish I knew how to post pics. I would show you some of my trails. And of course my new toy.

Maybe i'm just parnoid about the CVT cover. Just don't want to be let down when in some water.

Just one small thing, when driving down a gravel road approx. 45-50mph. I feel a wobble in the front. Is this normal.

[800touring]

how I post pics I got to (go advanced) and go to attachments and post pics from my computers like that the icon for it is right next to the smile face symbols and its symbol is a paper clip