xp steering

[sjcarp]

I herd the XP chassis quads steer a lot easier than the older models. Is this true? Is it necessary to get power steering with the XP's??

[QuadMan]

It is like night and day! The XP does great without EPS yes. Just don't do like me and test one that has it because then you will want one!

[phil]

I test drove 550s with and without EPS. I chose without. Sometimes I think I would like it when on the rough "technical" trails but I still don't get sore hands and arms and legs and everything else, like I did on the YAMMY I had.
Don't have it so I don't think I can miss it.

[sjcarp]

Thanks for the input fellows. Sounds like EPS is not really necessary on the XPs. I do a lot of mowing with my 800 X2 and a lot of turning, that's way I was curious.

[Big John]

I had a X2. That turf mode makes turning super easy. Don't expect the XP to be that easy. They do not have turf mode and the difference is significant. I agree if you are thinking about not getting the EPS do NOT try it. For me it is one of the nicest advances in ATVs in quite a while. It is especially nice if a wife or girlfriend is ever allowed to ride it (not that I'm actually recommending that you let anyone else touch it). I stopped at trail intersection about June of this year. There were two groups of about 5 ATVs of all stripes and shades. No one had either ridden an 850 XP or used PS. I was persuaded to let as many as wanted to, to take a short spin (I took a riders girl at gunpoint as a security hostage) and man oh man did they like that machine. Couldn't say enough about EPS and the XP power. Lots of envy and drooling. And most of these riders were macho types. Keep in mind that EPS is speed-linked now so as your speed increases the EPS boost backs off (totally eliminates the twitchiness of early units) and when it backs off you can really tell how much it contributes. Yes, you will enjoy the XP without it, but why buy such a high end machine and pass on such a fine advance ? Like having a premium $40,000 truck with crank-up windows!!

[Smoothbassman]

Dude spring for the EPS if you have the cash. Yes the XP is far better than any other quad Polaris has made and the standard drives just fine. The EPS just takes it that one step closer to being the best quad ever. The ride is so much easier.

[sjcarp]

Thanks Big John, I would love to have the EPS but my dealer said it doesn't come standard or as an option on the 2011 850 X2 even though it is a limited edition model. I find that hard to believe, is that true??

[blueline15]

yes, the XPs non-eps steer easier then the older model sportsmans, and here is why.

on the XP's, they went with a larger rim and a redesigned front hub. This larger rim allowed them to mount the steering bar closer to the true center of the wheel. the closer the steering knuckle is to the center of the wheel, the less force that is needed to turn. that is one reason why the XPs have a bigger rim

[sjcarp]

Is it true that the 2011 850 X2 does not come with power steering? If not is there an after market kit that can be added?

[blueline15]

it appears so, yes. I do not know about adding an EPS kit. ive never researched it