A new guy looking for your advice...

[apltx08]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I'm a avid snowmobiler fed up with poor winter condition and high prices of SLEDS, insurance and trail passes (Ontario/Quebec) = $1000.00/yr for 2 months of the year! if your lucky and this year I don't think will be, I've been out 3 times so far this year 700kms! I usually have like 3000 to 5000kms by this time of the season...enough said about sledding!

This is where I need your guidance freinds! I've started shopping around for a ATV and fell in love with a 850XP! I love the shape and options this machine has...14" tires/rims, plenty of suspension travel, seems to have a good AWD system, now here is where I need your advice, I found a 2009 850XP w/o EPS brand new in crate for $700.00 less than current 2010 model...dealer says that the only difference between the 2 is no rear STABALIZER bar and the RIM style, I'm sure theirs got to be more than that...I'm no expert when it comes to ATV'S, sleds is another story LOL. would I be better to stick to a 2010 or is an 2099 as good as or does it have any BUGS to be worked out, I read in another thread that POLARIS had a recall on front ball joints on some models? 09/10

The other concern I have do I want "EPS" or not, is it worth the extra $1100.00 option and smaller gas tank...I might eventually get a set of tracks, I'm the type that will go around a hole of MUD not to abuse our DIRTY my ATV! I know some will probably say I'm a WIMP! but I like my machines sparkling clean...yes I'm a crazy FRENCHMEN thats likes his toys!

Any advice would be greatful, advice on what to expect or look for...like for instance, what type of winch should I get synthetic or steel cable, make...type of passenger seat to get, brush bars are they useful or just for looks, heated handwarmers are POLARIS OE better or aftermarkets, any additional skid plates required, cluthes & belt anything to watch for or maintain...

I'm not a overly aggressive rider but like top speed, I also respect my toys as much as myself and do all my own maintenance in my HEATED garage and have tons of automotive tools to get the job done!

Thanks in advance

[blueline15]

oohh boy, im excited to answer this one! i have some polaris parts and sales experience.

the only other difference i know of between the 09 and 10 models is the 09 had dual rear brakes, the 10 only has a single rear brake. although not a big deal in my opinion, as dual rear brakes are almost overkill on a 800lb machine, many guys that have the 10 wish it would of had the dual rear brakes.

the 10 models should have the kinks and recalls worked out that the 09's do. if you go with the 09, just get the recalls taken care of before it leaves the dealership. depending on build date depends on recalls, the ball joint replacement being the biggest one. if you get a specific VIN# on a 09 machine, i can run it for you and tell you exactly what recalls there are so you can make sure the dealer takes care of it for you. personal opinon, there is not reason to get the 10 model if you can get the 09 model for a better price, just get the recalls done before you take it home.

a lot of guys love the EPS. just about everyone i have heard with the EPS says they could never go back. my suggestion is to test ride both, see what you think. a reason for the 14" rim is so that polaris was able to get the steering knuckles closer to the center of the rim, reducing turning effort. so the XP without EPS is going to steer lighter then a standard sportsman, but the EPS offers on finger steering effort with the machine at a stand still on pavement. and the EPS is made by a company in europe that has been making EPS boxes for european car companies for a long time, so they know exactly how to build it. with the smaller fuel tank issue, i wouldnt worry about it because you can always add extra fuel cans. you will want to talk to a moderator here, his screenname is cc1999. he has the flat fuel packs on the front of his XP. it is an awesome set-up to carry extra fuel. thats what i would do. i would probably spring for the EPS and then carry extra fuel on board. the EPS will help resale value, and its a progressive system, so as your speed increases, the EPS becomes less active to keep steering effort consistant and not to light at higher speeds. if are considering tracks, i would say your shoulders will thank you with the EPS! tracks and EPS are probably need to go together.

if your going to get a winch, WARN has been doing it for years. good quality, and even though you may not use it much, the last thing you want is your cheap chinese winch to break when you need it most. and right now there are various sales on WARN winches that you can get them almost as cheap as the low-end winches. i would go with the synthetic rope. it has a higher strength the the steel cable, wont give you steel slivers, and takes the abuse of being wound up and unwound better.

brush guards are a nice way to protect your machine. if you are in an area with a lot of trees, rocks, logs, ect, then they do offer protection to the bumper and headlights. a lot of times they are just for looks, but they do come in handy every once in a while.

i like the polaris handgrips. the XP is already wired for the polaris hand grips, so its a pretty easy plug-and-play installation. there is no wire splicing or anything like that that you might have to do with aftermarket ones. the OEM handwarmers where built to work with the machine, and they do. they offer two different heat modes. if it is really cold where you are, you may want to consider a thumb warmer too. polaris makes that, but it is seperate from the handgrips.

if the area you ride has sticks, you may want to consider aftermarket a-arm guards. sometimes you will get a stick or something else sharp that will come up between the a-arms and puncture the cv boot. if that happens all the grease will fall out and you will ruin a very expensive cv joint.

the clutches on the XP are at a fixed position, so polaris claims a 5,000 mile belt life. the regular sportsman do not have a fixed clutch position, so belts tend to wear faster.

hope that helps answer some of your questions

[apltx08]

Thanks blueline15 for the great info...I'm kind of leaning to a LIMITED EDITION 850XP EPS in Crismon Red...I really like the colour and the blacked out rims.

10 have rear DUAL brakes, unless I didn't observe right, how about 09 not having a REAR STABALIZER bar, I'd be a little concern when riding 2up for being top heavy making it TIPPY!

[dodgeram3500]

YES This is exciting! ok, i agree with blueline. My 09 550 has a stabilazer bar, maybe im just lucky. i dont have eps, and i find it ok, but bluelime is right, i tried it and....well theres nothing quite like it! And i havent got a recall yet. My 3500lb. polaris Winch works wonders, i have the rope. hope this helps!

[blueline15]

it may be because you are in canada that the 10 has the rear dual brakes....i know the euorpean 850's still do, so canada must be getting the dual brakes too, thats probably what is going on. thats good if the 10 have dual brakes up there, added insurance

[dodgeram3500]

Only the 09 850s have dual rear brakes, not sure about the 10s.

[Smoothbassman]

Both of the quads are almost identical. Rims, battery and sway-bar position are the only notable changes that I picked up on.

You will love either one. Go with your 1st choice, otherwise you will always regret it.

Make sure you get EPS. I will never ride without it ever again.

[apltx08]

Thanks for all the great info!

I have to sell my YAMAHA '08 APEX LTX...then start SHOPPING!

[apltx08]

What are the avg. top speed and MPG of a 850XP, any having overheating in certain riding conditions, like in HEAVY snow or on HOT summer days...anyone having BELT problems, how are they holding up.

[Smoothbassman]

I have not had any issues with my quad. I'm very pleased so far. No overheating, great power all the time. I have never had it over 50MPH but it's capable of over seventy (you tube videos). Belts have never been an issue for me.