550x2 vs 850 touring

[sjeupie]

Dear all,

I have introduced myself in the newb section here and launched a couple of questions over there as well. However, I think that thread actually starts to belong over here so I'll continue here.

In short: I live in the mountains at 1500m (5000 ft) and in winter 2 ft of snow is not uncommon. I've almost always managed to live my daily life up here. However, things changed this winter; I'm already trapped in my house since last saturday due to the heavy snow conditions. My Land Rover has no chance. Good thing is that I've had all the time in the world to start an in-depth research to ATV's Off roading is not new to me, atv's are

So, I've got my mind set at the 550x2 with tracks for winter. However, the last 1/2 a mile or so to my house is a 30 degree steep, 2 feet snow covered, paved road.

Now, here's the point: it would be pretty darn embarrassing if I spend almost $25.000,- on a 550 equiped with tracks and don't get up. And I have seen on the internet that people discourage getting a 500 with tracks cause it asks to much from the engine. I can only imagine myself going up that steep road with my girl....

Easy answer: get an 850 and laugh out loud going up there. Unfortunately there's not 850x2 anymore and can't find any second hand. So, I thought about the 850 touring. With the beefy second seat it does looks a bit 'dull' to me to be honoust, especially since the second seat will most of the times be empty and it eats storage space as well.

Rest of the year i'll use if for light trails and some quick day-to-day driving. In winter most of the time as well btw, it's just the last 1/2 mile which cuts me from 'better' roads and thus from the rest of the civilization and that is not only a PITA, but moreover a 'scary' thought: I do not like not be able to get away and to be dependent on somebody else.

Am I being stupid looking at tracks at since it's actually only for 1/2 mile? 25K for 1/2 mile starts to feel a bit heavy on the stomach

So what should I do? The 550x2 (which I love) or go for an overkill 850 touring? Get tracks or not? Or should I just put it out of my mind and stop wining - start walking?

The post turned out a bit longer than I wanted.....sorry for that.

[shui5612]

well......
id go x2 over touring anyday. so much more versatility....
how ever... id go 850 vs 550 anyday....
im pretty sure a 550 would make it up a hill like that with tracks but in LOW.... ( im sure the 850 will need to be in low too)
considering power wise.. the 550 isnt FAR from an 800..
however the 500 IS far away......
as for the touring seat. you can buy a small box that fits flush with the rack...

now tracks vs no tracks.....
well for the money of tracks... you could buy good tires and an atv front snowblower....... so you will be throwing snow away and never loose traction LOL.
2 feet of snow... is no challenge... that 30 degree slope with 2 feet of snow is ....

now choices.... either get whichever from your list or wait for an 850x2...

i can pretty much give you a more detailed exp. about polarises (x2, 800, 550,500,850,touring, xp) if you pm me...

now 25K$ for 1/2 a mile? if you can afford it go for it (not sure why so expensive but never the less)
we only live once and the time/fun time you will have on your atv is worth more than money.......

hope i helped. i might edit this post tomorrow to add somethings i forgot... as for now, off to bed.

[sjeupie]

Just a quick reply since I have to get back working:
Shui5612, thanks for your post! It's hard deciding without experience so the opinion from the people over here is very valuable.
The 25k is what is costs over here in Switzerland. I know that's more or less what you guys in America pay for a Jeep but well, a Jeep costs 50K over here.... Unfortunately something I'll have to live with and exactly the reason why I should go back to work now lol.

[Thor]

If money is not a issue go with the 850 Touring. It is always nice to have that extra power when needed. It is quite a machine. As for the cost yes I know its very high. I am originally from Norway and have been exporting to Europe for years. Here is a touring that we have been customizing for our store. This one will eventually end up somewhere in Europe.

[sjeupie]

Dear god, that's a monstor! Great stuff! You've put me back in doubt....Nice website you've got there as well. Does shipping to Europe include Switzerland (since it is outside of political europe)? Is it anywhere beneficial? Can hardly believe it will be on only one atv?

[Thor]

We ship world wide yes.

[golf12]

Yep, tough call.. it really depends on what you plan to do most with the machine, and only you can answer that for yourself.. For trail riding, especially with a passenger, the touring is a no brainer.. If cargo capacity is more important than passenger comfort than its the X2 for you.. I'm not suggesting that the the X2's passenger seat is uncomfortable but its not going to be comparable to the comfort ride passenger suspension on the touring.. Put the power issue to bed and get the 850 in either machine..

Either way, enjoy the process and have fun with your new toy..

[shui5612]

well im back.
i see why its so expensive .... honestly... power wise.... im sure a 550 is enough.. even more than enough... ive seen CARS with less than 50HP
its not really a question of NEED but more of WANT... i have an 800 and a 850, big engines right?
well there has been NO situation at ALL that i needed that kind of power..
this is including trail riding, deep snow, frozen lake, a few STEEP sand mountains, plowing, towing , working.....
for towing.... well ... i ENJOY the extra power... but im towing a 2000+pound trailer with 2 jetskis on it ( plus the trailer is moded so there is more weight on the atv)
AND i launch my jetskis down a gravel ramp... and pull the skis out aswell... really... its not about POWER... its more about TRACTION... im sure an 850 will get stuck in some place where a scrambler or a 500 will pass because it has better tires......
power= wheel spin. wheel spin= if faster than your travelling = loss of traction...
with MORE power. its easier to spin the wheels. thus loosing traction.
im 100% sure a 550 will be able to do the job. and you will prove me really wrong if it wont..... im even sure a 400 could do it with good tires and so on...

now x2 vs touring? personal preference. i prefer the x2... why? storage.... sure beats buying rack extenders......
plus your ALWAYS carrying around a seat.... even if you think you wont need it and leave it at home and it turns out you WILL need it. therefore you ALWAYS have it.....
comfort wise..... well the seat i have on my x2 IS less comfortable than tourings... but the newer x2's have better seats....
i dont find it much more comfortable (the touring) seat wise, but those bars onto which you hold on to? the tourings seem a tad bit comfyer...

i, in my opinion cannot justify why the touring is better in any way than the x2...
on the x2 you have turf mode, rear bed, always have a seat....
touring... well its for that husband/wife customer that will ride it, together 100% of the time..
but we can say they are "equal" as they are adressed to different types of customers...

yet again, hope i helped, and ask more questions.....

[Donovan514]

Originally Posted by Thor

If money is not a issue go with the 850 Touring. It is always nice to have that extra power when needed. It is quite a machine. As for the cost yes I know its very high. I am originally from Norway and have been exporting to Europe for years. Here is a touring that we have been customizing for our store. This one will eventually end up somewhere in Europe.

If Harley Davidson made a quad... this is what it would look like!

[Amccoy]

I am an X2 fan myself. That bed on the back sure is handy. Having the seat with you at all times is handy as well. My wife loves the comfort of the X2 seat (admittedly, we have not ridden a Touring though). The 550 has more than enough power to do all I have asked it to do- towing/trail riding- some really steep stuff in that as well.
But... we don't get 2 feet of snow in my neck of the woods, so I can't speak to that- as to how much better, if at all, the 850 will perform in those conditions.