Eyeing a New Sportsman

[Brian437]

New to this forum, not new to Sportsmans. I currently have an 03 sportsman 500 HO with 4000 miles and am looking to upgrade to a new one. I mainly use it with a 35 gallon sprayer, checking fence and cows, hunting, getting wood in, and just general transportation around the farm.

Now for my questions.

Dealer recomended a 09 sp 500 fuel injected w/ebs for $6750, 10 sp 500 ho carb w/o ebs for $6200, or a 10 sp 550 for $7300.

Is the sp 550 more play and less work than the old sp's?? or will it work right with the old ones?

How does the radiator clean out?? My 03 hates fescue seeds and is a bear to clean.

How do the front ends handle rocks and logs?? Noticed more plastic and less steel.

Performance and power, my 03 has only been lacking once or twice and that was it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

[bukaty]

Radiators on the 550's have been moved higher in the frame which should help keep the grass out. 550 Frames are all tubular steel vs stamped and tube steel for the older models. 550 has about 12" of ground clearance and are narrower because the motor has been mounted sideways in the frame. 550 is a tank, tractor or sport quad whatever you choose. Can't speak to the 500 models, but I did consider them before buying the 550 in May of this year. Electric Power Steering is really niiiiccce...

[Bluemustang77]

The XPs radiators and up a lot higher and at a angle. They are also larger, so a lot better cooling. They are a hell of a lot easier to clean than the older sportsmans. The 550 has more horsepower than the older 500s and I think you will notice it and will make during things around the farm easier and more fun. I know the 500 was a great engine, but I think you will like the 550 more because of the more power and the thinner seat. The fronts are all reinforced with steel, and are very tough. The brush guards look great on them and are not too expensive too. I don't think you could go wrong with upgrading. and the power steering it amazing.. you will not want a ATV without it after you drive one with it. I was skeptical about if I needed it, but now it was the best decision I made in buying one with it.




2010 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EPS
3000 lb Viper Max Winch w/synthetic rope
Front Brushguard
Rear Bumper
Front Box
Rear Box
Heated Grips/Thumb
Fog Lights
Hitch

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[mkeddie]

like blue i also have the 850 a friend of mine went with the 500 ho and wishes he went 550
Is the sp 550 more play and less work than the old sp's?? no it is more play and more work
How does the radiator clean out?? alot easier then most

How do the front ends handle rocks and logs?? Noticed more plastic and less steel. if ur talking ramming into thing i dont know but going over them is alot nicer no kickback

Performance and power, my 03 has only been lacking once or twice and that was it. like i said dont own the 550 but i dont think it will let u down

[Seismic_Pirate]

I love everything about my 2010 550 EPS, period. Not unimportant, my wife and kids have also added their stamp of approval after a month of riding.

[Brian437]

Thanks for the replies, I think that I've made up my mind. Just have to come up with the $$$. Thanks for the welcome to!!!

[splinter84]

Originally Posted by Brian437

Thanks for the replies, I think that I've made up my mind. Just have to come up with the $$$. Thanks for the welcome to!!!

That carb'd HO 500 quote seems a bit steep unless your talking 2011. I picked up a brand new '10 500 HO for $5099. OTD with a winch for $6K.

[Smoothbassman]

We have a troll guys!!!!

Doesn't matter though. Make sure you get an XP with EPS. Either a 550 or 850. You will not be disappointed with either choice.

Welcome to the board!

[Brian437]

"We have a troll guys!!!!"

What's that supposed to mean???

Got mine sold last week finally, and have been talking to my local dealers.

I was having some problems with the prices that I got from my local dealers, but got that straitened out now and went and rode a 550 last night. Couple of things I liked, the steering is easier, seemed to be lighter on it feet, bigger foot wells, and better visibility. Dislikes were, plastic front end shields (needs bumper or brush guard), heat from muffler comming up btw seat and rack, Grease Zerks(are you kidding me!!!), and the smaller rear rack. The price is right though and will probably pull the trigger on a red or green one.