best big bore atv

terb · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 07:46 PM

Just got my magazine today and once again they rate the Grizzly 700 as best overall big bore 4X4 quad. What do you think?

denseleit · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 08:26 PM

no way, I'm going with dirttrax tv's pick....XP 850 for sure...

North Branch · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terb

Just got my magazine today and once again they rate the Grizzly 700 as best overall big bore 4X4 quad. What do you think?

terb,

By the looks of your sig, you have, or had a 700 Grizz EPS, and now have an 850... what are your thoughts?

terb · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 04:27 PM

What I don't like about the 850XP is, the easy bake oven (aka rear storage compartment), the ball joints are a piss poor design, the single brake lever, the lack of a wet clutch, the way it clunks when shifting from forward to reverse, only one rear brake on the 2010s, the poor fuel mileage, the small fuel tank on the ESP model, the way the 4X4 system gives the rider no option other then on or off, can not angle the brake lever down because the master cylinder hits the handlebar, the way I hit my knee on the shift lever, the way the rear brake lines are looking for something to snag on.

What I don't like about the 700 Grizzly is, 7.1" of travel on the front, poor fuel tank vent, power steering after riding the 850XP with ESP, the head lights are weak.

chopper89 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 05:12 PM

I think everybody likes there ride for diffrent reasons. theres pros and cons in every atv. In mine opionin theres no better machine than polaris ive had 4 of them now and never broken down on a trail in the middle of nowhere. not only are they a good all around machine , they are the best looking too. my point being its only mine opionin and its only dirt wheels mag opionin. I dont agree with it though !

denseleit · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terb

What I don't like about the 850XP is, the easy bake oven (aka rear storage compartment), the ball joints are a piss poor design, the single brake lever, the lack of a wet clutch, the way it clunks when shifting from forward to reverse, only one rear brake on the 2010s, the poor fuel mileage, the small fuel tank on the ESP model, the way the 4X4 system gives the rider no option other then on or off, can not angle the brake lever down because the master cylinder hits the handlebar, the way I hit my knee on the shift lever, the way the rear brake lines are looking for something to snag on.

What I don't like about the 700 Grizzly is, 7.1" of travel on the front, poor fuel tank vent, power steering after riding the 850XP with ESP, the head lights are weak.

Wow, you didn't mention the shitty stock tires(xp), other than that IMO I disagree with most of what u say. Ball joints could be a better design,mine are still good after 600km's, love the single lever brake just like a vehichle and there's still a foot brake pedal for just the rear brakes. Why would u need a wet clutch????Mine doesn't clunk changing gears. I was aware that the 550's have 1 rear brake and 850's have 2 like mine, brakes are absolutely incredible on my machine. Ya small tank on eps models, true!!! As for the 4x4, IMO there's nothing better on the market, if u want 2wd then leave switch in 2, if u want 4 than move switch to 4 and leave it, no need to think about it, goes into 4wd when needed and 2wd when not needed. Not sure how long your legs r, but mine don't hit the shifter(5'8"). And last but not least, last time I talked to my brake lines, they weren't looking to snag anything..lol.
My gripe is the fuel economy, but I technically didn't buy it to save fuel though. I've ridden alot of other quads and none of them come close to riding as smooth as my xp. IMO...

North Branch · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2010, 02:06 AM

All valid pros and cons, depending on how you ride, and what you like. My point is this... I value comments like this much more than I do what a magazine that has advertisers, or receives other "incentives" for testing purposes.

Personally, I've had a chance to take extended rides on both the 850 XP EPS and a Grizzly EPS. I actually prefer the EPS on the Grizz, as I get some feedback when riding. The XP is almost too easy to steer... but again, that's because of where we ride, and I'm sure I could get use to the XP EPS.

The fact that the 2010 850 only has one brake doesn't bother me so much. What does bother me is that Polaris is trying is already trying to cut corners on the machine. What will be next?

While I don't care that much for the shifter on the XP, at least it doesn't have the tendency to stick like the Grizz does. However, again, guys tell me that it gets better when it's broke in, and there are adjustments to improve it. Still, IMHO, it shouldn't stick to begin with.

The gas mileage doesn't bother me, but I certainly can see why it would be a concern for other folks.

The AWD in the Polaris is nice, but that front diff is fragile. After all, it was designed for lawn/garden equipment... not a 800 lb, 70HP ATV. I do prefer the locker on the Grizz, not only for the locker, but for the fact that when I put it into regular 4WD, I've got 3WD limited slip... BEFORE I get into trouble. My AWD tends to "bounce" a lot kicking in and out and in and out (LOL) where we ride.

Yes, the ball joints are a big deal. I prefer the automotive type like found on the Grizz.

As for the ride, the Grizz is not bad, but all the Sportsman's are hard to beat when it comes to plush ride. The Grizz also feels a little tippy, the XP feels very stable. Of course, aftermarket tires and wheel would probably take care of the "tippy".

Again, these are just my opinions, for my riding style, and for the places we ride.

xlnt · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2010, 03:16 PM

About what mileage do you get when riding your -10 850 XP?
I would have hoped that the -10 would give me a little bit better mileage then the -09 but it seems to be worse... With my -09 machine I usually got about 14 mpg but this new -10 seems to be even more thirsty.
Will fill it up this weekend and see what mileage I get.

dodgeram3500 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 01:52 AM

I have ridden the 07 gizz 700 EPS for many hrs. and it was nice.... but still chose my sportsman 550. I agree that it was a bit tippy, and the plastic was cheap. My xp is stable and the plastic almost resists scratches, but mine does clunk when changing gears but i LOVE the AWD. But thats my take on it.

North Branch · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 03:49 AM

Well, I'm hunting for a new ATV now that mine is sold. I'm still considering Polaris, but it's not going very well. I've taken not one, but two 550's for a ride. One EPS, and one non-eps. Both machines had extremely high idle and a lot of vibration. Both were tough to get into and out of ANY gear... terrible. Then, even when holding the brake firmly, both machines would "lurch" into gear with a pronounced "clunk" (both forward and reverse). When coming to a stop, there was a another clunk. Sure, the ride and EPS was nice, but that's about it. Not what I would call a quality, well built, highly engineered machine... especially considering the price.

Taking an 850 for a ride today... maybe that will go better, but I'm not counting on it. If it's like the other 850's I've ridden, at least it will go into and out of gear better.