Well, I have taken my first full trip on my new Polaris and I loved it, I traded my Honda TRX400FA in to get it and I don't regret it at all. This isn't a criticism of the Honda though, it is a well built, stocky, reliable little machine but like a lot of Honda owners I felt the desire a lockable differential, low range selection in the gearing and a more comfortable ride. I looked at a lot of bikes but I had previously owned a 250cc trail boss and an Xplorer 400 that I had rebuilt so I was familiar with the Polaris format and feel.
I looked at different brands...
Can-Am: Beautiful bike, Price was a problem though
Suzuki: Great bike, not what I wanted though (features and feel)
Yamaha: Once again, great bike but not what I was after
Honda: Another great bike but Dammit Honda, where's the features folks have wanted for so long, Listen to your customers and the marketplace.... (I was very tempted by the 680 though)
Engine:
I was first impressed by the sheer torque of the 850XP, I didn't go WOT as it is still in the break-in period and I want it to last a lot of years but even at 3/4 throttle it'll throw you back in your seat easily and the power is smooth with the twin cylinders, I was impressed with the EFI when starting up and the throttle response is very linear and considering the engine is still new and a bit tight the fuel economy wasn't too bad at all. The engine has a paper element in the air cleaner department and I couldn't be happier (there is a God in the ATV world after all...), I have always preferred paper elements over foam and oil combinations and this one has the outerwear mesh to help it last longer.The exhaust system is Nice, a good throaty sound without excess noise and if you keep the throttle low you can sneak about the place without disturbing the locals although up close it attracts onlookers as it sounds good, really good, almost "roadbikelike".
Transmission & Driveline:
The CVT (or should that be PVT??) is excellent with power starting to apply at 1300rpm with a very smooth takeup and wide output range and if in low range the torque transfer is very controllable in tight sections of the trail or as I found when fording water there was no noticable speed loss as I waded in a few inches over the footboards. The EBS and ADC are 2 things I have never had before, EBS makes engine braking just like the hydrostatic transmission braking on my Honda (a feature I really did like about my old bike) and the ADC made decending steep dunes and slopes much more controllable and manageable. The traction of a Polaris is something I missed when I went to a Honda with it's limited slip diff in the front I felt it was a step backwards for me, I wanted more and this bike delivers, I climbed slopes and dunes previously impassable to me and did so with confidence and ease. 4wd always active in reverse as standard is indeed nice and there is so much torque available at low rev's I didn't find the need to push the override button even on soft sand (but I will at some stage I am sure).
Brakes:
The brakes are awesome but after having Honda drum brakes that requred servicing it would be an expected opinion but I found them powerful yet easy to control and I don't mind the single lever system at all and the foot lever is easy to access and comfortable to use.
Handling:
The handling is good despite the weight of the bike and the rear suspension with it's anti roll bar is excellent as other IRS bikes I have ridden tuck their tail under easily under heavy cornering which to me looks and feels awkward and unstable. The Polaris felt stable the whole ride and even when I tested it sidehilling a dune it didn't feel or behave "tippy" at all plus yes, Nothing rides like a polaris, even after a hard day on the dunes I felt good!! The ground clearance is excellent, the tires really grippy (Carlisle 489 MkII) and the adjustable shocks allowed me to play about with the suspension to get what I wanted from it. I don't have the EPS on mine, it wasn't standard for this model and I couldn't justify the cost of adding it as the standard steering is about half the weight of the Honda's so I considered it an upgraded item already.
Lighting
The standard lights are crisp and bright, I think they could only be improved with a set of 10 Watt led units or a bar to spread the light pattern or maybe HID replacements if that's what tickles your fancy...
Rider Comfort:
The bike is well laid out, everything is where you need it and your position on the very well padded saddle meant I can keep a straight back with my feet on the footpegs and my arms are not cramped or stretched to reach the handlebars. The generous footboards made it easy to move my feet about to shift weight on climbs, slopes and decents and the agressive pattern on the footboard plastics meant my boots didn't slip at all.
There are more points I really like about my new bike (like the great storage ability on it and the excellent speedometer/combination display) that I have not mentioned them here, I haven't found anything I don't like so far. I am of course somewhat biased in my opinion (and this review is ONLY my opinion, agree or disagree as you see fit) as I have previously owned Polaris quad bikes and liked them but this thing is a true leap ahead compared to my old bikes and others I have ridden. I can't wait to hit some serious trails now and have some Great Adventures....
Best Regards - MM
Took delivery on February 4, 2011 
===========
.jpg)
Linear Mode
