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2012 Sportsman 550X2 vs 2011 Sportsman 850X2

7.7K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  Dbez1  
#1 · (Edited)
About the same price, which would you choose?

Have had single cylinder 500's for 15 years, any good reason to go for the 850X2? Trying to understand the benefits and downside of the twin.

Thank you for your thoughts.
Steve
 
#4 · (Edited)
No reason. Workload,towing and haul capacity is the same. I never felt I ever needed any more power. In fact, the 550s motor always felt like it had more than enough power to do any task it was asked to do. With all the trouble be 850 XP motor had, with oil in the airbox, I had no desire to even buy an 850 when I was shopping. The 550 motor is bulletproof and engine braking isn't as obtrusive as it is only 850.
 
#6 ·
I had this same dilemma last month! I was debating over and over and finally found a New 2011 850 on ATVTraderonline. Only problem was it was about 1300 miles away. I couldn't beat the deal. They had it listed for 8600 and just wanted to get rid of it. I got a sweet deal on a winch, wheels and tires, brush guard and front storage box. I ended up using the UShip service and had it delivered for $500. Bought the ATV on Tuesday and had it in my driveway by Thursday.

I also bought my son a 550 XP ESP, locally and after riding both I'm really happy with my decision. Especially since I'll more than likely be using the X2 for me and my wife while my son drives the 550.

The 850 has a lot more power. I don't know if it goes any faster, I've had it up to 55 on a dirt road and it had plenty more but I'm not a top speed kind of guy. All I know is that it gets there a lot faster! Like others have said, it sounds awesome. I honestly wish it was a little quieter as I use it for hunting. But it's mellow enough that I was able to drive up within 5 ft of a big tom turkey. The 550 sounds the same when it's moving it's just when it's idling that you can tell the difference and at wide open throttle.

The 550 has plenty of power but the 850 just has more... :beerchug:
 
G
#7 · (Edited)
The differance between a 500, 550 and 850 is amazing. I went from a 500 to a 550 myself. the 550 does have a little more power, but it's nothing to right home about. HOWEVER, the ride and handling are leaps and bounds better than the 500 style chassis. You can ride all day long on a 550 and still have some energy left when you get home. I do wish I had bought the 850, here in CO we are always above 9000 feet elevation and there is no substitute for cubic inches. OH, the fuel milage is way better on the 550 too. I used to be lucky if I got 12mpg with the 500, now I get no less than 16mpg and have 6 gals of fuel to burn.
 
#8 ·
550 is great, plenty of power and gas mileage is nice. Had a Kawasaki bayou 400 before and I am very pleased. Spent time trying to debate this issue too.
 
#9 ·
The 550 will have plenty of power, but the smoothness of the 850 is worth the extra fuel and the extra cost as far as I'm concerned. I'm 64 years old and not a fast or aggressive rider but I'm not too old to appreciate the 850 and I'd choose it again. There is a "fun factor" with the 850 that you have to experience to appreciate. Incidentally, after 15 months and over 1,000 miles, there have been no reliability problems on my Touring. The oil in the air box problems have been solved by Polaris. Best wishes whichever way you go!
 
#11 ·
Is this True??

Had a ATV mechanic tell me today that the internals (tranny/belt, rear and front end are identical). His advice, buy the 550 to have better durability rather than the 850. Suggested the extra horsepower on the same internals was pushing the limits.

True or false??

Thanks,
Steve
 
#12 · (Edited)
Re the question about accessories...if doing woods riding, the A-Arm guards are worth every penny since they also help protect the CV boots. For cold weather riding I really appreciate the heated grips.