[1ninjanina]

I'm a new ATV rider planning on buying a 2012 Sportsman 550 EPS in May. Wondering if anyone has one and if there are any problems I should look out for? I'm female, stronger than your avg woman (I have a job in construction), but only 5' 2". My best friend advised me that this is the largest I should go, considering my size and gender. Anyone have any other opinions? I've chosen the EPS model because it gives when you hit a hard bump and won't tear your arms off (according to him).

 

[rickcj7]

The 550 EPS is a great atv. Thats what I have.
The 550 and 850 are exactly the same size, the 850 is just a bigger motor.
The 550 has 40 hp and the 850 is 80+.
The 550 gets better fuel milage and will run up to 50-55 mph. The 850 will do 70+
They both will go faster than safe.

 

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!:med:

 

[wood cutter]

The 550 ROCKS! You will love it. I'm 225lbs and no problem staying with the big machines. I have 2500 miles on my 09. and the only problem I have had are the swing arm bushing, but I understand Polaris has solved the problem.

 

[Forrest]

I think a 550/850 body might be a bit large for someone who's 5ft 2. That's just my opinion. It's a rather large body style and heavy. Could you handle it, maybe, it's a lot of bike to handle especially on inclines or declines sideways. Might be best to see if a dealer will let you drive a used one around for a bit. And as far as receiving advice on the 550/850 being as large as you should go, there isn't really a larger body style than the 550/850 out there.

 

[1ninjanina]

Somewhat agree

My friend had originally told me that 500 was plenty large enough for me, and possibly even 400 would be good, but I want to have EFI, 4x4, EPS, Liquid Cooled, and ground clearance. Another option I had considered was the Arctic Cat 450i, but it's lower to the ground, and no p/s. I plan on only buying one ATV, at least for a long while, so I want to get what I want in a machine, and not skimp. I appreciate the advice, that's what I came here for, and asked for.

 

[Dbez1]

Yes, the 550 is a big heavy quad but it is very easy to ride and it is one you will not outgrow. My 6 and 7 year old grand kids drive my 850 easily (with me behind them of course), but Forrest has a valid point when he mentioned to be careful about inclines, declines, and especially sidehills as you probably don't have enough weight to counterbalance the quad to keep it from tipping over. The solution...just be careful where you go with it. It will still be more stable than most other quads out there. Enjoy the sport and don't forget your helmet.

P.S. Power steering is great! I can ride all day without fatigue and I'm 64 years old. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.

 

[Forrest]

My friend had originally told me that 500 was plenty large enough for me, and possibly even 400 would be good, but I want to have EFI, 4x4, EPS, Liquid Cooled, and ground clearance. Another option I had considered was the Arctic Cat 450i, but it's lower to the ground, and no p/s. I plan on only buying one ATV, at least for a long while, so I want to get what I want in a machine, and not skimp. I appreciate the advice, that's what I came here for, and asked for.

It does sound like you've done your homework as far as thinking about the features and options on several models. That's good. Like I said see if a dealer will let you test drive one at least around the dealer lot if they have a grassy area etc. It would by no means be equivalent to taking one on the trail but you might get on it and immediately say no way, too big. If you're planning on slow, casual trail riding all the time, nothing too extreme then ya anyone could handle the 550/850. But once you get a bit confident what tends to happen is you start to speed up and/or take on steeper declines/inclines and/or "make your own trails". When this happens it's usuall all about being aggressive with your weight distribution on the bike. When to lean and how much to lean.

I'm a noobe rider myself and feel like I've got the hang of it but there's still steep inclines or declines I won't attempt. I got a bit confident a few weeks back and ended up sideways on a steepish hill. The bike almost flipped sideways with the two right wheels coming off the ground. I bailed off the bike downhill which is a big no no (always jump/lean uphill haha) Luckily me jumping off the bike pushed it back down and it didn't roll. It was a wakeup call for me and something I'll never forget even though compared to what others have done it is pretty minor.

Like the other guy said, helmet and goggles Always.

 

[1ninjanina]

I definitely plan to wear a helmet and other protective gear.

My mother drilled that into us growing up. We were required to wear helmets for sledding, bicycles, and roller skates. Mouthguards for sledding in the woods. Earmuffs, pants, gloves, and glasses for cutting wood. It was against the rules to mow the lawn in shorts, because a rock could come out of the mower and cut your leg. My college professors required protective eyewear in lab (Automotive Tech). I have been well versed and educated in the importance of safety.

I also plan to take it easy and slow until I learn the balance of the machine. I'm sure my friend will have plenty of good advice on how to ride certain obstacles, and I won't hesitate to ask him.

I will have a lot of money invested in the machine, and I value my life and limb too. I'm not the reckess type. I just want to have some fun in the dirt and take up a new hobby.

I enjoy working on landscape and carpentry projects on my mother's house, but sometimes you just need to let loose on a machine to relax...

 

[macka]

Check with the dealer and see when Polaris runs a quad safety course in your area. I'm thinking you'll like the 550 better, because it is easier on fuel, and a touch lighter. You sound like you have your noggin on tight, so you should be good to go with some practice.

 

[bobx2]

You will be just fine with the 550. I feels smaller than the atv's that are actually smaller than the 550. With the power steering and the narrower seat it doesn't feel big. That being said, it actually is the biggest one up machine, as well as the heaviest, which makes it more stable than all the others. Really no down side to it. It sounds like you know what you want in your atv, and this one has it all.
Have a great time and enjoy.

 

[BTJones]

I to am looking at buying the 550, I am going to the dealer tomorrow. Will let you know what i think of it.

 

[1ninjanina]

I sat on the 550 today at the dealer, and also sat on the 500 (I believe, it might have been a 400). They have different seats. They turned the engine sideways, apparently, so the 550's seat is narrower. Given my smaller size, it was a lot more comfortable than the other one. Sitting on the 500 reminded me of when I rode horses. Much wider.

 

[BTJones]

I sat on the 550 today at the dealer, and also sat on the 500 (I believe, it might have been a 400). They have different seats. They turned the engine sideways, apparently, so the 550's seat is narrower. Given my smaller size, it was a lot more comfortable than the other one. Sitting on the 500 reminded me of when I rode horses. Much wider.

I went to the dealer as well. drove the 550 around the parking lot and got a feel for it. Might be an owner of one tomorrow morning if all goes well.

 

[1ninjanina]

I wasn't really considering it before, but now all of a sudden I think I might want to get the Blue Fire LE machine! lol.

Now I have to decide if it's worth the extra $600 to get it in my favorite color. I know that's not the only differences. According to Polaris' website, you get Black Cast Aluminum Rims, Better seat, silver A-arms, white suspension springs, the 'fang' is also painted, and a front storage box.

Seems like the upgrades are worth the $600 bucks, but not sure if I really want to spend the money. In the larger scheme, it's only a couple more payments to get it in my favorite color. I do like the Sunset Red, but my favorite color has always been blue.

I think the dealership had an 850 in blue. I'll have to go back to the dealership before I buy and see how much I really like it. My friend says it won't stay as blue as it looks in the store, which I'll have to remind myself of.

I don't plan on buying until the end of April or beginning of May, depending if Polaris extends the rebate deal going on right now. I wanted to buy in May, but if it means getting the rebate, I'll buy in April. So, I have about a month to consider it and decide on color and accessories.

 

[Polaris700Kim]

I'm a new ATV rider planning on buying a 2012 Sportsman 550 EPS in May. Wondering if anyone has one and if there are any problems I should look out for? I'm female, stronger than your avg woman (I have a job in construction), but only 5' 2". My best friend advised me that this is the largest I should go, considering my size and gender. Anyone have any other opinions? I've chosen the EPS model because it gives when you hit a hard bump and won't tear your arms off (according to him).

Hi,

I am 5' 4" I ride a polaris sportsman 700. I learned on a 500 sportsman though. I do not think it is too big for you. If you are new, take it slow learn the machine and ride with experienced people. As your skills and confidence increase you can do anything you want within reason. The key is learning how to ride safe and with the proper equipment.