ATV Television Test - 2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 850

[josequinto17]

in the sportsman all is made of plastic, tha's crap

[ATVTVCOM]

@josequinto17 The engine, transmission, frame, wheels, tires too? Oh my ;-)

[josequinto17]

@ATVTVCOM my point is that they could made the racks of steel or put a grill guard made of steel like the grizzly

[ATVTVCOM]

@josequinto17 Ahhh, I got it.

[MidoEwida]

I need to get a 450 atv so what is the best 450 there (like yfz450 or ltr450 or kfx450,trx450. etc ) please reply

[ATVTVCOM]

@MidoEwida Those are the good ones! We like them all!

[Reliable1102Intel]

Follow up. As i quoted some erroneous info from another site. I was out prepping my ride and since i havent changed the puls, discovered that the 850XP is a twin.

So a thousand apologies ATVTVCOM. :)

[ATVTVCOM]

@Reliable1102Intel For some reason there's a lot of 'single cylinder' specs on the internet - they must have all copied the information from the same wrong source. We got ours from Polaris - hoping they know ;-)

[Reliable1102Intel]

I own the 850 XP and I really like its power. I would like to comment about this video as the narrator inicates the 2009 850XP is a twin cylinder. Not so, the 09 came as a single cylinder.

[Nrn5576]

Xp is nice

[ATVTVCOM]

@Nrn5576 And we think the XP Touring now that you can take the back seat off and make a long wheelbase (more stable) machine is 'very nice'!

[trevdouthett]

In overall quality, comfort and reliability, which would you say is best, Polaris or Can Am?

[ATVTVCOM]

@trevdouthett Comfort, capability, and price - Polaris. Reliability - Can Am. But not all that much.

[as140672]

will u be testing the 2012 polaris 850 xp H.O.

[ATVTVCOM]

@as140672 Hope so.

[as140672]

@ATVTVCOM I want to see how much fast the 77 hp is and do u no if u will get the outlander 1000.... there kinda ugly looking now but that's my opinion how do u like them?

[ATVTVCOM]

@as140672 It's FAST! FAster than anyone needs I'd say. The 850 is fast enough even to power through the deep snow...

[woah4]

I work at a Polaris, yamaha, and Suzuki dealership. And I really liked Polaris until I started working there. I still love their designs, I think they are the best on the market because they are always modern, but I see from working here that the quality control is not what it used to be. A shame, really. I would get a yamaha. The suzuki's are nice, but I prefer the quality of the yamahas.

[ATVTVCOM]

@woah4 A point I heard more than a few times by people in the shops ;-)

[MALamborghini]

u guys should do a review on a honda 400ex

[ATVTVCOM]

@MALamborghini I believe we did one a few years ago - check our website, things are better categorized there.

[MALamborghini]

@ATVTVCOM ok

[MALamborghini]

@ATVTVCOM no its not on there

[accord21]

Were there any differences or updates between the 09, 10, and 11 polaris 850 xp's?

[ATVTVCOM]

@accord21 Only minor stuff.

[thumper54505]

whats better yamaha 550 or polaris 550?

[ATVTVCOM]

@thumper54505 Tough question. It depends on what you want out of your ATV. Watch our tests on the Polaris XPs and the Yamaha Grizzlies and see the differences.

[thumper54505]

@ATVTVCOM ok, im most likely to use a ATV for hunting, work, and trail riding. what model would u prefer?

[ATVTVCOM]

@thumper54505 My personal preference would be the Yamaha - it has a full 4wd system, front and rear brake controls, more nimble and lighter.

[joe23ba]

@thumper54505 polaris for ride and looks and work

[762x39guy]

I am looking to upgrade my atv I am looking at a 750 King Quad with power steering and fuel injection or a grizzly 700 but I just ran across a 2009 sportsman 850 xp which should I go with

[ATVTVCOM]

@762x39guy All are good machines and have their strong points and weaknesses. Watch our other tests and read through some of my Blogs and you'll get a better feel for the strengths of each machine and which might fit you best. For a more full explanation email me through our website.

[badwinzo6]

@762x39guy Do not get a polaris my buddies just died for the 5th time. He is trading it in this weekend. Polaris has a hard time making a quality machine. I had a 500 HO that piece was in the shop more than i rode it.

[reptilesgamers]

AND I am a Mormon. -_-

[ATVTVCOM]

@reptilesgamers ;-)

[AVIV222]

looks like a tractor

[05front]

HAHAHA nice rack ;)

jk jk jk

[Lenar2541]

Hi!

Love Your vids, very helpful. I have never driven an atv so I wonder is longer wheelbase (X2 & touring) safer in terrain and steep hills/climbs than a the regular xp?

I've seen that the X2 550 does not have ESP, is that critical when using it for work in terrain?

Regards from Norway :))

[ATVTVCOM]

@Lenar2541 The longer wheelbase makes the ATV much more stable in irregular terrain. And the power steering helps not only to make the steering easier but also helps the handlebars from being jerked as much in the rough terrain.

[Lenar2541]

@ATVTVCOM Thank You very much! I am considering the X2 version of the 550 xp. The sad thing is that it dose'nt have EPS. But I read that it had, anti kickback control.

[combatsinaloa]

i Only like the Rims :D

[dag647]

Is there anyway yall could make a vid that compares this to the Arctic cat 1000?

[ATVTVCOM]

@dag647 We have a bit of trouble getting Arctic Cats.

[ATVTVCOM]

@dag647 We have a bit of trouble getting Arctic Cats.

[as140672]

so polaris will not be considered a american quad any more it would be a mexican quad or will it stay all american but just make a factorie down there

[ATVTVCOM]

@as140672 Mexico is in (North) America, just not the (United States of) America.... Sad. New Arctic Cats are made in China and now Polaris goes to Mexico. No wonder the US is in trouble, eh?

[as140672]

@ATVTVCOM hahah ya i no

[Acke1100]

ohh please dad.......

[benchmade556]

wait dont tell me this thing doest have a low oil light

[ericob313]

I heard that yamaha is going to move their entire atv devision to the states and that polaris is going to mexico.

[ATVTVCOM]

@ericob313 True. Amazingly enough many of the 'so-called' Japanese manufactures already manufacture many of their machines here. And Polaris is moving their manufacturing to mexico and the three newest Arctic Cats are made in China! Go figure.

[bodgaard]

The automatic vehicle control (engine braking) only works through the rear tires?!? The rear tires skidding down a hill doesn't do much for control. . . . . .

[ATVTVCOM]

@bodgaard Actually it does a lot for control - unfortunately it's all bad ;-) Although the normal engine braking is horrible (and dangerous) the ADC makes it as it should be. And as an aded bonus, the AWD system works in reverse without having to push the override button. Wow.

[quadGOD12953]

there is only one thing that turns me off about this bike.rubber engine mounts....

[ATVTVCOM]

@quadGOD12953 They use the rubber mounts to isolate the engine vibration from the rider. That's one reason they are so smooth.

[quadGOD12953]

@ATVTVCOM i see the reason for using them but i am not 100% sure on how they would hold up.

[Lenar2541]

Hi! We own a forest with steep terrain and I am thinkin of a 6x6. But I have read that a 4x4 with tracks is almost as good. Is this true? And do tracks allow for riding on asfalt? I have a little road of asfalt and some gravel before I get to my forest.

regards

[ATVTVCOM]

@Lenar2541 There are some tracks that will hold up to some asphalt and gravel. Check out the Camoplast models. They will also make th ATV more stable in the steep country.

[jon35732]

do a test on the 2011 sportsman 550 efi eps

[ATVTVCOM]

@jon35732 We have one on the 2010 XP 550 Eps in a Touring.

[sj2489]

IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE POLARIS MATCH UP AGAINST ALL THE OTHER BRANDS IN A HEAD TO HEAD TEST OF ALL ASPECTS SUCH AS SPEED, ROCKS, HILLS, DEEP WATER, MUD, PULLING, BREAKING, ETC. SINCE POLARIS CLAIMS TO BE THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST ATV, IT JUST MAKES SENSE TO PROVE IT AGAINST THE OTHER GUYS, ESPECIALLY SINCE POLARIS IS AMERICAN MADE! I KNOW THEY HAVE MADE A LOT OF GREAT IMPROVEMENTS AND THEY JUST NEED TO JUSTIFY THE HIGH PRICE OF THEIR VEHICLES.

[quadGOD12953]

@sj2489 polaris's are not american made.trust me,i have owned 3 polaris atv's.500 predator,525 outlaw and 400 sportsman.they are assembled in the us,but most parts are made in other country's....

[ATVTVCOM]

@quadGOD12953 Only a very few parts are not made here actually. Of course that's all about to change as they head to MEXICO!

[larsen550]

@quadGOD12953 No shit Sherlock... Rarely is anything "MADE IN THE USA" anymore. Assembled here, designed here, made elsewhere. Polaris is as close to American made as you can get compared to other companies.

[ATVTVCOM]

@larsen550 Actually Arctic Cats were 'more made' in the USA but now they just introduced three new models all made entirely in China....Go figure.

[forrest225]

ugh, I hate digital speedos. I think analog is muuuch easier to read at a glance.

[Rawwswaqq]

i think this is the best polaris ever made, but my all time favorite four wheeler is 450 kingquad i love them i ride a 400 kodiak yamaha still very nice bike

[ATVTVCOM]

@Rawwswaqq There's one better - the new 2011 850 Touring! It is the smoothest, most capable and comfortable Polaris I've ever been on. It ranks right up there with the best of all-time ATVs - assuming it holds up ;-)

Our first test is coming soon....

[btag4]

I enjoy your channel b/c of the vast number of ATV's you guys review, but your video's are honestly a little monotonous and boring. If possible, I'd like to see a little more aggressive riding, and please let us hear the ATV running as well. The info provided is nice but we want to see (and hear) the ATV in some real use. Thanks!

[ArcticKhaos1]

what atv is the best price for a basic atv rider about 5 foot 9. and to to crazy driving but still ofroad

[ATVTVCOM]

@ArcticKhaos1 Best to check out the FAQ page of our website. There's not an easy (or quick) answer to that question.

[bballplaya123678]

@ATVTVCOM have you ridden the new renegade 800xxc? or any new outlanders with the visco qe and dps i was wondering which you like better for colorado type rocky fast type trails but also slow rock crawling including moab utah

[Knox48x]

ATV 2..and i have had no problems with either except my Recon cuz i was stupid and sucked water into the intake and burned my piston. Even when i watched it roll down a river i caught it and turned it back over and it fired right up, That recon has been through hell..but never let me down until i really swamped it in mud to where the handle bars were only showing and i knew i messed up the engine..so why the problems with the shifting on the ES models when they hardly see offroad conditions?

[Knox48x]

ATV..very advid fan of the show and it was probally your show that made me want to buy a Grizzly. But i have a question for you fellas..our entire family owns Hondas. I have a Recon on Foreman Rubicon..my Dad has a Foreman ES 2003 and my sister/brother in law have a Rancher AT..both have had tranny problems that have made them hate there machines but i find it very hard and many times argue with them about Honda and i ride mine 100x harder than they do? Any idea of the tranny problems? Thanks!

[ATVTVCOM]

@Knox48x One word - electronics! For some reason 'some' Hondas were plagued by electronic gremlins. Don't have a solid answer if it was so much bad electronics or merely bad sealing where switches and switching systems got condensation in them and caused problems. Or maybe Honda just did it to let the other manufacturers catch up ;-)

[MrShannon888]

I seen a video here, on youtube of a Can-Am 500 efi, pulling a Grizzly 700 efi. This was probably mainly due to the weight of the machine..I have considered Can-Am's, but haven't found much interest in them. I don't tend to like the handbar set up, or the breaking noise. I use to ride with a man, who had a Can-Am,and the breaking noise was terrible. It seemed fairly well, other than that. It was a outlander 400 with Mud Lite XL's 26 inch.

[MrShannon888]

Honda's have served many people here well, with that aim. The ride of the Honda, can be rough though..The Polaris can be plush.. Honda hasn't really had many problems, except that ES thumb shift ordeal, of not wanting to go into gear. I don't know that they ever fixed that problem,and I hear the Rancher 420 Auto trans, is bad to shift when not needed, and not shift when needed.

[MrShannon888]

I appreciate your reviews,and replys...I don't know that I will ever own another ATV. I live in Southern, WV, near the Hatfield,and McCoy trails...I don't know if you have ever had a chance to ride them or not. I live down the mountain from one of the Trails " The Bear Wallow Trail ", I ride in,and around it, when I ride.. An atv that has a good center of gravity is a safer ride, than the contrary. The steeps,and side hills can be testing,and dangerous,and a atv that is well planted is desired.

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 Hopefully when you say "you'll never own another ATV" that's because you ride a UTV, right?

I struggle with the decision as to whether I'd choose an ATV or UTV. The 50" RZR is awesome but we have too many reliability issues and on 100 mile trips, getting back home is BIG! I also love the 'freedom' of an ATV and although the KQ750 EPS is my favorite, I do wish it had about 4 inches longer wheelbase. Then, because I need something to haul and tow, the Teryx seems to do it.

[MrShannon888]

Well, I don't know if they use the same grade of steel,but looking at the Grizzly, it's main frame doesn't seem as strong,as the Kawasaki's,and Polaris..Not to say that it isn't, but it does seem to be thin.I heard one time of a Grizzly owner, welding the rear of the frame for hauling,and I believe it was because it didn't hold up to heavy loads,I could be mistaken on the details, but recall hearing an owner leting on like the frame was weak..In your observation,and experince, what is your take?

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 We have yet to see a frame fail! Years ago we trashed a Honda on days and days of riding the "Hammers" in Johnson Valley that the frame was cracked from the underside abuse but it never failed, no welds broke, nothing.

[MrShannon888]

I tend to really use my ATV's for work,and necessary reasons, but I do ride them too. The Brute Force, was a solid built machine, It would likely last a long time. I would assume the Kawasaki's are as durable, or even more durable than Honda's.. I believe the frame on the Brute Force is stronger than the Hondas..I believe the Polaris's have stronger frames that Yamaha, though. I considered the Grizzly 550, but the frame seemed weak in comparison to the Polaris,and Kawasaki..???

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 I'm not sure what you based your frame strength on but I haven't seen any problems with any of them.

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 I'm not sure what you based your frame strength on but I haven't seen any problems with any of them.

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 I'm not sure what you based your frame strength on but I haven't seen any problems with any of them.

[MrShannon888]

I have been around a lot of Hondas, and owned a Rancher 350 ES, I have owned a Ranger XP, and a Kawasaki Brute Force 750.. I liked the Polaris probably the best. It just had a different experience with it...Now, I haven't ever riden, or really been around and Sportsman's...,but the reasons I liked the Ranger, probably are found in the Sportsman's..I know most people believe they are not as durable, as the Jap, models, but I believe that is really debateable..

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 Definitely debatable!

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 I certainly feel that's debatable based on what we see around here on the Paiute Trail system.

[MrShannon888]

I understand that mud tires, aren't necessarily good snow tires...I am curious what is a good snow tire, anyone has come across..? I have seen what Mudlite XL's do in snow.. I understand ITP has a tire intended for snow, any experience in snow with them..? thanks I have been considering a Sportsman 550 XP, Lord willing..Always here to do his will first.,but if I need an atv in the near future, I have examined several, and have liked the Sportsman XP fairly well..

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 We've used both Carlisle ACTs and Mud Pro (I hope I got that name right) in the snow on several different machines and absolutely love them! Of course even the right tires need lots of power in the deep snow on steep hills ;-)

[MrShannon888]

I had Mudlite XL's in both cases I believe, so that shouldn't have been the reason, but certain tires maybe able to make a difference

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 You're right, those should have worked plenty good...

[MrShannon888]

The Polaris Sportsman probably has more pulling power,than the Brute Force, because of it's weight,and maybe it has more torque..I had a Brute Force. It was solid, and had plenty of power,but I needed to weigh it down, to get more traction to get whatever I was pulling that was heavy moving, it had the power, just needed more weight in it. I had a Ranger XP too,same ordeal, it needed a load in the Bed to get heavy loads to move, plenty of torque,and power though. Otherwise they just spin,and dig

[ATVTVCOM]

@MrShannon888 Or get better tires!

[Edgar97512]

best atv

[metomusic]

How much dose one of those cost?

[ATVTVCOM]

@metomusic The price is listed at the end of the video but it's best to check your local dealer as they are making some pretty good deals right now...

[rocky2win]

you guys should test the thundercat 1000 h2

[ATVTVCOM]

@rocky2win If we could get AC to send us one we would!

[arcticcat231]

Yea gota get one of them on here!!!

[thepopeis1]

that's weird the battery on my 2010 550xp is under the front rack and only 1 rear break. (locks up easy with rear only breaking) and I love the engine breaking I have gone down some steep hills with out touching the break (yet to use adc) its a great atv. the only thing I dont like is that it does take to many revs to get it moving and it jumps some when taking off. I don't really notice it until I have to a tight maneuver.

[ATVTVCOM]

@thepopeis1 The Touring gets the front box and therefore the battery gets moved to the rear. And it still has a single rear disc on the right rear wheel. Our mistake. That is the 850 that has two rear brakes.

[sasktank]

ive never been a polaris fan but i just rode this machine and i liked it alot - if it wasnt for the unsafe single lever break ,I would buy one---2 leavers is an absolute must---//---pretending that this flaw is a feature ,is just silly - fix it polaris

[masonc07]

@sasktank

Been on Polaris quads for 10 years now.....was a little funny getting used to the single brake lever, but un-safe......no.

[jr4472g]

spent fuel as the 850 polaris

[drh1111]

is this require a key to start?

[ATVTVCOM]

@drh1111 Yes, twist the key to start.

[SoHeavy3]

sportsman is #1

[ATVTVCOM]

@989kriss This did not have EPS. The 550 we tested did.

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM ok. But was the xp 850 whitout EPS easy to drive-and good to drive then?

[ATVTVCOM]

@989kriss Although the Suzuki and Yamaha power steering is really great, I find the Polaris system to have too little feel. I prefer the Sportsman without EPS.

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM hm ok. So your first election is the KQ 750 EPS and nr. 2 is sportsman (xp 850) ???

[ATVTVCOM]

@989kriss FIRST-KQ750EPS. SECOND-GRIZZLY 700EPS. THIRD-BRUTE FORCE 750.

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM ok. But the BF 750 have most power, i think.But the grizzly 700 have EPS- but i really don't know what is best abaut EPS and Power. But the grizzly 700 have mutch power?

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM Which one is the best when it comes to pulling-power?? ( grizzly 700-KQ 750-BF750-outlander800? cause i need a atv whit power-and whit good handling,and easy to drive. so is the KQ 750 whitout EPS the best then?

[TheMacadoo24]

polaris is the best out there

[PartialtoGreen]

Did you slow the audio down to cover more of the video? It sounds a little funky.

I keep going back and forth between one of these and a Grizzly. Tough call for me.

[989kriss]

"ATVTVCOM ok.:) But i'm gana buy a atv, maybe a KQ 750 EPS or a grizzly 700 eps or a outlander 800. But i don't no which one. It's so hard to deceide.

[climberguys]

@989kriss Outlander 800

[989kriss]

is it a big problem that the polaris sportsman (850) xp is very hevay ???

[ATVTVCOM]

@989kriss It's a problem for smaller riders and in more technical, off-camber situations. Plus it's a problem for getting good fuel mileage.

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM ok. But i'm gana buy a atv soon. A outlander 800 or a KQ 750 eps or grizzly 700 eps or a BF 750. But its so hard to decide which one

[drumline67]

@989kriss Just one thing to think about.....it would be nice to Buy American and help your own country.

[ATVTVCOM]

@drumline67 Except that Polaris is moving much of their manufacturing to Mexico and many of the 'so-called' Japanese companies have manufacturing plants in America!

[yamran]

What is your opinion on the most reliable/proven big bore ATV out there right now?

Many say the Suzuki 750

[ATVTVCOM]

@yamran I agree. Check our tests of the King Quad, Grizzly, and Brute Force.

[989kriss]

@ATVTVCOM Did u drive the cp whit EPS there?

[MrWizKid97]

Please Reply, is there any type of storage on the XP 850?

[ATVTVCOM]

There's a small box at the rear. The best storage on any ATV is what you put on the racks.

[Carfreak1177]

I think that the XP's are all show and no go. they may be fast but when it comes to gettin dirty the grizzly is the best I swiched from polaris 500 to 550 grizzly.

[stewpidaso26]

this atv actually blows. i have one and its gunna be on its second time to the shop cause it wont start. the first time was the spark plugs and the joint on the a-arm was loose. somehow i had bad spark plugs. now it sounds like the starter is out or theres a bad connection somewhere. polaris sucks and i will not buy another one of their atvs again.

[polariman850]

please reply,

does the polaris sportsman eps 850 xp come with a trailer hitch and/or a towing hitch?

overall i think this atv is the best!

Nice video.

[ATVTVCOM]

Whoa! Did you watch the video? It clearly shows that the XP has a receiver! Oh, wait a minute. I bet you mean the actually slide in hitch! Ah Ha! No.

[Greezbhal]

That huge shifter has got to go. I also noticed quite a bit of unwrapped wiring. Not good.

[cdcruizer05]

What channel is Untamed Sports TV on Direct Tv? I miss the show so much, i use to watch when you were on Outdoors TV, i believe!?

[biz4two]

YEAH...you are back! GREAT review...and do please keep them coming. As an Owner of a 2009 SP XP 850...I have to say...I LOVE it! Best ATV I have ever owned.

[nickstammwitz]

i love how they are showing a 550

[gutchie121]

stop it at 1:35 you dick

[geini20]

please reply... if you had to choose either a polaris scrambler 500 or a yamaha wolverine to ride the trails and some mud , which would you choose and why?

[ATVTVCOM]

Sorry, if those were my choices I'd keep looking!

[32sportsman]

very nice bike i currently have a sportsman 500( carburated ) and i can see in the future buying an xp 850 now!

[SmoothbassmanStudios]

1st thanks for putting these videos back on YouTube. Secondly, the XP rocks! I picked one up after a demo session last winter and it's given me 500 miles of pure excitement this year so far. Great ride! One thing that was not 100% correct in the review. You do have 4 wheel engine braking in ADC mode. Keep the reviews coming!

[yamran]

Sharp

Especialy compared to the older ones

But they still use a CVT system that I did not like when I went test driving

I went with the Thundercat 1000

[Mississippi1313]

you guys should test a can am outlander

[CUMMINANDSCANIAV8]

bang on yes they should

[dant387]

Thanks fer the video!!!!!!!

[barnmaster98]

"skinny cowboy on a fat horse" i thought i was the only one who thought i was riding a cow on them lol :P

[satinsk8er]

omg its the best for wheeler ever ......but you guys didint act.lie you loved it .....its the niceis 1 you guys have dun...ty 5/5