I sold my 08 Outlander 800XT to try a 850 and am satisfied so far. I don't really notice the extra weight and it seems more suited for the woods and plowing than the Outty. The Outty is faster, but not by much. My legs are also not burning from the exhaust after a few hours of riding like they were with the Bombardier.
I only have experience with Grizz 700 and Sportsman 500 Dlx EFI -07, but I would really stress to think about the extra weight that the Poo has. If you ride trails and such the extra weight does not matter at all. But if you ride in mud and want to go wheelin and such. I would choose the Grizz.
I personally love my Sportsman 500 Dlx EFI and it fits my riding style perfect including the plowing (10 ft wide and 400 ft long in a steep angle up to my parking), but I ride "boondocking" most and for that the poo fits just perfect with its soft setup, both for grip and comfort.
I have been to busy enjoying my boating and fishing so I have yet to pull the trigger on anything as of yet. But I did notice the other day a Camo Rincon 680 for sale on the side of the road. Maybe it's worth taking a look at even though I am sold on the 850XP.
Mad Man: I owned a 500/700/800 sportsman and a 660 Grizz. I still have the Grizz and just bought a 850xp. I really like both machines. The grizz has never left me out in the cold. It is a good machine with a decent ride and control. But when it gets really hot outside, the quad wants to stall. Boils the gas in the carb. On the other hand the 850 has been awesome for riding and the power is strong and fast. The Outy is quicker out of the hole and for racing and doing wheelies get a Outy. I put Commander Trek 4 season tracks on my 850 and have a 60" plow and this girl can push snow and gravel. No issues with the quad.
Not sure about your area,but up here the bang for you buck camp for a big bore ATV is the Suzuki 750 KQ, they have every feature that matters,IRS,Diff lockers,EFI and power steering if you want.
The Non Power steering Big Bore 750KQ sells for less then a Mid Bore XP550 up here.
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2001 Yellow SP 500
No ECM
No Plastic roller cage
5.25 gal tank.
The extra 180lbs the 850 has over the Grizzly may not be a problem on trails,but in muskeg,the difference in weight is a huge factor.A lighter machine will stay on top whereas an extra 180lbs will cause you to break through and sink much more.
For my uses,I would never consider the Polaris because of the weight,and their poor reputation for reliability.In our group of riders,more Polaris atvs get towed home than any other brand,and there are no more Polaris atvs in our group than any other brand.
Which to buy?
