| Polaris
Sportsman 550 XP
Utility ATV Links |
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2009
Polaris Sportsman 550 XP LE Browning Mossy
Oak Camo Edition |
West Virginia - When Polaris
announced its new model of Sportsman XP utility
ATV at the press intro last year, they really
meant NEW model! With a 99% advertised new machine
to unleash on a public that can’t get enough
of new gadgetry, the long awaited overhaul of
the power train and suspension was welcomed by
all.
Comparing the old models to the new is apples
and oranges. With a new chassis, dual arm front
suspension, power steering and several appearance
additions, the 2009 Polaris Sportsman XP would
be a big hit in the marketplace. With a stable
market share, Polaris gambled big as it faced
a slowing economy as they threw caution to the
wind and basically redesigned the new model
from the ground up. ATVriders.com was fortunate
enough to get two models of the new Sportsman
XP in here for a long term evaluation and I
must say, these aren’t the Sportsman’s
of yesteryear!
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ATVriders.com
received the Browning Limited Edition
Sportsman XP 550 for our long term review,
which features numerous premium accessoreies
for hunters with its Mossy Oak®
New Break Up™ bodywork, Camo Pattern
Rims, Hand & Thumb Warmers, Rear
Rack Extenders, Gun Scabbard with Lock&Ride
Gun MOunt, Rear Work Lights, and ofcourse
a Polaris 2,500lb Winch
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The two models we received were the Sportsman
850XP and Sportsman 550XP. Our 550 was just the
ticket as hunting season was in full swing. With
its Mossy Oak camouflage color scheme, winch and
general hunting based design, we were eager to
put it to work.
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The Polaris Sportsman 550 XP may be the
little brother to the 850 XP, but it still
has plenty of power |
The 550 class engine was
way more then enough for us and never left us
feeling like we needed more. While the trend
seems to be focused on engine size in many manufactures
models these days, we have found that sometimes
bigger isn’t always better. For day in
and day out use, the 550XP power was more then
ample in our daily chores and when used to do
some heavy work.
The EFI system worked flawlessly and offers
a light thumb throttle that is very responsive;
in fact it’s almost too snappy down low!
I would attribute this more to the clutch then
throttle, however when needing just a little
movement out of 550, you can’t seem to
make it go smooth enough. In regular riding
situations it wasn’t ever an issue; just
in very tight spots did we notice it.
