The Polaris SPORTSMAN 850 ATV is a two-seat utility model that uses the XP platform as its base. The ATV has a two-cylinder power plant with a total displacement of 850 cubic meters. With this indicator, the motor develops a rated output power of 75 horsepower or 55 kilowatts. This model also comes with a 19.9 liter fuel tank. It is worth noting that there is a version with a 17-liter fuel tank. Polaris 850 has an electric power steering mechanism, which, in addition to providing its main task, also has a positive effect on mitigating shock loads on the front wheels, which together provides increased comfort when driving on rough terrain and off-road.
One of the key features of this ATV is the CRS passenger seat shock absorption system. It additionally ensures riding comfort for both the passenger and the driver. In essence, this system is a fifth shock absorber installed under the passenger seat.
Unlike many other ATVs, the Polaris SPORTSMAN 850 model was equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension, traditional for this type of motorcycle. The rear independent suspension received an additional stabilizer. All this made it possible to significantly increase not only the suspension travel, but also the ground clearance, which, by the way, is now 305 millimeters. Thanks to this, the cross-country ability of the equipment has also increased. In addition, wheels with a 14-inch landing diameter were used here for the first time. The use of such wheels made it possible to improve the car's handling and shock absorption. It should be noted that in many ATVs, in order to soften unevenness, the driver was required to stand on special footrests, while in this model there is practically no such need, except in rather difficult areas.
Polaris 850 uses an all-wheel drive transmission with three operating modes. In the first mode, only the rear-wheel drive of the ATV (2x4) works. In the second mode, all wheels (4x4) are connected, and in this mode the front center differential is automatically connected via an electromagnetic clutch. The third mode is the same all-wheel drive, only here a special system is already connected, which significantly helps when descending, namely, it slows down the ATV due to the transmission.
Price
The Polaris SPORTSMAN 850 ATV without mileage now has a fairly wide price range, namely, you can purchase new motorcycle equipment at a cost ranging from 640 thousand rubles to one million Russian rubles, depending on the year of production and the model’s configuration.
A used ATV can be cheaper. The average price of such a model currently varies from 390 thousand rubles to 750 thousand Russian rubles. Here, in addition to the year of manufacture, the cost is also affected by mileage and technical condition.
Dynamic climbing
INTERESTING - the two-seat Polaris turned out to be sharper than the single-seat Sportsman 850 XP, which I rode a couple of days before this test drive. By all accounts, the single-seater should be faster. This is true when it comes to maximum speed. But the two-seater takes off more dynamically. The secret, as it turned out, is in a different ratio of the variator cones (this, if translated into automotive language, is like other numbers in the gearbox), designed specifically for a powerful start. On the cross-country track - just what you need. It’s not for nothing that “cross bikes” are given a large rear sprocket...
But on turns, the advantage goes to the single-seat ATV. It seems that the difference in the length of the wheelbase is small (only ten centimeters), but still, turning the rear wheels of a two-seater vehicle in a turn is a little more difficult than on its short-wheelbase brother.
Now a few words about the rear and front suspensions. Both are independent, on double A-arms. But here’s an interesting detail: if usually the rear suspension shock absorbers are level, perpendicular to the ground, here their lower mount is located closer to the front of the ATV than the upper one. Therefore, when starting from a standstill, the rear part of the four-wheeler does not sag, and when hitting an obstacle, the rear suspension overcomes it much more smoothly than you expect.
The rear axle of the new “Sportsman 850 Touring EPS” is continuous and does not have a differential. The right and left axle shafts are rigidly connected to each other, so that both rear wheels row at the same time. This, let’s say, does not contribute to precise cornering, but for overcoming heavy mud, nothing better could be desired. By the way, due to the same continuous axle, there is only one brake disc for the two rear wheels.
Powerful electric power steering has already become the hallmark of Polaris four-wheelers. It differs favorably from amplifiers of other brands in that it starts working when the engine is “sleeping”, as soon as you turn the ignition key. In the past, it has helped me out more than once in deep snow, quicksand mud, at low speeds, when there seemed to be no force that could turn the front wheels. In addition, in emergency cases, the electric booster plays the role of a damper. For example, on this trip, while passing a blind turn at a decent speed, I saw a large stone late and... No, the blow was, of course, noticeable, but the amplifier took all its force, and the steering wheel was not knocked out of my hands.
“This is all good, but what about the fords?” – fans of crossing water obstacles will ask. I'm sorry to say: there is no snorkel that allows you to ride with only your helmet sticking out of the water. But the air intake from the filter and the air drainage from the sealed CVT housing are raised to the height of the seat. So you can go deeper into the river at this point without the risk of blowing bubbles. I checked it myself.
Reviews
- Many people praise this ATV, including my good friends. A year ago, based on all this, I decided to purchase this model. Based on first impressions, the technology is really quite good and does not require additional modifications. After some time I started having the first problems. The drive mode switch stopped working, followed by some knocking noises in the engine and so on. At that time, the equipment was under warranty, so these problems were corrected in a special service center. After that, everything seemed to disappear and still works to this day. Otherwise, the ATV is impressive; it has good dynamics, handling and cross-country ability.
- I bought a Polaris 850 from my friend, who took very good care of the technical condition of the car. The ATV is quite good on almost any terrain. I tried driving in snow and sticky mud, it goes everywhere. With a passenger, there is practically no difference in dynamics, except that it is a little more difficult for him on an ascent. As for me, this model is quite excellent for cruising.
It is adjustable on the “Sportsman 850 Touring EPS”
In 2010, the Polaris four-wheeler received an unusual passenger seat, which no other ATV in the world can boast of. It is equipped with its own adjustable shock absorber. And this is against the backdrop of a new engine and a new chassis.
LET'S LEAVE the non-trivial seat, so to speak, for dessert, and first let's talk about the engine. Well done Polaris engineers - they were one of the first to show the world a two-seater ATV and were the first to realize that such a machine needs a more powerful motor. There used to be a strange theory that two ATV riders could easily get by with a dead single-cylinder engine. And if a vehicle with a full load of luggage burns the variator belt, trying to climb a steep hill, or is simply unable to turn its wheels, which are tightly stuck in viscous clay, then this is your problem. They say that it’s not scary for the two of you – if something happens, you’ll push me out...
The Polaris people put an end to this insanity. True, you will not find the “Sportsman 850 Touring EPS” power indicator in the colorful booklet - for some reason, most companies always hide these numbers behind seven seals. But, based on my rather rich experience, I can say with full responsibility: the two-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled engine of the new ATV produces no less than 75 hp. This is the most powerful motor in its class. For comparison: the previous engine of the two-seater “Sportsman”, also two-cylinder, developed 64 horsepower. Moreover, the predecessor was a classic “twin” - its two cylinders were placed side by side, across the frame, and the variator was accordingly located on the side. The new engine has cylinders located along the frame, slightly tilted to the right in the direction of travel. This design has its advantages. Since the power take-off shaft was located behind the engine, the variator also moved there, freeing up space for the driver’s legs. “Sportsman” has become narrower than before. At the same time, it became possible to make the footrests much wider, and this is a great thing for a four-wheeler. The wider the footpegs, the more comfortable the saddle can be for drivers of different heights and builds who prefer different riding styles.
Rivals
The Polaris Sportsman 850 has been modified to line up with the Sportsman XP 1000. The updated design, strengthened frame and suspension upgrades make the 1000 a very enjoyable machine. The base 850, which we are considering in this comparison, apart from the cubic capacity, differs from the “liter” in that it does not have power steering. It is available in Indy Red and Sage Green.
Can-Am has redesigned the Outlander line of ATVs for the 2019 model year, including the “mediocre” 850. The Outlander's front end has been redesigned to add a few touches from the X3 buggy. It certainly looks good. New suspension and wheels make the Outlander wider and more responsive. The base model without power steering comes in Viper Red.
2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS Review
Fast, comfortable and reliable two-seater ATV
The 2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS proves to be a very enjoyable two-person ATV to ride for fun off-road adventures.
Polaris takes the production of its Sportsman line seriously, making performance machines with a minimum of bells and whistles. However, the Sportsman Touring 850 EPS boasts very smooth and light steering.
Before we start talking about the results and impressions of the test drive, let's talk about the technical characteristics.
The Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS is perfect for many who want to buy a two-person ATV.
The heart of the Sportsman Touring 850 EPS is a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, High Output (HO) single-camshaft engine with electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling. Engine capacity is 850 cubic centimeters.
Both front and rear have double wishbone suspension. Front suspension travel is 9 inches (22.8 cm), and rear suspension travel is 10.25 inches (26 cm). The ground clearance of the ATV is 11.25 inches (28.5 cm). Rear suspension design on the Sportsman Touring. This means that the rear shock absorbers are mounted at an angle, being tilted backwards. According to Polaris, this allows for increased suspension travel and reduced squat during acceleration. Words are words, but we can confirm that it is true.
The front and rear of the Sportsman Touring are supported by double wishbone suspension.
The front wheels have Maxxis 26 x 8-14 M9805 tires, and the rear wheels have Maxxis 26 x 10-14 M9806 tires. All four wheels are equipped with 8-spoke aluminum cast wheels. The combination of these wheels and rims looks very good and also copes with all obstacles.
The two-seat Sportsman also has a spacious trunk up front. We transported food and necessary equipment there.
The wheelbase of the 850 Touring is 57 inches (144.8 cm). Polaris says the ATV's dry weight is nearly 362 kilograms. When we weighed the car with all the fluids (gasoline, oil, coolant) and a set of tools, the scales showed 390 kilograms.
The Polaris' 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine produces a pleasant rumble and moves rider and passenger quickly without any difficulty.
The 850 Touring handles like a 550, as they share the same chassis, suspension, wheels, tires and even plastics. But as soon as you squeeze the gas trigger and tighten your grip on the steering wheel, the 850 Touring quickly gains speed and kilometers per hour. It cannot be said that the speed makes your eyes water and your hands hurt because you are afraid to fly off the seat, but the ATV is very agile and fast.
Having gained a certain speed, you notice how steering becomes easy, perhaps even too easy. A similar claim can be made on the Polaris 900 RZR LE XP with electric power steering. We love power steering, but at high speed the front end often feels light and the electric power steering becomes overly sensitive, even though the 850 Sportsman Touring has Variable Assist. This means that there is a possibility that the driver may end up in the wrong place, especially if there is still a passenger sitting in the back. We didn’t have any accidents or dangerous moments, but we did have some difficulties.
However, the Polaris electric power steering still deserves all the praise. After driving the 2013 850 Touring EPS, the non-electrically assisted models seem like a thing of the past. Just know that at high speeds or with a passenger behind you, there's little resistance to the steering wheel, so it's possible to overdo it.
With sturdy Maxxis tires on all four corners, the Sportsman Touring handles most terrain with ease.
The high wheels and tires of the ATV confidently and effectively overcome ruts, potholes, stones and small logs. The older 700 Sportsman had shorter tires and wheels (Polaris PXT 26 X 11-12), so it had less off-road capability than the new 2013 850 Touring, which can easily go over obstacles.
The switchable 2WD/4WD drive system worked flawlessly. We drove in 2WD High mode most of the time. When driving over rocks, we switched to four-wheel drive, leaving the gear in high gear. We switched to a lower gear with 4WD engaged only on very steep slopes. The pulleys held the drive belt tight, and when the throttle was operated correctly, the 850 Touring never lost traction. The Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) did not lose efficiency when heated.
The ATV's braking system is very reliable. When squeezing the front or rear brake, the car did not skid to the left or right. Even when the “stop” command was sent to all four wheels, the driver did not lose control of the situation. In terms of braking, there are absolutely no complaints about the 850 Touring.
All steering wheel controls are close and easy to operate.
The steering wheel controls are easily identifiable and easy to operate. Mounting the headlight on the handlebar was a great idea as it made driving at night safer and more comfortable, especially when cornering. Also at the front of the front bumper are two headlights that brightly and widely illuminate the road ahead.
One of the test riders complained about the heat emanating from the engine, which warmed his leg quite a bit. But on the Can Am Outlander 1000, for example, this problem is more acute.
For passenger comfort, the Polaris Comfort Ride Rear Suspension with a coil spring under the passenger seat, the travel of which is 2.5 centimeters, is responsible.
The back seat is very comfortable, and the passenger has a clear view of the road.
Riding in the passenger seat of the Sportsman Touring was no problem. Passenger visibility is excellent, the grab handles and footrests are comfortable, and the seat itself is soft.
Among other things, Polaris equipped the 850 Sportsman Touring with Active Descent Control (ADC) and Engine Braking System (EBS). Believe me, these are very useful and necessary things. ADC and EBS helped a lot to keep the speed within reasonable limits on descents through mud and sand. With these systems, driving is much calmer and safer.
But the small handle under the Comfort Ride Suspension proved awkward. It's too small to fit two hands. Moreover, while clinging to it, you are standing directly in front of the exhaust pipe, and this can be, to put it mildly, uncomfortable (or rather, very painful) if you have recently ridden an ATV. I wish Polaris would install a rear bumper with handles positioned further away from the exhaust and heat shield to make the 850 Touring easier to move.
It would be nice if the rear handle could accommodate two hands and be positioned further away from the exhaust pipe.
The 850 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS turned out to be a cool ATV. The 2013 850 Polaris Sportsman Touring was tested in harsh conditions at high altitudes, and the car delivered what you'd expect: a smooth ride, a comfortable ride, good traction, a roomy trunk, and excellent headlights to illuminate the way at night.
As we wrote above, our complaints are only related to the electric power steering and rear handle. Overall, this is an impressive two-seater ATV. The 2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 EPS is a good product at a good price.
Suspension
Both ATVs have arched front control arms. Polaris also features rear arch control arms, while Can-Am has torsion bar suspension arms. Both systems work great, and choosing one or the other is a matter of taste. Arched rear arms give a slightly softer ride, while torsion bars handle rough terrain better. Both have stabilizers that reduce body tilt when cornering.
Polaris Sportsman 850
The Polaris ATV has 228 mm of front suspension travel and 260 mm of rear suspension travel. Ground clearance is 285 mm. The front rack can load 55 kg and the rear rack can load 100 kg. It is also capable of towing 680 kg, and for this it has a 31 mm thick towbar.
The Can-Am ATV has 233 mm of front suspension travel, 251 mm of rear suspension travel, 280 mm of ground clearance and is capable of carrying 50 kg on the front rack and 90 kg on the rear rack. It can tow 750 kg, and has a more serious towbar with a thickness of 51 mm.
Both of these ATVs are remarkable, including the fact that while the characteristics are very close to the top models, they differ from the latter at a much more pleasant price, and with a limited budget it is difficult to choose something better than either of them. Which one is better? You decide. Stop by your local dealer and see them for yourself.
