2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 550 ATV Review
Our friends at ATV on Demand shipped over their video review of the 2009 Polaris XP 550 EFI. Watch as this mid-size utility quad gets a full-size workout. Check out the full story in our 2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 550 ATV Review.
Hitting small jumps and G-outs you almost forget you are on 700 plus-pound machine until you find the limits of the suspension, which isn’t that easy to accomplish.
It has a third headlight which is mounted on the handlebar to help illuminate turns.
Rider interface is positive with a digital instrument panel that has a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, tripmeter, hourmeter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge for the 5.25-gallon tank and temperature and battery lights.
The AWD setting is an 'on-demand' configuration which means it operates in two-wheel mode until they slip, at which point it transfers power to the front.
Polaris sells the XP 550 with a $7499 base price and offers optional electronic power steering for an extra 700 bucks.
The radiator is larger and held higher to avoid potential damage.
Rolled independent rear suspension with 10.25 inches of travel keeps things sorted out and comfortable out back, while dual A-Arms with nine inches of movement take care of the front.
We like the high fenders and plastic racks. The durable polymer is good for 120 lbs of carrying capacity up front and 240 on the rear.
The Polaris Sportsman XP 550 is a worthy contender in the middle-weight utility ATV division.
The smaller XP model doesn’t have the massive power of its big sibling, but it served all our work purposes and was adequate for what the testers described as a brisk trail pace.
The AWD works exceptionally well as does the Active Descent Control which activates the brakes to work in conjunction with the engine braking to control downhill speed.
The only time you actually realize you are on a machine with IRS is when you start hitting a lot of uneven bumps where the Rolled IRS keeps the rear end planted and tracking straight.
A 42mm throttle body feeds the liquid-cooled mill with precision and trustworthy efficiency.
A bigger motor, EFI and improved suspension provide its 'Extreme Performance.'
The XP 550 is all-new in 2009 and builds off the Sportsman 500 model. With 549cc displacement, the XP (extreme performance) makes a claimed 40 horsepower from its SOHC single-cylinder motor.
