I wanted to give some special attention to some of the best bikes I rode this year and they just happen to made be in the U.S.A. Trialed in Missouri and California, testing began during the 2008 deer season, with data continuing to accrue in the Midwest through a snowy January and the 2009 turkey season. Attention to obstacles like logs, mud holes, and steep hills were evaluated, along with an emphasis on comfort and utilitarian performance.
Polaris Sportsman 850 XP EPS
The refinements to the new 850 XP EPS have not only been for the love of brute horsepower, but a suspension that gives one of the most agile rides of any giant bore bikes I drove.
Quick, smooth acceleration, exceptional balance, and excellent stopping power have converged with an all-wheel drive on-demand locker. The vibration is minimal, and the seat position feels low and stable. When combined with 12 inches of ground clearance, its off-road performance is remarkable for a giant machine. You have the sense that this bike will powerfully take you anywhere. And if you need to turn over a field of clay, or remove one foot of snow off the driveway along the way…no problem.
All of this off-road confidence translates effectively when the bike is put to work on a lease or farm. The steering is so smooth and effortless it remarkably reduces fatigue. When I plowed snow, the tight turns and constant repositioning of the bike was a pleasure, not a chore. The bike’s ride is completely forgiving.This 850 Sportsman will take you to hell and back effortlessly, all the while making you feel like you’re in heaven.www.polarisindustries.com
| Model Type Sportsman 850 XP ESP | Utility |
| BASE MSRP(US) | $9,699 |
| ENGINE: | |
| Engine Type | Single-Cylinder |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Engine Stroke | 4-Stroke |
| Valve Configuration | OHV |
| Displacement (cc/ci) | 850/51.9 |
| Carburetion Type | Fuel Injected |
| TRANSMISSION: | |
| Transmission Type | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Primary Drive (Front Wheel) | Shaft |
| Reverse | Yes |
| WHEELS & TIRES: | |
| Front Tire (Full Spec) | 26 X 8-14; Terrathon |
| Rear Tire (Full Spec) | 26 X 10-14; Terrathon |
| BRAKES: | |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: | |
| Wheelbase (in/mm) | 53/1346 |
| Dry Weight (lbs/kg) | 784/355.6 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal/l) | 4.5/17 |
| SEATS: | |
| Seat Height (in/mm) | 37/940 |
| Number Of Seats | 1 |
| DRIVE LINE: | |
| Driveline Type | Selectable 4X2/4X4 |
| Number Of Driveline Modes | 2 |
| Limited Slip Differential | Standard |
| Differential Lock | Standard |
| STORAGE: | |
| Rear Rack | Standard |
| Front Rack | Standard |
| LIGHTS: | |
| Halogen Headlight (s) | Standard |
Polaris Ranger HD 700 EFI
This is a civilized machined that will deliver exceptional trail comfort and performance in all but the most extreme terrain. When you add unparalleled utility and vehicle-like comfort, you have an outstanding side-by-side ATV.
The power steering is so highly refined and flawless you can turn the wheel with your finger while rarely getting any feedback, even when hitting a rock hard. The adjustable tilt steering wheel and boot floor guard, keep the passenger from sliding their foot into the pedals, both are thoughtful features. The all-wheel disc brakes are large, smooth and offer excellent control on downhill descents.
In the u-haul department, the bed will hold 1,500 pounds and dump with one hand. That’s three times the bed capacity of most foreign side-bys. The HD can even tow a crazy 2,000 pounds.
And as if the hardy 683cc, 40 hp v-twin fuel injected engine wasn’t strong enough, (and it was) the sophisticated and industry-leading, fully independent front and rear suspension was what really impressed the testers. Forward is a strong adjustable dual a-arm system that’s stout enough to put on a front bucket loader that can lift up to 500 pounds of gravel, mulch, or deer. In the rear, the self-leveling dual a-arm has shocks that keep the bed level, even with a near max load.
Comfortable, trail smart, and the equivalent to a small tractor or perhaps even a small SUV, the Polaris Ranger HD is a truly stellar performer that to date has no equal. www.polarisindustries.com
| Model Ranger HD 700 EFI | Utility |
| BASE MSRP(US) | $12,999 |
| ENGINE: | |
| Engine Type | Longitudinal Twin |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Engine Stroke | 4-Stroke |
| Valve Configuration | OHV |
| Displacement (cc/ci) | 683/41.7 |
| Carburetion Type | Fuel Injected |
| TRANSMISSION: | |
| Transmission Type | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Primary Drive (Front Wheel) | Shaft |
| Reverse | Yes |
| WHEELS & TIRES: | |
| Front Tire (Full Spec) | 26 X 9-12 |
| Rear Tire (Full Spec) | 26 X 11-12 |
| BRAKES: | |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| TECHNICAFICATION | |
| Wheelbase (in/mm) | 76/1930 |
| Dry Weight (lbs/kg) | 1262/572 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal/l) | 9/34 |
| SEATS: | |
| Number Of Seats | 3 |
| DRI | |
| Driveline Type | Selectable 4X2/4X4 |
| Number Of Driveline Modes | 2 |
| Limited Slip Differential | Standard |
| Differential Lock | Standard |
| LIGHTS: | |
| Halogen Headlight (s) | Standard |
