The 2009 Polaris Sportsman 850XP has won "ATV of the Year" from ATV magazine. All new for 2009, the Sportsman XP is a quantum leap over its predecessor and demonstrates just how hard Polaris has been working to improve and refine their products.

The Sportsman XP 850 and XP 550 feature an all new chassis design that incorporates a dual a-arm suspension in the front and an upgrade to Polaris's rolled IRS system in the rear. The new IRS rear package allows the rear wheels to move in and up and rearward in direction. The new dual a-arms have 9" travel in the front and 10.25" of travel in the rear. Ground clearance is now a nose bleeding 12".

The Sportsmans also incorporate a new brushless power steering module that is the most powerful available and new larger 14" cast aluminum wheels that have a redesigned offset in order to improve overall ride and handling, while reducing bump steer. Ergonomically the new Sportsman XP features a large handle mounted LCD display, a new plusher seat and perfectly situated riding position and height.

Powering these monsters are the new Polaris twin cylinder EFI engines that produce 70HP for the 850XP and 40HP for the smaller 550. Both motors contain internal counter balancers and rubber chassis mounts to minimize the amount of transferred vibration while idling and riding. Also added for 2009 is a new larger starter motor, in fact ,its the largest of its kind used in the ATV industry and rated to operate in a blistery -35 degree environment. The enhanced starter motor should help minimize the chance of getting stuck out on Tundra, as night sets in. Polaris also increased the cooling capacity by over 20% as compared to the previous model, in order to compensate for the increased towing ability and horsepower of the new engines. Polaris also relocated the radiators 4" high in the chassis to avoid any rider obstruction and impact from flying objects.

Overall Polaris has been hard at work improving their products and trying to distance themselves from the competition. The countless hours of design and testing demonstrate why this is one great utility ATV and why it has won ATV of the year from ATV Magazine. The Sportsman 850XP and 550XP retail for $9,699.00 and $7,499.00 respectively.