Positive generator - Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS

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Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS: tourist and entertainment ATV, 2010, P2, 850 cm³, 70 hp, 363 kg, estimated price - 584,000 rubles.
Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS: tourist and entertainment ATV, 2010, P2, 850 cm³, 70 hp, 363 kg, estimated price - 584,000 rubles.

On the way to the test, I assumed that I would have to torment another large utility vehicle with skids and jumps. But I was wrong. But not in intentions, but in expectations. The fact is that the Sportsman turned out to be not just big, but VERY BIG (for comparison: one and a half times larger than the Honda TRX680FA Rincon). I won’t say that this made me happy or sad, rather it surprised me. And not only the size, but also the layout of the car is very interesting: the in-line engine is located longitudinally, and the variator pulleys are generally located on top of each other! But in fact, this arrangement is very logical: there is no additional gearbox between the variator and the transfer case - there is no power loss in it.

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.

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The luxury nature of the car is clearly hinted at by the passenger seat with a separate shock absorber, alloy wheels, multi-function instrumentation and electric power steering (to admit, before meeting this Sportsman, I always wrinkled my nose about the ESD, since I had never seen a single similar device with normal feedback). Utility is indicated by the presence of a “lowering” and engine braking mode, a powerful towbar and three headlights (two stationary and one on the steering wheel). Well, as for sportiness - a powerful engine, switchable front-wheel drive and not very toothy tires. In motion, this colossus was somewhat reminiscent of a luxury SUV: the pilot, and especially the passenger, is separated from the quality of the coating by an unbreakable wall of comfort and steadfastness. It’s like in a cartoon: whether you want ice cream or cake, Sportsman Touring allows everything within reasonable limits, but at the same time does not blur their lines.

Engine

The 2021 Polaris Sportsman 850 ATV is equipped with a 78-horsepower, 850cc, four-stroke, twin-cylinder ProStar engine. It is powered by an injector and transmits torque through a variator. As you'd expect, it has Polaris' On Demand all-wheel drive. It should be noted that the 850 engine does not lack power, and is not far behind its older brother in the wow factor. The power distribution, of course, is not as smooth as that of a liter; in the middle of the throttle stroke there is a feeling of undermining, which brings a lot of fun while driving.

There are no surprises with the Can-Am Outlander 850. It's powered by an 854cc, 78-horsepower V-twin from Rotax, with that signature V-twin rumble. The power system is also injection, the transmission is a variator, with two- and four-wheel drive switching using a Can-Am Visco-Lk QE locking differential. The Rotax engine is peppy and fun, especially when you turn the throttle into a tight corner. You need to be careful, not forgetting that there is no power steering. But overall the power is very pleasant and useful.

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Handling is good for a car of this size.
Her enormous weight prevents her from becoming excellent. The bonus from heaviness is the smoothness of the ride. Handling is good for a car of this size. Her enormous weight prevents her from becoming excellent. The bonus from heaviness is the smoothness of the ride.

What struck me most was the operation of the electric power steering: nowhere, I repeat, nowhere have I seen such an adequate device - the steering wheel in any rut or mud can really be turned with one finger, and at speed the feedback from the wheels is simply excellent. In fact, it’s stupid to measure such cars with a sporting yardstick, try to jump on them and put them into a deep skid in turns. It’s not that Sportsman can’t do this, he certainly can, but he asks the driver the question: “why?” It is much more pleasant to keep the engine at half-open throttle, feeling an inexhaustible supply of thrust under the right thumb, to let the suspensions do their job, including the passenger seat suspension, which the manufacturer is so proud of and which saves the rider from constant blows to the kidneys. But a smooth ride is ensured not only by a well-functioning suspension, large wheels and adequate brakes. Let us remember physics: the greater the mass, the greater the inertia of rest. The big heavy car doesn’t move with indifferent steadfastness, but just rushes. Honestly, I would call the dynamics for this quad excessive, and the engine thrust, rather, a luxury item: it doesn’t seem to be particularly needed, but the fact that it is there is damn nice.

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.

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Along with luxury, the Sportsman has both a sporty and utilitarian element: with rear-wheel drive you can indulge in deep drifts, with full-wheel drive you can push through quite serious mud or loose sand.
Along with luxury, the Sportsman has both a sporty and utilitarian element: with rear-wheel drive you can indulge in deep drifts, with full-wheel drive you can push through quite serious mud or loose sand.

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Here it is, the wall of comfort: when forcing puddles, barely a couple of drops fall on the driver and passenger.
Here it is, the wall of comfort: when forcing puddles, barely a couple of drops fall on the driver and passenger.

But the most interesting thing began when I let my passenger behind the wheel, and I fell apart in the back: it’s extremely rare to hear so much enthusiasm from a woman’s mouth about a heavy ATV. The fragile female body, which had previously driven quads twice in its life, could not be pulled away from the steering wheel until the gas in the tank ran out. They didn’t give me a steering wheel anymore that day, but offered to sit in the back and enjoy myself. That's what I did. You sit in the back as if on a throne, the seat suspension is well tuned to the weight of the average person, but as speeds increase it becomes a little scary because the amplitude of shaking in the passenger seat is considerably greater than in the driver’s seat. But even here there is a lever to influence the situation: the exhaust is quite quiet, so any interesting words addressed to the driver pass well through the two helmets to the remnants of the mind, not seduced by the driving buzz.

ATV Sportsman Touring 850 Premium Navy Blue + equipment

Sportsman Touring 850 Premium Navy Blue in extended configuration

Looking for a two-seater ATV that's ready for any challenge? Polaris offers the stylish and capable Sportsman Touring 850 Premium. An ATV from the legendary Sportsman family can easily cope with any task: work or leisure, a fishing trip or a multi-day trip, help with the household or business - it’s up to you.

And the new equipment, which includes a powerful front bumper, a winch with a force of 1133 kg and hand protection with fastening, makes it even more invulnerable and practical.

A combination of bright style and practicality

Its design is designed to delight! Spectacular, “muscular” cladding attracts the attention of others. Brutality is due to functionality; there are no random lines or edges in these forms; each element has its own task. So, deep fenders are designed to protect from splashes flying from huge off-road tires mounted on large 14-inch alloy wheels, and the scratch-resistant, unpainted black plastic of the headlight masks will help maintain its luster, even if the equipment constantly lives in harsh off-road conditions.

The front cargo platform with the Lock&Ride fastening system allows you not only to comfortably secure any luggage, but also to install various original Polaris accessories. Below it is a waterproof box with a capacity of 15 liters, complemented by an 8-liter glove compartment in the rear. In other words, by combining the best of qualities, the Sportsman Touring 850 Premium takes the guesswork out of choosing between style and comfort.

Comfort and safety

The two-seater model will provide comfort not only to the pilot, but also to the passenger. For him there are separate footrests and a raised chair with armrests and a high back, thanks to which even a long off-road trip will no longer be tiring. The extended wheelbase improves stability at high speeds.

Power and dynamics

The 850cc 2-cylinder ProStar engine features electronic fuel injection and produces 78 hp for exhilarating performance and confident traction in all situations. And for particularly extreme conditions, for example, off-road driving with a heavy trailer, the automatic transmission provides a reduction gear.

The Sportsman Touring 850 Premium's all-wheel drive system only requires the pilot to select the desired mode by pressing the appropriate button on the left console. Electronics will independently engage the front axle when the rear wheel slips a quarter turn, providing confidence in extreme conditions and reducing the load on the engine and transmission when all-wheel drive is not necessary.

Patency

The impressive ground clearance of 29 cm is due to the special shape of the arched A-arms front and rear, the front shock absorbers travel is 229 mm, the rear – 260 mm. Combined with minimal overhangs, the Sportsman Touring 850 Premium has amazing off-road capability. And for additional confidence and comfort, the basic equipment includes electric power steering and a winch.

This ATV is a great choice for anyone who has self-confidence and is willing to share that confidence with others without sacrificing comfort. Stop by your local Polaris dealer to take a closer look at the Sportsman Touring 850 Premium.

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Indeed, the car is so easy to drive and predictable that even a child could drive it - and this is the main drawback of the Sportsman Touring. Why do I call a virtue a disadvantage? Yes, because this ease of control can be harmful to overly self-confident people: when buying a Sportsman and equipment, do not forget to order a brain limiter from common sense.

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In many ways, the smooth ride is ensured not only by the suspension, but also by the wheels themselves due to their size (26 inches).
There are no complaints about the performance of the shock absorbers, but I would like the springs to be stiffer, especially when you start to measure the Sportsman by a sports yardstick. In many ways, the smooth ride is ensured not only by the suspension, but also by the wheels themselves due to their size (26 inches). There are no complaints about the performance of the shock absorbers, but I would like the springs to be stiffer, especially when you start to measure the Sportsman by a sports yardstick.

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The engine air intake and variator cooling are located in a place familiar to utilitarian quads - near the steering wheel under the false tank.
To replace the filter element, you do not need a tool - both the seat and the airbox lid are secured with latches. The engine air intake and variator cooling are located in a place familiar to utilitarian quads - near the steering wheel under the false tank. To replace the filter element, you do not need a tool - both the seat and the airbox lid are secured with latches.

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In addition to the separate suspension of the rear seat, side handles also help the passenger.
But it’s still better to “burn” alone. And not because of the weight distribution, but because even though the back of the seat doesn’t hit the rear rider in the kidneys, the passenger himself can hit the driver in the kidneys - the amplitude of the chair’s shaking is very strong. In addition to the separate suspension of the rear seat, side handles also help the passenger. But it’s still better to “burn” alone. And not because of the weight distribution, but because even though the back of the seat doesn’t hit the rear rider in the kidneys, the passenger himself can hit the driver in the kidneys - the amplitude of the chair’s shaking is very strong.

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Specifications Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS

The ATV was provided by the Moscow representative office of Brandt.

Positive generator - Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS

Specifications

The Polaris 850 ATV, like other representatives of the line, is close to the professional class, which significantly complicates the possibility of self-repair . According to reviews from owners, minor breakdowns can be fixed, but more serious ones will be a reason to visit a service center.

A separate difficulty is in purchasing original components . It is quite difficult to obtain spare parts, especially considering the quality of the components, which in recent years have been partially produced in China. But repair problems are solely related to professional design and assembly.

Polaris 850 has the following basic parameters:

• Two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 850 cm3. A four-stroke liquid-cooled engine is a classic option for utilitarian Polaris models. It guarantees reliable operation and operates perfectly in any conditions, which adds confidence in the quality of motor vehicles.
• Four-wheel drive . Despite the fact that the Polaris 850 Sportsman ATV is not recognized by fans of extreme off-road racing, four driven wheels will help you get out of any mud.
• Disc brake system . The rear and front brakes on the wheels are the same. Even with different diameters, the discs perform equally well due to their balance, which adds stability during hard or emergency braking.
• Automatic transmission. As already mentioned, this device was created taking into account the comfort and convenience of the driver.
• Dimensions in the classic version are 2114x1209x1289 mm. With a dry weight of just 356 kg, owners get a good amount of balance. Do not forget about the increased ground clearance , which in this model was 305 mm.
• Fuel consumption. Of course, the fuel consumption rate is purely individual. It is impossible to predict how long a full tank of 20 liters will last, but from operating experience it can be noted that 100–150 km under mixed driving conditions.

All parameters, of course, relate only to the standard single-seater model. The stock version itself can be regarded as an excellent basis for creating an individual ATV, which will be distinguished by those qualities that are important specifically for the owner.

Testing Polaris Sportsman 850 with Nikita!