2011 Polaris® Sportsman® Touring 550 EPS Review
After rejuvenating its entire ATV lineup in 2009, Polaris® is taking on the 2-up, off-road segment with the Sportsman® Touring 550 EPS based on the revolutionary XP chassis.
Completely redesigned and improved, the new Sportsman® Touring is delivered with a longitudinal engine, a continuously variable transmission, an engine braking system, a dual A-Arm four-wheel suspension system and electronic power steering.
Despite its rather athletic-sounding name, the Sportsman® Touring XP is a utility ATV that combines versatility and comfort. Powered by a lively single-cylinder mill, the machine is a decent performer considering its weight. The longitudinally mounted engine makes for a much slimmer beast. The narrower seat and new CVT transmission built under it allowed the engineers to double the size of the footrests. This architecture also lessens friction by reducing the number of moving parts, which translates into a decrease in power loss compared to an ATV with a transverse engine.
The mill proves gratifyingly frisky and powerful enough to tackle imposing obstacles, even when riding 2-up. The injection system works very well in all conditions and at any altitude. Acceleration is manageable, though far from overwhelming. You'll have to turn to the Sportsman®'s 850-cc sibling for if you're looking for real thrills on that front.
The first thing you notice is that both the rider and passenger positions are much more ergonomic. Over rutted terrain, the independent suspension ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, and in corners the machine is one of the most stable in its class. The Sportsman® Touring gobbles up hilly and steep terrain with admirable smoothness, and the electronic power steering gives your arms a break even in 4WD mode, a welcome attribute for fans of long tail rides.
And when you pick up the pace, the Sportsman® offers unsuspected performance for such a beefy ATV. It absorbs bumps, holds its ground and carves out corners like a sport model, so much so that you forget you're riding a sturdy workhorse. And to get you over obstacles, the Sportsman® benefits from greater ground clearance than the old version with the MacPherson struts. The 14-inch wheels and AWD system, with low and high ranges and a constant mode, also play a key role here.
Although this ATV inspires instant confidence, do take the time to familiarize yourself with its impressive girth and weight. This baby tips the scales at 348 kg. Downhill, the Engine Braking System (EBS) and Active Descent Control (ADC) do a great job, though, taking you down in slow motion and making sure you have constant grip.
Equipment-wise, the Sportsman® Touring features a revolutionary passenger seat equipped with an adjustable suspension system: this is the most comfort available in this segment. The battery is now located in front, and the exhaust is better protected. The cargo rack is made out of a new thermoplastic material that's more resistant to scratches and UV rays. The Sportsman® also includes several small storage compartments offering a total of 3 litres of cargo space.
Super innovative, nimble and more stable than anything else in its class, the Polaris® Sportsman® Touring 550 EPS takes its sport utility job very, very seriously. This is a reassuring, efficient and comfortable machine for long trail rides with that special someone.
Big thanks to Nor-Sport St-Jérôme
Plus
- Best utility chassis in the industry
- Efficient engine and CVT
- Innovative seat suspension system
- Thermoplastic storage boxes
Less
- Very heavy
