ATV Test: Polaris Sportsman X2 800

ATV

Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI X2 Deluxe

A few years ago the ATV manufacturers started to realize that instead of continuing the warning stickers of “no passengers” on all of their ATVs, they would actually accommodate the demand for taking along a passenger. Hence began a new wave of ATVs that are made specifically for two riders, but are not a side-by-side. By extending the wheelbase and adding the needs for a rear passenger, the popularity of two-up models has increased dramatically. Polaris is always at the forefront of the latest trends in the ATV world, and has introduced their own line of two-person ATVs with the Sportsman X2.

In 2007, Polaris released a 500 and 800 X2 with EFI and was available in standard and deluxe models. You have all of the standard features found on a Sportsman model, including the EFI, Polaris’ proven independent suspension and True All-Wheel-Drive. However, there were two things that were unique to the X2 model that definitely sparked my interest.

The dump box on the back of the ATV is a great utility component and can be used to haul up to 400 pounds. But, the unique aspect of the X2 is that there is a built-in backrest and seat that can be folded out from the cargo box, a “stow and go” second seat that folds into the rear cargo box and can therefore accommodate a passenger. The conversion takes just seconds and, once you get the hang of it, can almost be done with just one hand. This gives you the advantage of not always having to have that second seat taking up valuable space. If you have a passenger, flip it up and you are ready to go. Going out on a solo trip? Simply fold it down and increase your storage space to bring along more gear. The only drawback of this system is that with the seat folded down under the box, it does tend to get dusty, muddy or whatever else you may have gone through.

The second feature that was a welcome sign for all Polaris fans is that in 2007 Polaris introduced the Active Descent Control (ADC). What the ADC provides is four-wheel engine braking while going down hills. It has been a long time coming, and Polaris is actually quite late to the party with this feature, but better late than never. However, Polaris believes that they have put their unique twist on this feature and provides isolated cases that this component is actually engaged. We all know that descending steep hills can be tricky and sometimes flat-out scary, especially on today’s larger and heavier ATVs. Instead of providing four-wheel engine braking 100% percent of the time when you let your thumb off the throttle, Polaris only allows the ADC to engage when you are in All-Wheel Drive, are operating at speeds below 15 mph and/or there is no throttle being applied. Polaris feels that you are really only in need of increased engine braking during these circumstances. After a little time in the saddle and giving the ADC a little testing on some hills, I realized that in most cases Polaris was right. However, I didn’t quite find the scary steep hills I really wanted to test it on either. Nonetheless, I got used to this feature after a while and adjusted my riding to accommodate the machine’s limitations in certain situations.

I feel Polaris has once again come up with a combination that works. The bigger, heavier ATVs that Polaris produces are actually an advantage on these two-up models. They have adjusted the rear suspension to minimize rear-end squat under acceleration and features A-arms and two-stage springs that are angled to improve the ride by creating wheel travel that moves up and back. I preferred the bigger 800 engine to the 500 for the extra power when having a passenger. The ride is very comfortable and the versatility of the cargo box makes this a great utility hauler that can work and play all day long. Having someone along to enjoy that work and play with you is always an added bonus.

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