Market Position:
The Polaris Sportsman XP 850 Touring was positioned as a premium, high-performance, 2-up ATV designed for recreational riding, utility work, and long-distance comfort. It competed in the high-displacement, luxury ATV segment.
Competitors:
Competed with models such as the Can-Am Outlander MAX, Arctic Cat Thundercat, and Yamaha Grizzly 700.
Key Features:
Powerful 850cc engine, independent rear suspension (IRS), comfortable seating for two, advanced handling and braking systems, Polaris's True On-Demand AWD.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, cylinder, piston, conrod, crankshaft, cams, valves, valve clearance, intake, exhaust, carburettor/carburetor, fuel pump, fuel injection (EFI), ignition, spark plug, magneto, coil, lubrication, oil, viscosity, bore, stroke, compression ratio, cooling system, radiator, coolant, air filter.
Drivetrain Transmission:
Transmission, drive train, clutch, primary reduction gear, gears, gearshift, torque specs, swinger, drive shaft.
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Suspension, front forks, rear suspension, struts, linkage, ski, track, handle, bars, steering, swingarm.
Electrical Lighting:
Electrical system, battery, starter, starter motor, charging system, stator, regulator, rectifier, switches, ignition system, lights, electronic components, error codes, PGM-FI.
Brakes Wheels Tires:
Brakes, brake pads, rotors, wheel, tires, tire pressure.
Bodywork Plastics:
Body panels, fenders, plastics, seat, hull.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, preventative maintenance, fluid changes (coolant, oil), lubrication, inspections, adjustments (idle speed, mixture screw, valve clearance).
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, brake service, bodywork repair.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, identifying and fixing problems (e.g., no spark), error code interpretation.
Installation Replacement:
Component installation and replacement instructions.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Detailed step-by-step instructions and diagnostic information.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 100 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at specific hour intervals or as needed based on condition.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Regular inspection and cleaning/replacement based on operating conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-50 Synthetic (Polaris recommends its own brand, but API SG or higher is generally acceptable).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 quarts (1.9 L) with filter change (verify in manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (Polaris brand recommended, or equivalent meeting Polaris specifications).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Some early XP models experienced issues with starter solenoid reliability, drive clutch wear, and radiator cooling efficiency under heavy load or extreme temperatures. The manual would detail diagnostic and repair procedures for these.
Brand Heritage:
Polaris Industries has a long history dating back to 1954, known for its innovation in powersports vehicles, including snowmobiles, ATVs, and UTVs.
Model Evolution:
The Sportsman XP line represented a significant evolution for Polaris ATVs, introducing a more powerful, refined, and feature-rich platform. The Touring models specifically catered to riders seeking comfort and the ability to carry a passenger.
Production Era:
The 2010 model year was part of the initial introduction of the XP platform, which debuted in 2009.