Ride Time
Finding a good deep mud ride here in north Georgia is difficult to say the least, but it is not impossible. Getting the 850 XP unloaded for our ride was almost as exciting as the build. The machine looks tough, and when twisted, the engine fires with the sound of brutal power. The trail sections of our location really helped me understand why the Outlaw is such a popular mud and trail tire. With smooth trail prowess I felt comfortable all day. The 850 XP handled like a dream even at higher speeds, and I always felt connected to the trail. Thanks to the SuperATV.com beadlock wheels I had no worry of rocky trails where a typical tire could be ripped from the wheel. The machine had a power range that was incredible even though the top-end was restricted just a bit by the sheer size of the tires and clutching. That didn't bother me, though, as I wasn't planning on setting a land speed record with my machine. The EPI Mudder clutch kit seemed to get the Polaris 850 right into its sweet spot of power delivery all day. These guys have their technology really dialed. Once I found a respectable mud section it was time to let the machine do its thing. The broad low-end power and snorkel system performed like champions as the Outlaw 31s swept away the mud in the front up high, the rears dug deep to push me forward through the slop. I feel like the Gorilla Stage One lift is just about right for the average consumer, and I'm sure they will be a huge hit. The machine is still very much controllable and not so high that it gets tippy on off-camber trails. This lift also allows me to straddle most trail obstacles because of the added ground clearance. I'm not sure if we will get a chance to use our Master Lock winch, but it's good to know it's there for when that time comes, and you know it will.
Overall this machine has a budget-minded rider in its sights. The build was simple and inexpensive plus it lets you have two times the fun in both mud and trail ride-ability. I can say this is probably one of my more favorite projects, and I'm sure it will not be the