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Touring In Tandem
Riding double on an ATV is probably the biggest safety sin one can commit next to not wearing a helmet. But the practice of carrying a passenger on a quad has been going on since the first three-wheelers hit the dirt back in the ice age of ATVs. That said, the occassional need to carry a passenger on a four-wheeler will always be there, and Polaris has developed a machine to accomodate.
Polaris recognized the need (or, more precisely, the reality) for making the practice of riding two-up safe, so last year the company came out with a pair of Sportsman “X2” models designed for riding double. Now Polaris offers four two-up models for 2008, including their all-new 500cc and 800cc Touring editions. The latter is what I found myself spending a lot of time aboard in the rugged mountain desert area near Reno, Nevada.
The Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI Touring, like its less powerful 500cc twin, is one cool recreational ATV. It utilizes a seven-inch longer frame than the single-rider Sportsman 800 sport-utility ATV, and it incorporates a heftier rear suspension designed to accommodate a second passenger.
As with all the Polaris two-up quads, the 800 Touring model features an exclusive VERSATRAC system and “rolled” Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). VERSATRAC enables the rider to use a thumb switch near the right handgrip to choose between two-wheel drive, On Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD), or full-time AWD.
In 2WD, the rear differential is locked so both rear wheels act as one. In All-Wheel-Drive (4x4), mode both front and rear axles automatically lock when needed to provide true four-wheel drive. On-demand AWD allows the Sportsman to engage Active Descent Control to provide four-wheel braking when the Sportsman is in AWD and operating at speeds below 15 mph. Let off the throttle and the new two-up Polaris literally creeps down the steepest grade.
To optimize the ride when carrying a passenger or loads, the rear suspension has the shocks angled rearward, and angles the IRS rear A-arms and two-stage springs in such a manner as to create wheel travel that moves up and back.
I found the suspension of the nearly 800-pound machine to be remarkably smooth and controlled over whoop-dee-doos, rocks and undulating terrain. I also found the new seat design, which is thicker and has a big rear seat back for the passenger, to be equally cushy.
Speaking of riding shotgun, the rear seat cushion is a little narrower to maximize comfort, and a little higher than the front seat to give you a good view. I also liked the big rectangular handholds bolted to the rear fenders. Not only do they provide a number of different grip positions, they are made from vibration-absorbing rubber.
As for power, the EFI 760cc V-Twin Polaris engine, coupled with a Hi/Low-range CVT transmission, delivers breathtaking power—even with two big adults aboard. It can also stop in a hurry with its big hydraulic disc brakes.
The Polaris Sportsman 800 Touring model is all about comfort and convenience. I can’t think of a better way to explore the outdoors on a two-up quad.
—Bruce W. Smith