New in 2006, Polaris introduces the full-size Sportsman X2, the first ATV that transforms for 2-up riding. This ATV has a “stow and go” second seat that folds into the rear cargo box to add cargo capacity with only one rider aboard. The Sportsman X2 design is built on the best-selling Sportsman 500 platform, the most popular and versatile ATV for recreation and utility.Because of the integrated seating system, the rider can transform this vehicle from carrying cargo to carrying a passenger in seconds. In this way, the Sportsman X2 is equipped to transport gear, crew and family, to and from a worksite, hunting site or campsite.“You couldn’t find a better machine for versatility and performance,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager for the ATV division. “You have a second seat and the assurance that you can carry a second rider easily and safely. Polaris designed the Sportsman X2 to deliver versatility and safety with all the performance, power and comfort of our Sportsman line.”The Sportsman X2 enjoys the full benefits of pairing electronic fuel injection (EFI) with the hard-working engine long found at the heart of Polaris’ best-selling Sportsman 500 H.O. The EFI system, new on the 500 for 2006, uses a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) to ensure the engine delivers extremely precise throttle response. The result is class-leading acceleration and smooth performance over all types of terrain.First launched in selected Polaris Sportsman models in 2004, EFI has enjoyed tremendous market reception with new and repeat ATV buyers. In response to consumer demand, Polaris is now making EFI available on more of its full-size Sportsman ATVs.As with other Sportsman models, EFI makes the Sportsman 500 easy to start, more responsive and reliable in the type of rugged, off-road terrain that demands sudden and extreme changes in power and variation in speed. It also gives a Sportsman rider significantly better slow-speed drivability.The EFI system compensates automatically for changes in altitude and temperature, ensuring the Sportsman X2 starts readily in all conditions from –25 degrees F to 120 degrees F and at altitudes up to 10,000 feet. These ATVs also use standard 87-octane fuel and get better gas mileage than non-EFI engines.“The appeal of the Sportsman 500 EFI is even more compelling in a 2-up situation,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager of the ATV division. “It means the Sportsman X2 provides a smoother ride, better handling and performance that are equal to the toughest terrain. It is equipped to haul heavy loads, run down a trail or transport gear to a hunting camp.”Especially critical for 2-up riding is the Polaris premium suspension on the Sportsman X2. Like other Sportsman models, the Sportsman X2 has a wide front wheel stance and a MacPherson strut front suspension. Suspension travel is 8.2 inches, giving riders a smoother ride and better handling as the front tires maintain more consistent contact with the ground.In the rear is Polaris’ long-travel, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). This fully-independent, progressive-rate rear suspension delivers the legendary Sportsman smooth ride, 8.75 inches of travel and an industry-leading 11 inches of ground clearance. New for the Sportsman X2, a “rolled IRS” that reduces vehicle squat under acceleration. Combined with the front suspension and wide front wheel stance, the system dramatically enhances the handling, tracking and stability of the Sportsman X2.At the core of the Sportsman X2 is a liquid-cooled Polaris 499cc high output 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. Paired with EFI, this engine excels in tough conditions, whether at work and play.The power plant delivers class-leading towing, hauling and payload through an automatic Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT). Performance features include:Best-in-class towing capacity of 1,225 lbs.;Best-in-class cargo capacity of 490 (400 in the rear box and 90 on the front rack) with a single rider.PVT is the industry’s all-time best-selling automatic transmission and uses a durable belt backed by a Polaris lifetime limited warranty. The PVT continually senses engine speed and vehicle torque load and provides the proper amount of power to the drive wheels. The Polaris Engine Braking System (EBS), which is standard on the Sportsman X2, assists in braking on steep inclines. Additionally, the X2 features front wheel braking when the vehicle is in AWD mode and the vehicle is operating at speeds below 15 mph.Because the Sportsman X2 uses Polaris On-Demand All-Wheel drive, riders get the traction only achieved with true all-wheel drive. As soon as the rear wheels lose traction, the Polaris AWD system automatically engages both front wheels to provide full torque to all four wheels. Power is delivered to all four wheels via 4-wheel independent shaft drive. This produces a performance vastly different from competitive 3 1/2 wheel drive limited slip systems.The ride in AWD is smoother than ever with the introduction last year of double offset joint (DOJ) half-shafts. They reduce vibration and improve the ride when the Sportsman X2 is accelerating, decelerating, running uphill or maneuvering in AWD. The Polaris AWD system automatically reverts to 2WD when AWD is no longer needed.The X2 features a rear dump box with a dump assist to make hauling, carrying and dumping materials and loads effortless. The heavy-duty cargo box, with a 400 lb. capacity, is ideal for moving firewood, rocks and landscaping materials.Premium Sportsman Features
In 2005, Polaris introduced many new elements that further established the popularity of the Sportsman 500. The Sportsman X2 includes all of those new elements and some traditional premiums found only on Polaris ATVs. Among them are:The Sportsman X2 has Versatrac, or three traction options: Turf Mode, 2WD or On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for rough terrain. Turf Mode unlocks the rear differential, producing a 20 percent tighter turning radius and turf-friendly operation that is engaged with a dash-mounted electronic switch.The front rack has a carrying capacity of 90 lbs., while the rear cargo box has a carrying capacity of 400 lbs. Tough bodywork with better splash protection and easy access to several maintenance and adjustment points. The front bumper is a tough composite material while the wider floorboards are practically unbreakable and offer better splash protection.In front there is an integrated, composite storage box. The storage box lid has numerous tie-down points and can be lifted for access to the storage box even when gear is strapped to it.26-inch PXT radial tires are extremely tough and puncture-resistant. Designed by Carlisle exclusively for Polaris, these 3-Star tires deliver a better ride than bias ply tires and have an aggressive, high-traction tread pattern.Lighting on the Sportsman was dramatically improved in 2005 and the Sportsman X2 benefits from the new look and functionality. Up front, the high-beam headlights include reflector lens optics that cast a wider beam. The two bumper-mounted low-beam lights are reflector lens style to increase brightness and deliver 37 watts each.Twin work lights in the rear are an industry first and are controlled by an On/Off switch on the headlight pod.Twin brake light/tail lights are standard.Polaris single-lever all-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with stainless steel braided lines and an auxiliary hydraulic rear foot brake.The drum-shift provides a simple inline shift pattern that helps make plowing easier and allows riders to shift easily among High, Low, neutral and Reverse. The transmission also has a Park position.VDO instrumentation keeps riders aware of the vehicle’s operating status. There is an electronic fuel gauge with a low-fuel flasher and data concerning speed, engine RPM, maintenance indicators and a gear position indicator.The Sportsman X2 is available in Red/Black, Black/Silver and Mossy Oak New Break-Up Camo.X2 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Engine Type 4-stroke
Displacement 499 cc
Carburetion 39mm Throttle Body
Cooling Liquid
Starting Electric with recoil backup
Drivetrain
Final Drive Shaft
Transmission P/R/N/L/H
Drive System Automatic PVT
EBS (Engine Braking System) Standard
Suspension
Front Suspension MacPherson strut with 8.2"/20.8cm travel
Rear Suspension Fully independent, progressive rate with anti-roll bar; 8.75"/22.2cm travel in/cm
Brakes
Front/Rear Brakes Single-lever hydraulic disc w/ hydraulic rear foot brake
Tires
Front Tires 25x8-12
Rear Tires 25x11-10
Dimensions/Capacities
Wheelbase 57/144.8 in/cm
Turning Radius (inside tire) 82/208.3 in/cm
Dry Weight 798/362 lbs/kg
Length/Width/Height 93x48x48 / 236.2x121.9x121.9 in/cm
Seat Height 34/86.4 in/cm
Fuel Capacity 6 / 22.7 U.S. gallons/L
Front-Rack Capacity* 90/40.8 lbs/kg
Rear-Rack Capacity* 400/181.4 lbs/kg
Hitch Std / Receiver
Hitch Towing Capacity* 1225/555.7 lbs/kg
Hitch Tongue Weight* 120/54.4 lbs/kg
Ground Clearance 11/27.9 in/cm
Instrumentation/Features
Gauge Type Digital
Speedometer/Odometer Standard
Tachometer Standard
Tripmeter Standard
Hourmeter Standard
High Beam Indicator Standard
Gear Indicator Standard
Fuel Gauge Electric
Warning Lights Hi Temp / Low Battery
Rear Work Lights Standard
DC Outlet Standard
Colors
Colors Black/Silver; Red/Black
MSRP