ATVs

First Look: Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition

Polaris' heavy hitter mud ATV

March 17, 2016

First Look: Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition

Polaris' heavy hitter mud ATV is the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition.ATV Rider

Polaris' heavy hitter mud ATV is the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition ($13,999). With the strong, comfy Sportsman chassis and 1000cc, 85 HP twin cylinder Pro Star engine as it's foundation, the High Lifter Edition gives buyers who wheel the mud a very capable machine right out of the box. Look for a full-blown review in the very near future. But for now, check out some of the highlights that make the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition stand out from the crowd.

29.5" High Lifter Outlaw tires:

If you value your lawn, don't drive the High Lifter Sportsman across it with these meats! Stock 29.5" High Lifter Outlaw II tires on black wheels not only make the machine look menacing, they're also designed to rip and claw at the most awful muck, mud, and goop you can throw it's way.ATV Rider

1000cc Twin-Cylinder Engine:

This fuel injected, liquid cooled twin cylinder powerplant boasts 85hp of arm wrenching power. Paired to the low-ration transmission, it sends serious power to the Outlaw II mud tires.ATV Rider

Stiffer Suspension Springs:

Tuned for mud specific riding, the springs help provide the clearance and tension to deal with the heavy tires.ATV Rider

3500lb. Factory Winch:

Every mud machine will eventually meet a mud hole that it can't escape. That's where a strong winch comes in handy. The Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter comes standard with a 3500lb winch to help when the time arises.ATV Rider

Electric Power Steering:

Variable assist power steering is vital to help turn the monster tires.ATV Rider

High Clearance Arched Dual A-Arms:

Both front and rear a-arms are arched, helping to provide better clearance when the going gets tough. The arched design helps the arms avoid contact with hidden obstacles that can't be seen in murky water.ATV Rider

Snorkeled Clutch and Engine Intake:

Everything must breathe, including the High Lifter Sportsman. Integrated snorkels for the clutch and engine intakes, as well as the clutch outlet help keep vital air flowing through, while minimizing the Sportsman from breathing in the crud.ATV Rider

Rack Mounted Radiator with Inverted Dual Fans:

Keeping the radiator clean and out of harms way is the key to long term reliability. Mounted under a plastic cowl in place of the front rack, the radiator also utilizes dual, inverted fans to push cool air through the radiator.ATV Rider

Low Ratio Mud-Specific Transmission:

With transmission gear ratios reduced by 45%, when accounting for the larger tires, the effective gear ratio actually 38% lower than a standard Sportsman. The low ratio transmission gives the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter the ability to turn the big, heavy Outlaw II tires.ATV Rider

Handlebar Mud Bar:

Think of this as a point to hang onto when you need to lean to one side or the other, to maximize traction. The bar is flexible in the event you smash your helmet off of it.ATV Rider

High Mount Factory Bumpers:

A massive front bumper with an integrated D ring and extraction points give a solid location to "hook to" when you need to get dragged out.ATV Rider