2012 Polaris Sportsman® 550
The 2012 Sportsman® 550 is built for Xtreme Performance on the trail and the hunt, with all the latest Hardest Working Smoothest Riding technology from Polaris in a 550 package.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
All
On-Demand True All Wheel Drive - Still the best automatic 4x4 system out there, the AWD engages all four tires when the rear wheels slip and you need more forward traction. Reverts back to 2WD when you don’t.
Class-Leading 12" Ground Clearance - With 12" of ground clearance, clear bigger rocks, navigate deeper ruts, and go where other ATVs can't.
Unrivaled 550 Engine - The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 550 engine delivers smooth, efficient power and plenty of it for hunting and trail riding.
Maximum Power and Functionality - With the power to tow 1,500 lbs. and carry a total of 360 lbs. on racks, plus the ability to accessorize in seconds with the Lock & Ride cargo system.
Active Descent Control (ADC) and Engine Braking System (EBS) - Work together to monitor and control downhill braking to give you optimum control and smooth, even deceleration during descents (less than 15 mph).
Huge Rack Capacity - Lock & Ride front and rear racks can carry an industry-leading combined 360 lbs and boast 100 tie-down points on strong, rust-free composite racks. Letting you carry all of your gear securely and easily.
Anti-Kickback Steering - Placing the steering axis near the neutral center of the tire and having the long Dual A-Arm Front Suspension dramatically reduces kickback and minimizes rider fatigue that comes with jolts to the handlebars from trail and ground obstacles.
Ergonomics for Your Comfort - With the engine rotated 90 degrees, riders enjoy 33% wider floorboards and narrow vehicle width at the knees and ankles. The narrower seat reduces leg fatigue and increases rider comfort.
Legendary Smooth Rolled IRS - Years of innovation and relentless tuning have refined the ride to a level unmatched in the industry. Rolled Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) angles the shocks rearward for 10.25" of travel leading to a smoother ride and less squat during acceleration.
The radiator is raised high to keep it out of the mud. It's large surface area provides more cooling capacity to your machine. And with removable Lock & Ride® front rack, it's easily accessible and easier to clean.
Premium Maxxis tires feature durable construction and a tire-cleaning pattern that maximizes traction in mud and on loose terrain.
Two lights are located in the front bumper and one mounted in the handlebar pod. Maximize your lighting with the ability to have all three on at once for 150 W of power.
2012 Polaris Sportsman® 550
Specifications
Engine
- Type of Engine
- 4-Stroke SOHC Single Cylinder
- Displacement
- 549cc
- Fuel System
- Electronic Fuel Injected
- Cooling
- Liquid
- Fuel Capacity
- 5.25 gal (19.9 L)
Transmission
- Transmission
- Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H
- Final Drive
- Shaft
- Drive
- On-Demand True AWD/2WD
- Engine Braking System
- Standard; Active Descent Control: Standard
Chassis
- Suspension Front
- Dual A-Arm 9" (22.9 cm) Travel
- Suspension Rear
- Dual A-Arm, Rolled 10.25" (26 cm) Travel
- Brakes
- Single Lever 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Hydraulic Rear Foot Brake
- Tires Front
- 26 x 8-14; (Model) Maxxis M9805
- Tires Rear
- 26 x 10-14; (Model) Maxxis M9806
- Wheels
- Stamped Steel
Dimensions
- Wheelbase
- 53" (134.6 cm)
- Dry Weight
- 722 lb (328 kg)
- Dimensions (LxWxH)
- 83.25 x 47.6 x 50.75" (211.4 x 120.9 x 128.9 cm)
- Ground Clearance
- 12" (30.5 cm)
- Seat Height
- 37" (94 cm)
General Information
- Parking Brake
- Park in Transmission/Lockable Hand Lever
- Front Rack Capacity
- 120 lb (55 kg)
- Rear Rack Capacity
- 240 lb (110 kg)
- Hitch Towing Capacity
- 1,500 lb (680.4 kg)
- Hitch
- Standard/1.25" Receiver
- Cargo Mount System
- Lock & Ride
- Lighting
- Triple 50w High Beam, Dual 50w Low Beam Headlights; Dual Brakelights/Taillights
- Instruments
- Analog Speedometer, Digital Odometer, Tachometer, Two Tripmeters, Hour Meter, Clock, Service Indicator, Diagnostic Indicator, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, DC Outlet


