How can I improve my ATVs performance?

If you’re looking to increase the performance of your ATV, you have many options! We are going to list a few of the most common solutions below from minor maintenance tips to the more extreme upgrades for those looking to go take things to the next level.

• Regular maintenance: First and foremost, keeping your ATV well-maintained is the best way to ensure that it runs at its best. This means performing regular oil and filter changes, checking and replacing the air filter as needed, and checking and replacing the spark plug(s).
  

• Upgrade your clutching: This can be as easy as adding a clutch kit or a little more involved with replacing your clutches. The role of your clutches is to transfer the engines power to the transmission. If the clutches are not transferring the power efficiently, or at an RPM that is not the most effective of the engine, you will not feel the full potential of your ATV or UTV.
  

• Upgrade the tires: Upgrading tires to improve performance really comes down to selecting a tire that’s best suited to what type of riding you’re doing. A mud tire will help you perform better in mud, a sand tire in sand, and rock crawling tires on rock etc. Matching the tire to the style of riding will give you the best control under the specific conditions you’re riding in. For instance, a rock crawling tire will often be higher ply, radial, and have multi layered side walls to increase its ability to withstand sharp rocks. They will also be made from a softer, compliant compound to improve grip. Mud tires on the other hand will have a much larger lug. Being able to transfer your power to the ground comes by way of your traction at the tires and different tires will create traction in different environments. The size of the tire can also affect performance. For advice on what tires to buy for your machine contact the team at L1FE Outdoors ATV, they are always willing to help and have tons of tires in-stock and ready to ship.
  

• Install an aftermarket exhaust: An aftermarket exhaust can help your ATV's engine breathe more easily, which can improve its power and performance. For more information on this, see related blog: “Why should you consider an upgraded aftermarket exhaust for your ATV, UTV, or Side by Side?”
  

• Upgrade the air intake: Installing a high-flow air intake or air filter can help your ATV's engine get more air. More air (plus fuel) equals more power.
  

• Fuel Tuning: As mentioned a moment ago, more air is good, but with more air you need more fuel. This can be achieved in more than one way. You can add a tuning device or have your machine professionally tuned by your local performance shop. The type of tuning device depends on what is available for your ATV. There are fuel piggyback tuners which just add or remove fuel along the rev range. Examples of these are RJWC El’Comandante tuners and Dobeck tuners. There are Dynojet Power Commanders which give you control of fuel and possibly ignition timing according to rpm and throttle position. Lastly, there are more advanced tuning solutions like the Dynojet PV3 that is an electronic device that allows you to flash the ECU with whatever tunes or parameter changes you like.
  

• Upgrade the suspension: Upgrading the suspension on your ATV can improve its stability, handling, traction, and comfort, especially when driving on rough or uneven terrain which can in turn make it more fun to ride and help you go faster.
  

• Install a big bore kit: This is one of the more extreme modifications. A big bore kit increases the size of your ATV's engine, which can improve its power and performance. However, keep in mind that installing a big bore kit can also void your ATV's warranty, so be sure to check with the manufacturer before making any modifications.

If you’re interested in improving the performance of your ATV, UTV, or Side by Side and are still unsure of the best changes to make for your desired outcome feel, free to contact the performance team at L1FE Outdoors ATV. We sell everything from maintenance items to upgraded performance parts.