10 Really Expensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance

You'd be hard-pressed to find an ATV owner who hasn't upgraded at least one component on their quad. In fact, most tend to replace at least the wheels right off the showroom floor.

It's often an expensive endeavor and dolling out the cash for a pricey upgrade right after dropping thousands of dollars on a new ATV is probably the last thing on your mind. Riding it should be the first!

But if you're racing on the weekends, blazing new trails with your buddies or dune riding, then changing out some parts for better performing ones is a must. Starting small is the first step (Read 10 Inexpensive Adjustments to Improve ATV Performance) but to really get out ahead of the competition on the track or to experience the full power a quad offers, high-end is necessary, which unfortunately means spending some money.

If you've recently won the lottery or a long lost uncle willed you his estate then you can do some serious damage (in a good way) but if you're more of the responsible save-up-for-it kind of ATV owner then you have some choices based on your available funds and what you want accomplish first.

The bottom line is if you really want an exceptional piece of machinery then it's going to cost you some cash. Therefore, we've tried to outline the top upgrades using the top products for your ATV along with the cost so you can head into this project armed with information.

Steering Stabilizer

By now you know the difficulty of controlling your quad, especially at high speeds, and certainly if you're competing in Motocross. In fact, if you don't already have one of these and you do race, it's probably the reason why you're nowhere near the podium every week. Get one. Go with Fastway or Streamline. You'll feel the difference your first time out and it's well worth $560.

Handlebars

You're going to soon realize that perhaps the single most important aspect to ATV riding is your ability to control this 4-wheeled beast. You've got the stabilizer now you need the best handlebars money can buy. The Flexx Handlebars from Fasst takes the punishment so your body doesn't have to and you'll be glad you spent the $360.

Big Bore Kit

In terms of raw power, nothing beats a top of the line cylinder and piston. Dumping the stock and adding a big bore kit adds an infusion of power you'll probably need some time adjusting to. If you're competing in ATV MX without this upgrade, well, you're not competing. Price varies here, between $250 to well over $1,000. Call us if you need help deciding.

Exhaust

Now you're getting somewhere. If you can swing it, upgrade your quad's exhaust system along with the big bore kit and you'll compete for the podium every week or make the dunes your personal playground. Yes, it's that effective especially with an FMF Factory 4.1 Stainless Steel Mid Pipe with Megabomb Header. Between $600-$700,

Rekluse Clutch

If it's good for dirt bike riders, then it's good for ATV riders. Upgrading to this Rekluse clutch is like adding rocket fuel to your ATV. Even if you're not racing the performance gains and overall joy to riding this upgrade gives is well worth the, um, $630 to $900 price tag!

Wheels

You're probably wondering where the wheels are since we mentioned it's the first thing ATV riders change. Well here they are. Hiper constructed their Tech 3s with carbon fiber providing some of the most durable, highest performing but lightest wheels on the market. They're not too bad price wise but you've got to multiple by four! $300 to $330 each.

Nerf Bars

Before you even think about entering next weekend's ATV MX race, equip your ATV with nerf bars. Even if you're not racing you might want a set of these because the first time your boot slips off a foot peg and you get caught under your machine you'll wish you had them. You want comfort, ridability and most of all durability therefore get what you pay for. Check out GYTR and Houser Racing selections. Both $450.

Fuel Control

Optimize your fuel settings at the touch of a button with an HMF fuel optimizer. It's easy to install, no need for dyno, and best of all you can manipulate the settings based on your riding style or track conditions. Under $250.

K&N Air Filter

Not just any air filter, a K&N Air Filter. The price tag might initially be a turnoff but what you save in the long term puts you money ahead. So in many respects the K&N lifetime air filter is not an expense at all! Its design gets more air to the engine, increasing horsepower, but filters out dirt and debris like nothing else on the market. If you take care of it, you'll never need a replacement. Cost ranges from about $40 to $150 depending on ATV model.

Lightweight Battery

A new battery is probably just for the racer. The cost is expensive to significant and unless you're looking for weight reductions like someone in Motocross you can probably pass on this one. Several aftermarket batteries weigh 10 pounds lighter than stock but give state of the art lithium technology. Most race teams use these and they can afford it. Cost ranges from $110 to more than $300.

Just for Trail Riders:

An ATV is expensive and it's just as expensive to get the most of what your 4x4 offers. Many of these high-end selections are nice-to-haves but in the world of racing most are must-haves. If you spend the weekends on the track figure out what you need most. Performance or riding comfort? Sometimes the two go hand-in-hand: Fix the bike's handling and the difference could be faster lap times thanks to better cornering and increased endurance through a Moto.