Cheap Ways to Make Your Side x Side Faster

Cheap Ways to Make Your Side x Side Faster

June 21, 2022 | Maintenance | By: Honda Parts Direct

Two people on a red/black Honda Pioneer® 1000 UTV on a rocky road.Do you have a thirst for adrenaline? As an experienced rider, you might be ready to ramp up the excitement and increase the speed potential of your side x side. If so, you will be pleased to learn that you can broaden your horizons without the need for expensive upgrades! There are some simple adjustments that can enable your UTV to reach higher speeds. This guide from Honda Parts Direct will walk you through all the options.

Honda Parts Direct is your trusted online source for Honda® side x side parts and accessories. We ship to customers worldwide from our headquarters in Palestine, TX. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with upgrading your Honda UTV!

Adjust the Throttle Screw

One simple way to boost your speed potential is to adjust the throttle screw on your side x side. The vast majority of UTV models feature a throttle limiter screw which is used to adjust the amount of movement in the throttle lever. When you turn it counterclockwise, the screw will back out of the housing and allow the lever to be pushed further. This in turn allows the vehicle to rev higher!

Improve Airflow

If you know how a combustion engine works, you know the importance of airflow. The stock air filter that comes with your UTV is probably made with thick foam, and while this does a good job of filtering out contaminants, it also serves to restrict airflow. You can swap this out for an aftermarket air filter designed to optimize airflow and boost engine performance. When paired with the appropriate fuel ratio, this can deliver a 2-4% increase in top speed.

Re-Jet the Carburetor

Carburetors contain two small nozzles, which are called jets. The jets are tasked with delivering fuel to the combustion chamber. When you increase the airflow, you will need to swap the jets for a larger size that can provide more fuel output. This will maintain the optimal fuel ratio and allow the engine to reach its full potential.

Increase Exhaust Flow

The exhaust system in your UTV is designed to handle the stock performance of the motor. When you upgrade other aspects of the motor – such as by making adjustments listed above – you should also adjust the exhaust system to accommodate the increased production. An overtaxed exhaust system can impact performance, and cause the engine to backfire. Even in the absence of other adjustments, upgrading the exhaust system in itself can provide you with a significant speed boost.

Get Larger Tires

This comes down to a pretty simple equation. If you upgrade your side x side with a larger set of tires, your new top speed will equal the new tire circumference divided by the old tire circumference, multiplied by the previous top speed. Just make sure to choose a tire model and size that is compatible with your side x side!

You can find all the replacement parts you need for a Honda UTV right here at Honda Parts Direct. We proudly serve Honda fanatics all over the world, and we offer free local pickup to our customers here in Texas!