Polaris is the premium brand for ATVs and UTVs. This is mainly due to the design, quality and performance of the various models. The wide range of models means that there is always an option for you, such as the Polaris General models. This excellent UTV offers good driving comfort and is capable of great performance. If you’re looking for the top speed of this model, here’s what you need to know:

The top speed of the Polaris General is electronically limited at 70 mph. The General accelerates from 0-60 mph in 12-13.7 seconds, depending on the model.

These numbers have been collected through spec sheets as well as watching the many YouTube videos where the Polaris General models are driven fast. This way, you can be sure we haven’t just collected the theoretical data, but also checked how the General models perform in practice.

Additionally, we’ll give you 9 suggestions on how to ramp up your Polaris Ranger 1000 and increase the top speed, so read on!

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What is the Top Speed and Acceleration of the Polaris General?

The General is one of the popular models in the Polaris UTV range. Not only because of its engine, but also because of its functionality, quality and driver comfort.

Polaris General modelSeatsTop Speed (electronically limited)Acceleration: 0-60 mphStance (Inches)Ground Clearance (Inches)Wheel Travel (Inches)
GENERAL 10002 70 mph13.9 secs601213.2
GENERAL XP 10002/470 mph13.9 secs6413.514
GENERAL XP 1000 Sport2/470 mph13.9 secs6413.514

The Polaris General has an electronic fuel injected 999cc ProStar 1000 twin-cylinder engine. The mill generates 100 hp and can power the side by side across any terrain.

See next video for a top speed run!

Also read: How To Bypass Polaris Speed Limiter; Ranger, Outlaw, …

How to Boost the Polaris General Engine, Top Speed, and Acceleration

Your Polaris General’s top speed depends on many variables, including the weight of the passengers and baggage, the terrain, the altitude you ride at, the weather, and the accessories on your vehicle.

By ramping up the engine and engine related parts, the Polaris General will definitely reach a higher top speed. However, keep in mind that the UTV is not designed for this, which can cause more wear and tear, resulting in more frequent maintenance.

If you still have a factory warranty on your General 1000, I advise against ramping it up. Changing your Polaris could void the warranty, meaning if you run into any major issues, you’ll likely have to pay for those yourself. So, first check your warranty before you make the alterations.

You can boost the engine power and top speed of your Polaris General through the following measures, (but remember, this is at your own risk):

1. Better Fuel

Go for a higher-octane fuel if you want your Polaris General to have more power and drive faster. Your engine will run better if you switch to fuel with a higher-octane level, since it burns more thoroughly. Also, it offers superior fuel efficiency and protects your rig because the mechanical parts of the fuel system corrode less frequently.

You should notice a distinct performance boost. Although higher-octane fuel costs more than regular fuel, pressing the accelerator is exhilarating. Because the many rig owners prefer a healthier increase than what is offered at a gas station, they raise the octane level themselves.

You may pour some fuel into the gas tank and vigorously shake your General to mix it thoroughly. To ensure accurate measurements, you can also pre-mix the fuel in a gas can before adding it to the gas tank.

Also read: All Polaris General 1000 Problems and how to Fix it!

2. Appropriate Size, Weight, and Pressure of Tires

Consider getting bigger tires to accelerate faster and reach a higher top speed. Bigger tires turn harder and go further every revolution. Depending on the surface, tire pressure might also affect performance. While riding on flat, firm surfaces is best with higher tire pressure, riding in sand or snow is quicker with lower tire pressure.

The common steel wheels and large mud tire combinations frequently restrict your vehicle’s speed. Consider getting lightweight aluminum rims and high-performance tires to make your General quicker. Pick the appropriate tire size for your work or hobby.

3. A Clutch Upgrade

Installing an aftermarket clutch will increase your rig’s response and top speed. It alters your RPM curve to maximize power. So, with the proper upgrade, you can also boost your top speed and acceleration. Typically, new springs and weights that change the self-adjustment timing and speed come with the kits.

It is easy to adapt clutch kits for various riding styles, riding environments, and engine swaps. It is advantageous to use a clutch kit since it improves torque, power, top speed, and throttle responsiveness. Further, less belt slippage and heat buildup result in a longer belt life. The price of a Polaris General clutch kit is around $324.00.

4. A Gear Ratio Adjustment

Simply swap out your front or back sprockets to alter the gear ratio. Many owners install a larger rear sprocket to gear down, which increases acceleration but decreases peak speed. You will require a smaller back sprocket to gear up for a higher top speed but a lower acceleration.

The goal of adjusting the sprocket size is to change the relationship between the travel speed displayed by your speedometer and the engine speed indicated by your tachometer. Select between accelerating more quickly or increasing peak speed. Combing a clutch kit and sprocket can yield significant results.

The most common sprocket size is fourteen teeth. Polaris General 14-tooth high carbon rear sprockets cost $49.95, and 14-tooth Chromoly steel alloy front sprockets cost around $21.95.

5. Engine Control Unit Tuning  

The engine control unit (ECU) on the Polaris General sets the top speed. An ECU tune-up is the greatest way to improve performance. It is cheap and greatly accelerates your side by side. Get the ECU reflashed or remapped to remove the speed restrictions, increase the RPM, and increase the power.

You can use an aftermarket ECU flash to turn off the speed limits. To increase the General’s power and speed, you can install an ECU tuner and make the necessary modifications yourself, or you can have the ECU tuned by experts. Installing an ECU tuner can change features like the speed and rpm limits.

Many owners also modify the radiator fan’s temperature setting for on/off to maintain a low engine temperature. You can change the fuel curve and advance the timing to manage the fuel delivery at certain RPMs. It can significantly improve acceleration and throttle responsiveness.

An ECU tune-up, however, poses many risks. Get a professional to install your General because it involves experience, and you want to protect it. An expert ECU tune-up might run you about $400.

6. High-Flow Air Filters 

You should frequently check and clean your air filter. If your air filter is dirty, less air will reach the combustion chamber, causing your engine to suffocate as you drive. You can swap out the standard air filter for a high-flow air filter to improve engine performance. K&N is a well-known and top manufacturer of air filters for almost all Powersports and automotive applications.

The improved intake makes more airflow to the engine possible, and a greater air-fuel combination results in more power. That is one of the simplest ways to boost the performance of your machine. Prices for K&N high-flow air filters can reach $129.99.

7. Exhaust Upgrade

It is common practice to upgrade the Polaris General exhaust system to increase a rig’s performance. It enables the engine to draw in more air because it exhausts more. This arrangement performs better when used with a high-flow air intake system.

When time or money are constraints, a performance slip-on muffler is the preferred alternative to replacing the exhaust system. That is the most common technique because it lets you replace your factory-installed muffler with a generally lighter one. Furthermore, slip-on mufflers have cores that offer substantially higher exhaust flow rates than the extensively baffled standard systems.

The power you get with the performance slip-on muffler is greater, but it is still considerably less than what you would get from a full-performance exhaust system. Use the slip-on or full exhaust systems with a high-flow intake system for more powerful performance.

Performance exhaust systems frequently resemble cones and gradually grow larger or wider than factory exhaust systems. Thanks to the shape, more air can pass through the engine, and a richer air-fuel mixture produces a noticeable increase in power and speed. There are Polaris General slip-on mufflers in the $388.53 price range.

8. Fuel Injection Tuning

After optimizing the intake, exhaust, or both, you should focus on enhancing fuel delivery to get the most out of your engine. You need expert fuel injection system programmers to improve your fuel system. Dynojet developed the fuel injection systems for well-known power sports vehicles. The Dynojet Power Commander V is a flexible device that can be integrated into the General’s existing wire harness.

You may maximize the power output by properly controlling the fuel distribution to your engine. For $451.99, you can get the Polaris General Power Commander V tuner.

9. Fitting a Big Bore Kit

With a Big bore kit, you can considerably improve your rig’s performance, including acceleration and max speed. A Big bore kit expands the cubic capacity of your engine. So, if you choose to install the equipment, you will normally need to replace the piston and cylinder with larger dimensions.

The kit improves the performance of your Polaris General because it permits more air, fuel, and mixture into the combustion chamber. Polaris General Big bore cylinder kits are available for $985.00.