Driving your Polaris Sportsman 850 is fun, but you feel like it could go even faster. You also want to improve the acceleration. Is that possible? Can you do that yourself? Yes, there are several things you can do to improve acceleration and top speed. But first, how fast is the Polaris Sportsman 850? Here’s what you need to know:
The Polaris Sportsman 850 has a factory set top speed of 66 mph and the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is 9.8 seconds.
This information was obtained through spec sheets and watching many YouTube videos where the Polaris Sportsman 850 is driven fast. This will ensure that we have not only collected theoretical data, but also tested the Sportsman 850s performance in practice.
We’ll also give you 7 ways to make your Polaris Sportsman 850 faster, so read on!
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Sportsman 850 Top Speed Compared To Other Polaris Models
Curious to see how fast the 850 is compared to other Polaris Sportsman models? The table below gives you a quick overview of the different top speeds. Keep in mind that these numbers are averages of the factory specs, as well as several speed tests, found on YouTube.
| Sportsman | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| 850 | 66 |
| 570 | 63 |
| 450 | 55 |
| 500 | 63 |
| 1000 | 70 |
As to been expected, the Sportsman 1000 has the fastest top speed in the Sportsman range.
How To Make Your Polaris Sportsman 850 Faster?
The Polaris sportsman 850 will definitely reach a higher top speed by ramping up the engine and engine related parts. However, please keep in mind that the ATV is not designed for this, which can cause more wear and tear, which will result in more frequent maintenance.
If you still have a factory warranty on your Sportsman 850, I advise against ramping it up. If you introduce changes to your Polaris, the warranty could be void, which would mean that you would have to pay for them yourself. Before you make the alterations, please check your warranty.
There are several ways to make the Sportsman 850 faster, (but remember, this is at your own risk) including:
1. Upgrade the Intake
Regularly inspecting and cleaning your air filter is recommended. A clogged air filter reduces the amount of air reaching the engine. Riding with a clogged air filter is like choking or suffocating your engine. You should replace your stock air filter with a high-flow air filter. The best air filters for use in power sport or automotive applications have been produced by K&N for decades.
The upgrade intake lets more air flow into the engine, which means more air-fuel mixture and more power. It is one of the easiest ways to increase the performance of your machine. K&N high-flow air filters range from $30 to $130.
2. Upgrade the Exhaust
Upgrading the exhaust on your Polaris Sportsman 850 is a surefire way to make your quad perform better. But the exhaust upgrade is expensive and time-consuming. The engine can draw in more air because it can push out more air. It is recommended that this configuration be used in parallel with a high-flow air intake system.
If you can’t replace the full exhaust system from the headers down, a slip-on exhaust is an excellent option. Slip-on muffler are the most popular system because they allow you to remove your factory muffler and replace it with one that is lighter. They have cores that enable far higher exhaust flow rates than the stock systems substantially baffled ones.
A slip-on exhaust gives you more horsepower than a stock exhaust, but not as much as a full-performance exhaust system. With a high-flow intake system, you can get the most performance out of the slip-on or full systems.
Typically, performance exhaust systems have a larger diameter than stock or are formed like cones and gradually increase in diameter. It allows more air can to pass through the engine. The richer air-fuel mixture increases power and speed. Slip-on mufflers range from $1 89.94 to 350.96.
3. Use Better Fuel
You can increase the speed of your Sportsman 850 by using higher octane fuel. The higher-octane fuel can help boost the performance of your engine. The fuel burns cleaner, improving your fuel economy and reducing corrosion of the mechanical components of your fuel system.
Even though the better mileage is not particularly visible, you will notice the performance differences. You will pay a little bit more for it than the cheap gas, but you will appreciate the difference when you slam on the accelerator.
Some riders choose to increase the octane level in their fuel because they want an even greater boost than what is available at a gas station. You can simply add a small amount of the gas to your Sportsman 850 and rock it back and forth to mix it up a little. You can pre-mix it in a gas can before adding it to the gas tank to ensure that your measurements are accurate.
4. Tweaking the Engine Control Module
The Polaris Scrambler’s engine control unit (ECU) sets the machine’s top speed. An ECU tune-up can greatly improve your Scramblers performance. It is cheap and significantly increases the speed of your bike. To remove the speed restrictions, increase the RPM, and increase the power, you can reflash or remap the ECU.
You can also turn off the speed limits with an aftermarket ECU flash. Either installing an ECU tuner, so you can make the necessary modifications, or having the ECU tuned by experts will enhance speed on your Polaris Scrambler. You can change characteristics such as speed limitation and rpm restriction by attaching an ECU tuner to the electrical system of your bike.
Some riders alter the radiator fan’s temperature setting to on/off to maintain a low engine temperature. To regulate the amount of gasoline given at specific RPMs, it is possible to modify the fuel curve and ignition timing. It can considerably improve throttle response and acceleration.
An ECU tune-up involves many risks. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do the installation since if you are inexperienced, you risk damaging your Scrambler. An expert tune-up may cost about $400.
5. Install a Big Bore Kit
A big bore kit can increase your car’s performance substantially. The top speed will increase along with the acceleration speed. In essence, you are increasing the engine’s cubic capacity. With most larger bore kits, you will be replacing the piston and cylinder with a larger size piston and cylinder.
Because more air, fuel, and mixture enter the combustion chamber, your Sportsman 850 will perform better. Big Bore Cylinder Kit costs $500 to $1,100
6. Change Tire Size, Pressure, and Weight
Choose a larger tire if you want more top speed. Choose a larger tire if you wish to accelerate faster. Larger tires require more power to turn, but cover more distance per revolution. Tire pressure plays a role depending on the terrain. A lower tire pressure helps you go faster when you’re riding in sand or snow, and a higher tire pressure helps more on flat, hard surfaces.
Further, the popular combination of steel rim with big heavy mud tires usually affects the speed of your quad. Get lightweight aluminum rims and a set of performance tires if you want to make your Sportsman faster. Choose the tire size depending on your playground or interest.
7. Fit a Nitrous Kit
A nitrous kit for your ATV can help you go faster. There are various nitrous configurations, such as wet and dry. Go for a setting that makes you feel secure. The kits can be installed easily, and many people use them to get some extra speed.
