Let’s agree on something: the Can-Am DS 250 is a fantastic entry-level ATV. It’s reliable, easy to handle, and the perfect machine to learn the ropes of trail riding. But as you get more confident, you start feeling that itch for just a little more… oomph.
You find yourself wanting to keep up with bigger machines on open stretches or needing a bit more grunt to power out of a muddy corner. We get it. We’ve been there.
We promise this guide will give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap for how to make a can am ds 250 faster. We’ll walk you through simple, effective, and safe modifications you can tackle in your own garage.
In this article, you’ll discover the foundational importance of maintenance, how to unlock easy power with intake and exhaust mods, the secrets of drivetrain tuning, and even advanced steps for when you’re ready to take it to the next level. Let’s get wrenching.
Before You Start: The Foundation of Speed is Maintenance
Before you even think about buying a single performance part, we need to talk about the basics. The fastest DS 250 is one that’s running perfectly in its stock form. Trying to add power to a poorly maintained quad is like building a house on a shaky foundation—it’s just not going to work.
This is the most critical part of our how to make a can am ds 250 faster care guide. A clean, well-tuned machine will always outperform a neglected one with a fancy exhaust pipe.
Check Your Air Filter
Your engine needs to breathe. A clogged air filter is like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a straw. It suffocates the engine, robbing it of power and performance.
Pull out your air filter. If it’s dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for foam filters) or replace it (for paper filters). This simple, 10-minute job can bring a sluggish ATV back to life.
Inspect Your Spark Plug
The spark plug is the heart of your ignition system. A fouled or worn-out plug creates a weak spark, leading to incomplete combustion, poor throttle response, and lost power.
Remove the spark plug using a spark plug socket. Check the electrode for wear and fouling. A healthy plug should have a light tan or grayish color. If it’s black, oily, or white, you have other issues to address. When in doubt, a new NGK spark plug is cheap insurance.
Clean Your Carburetor
The DS 250 uses a carburetor to mix fuel and air. Over time, old fuel can turn to varnish and clog the tiny passages, called jets, inside the carb. This leads to hard starting, bogging, and a serious lack of power.
If your ATV has been sitting, a thorough carburetor cleaning with a can of carb cleaner and some compressed air can make a world of difference. This is one of the most common problems we see that owners mistake for something more serious.
Step 1: Let It Breathe – Upgrading Intake & Exhaust
Once your DS 250 is running in top shape, the first and most popular modification is to improve its breathing. The factory intake and exhaust are designed to be quiet and meet emissions standards, which often means they are restrictive. The benefits of how to make a can am ds 250 faster start right here.
By helping the engine take in more air and expel exhaust gases more efficiently, you can unlock a noticeable gain in horsepower and throttle response.
Aftermarket Air Filter and Intake
Swapping the stock paper filter for a high-flow foam or cotton gauze filter from a brand like K&N or Uni Filter is an easy win. These filters allow more air to enter the engine while still providing excellent filtration.
Some kits even replace the entire restrictive airbox lid, further improving airflow. More air means a bigger “bang” during combustion, which translates directly to more power.
Performance Exhaust Systems
The other end of the equation is the exhaust. An aftermarket slip-on or full exhaust system from a reputable brand like FMF, Yoshimura, or HMF will significantly reduce backpressure.
This allows the engine to push out spent exhaust gases more easily, freeing up horsepower. You’ll also get a much more aggressive sound, which is a bonus for many riders. A full system (which replaces the header pipe too) will yield better gains than just a slip-on muffler.
The Importance of Re-Jetting Your Carburetor
This is a critical step that you cannot skip. When you increase airflow with a new intake and exhaust, you lean out the air-fuel mixture. A lean mixture (too much air, not enough fuel) can cause the engine to run hot, bog down, and even lead to catastrophic engine damage.
You’ll need to install larger jets in your carburetor to compensate. You can buy a jet kit from a company like Dynojet, which comes with a variety of jet sizes and instructions. Proper jetting is key to realizing the power gains from your new parts and keeping your engine safe.
How to Make a Can Am DS 250 Faster with Drivetrain Mods
Making more power is only half the battle. The next step in this how to make a can am ds 250 faster guide is making sure that power gets to the ground effectively. This is where drivetrain tuning comes in, and it can dramatically change the feel and performance of your quad.
Sprocket Gearing Explained (Top Speed vs. Acceleration)
Your DS 250 has a front and a rear sprocket. Changing the number of teeth on these sprockets changes the final drive ratio, allowing you to trade acceleration for top speed, or vice-versa.
- For Faster Acceleration: Decrease the tooth count on the front sprocket or increase the tooth count on the rear sprocket. This is great for tight, technical trails and getting out of corners quickly, but you will lose some top-end speed.
- For More Top Speed: Increase the tooth count on the front sprocket or decrease the tooth count on the rear sprocket. This is ideal for open fields or fire roads, but your low-end acceleration will feel a bit sluggish.
Changing sprockets is a relatively inexpensive way to tailor the ATV’s performance to your specific riding style.
Clutch Tuning for Better Engagement
The DS 250 has a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). You can tune how this transmission behaves by changing the roller weights and the main spring in the clutch.
Installing lighter roller weights will make the engine rev higher before the clutch engages, keeping it in the “power band” for more aggressive acceleration. A stiffer main spring can also help with back-shifting and keeping the RPMs up. Clutch kits from brands like Malossi are available for this purpose.
Reducing Weight: The Free Horsepower Mod
Here’s a pro tip often overlooked in the quest for speed: reduce weight. Every pound you remove from your ATV is one less pound your engine has to work to move. It’s like getting free horsepower!
Removing Unnecessary Items
Take a look at your DS 250. Are there any factory items you don’t use? Heavy steel racks, bulky plastic guards, or other accessories can be removed to shed pounds quickly. Just be sure not to remove anything essential for safety.
Lighter Wheels and Tires
Upgrading to lighter aluminum wheels can make a huge difference. This is “unsprung weight,” and reducing it helps not only acceleration but also suspension performance and handling. A good set of tires matched to your terrain will also ensure you’re putting the power down effectively instead of just spinning your wheels.
Common Problems and Best Practices for a Faster DS 250
As you start modifying your quad, it’s important to follow best practices and be aware of potential issues. This section covers some common problems with how to make a can am ds 250 faster and how to avoid them.
Avoiding Engine Bogging After Mods
If your ATV hesitates or bogs down when you hit the throttle after installing an intake or exhaust, it’s almost always a sign of improper jetting. Your engine is starving for fuel. You need to install a larger main jet in the carburetor to correct the lean condition.
The Risk of Running Too Lean
We can’t stress this enough: a lean air-fuel mixture is an engine killer. It drastically increases combustion temperatures, which can melt your piston. Always read your spark plug after a ride to check your mixture. A white, ashy plug is a danger sign that you need to address immediately.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Considerations
Thinking about a sustainable how to make a can am ds 250 faster approach? It’s about efficiency and longevity. A properly jetted and tuned engine not only makes more power but also burns fuel more completely and efficiently. Using high-quality parts that last longer also reduces waste. This is an eco-friendly how to make a can am ds 250 faster mindset that benefits both you and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make a Can-Am DS 250 Faster
How much faster can I realistically make my DS 250?
With a good intake, full exhaust system, and proper jetting and clutch tuning, you can expect a significant improvement in acceleration and throttle response, and a potential top speed increase of 5-10 MPH. The DS 250 is not a race quad, but these mods will make it much more spirited and fun on the trail.
What is the very first mod I should do for more speed?
After ensuring your ATV is perfectly maintained, the best “bang for your buck” modification is a high-flow air filter combined with proper carburetor re-jetting. It’s a low-cost mod that addresses the most restrictive part of the stock engine’s breathing system.
Do I absolutely have to re-jet my carb after installing a performance exhaust?
Yes, 100%. Any modification that significantly increases airflow into or out of the engine requires you to adjust the fueling to match. Skipping this step is the fastest way to get poor performance and potentially cause serious engine damage.
Are these modifications safe for the engine’s longevity?
When done correctly—especially with proper re-jetting to ensure the engine isn’t running lean—these common modifications are very safe. Reputable aftermarket companies design their parts to work within the safe limits of the engine. The key is proper installation and tuning.
Unlocking the hidden potential in your Can-Am DS 250 is a rewarding project. By starting with a solid foundation of maintenance and then methodically improving the intake, exhaust, and drivetrain, you can transform your reliable trail companion into a much more exciting and capable machine.
Remember to take your time, do one modification at a time to gauge its effect, and always prioritize safety and proper tuning. Now get out there, have fun, and enjoy that extra power on the trails!
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