That spunky Can-Am DS 250 is a fantastic entry into the world of ATVs. It’s reliable, easy to handle, and a ton of fun on the trails. But if you’ve been riding for a while, you’ve probably hit that moment—you pin the throttle on a long straightaway and find yourself wishing for just a little more juice.
You’re not alone. While the DS 250 is a great starter quad, its 249cc engine has a lot of untapped potential locked away from the factory. The good news is that unlocking it doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank. This guide will show you exactly how to make a can-am ds 250 faster, transforming it from a tame trail companion into a more responsive and thrilling ride.
You’ll learn about simple, low-cost tricks, the classic intake and exhaust upgrades, and even some more advanced mods for serious performance. Forget feeling left behind; it’s time to get wrenching and unleash the true spirit of your DS 250.
Before You Mod: The Essential Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you even think about buying a single performance part, we need to talk about the foundation. You can’t build a faster machine on a poorly maintained base. Ensuring your DS 250 is in perfect running order is the cheapest and most effective first step to gaining performance.
Think of it as giving your ATV a clean bill of health. A healthy engine breathes better, runs smoother, and delivers all the power it was designed to. This is a critical part of our how to make a can-am ds 250 faster care guide.
Basic Maintenance is Your First Performance Mod
A clogged filter or a worn-out plug can rob you of power without you even realizing it. Start with these three basics:
- Clean or Replace Your Air Filter: A dirty air filter is like trying to breathe through a straw. Your engine needs air to make power. Pull out the stock filter, clean it thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or replace it with a fresh one.
- Fresh Oil and Filter: Clean oil reduces friction, and less friction means more power is getting to the wheels. An oil change is simple, cheap insurance for your engine’s health and performance.
- New Spark Plug: A fresh, correctly gapped spark plug ensures a strong, consistent spark. This leads to more complete combustion and better throttle response. We recommend an NGK plug for reliable performance.
Check Your Drivetrain
Your chain and sprockets are responsible for transferring power to the wheels. If they’re worn, stretched, or misaligned, you’re losing power and creating a safety hazard.
Inspect your sprockets for “shark-finning” (hooked or pointed teeth) and check your chain for stiff links and proper tension. A properly lubed and tensioned chain makes a noticeable difference.
Stage 1: “Free” and Low-Cost Mods for Instant Gains
Now that your quad is running in top shape, let’s look at some simple modifications that offer the best bang for your buck. These are fantastic how to make a can-am ds 250 faster tips for any DIY mechanic on a budget.
The Airbox Mod: Let It Breathe
The stock DS 250 airbox is notoriously restrictive to keep noise levels down and meet emissions standards. Opening it up is one of the most popular “free” mods.
Carefully remove the airbox lid and you’ll often find a rubber snorkel or “baffle” inside. Removing this baffle allows significantly more air to enter the engine. Warning: Doing this will lean out your air/fuel mixture, so it’s highly recommended you pair this mod with a carburetor re-jetting, which we’ll cover next.
Gearing Adjustments: Acceleration vs. Top Speed
One of the most effective ways to change your ATV’s performance feel is by changing the sprocket sizes. You’re not adding horsepower, but you’re changing how that power is delivered.
- For Faster Acceleration: Go down one tooth on the front (countershaft) sprocket or up two to three teeth on the rear sprocket. This is perfect for tight, technical trails where you need instant punch out of corners.
- For Higher Top Speed: Go up one tooth on the front sprocket or down two to three teeth on the rear. This is better for open fire roads or desert riding, but you will sacrifice some low-end grunt.
How to Make a Can-Am DS 250 Faster with Intake & Exhaust Upgrades
This is the classic, tried-and-true path to more horsepower. The goal is simple: get more air and fuel into the engine, and get the exhaust gases out more efficiently. This is the core of any solid how to make a can-am ds 250 faster guide.
Step 1: Performance Air Filter
After you’ve de-restricted your airbox, the next logical step is a high-flow aftermarket air filter. Brands like K&N or Twin Air offer reusable filters that flow much better than the stock paper element. This allows the engine to pull in more air with less effort, which is the first step to making more power.
Step 2: Aftermarket Exhaust System
The stock exhaust is heavy and restrictive. An aftermarket slip-on or full exhaust system will provide three key benefits:
- Increased Power: By reducing backpressure, a performance exhaust allows the engine to expel gases more freely, boosting horsepower and torque.
- Weight Savings: Most aftermarket exhausts are significantly lighter than the stock steel unit, improving your power-to-weight ratio.
- Better Sound: Let’s be honest, a deeper, throatier exhaust note is part of the fun!
Popular brands like FMF, Yoshimura, or Big Gun offer great options for the DS 250. A full system will yield the most power, but a slip-on is a more budget-friendly choice that still offers good gains.
Step 3: Carburetor Re-jetting (The Crucial Step)
This is not optional. When you add a high-flow filter and exhaust, you are forcing more air through the engine. If you don’t add more fuel to match, you create a lean condition. Running lean can cause poor performance, overheating, and catastrophic engine damage.
You’ll need to buy a jet kit (like a DynoJet kit) for your carburetor. The kit comes with a selection of main jets, a pilot jet, and an adjustable needle. You will need to replace the stock jets with larger ones to richen the air/fuel mixture. It’s a bit of a trial-and-error process to find the perfect combination, but it’s absolutely essential for unlocking the power from your other mods and keeping your engine safe.
Stage 2: Drivetrain and Engine Performance
Once you’ve maxed out the “bolt-on” mods, you can look at the drivetrain to better utilize your newfound power. These mods address the benefits of how to make a can-am ds 250 faster by focusing on acceleration and throttle response.
Clutch and Variator Tuning
The DS 250 uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). You can tune how this transmission behaves by installing a clutch kit. These kits typically include different roller weights for the variator and a stiffer spring for the clutch.
By using lighter roller weights, you allow the engine to rev higher before the clutch engages, keeping you in the “meat” of the powerband. This results in much quicker, snappier acceleration from a standstill and out of corners. For many riders, a clutch kit provides a more noticeable “seat of the pants” improvement than an exhaust.
Is a Big Bore Kit Worth It?
For the ultimate power seeker, a big bore kit is the final frontier. This involves replacing the stock piston and cylinder with larger components, increasing the engine’s displacement. This is a guaranteed way to make a huge jump in horsepower and torque.
However, this is an advanced modification that requires a full engine teardown. It’s costly and can impact long-term reliability if not installed and tuned perfectly. This is one of those common problems with how to make a can-am ds 250 faster—pushing it too far can sacrifice its famous reliability.
Don’t Forget Handling: Making “Faster” Feel Safer
Adding power is only half the battle. If you can’t control it, that speed is useless and dangerous. Upgrading your ATV’s handling and stability should be a top priority as you increase its performance.
Better Tires for More Grip
The stock tires on the DS 250 are designed for general-purpose, casual riding. Upgrading to a more aggressive set of tires designed for your specific terrain (like mud, sand, or hardpack) will provide a massive improvement in traction for both acceleration and braking.
Suspension and Stability
As you start hitting bumps at higher speeds, the limitations of the stock suspension will become apparent. You can start by adjusting the preload on your stock shocks to better suit your weight. For a more significant upgrade, consider aftermarket shocks from brands like Elka or Fox. You can also install wheel spacers or wider A-arms to widen the ATV’s stance, making it much more stable and less “tippy” in corners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Can-Am DS 250 Faster
What is the top speed of a stock Can-Am DS 250?
A stock Can-Am DS 250 typically has a top speed of around 45-50 mph, depending on rider weight and conditions. With the mods discussed here, especially gearing changes, you can push that slightly higher, but the main goal is usually improved acceleration and trail speed.
Will these mods void my warranty?
Yes, most performance modifications, especially those involving the engine, exhaust, and intake, will likely void your manufacturer’s warranty on the affected components. It’s a trade-off you accept when you decide to increase performance beyond factory specs.
How much horsepower can I realistically get from a DS 250?
A stock DS 250 makes around 17 horsepower. With a full exhaust, intake mod, and proper jetting, you can realistically expect to see a 20-25% increase, putting you in the 20-22 horsepower range. A big bore kit could push that even higher.
What is the single best mod for more speed on a DS 250?
For the best overall performance improvement, a combination of an exhaust, intake mod, and a proper re-jet is the most effective package. If you had to choose just one, a clutch kit often provides the most noticeable improvement in acceleration and “fun factor” for trail riding.
Unlocking the potential of your Can-Am DS 250 is a rewarding journey. By following this guide, you can methodically and safely increase its performance, turning a good ATV into a great one. Remember to start with a solid maintenance foundation, progress through the stages logically, and never sacrifice safety for speed.
Now get out in the garage, wrench safely, and get ready to feel the difference on the trail. Happy riding from the team at FatBoysOffroad!
- 2006 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 Serpentine Belt Diagram – Your Ultimate DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2005 Honda Accord Fuse Box Location – Your Complete Guide To - December 18, 2025