Let’s be honest. 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 on. But as your skills grow, that familiar feeling starts to creep in—the desire for just a little more punch, a bit more top-end speed, and a quicker throttle response on the trails.
You’ve come to the right place. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’ve wrenched on more machines than we can count. We promise this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to make Can Am DS 250 faster, moving from simple maintenance checks to effective bolt-on upgrades you can tackle in your own garage.
In this post, we’ll cover the essential maintenance that forms the foundation of performance, dive into the classic “Big 3” mods (intake, exhaust, and fuel), explain how gearing can transform your ride, and even touch on the most important mod of all: you, the rider. Let’s get those tools out and unlock the true potential of your DS 250.
Before You Mod: The Foundation of Speed is Maintenance
Before you even think about buying a single performance part, we have to start here. You can’t build a fast house on a shaky foundation. A well-maintained machine will always outperform a neglected one, even with expensive mods.
Think of this as your essential how to make can am ds 250 faster care guide. Neglecting these basics means you’re leaving free horsepower on the table.
Check and Clean Your Air Filter
An engine is just a big air pump. If it can’t breathe, it can’t make power. A dirty, clogged air filter is one of the biggest performance killers on any ATV.
Pull out your air filter and inspect it. If it’s caked with dirt and grime, it’s choking your engine. Clean it thoroughly according to your owner’s manual (usually with a specialized cleaner and oil for foam filters) or replace it if it’s torn or worn out. This simple check can bring back lost power instantly.
Inspect Your Spark Plug and Change the Oil
A fresh, properly gapped spark plug ensures a strong, consistent spark for optimal combustion. An old, fouled plug leads to poor starting, rough idling, and reduced power.
Likewise, clean oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates, cools, and cleans. Old, broken-down oil increases friction, which robs horsepower. Stick to a regular oil and filter change schedule using a quality oil like a 10W-40 ATV-specific synthetic blend.
Adjust and Lube Your Chain
A tight, dry, or rusty chain creates a massive amount of drag on your drivetrain. That’s power being wasted just to turn the wheels. Ensure your chain has the proper slack (check your manual, but it’s usually around 1-1.5 inches of play) and keep it clean and well-lubricated with a quality chain lube.
Stage 1 Mods: Uncorking the Engine for Easy Gains
Once your maintenance is dialed in, it’s time for the fun stuff. The most common and effective starting point for more power involves improving the engine’s ability to breathe in and exhale. This is often called the “Big 3” or Stage 1.
Step 1: Upgrading Your Air Intake
The stock airbox on the DS 250 is designed to be quiet and restrictive. Opening it up allows more air to enter the engine. You can start by carefully drilling a few 1-inch holes in the airbox lid. This is a free mod that can make a noticeable difference.
For even better flow, consider an aftermarket high-flow air filter from a brand like K&N or Twin Air. These filters are less restrictive than the stock foam filter and can be cleaned and reused for years.
Step 2: Installing a Performance Exhaust System
Just as important as getting air in is getting exhaust gases out efficiently. The stock exhaust is heavy and restrictive. An aftermarket slip-on or full exhaust system is one of the most popular mods for a reason.
A good performance exhaust from a reputable brand like FMF, HMF, or Yoshimura will be lighter, allow for much better exhaust flow, and give your DS 250 a much more aggressive sound. This single mod can provide a significant boost in throttle response and mid-range power.
Step 3: Carburetor Re-Jetting (The Most Critical Step)
THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL. If you change your intake or exhaust, you must adjust your carburetor’s jetting. Your engine needs a specific air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) to run correctly. By adding more air with the new intake and exhaust, you’ve made the mixture “lean” (too much air, not enough fuel).
A lean condition will not only make your ATV run poorly, but it can cause the engine to run extremely hot, leading to catastrophic engine damage. You’ll need to buy a jet kit (like a DynoJet or JD Jetting kit) and install larger main and pilot jets to add more fuel and match the increased airflow. This is the key that ties the whole Stage 1 package together.
How to Make Can Am DS 250 Faster with Gearing Adjustments
This section of our how to make can am ds 250 faster guide is one of the most effective ways to change how your ATV feels without even touching the engine. Changing your front and rear sprocket sizes can tailor your power delivery for either quicker acceleration or higher top speed.
Understanding Sprocket Ratios
The concept is simple. The sprockets are connected by the chain; one at the engine (front) and one at the rear axle (rear).
- For Quicker Acceleration: Decrease the size of the front sprocket (fewer teeth) or increase the size of the rear sprocket (more teeth). This is great for tight, technical trails where you need instant grunt out of corners.
- For Higher Top Speed: Increase the size of the front sprocket or decrease the size of the rear sprocket. This is ideal for open fields, fire roads, or drag racing your buddies.
Choosing the Right Sprockets
For most trail riders, going down one tooth on the front sprocket is a fantastic starting point. It provides a very noticeable boost in acceleration without sacrificing too much top speed. A 13-tooth front sprocket is a common and effective upgrade for the DS 250. This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck mods you can do.
Advanced Performance: Beyond the Basics
If you’ve done the Stage 1 mods and adjusted your gearing but still crave more, there are a few more advanced steps you can take. Be warned, these often require more mechanical skill and investment.
Clutch Modifications
The DS 250 uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). You can install a clutch kit, which typically includes stiffer springs and lighter roller weights. This modification changes the RPM at which the clutch engages, keeping the engine in the “sweet spot” of its powerband for longer. This results in much snappier acceleration.
Is a Performance CDI Box Worth It?
A CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) box controls your ignition timing and rev limit. An aftermarket CDI can advance the timing and raise the rev limiter. On the DS 250, the gains are often minimal for the cost, but it can help you squeeze out that last little bit of top-end RPM if you’ve done all the other mods.
The Rider Mod: The Cheapest and Most Effective Upgrade
We can talk about parts all day, but the single biggest factor in going faster is the person holding the handlebars. Improving your riding technique is free and will make you faster on any machine you ride.
Focus on carrying your momentum through corners instead of relying on the throttle. Practice proper body positioning by leaning into turns and shifting your weight for traction. A smooth rider who maintains momentum will almost always be faster than a rider who just mashes the gas and brakes.
Common Problems and Best Practices When Modifying Your DS 250
Embarking on this journey comes with a few things to watch out for. Following these how to make can am ds 250 faster best practices will save you headaches and money.
The Dangers of Running Too Lean
We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. This is one of the most common problems with how to make can am ds 250 faster. After installing an exhaust or intake, always check your spark plug color after a ride. It should be a light, tan-brown color. If it’s white or chalky, you are running dangerously lean and need to install a larger carburetor jet immediately.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Modifications
Being a responsible rider is part of the fun. When performing maintenance, always dispose of old oil and coolant at a proper recycling facility. When choosing an exhaust, consider one with a USFS-approved spark arrestor and be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential or sensitive wildlife areas. This is a core part of sustainable how to make can am ds 250 faster practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Can-Am DS 250 Faster
What is the single best and cheapest mod for more speed on a DS 250?
Without a doubt, changing your gearing. Dropping one tooth on the front sprocket is inexpensive and provides the most noticeable “seat of the pants” improvement in acceleration for the money.
How much faster will my DS 250 be with these mods?
It’s hard to give an exact number, as it depends on many factors like rider weight and terrain. However, a well-jetted machine with a full intake/exhaust system and proper gearing can feel like a completely different ATV, with significantly better throttle response and a potential top speed increase of 5-10 MPH.
Do these modifications void my warranty?
In most cases, yes. Modifying your intake, exhaust, or internal engine/transmission components will likely void your factory warranty. If your ATV is still under warranty, you may want to stick to basic maintenance and rider skill improvements until it expires.
There are many benefits of how to make can am ds 250 faster, but this is a key consideration. Always weigh the pros and cons before you start turning wrenches.
Unlocking the hidden performance in your Can-Am DS 250 is a rewarding project that will not only make you faster but also teach you a ton about how your machine works. Start with a solid maintenance foundation, move on to the basic breathing mods, and don’t forget to fine-tune your gearing.
Most importantly, focus on becoming a smoother, smarter rider. Take it one step at a time, always prioritize safety, and double-check your work. Now get out there, wrench safely, and enjoy that extra speed on the trail!
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