Let’s agree on something: the Polaris Outlaw 110 is a fantastic little ATV. It’s the perfect machine to get a young rider hooked on the thrill of the trails. But as their skills grow and their confidence soars, that stock performance can start to feel a little… tame.
You start noticing it struggles on steeper climbs or doesn’t have the punchy throttle response it used to. You’re not alone. This is the natural progression for any growing rider.
I promise this guide will solve that problem. We’re going to walk you through the smartest, safest, and most effective polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades you can make. We’ll show you how to unlock its hidden potential without compromising the safety that’s paramount for any youth quad.
In this article, we’ll cover the essential mods for power, the crucial upgrades for handling and control, and the best practices to keep everything running safely. Let’s get wrenching!
Why Bother with Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades? The Real Benefits
Before you start ordering parts, it’s important to understand why you’re making these changes. It isn’t just about making the ATV “faster.” The real benefits of polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades are about making it a better, more capable, and safer machine for a developing rider.
Here’s what you can expect from a well-planned upgrade path:
- Improved Throttle Response: The biggest change you’ll feel is how quickly the engine responds. This makes the ATV feel more lively and easier to control in technical sections.
- Better Hill-Climbing Power: Upgrades help the engine produce more torque, giving your young rider the confidence to tackle hills without the engine bogging down.
- Enhanced Stability and Control: Not all mods are for the engine. Upgrading tires and suspension makes the Outlaw 110 more stable and predictable, which is a massive safety boost.
- Grows with Your Rider: The best part is that you can match the machine’s performance to your rider’s skill level, creating a machine that challenges them without overwhelming them.
Your Step-by-Step Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? Thinking about how to polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades can feel overwhelming, but it’s best to follow a logical progression. We’ll break it down into stages, starting with the easiest and most impactful mods.
Stage 1: The “Big Three” for Uncorking Power (Intake, Exhaust, Fuel)
The goal here is simple: help the engine breathe better. An engine is just a big air pump. The more air it can move in and out efficiently, the more power it can make. These three mods work together as a system.
High-Flow Air Filter
The stock paper air filter is restrictive. Swapping it for a high-flow foam or oiled-gauze filter from a brand like UNI Filter or K&N is the easiest and cheapest first step. It allows more air into the engine for a small but noticeable bump in responsiveness.
Performance Exhaust
Once you get more air in, you need to get it out. A performance slip-on or full exhaust system, like those from Big Gun or FMF, reduces backpressure. This results in a significant power gain and a much throatier sound. Remember: A louder exhaust may not be welcome in all riding areas, and most quality systems come with a USFS-approved spark arrestor, which is a must-have for trail riding.
Carburetor Re-Jetting or EFI Tuning
This is not optional. After adding an intake and exhaust, you’ve changed the air-to-fuel ratio. The engine is now getting more air, and you need to add more fuel to match. Failure to do so creates a lean condition, which can cause the engine to run hot and lead to catastrophic failure.
For carbureted models, you’ll need a jet kit. This involves swapping out the small brass “jets” inside the carburetor for slightly larger ones. For newer EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) models, you’ll need a plug-in fuel controller to adjust the mapping. This is one of the most critical polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades tips we can offer.
Stage 2: Translating Power to the Ground (Clutching & Drivetrain)
Making more power is great, but it’s useless if you can’t get it to the wheels effectively. That’s where the clutch and gearing come in.
Performance Clutch Kit
The stock CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) clutch is designed for mellow engagement. A performance clutch kit comes with different springs and weights that allow the engine to rev higher before the clutch engages. This means much quicker acceleration and better “back-shifting” when the rider gets back on the gas out of a corner.
Sprocket & Gearing Changes
This is a classic off-roader’s trick. You can change the final drive ratio by swapping the front or rear sprockets.
- Smaller Front / Larger Rear Sprocket: This gives you more low-end torque for quicker acceleration and better hill climbing, but you will sacrifice some top speed. This is the most common choice for trail riding.
- Larger Front / Smaller Rear Sprocket: This will increase your top speed but make acceleration feel a bit lazier. This is better for wide-open spaces like fields or dunes.
Stage 3: Upgrading Handling, Control, and Safety
Now that the ATV is quicker, you must make it handle better. Don’t skip these mods, as they are key to keeping the rider safe and in control.
Better Tires
If you only do one handling upgrade, make it tires. The stock balloons are okay, but aftermarket tires with a more aggressive tread pattern and a stronger sidewall will transform the Outlaw’s handling. Choose a tread designed for the terrain you ride most often (mud, hardpack, sand, etc.).
Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers bolt onto the wheel hubs and push the wheels further out. This widens the ATV’s stance, making it significantly more stable and less prone to tipping in corners. A 1.5-inch to 2-inch spacer on each side is usually plenty. Just be sure to use thread locker and torque them to spec.
Nerf Bars & Grab Bars
These are pure safety. Nerf bars with integrated heel guards prevent a rider’s foot from slipping off the pegs and getting caught under a rear tire. A wider rear grab bar makes the ATV easier to handle if it needs to be moved around manually.
Safety First: Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades Best Practices
More power demands more responsibility. As you modify the Outlaw 110, you must instill a safety-first mindset. Following these polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades best practices is non-negotiable.
Master the Throttle Governor First
Before you add any power, make sure your rider is comfortable with the machine’s full stock potential. The Outlaw 110 comes with a throttle limiter screw. Gradually back it out over time to increase the available power as your rider’s skills improve. Don’t just remove it all at once.
The Pre-Ride Check is Law
Every single time. Before every ride, you and your young rider should walk around the ATV and check the T-CLOCS:
- T – Tires and Wheels (Pressure, tread, lug nuts)
- C – Controls (Levers, cables, throttle)
- L – Lights and Electrics
- O – Oil and Fluids
- C – Chassis and Suspension (Look for loose bolts, especially after installing new parts)
- S – Stands (Kickstand)
This becomes even more important with modified parts. This is the core of any good polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades care guide.
Avoiding Common Problems with Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades
We’ve seen it all in the shop. A few common mistakes can turn a fun project into a frustrating headache. Here are some of the common problems with polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades and how to avoid them.
The “Too Much Power, Not Enough Control” Trap
The most frequent mistake is adding a pipe and jet kit without touching the tires or suspension. This creates a machine that’s fast in a straight line but dangerous in corners. Always upgrade handling and safety to match your power upgrades.
Ignoring Maintenance
A modified engine is working harder. That means more frequent oil changes and diligent air filter cleaning. A dirty high-flow filter is worse than a clean stock one. Don’t let your investment go to waste through neglect.
Buying Cheap, “No-Name” Parts
That cheap exhaust on eBay might seem like a deal, but it probably fits poorly, offers no real performance gain, and won’t last. Stick with reputable brands that have done the research and development specifically for your machine.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades
Being an off-roader means being a steward of the trails. You can absolutely pursue performance while being mindful of the environment. These sustainable polaris outlaw 110 performance upgrades focus on efficiency and responsibility.
A properly jetted/tuned engine doesn’t just make more power—it burns fuel more completely and efficiently, which is better for the air. Using a high-quality, biodegradable foam filter oil is another easy eco-friendly swap.
When choosing an exhaust, look for one that is advertised as having a reasonable sound level. Excessively loud pipes contribute to noise pollution and can lead to riding area closures. Always ensure your exhaust has a USFS-approved spark arrestor to prevent wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Outlaw 110 Performance Upgrades
What is the very first upgrade I should make to my Outlaw 110?
We recommend starting with a set of quality aftermarket tires. This provides the single biggest improvement in handling, control, and safety, which should always be your first priority before adding power.
Do I really need to re-jet the carburetor after installing an exhaust?
Yes, 100%. We can’t stress this enough. An aftermarket exhaust and/or intake flows much more air. Without adding more fuel via larger jets, the engine will run lean, causing it to overheat and potentially leading to severe internal damage like a melted piston.
How much faster will these upgrades make the Outlaw 110?
It’s better to think in terms of “quicker” and “more responsive” rather than top speed. While you might gain a few MPH on top, the real difference is in acceleration and torque. The ATV will get up to speed much faster and pull harder through corners and up hills.
Are wheel spacers a safe upgrade for a youth ATV?
When you buy quality hub-centric spacers and install them correctly (using thread locker and a torque wrench), they are a very safe and effective way to improve stability. The only trade-off is slightly increased wear on wheel bearings over the long term, so just keep an eye on them.
Upgrading your Polaris Outlaw 110 is a rewarding project that allows the machine to grow right alongside your young rider’s skills. By following a logical path—focusing on breathing, handling, and safety—you can build a quad that’s more fun, more capable, and ultimately safer on the trail.
Remember to take it one step at a time, always double-check your work, and prioritize safety above all else. Now get out in the garage, wrench smart, and ride safe!
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