Polaris Outlaw 500 Top Speed – Your Ultimate Guide To Power

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with finding a long, straight stretch of trail and opening up your Polaris Outlaw 500. You can feel that legendary KTM-derived engine start to sing, and the world blurs around you. It’s what these machines were built for.

But you’ve probably wondered, “What’s the real number on the speedometer?” More importantly, how can you safely reach it, and maybe even squeeze a few more MPH out of it without blowing up your prized quad? You’re in the right place. We’re not just going to give you a number; we’re going to give you the owner’s manual on speed.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’ll dive deep into the stock polaris outlaw 500 top speed, uncover the common factors that are secretly slowing you down, and walk you through the performance mods and maintenance best practices that truly make a difference. Let’s get wrenching.

What is the Real Polaris Outlaw 500 Top Speed? (The Stock Numbers)

Let’s cut right to the chase. A bone-stock Polaris Outlaw 500, straight from the factory and in good running condition, will typically top out between 73-77 MPH. This can vary slightly based on rider weight, altitude, and surface conditions, but it’s a solid baseline.

What makes this possible? The heart of the beast is the legendary KTM 510cc RFS (Racing Four Stroke) engine. This isn’t your average ATV motor; it’s a high-compression, short-stroke powerhouse designed for racing, known for its quick-revving nature and potent top-end pull.

Unlike many other quads in its class that focus purely on low-end torque for trails, the Outlaw 500 was built with a dual personality. It has enough grunt to handle tight woods but truly comes alive on fire roads and open desert, where that impressive top speed can be fully utilized.

Factors That Rob Your ATV of Top Speed

Before you start ordering performance parts, it’s crucial to understand what might be holding your machine back. Often, you can gain a few MPH back just by addressing simple maintenance and setup issues. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist for speed.

Rider Weight and Aerodynamics

It’s simple physics. A heavier rider requires more power to move, which directly impacts acceleration and top speed. While you can’t change your weight overnight, you can improve your aerodynamics. At 70+ MPH, wind resistance is a massive factor. Tucking in behind the handlebars, keeping your body low, can genuinely add 1-2 MPH to your top end.

Terrain and Tire Pressure

The surface you’re riding on plays a huge role. You’ll hit your highest speeds on hard-packed dirt or asphalt. Riding in soft sand, mud, or loose gravel creates more rolling resistance, scrubbing off speed. Equally important is tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can reduce your contact patch and traction, while under-inflated tires create drag. For top speed runs, aim for the higher end of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually around 5-7 PSI, depending on the tire.

Engine and Drivetrain Health

A poorly maintained engine is a slow engine. If your quad isn’t running perfectly, you’ll never see its true top speed potential. This is one of the most common problems with polaris outlaw 500 top speed.

Dirty Air Filter: A clogged air filter chokes your engine, restricting the air it needs to make power. A clean, properly oiled filter is non-negotiable.
Old Spark Plug: A worn or fouled spark plug delivers a weak spark, leading to incomplete combustion and lost power. They’re cheap—replace it!
Incorrect Carburetor Jetting: If your carb isn’t jetted correctly for your altitude and mods, your air/fuel mixture will be off, costing you horsepower.
Worn Chain and Sprockets: A stretched, kinking chain and hooked sprocket teeth create excessive drag and prevent power from reaching the wheels efficiently.

How to Safely Increase Your Polaris Outlaw 500 Top Speed

Ready to unlock more performance? This section of our polaris outlaw 500 top speed guide focuses on smart, effective modifications. Remember to add one mod at a time so you can properly tune for it and measure its effect.

Step 1: Gearing Changes (Sprockets)

This is, without a doubt, the most effective and affordable way to increase your top speed. The concept is simple: changing the size of your front or rear sprockets alters your final drive ratio.

For Higher Top Speed: Go down one tooth on the rear sprocket OR up one tooth on the front sprocket. Going up one tooth on the front (e.g., from a 14-tooth to a 15-tooth) is a popular mod that can add 5-7 MPH to your top end.
The Trade-off: Be aware that this will sacrifice some low-end acceleration. It’s a trade-off between a quick launch and a higher top speed.

Step 2: Exhaust and Intake Upgrades

To make more power, your engine needs to breathe better. Think of it as a high-performance athlete—it needs to inhale more air and exhale more efficiently.

Full Exhaust System: A quality aftermarket exhaust from a brand like FMF, Yoshimura, or HMF will reduce backpressure and allow exhaust gases to escape faster. This not only adds horsepower but also gives your Outlaw a much healthier sound.
High-Flow Air Filter: Ditch the stock paper filter for a high-flow foam or cotton gauze filter (like a K&N or Twin Air). This allows more air into the engine, but it’s crucial that you…

Step 3: Re-jetting the Carburetor

THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL. If you add an exhaust or high-flow air filter, you are changing the air/fuel ratio. Your engine will now be running leaner (more air, same amount of fuel), which can cause it to run hot and lead to catastrophic engine damage. You must re-jet your Keihin FCR carburetor to compensate.

A jet kit from a company like DynoJet will come with a selection of main jets, pilot jets, and a new needle. Follow the instructions carefully, or take it to a professional. Proper jetting is key to unlocking the power from your other mods and ensuring engine longevity.

Essential Maintenance: The Polaris Outlaw 500 Top Speed Care Guide

Achieving a high top speed is one thing; maintaining it safely is another. A fast quad that isn’t reliable is just a fast way to get stranded. Following these polaris outlaw 500 top speed best practices will keep your machine in peak condition.

Air Filter Cleaning is Your #1 Priority

We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. On a dusty trail, your air filter is your engine’s only line of defense. Clean it after every single ride. Use a quality foam filter cleaner and oil. A clean filter is cheap horsepower and the best insurance for your engine.

Consistent Oil and Fluid Checks

The KTM RFS engine is a performance motor, and it can be tough on oil. Check your engine oil level before every ride. We recommend a full oil and filter change using a high-quality synthetic oil like Motul or Rotella T6 every 10-15 hours of hard riding.

Chain and Sprocket Care

Your drivetrain takes a beating. Keep your chain clean, lubricated, and properly tensioned. A dry or overly tight chain robs power and wears out sprockets prematurely. Use a quality chain lube and check the tension—you should have about 1-1.5 inches of slack.

Sustainable Performance: Eco-Friendly Tips for Riders

Being a performance enthusiast doesn’t mean we can’t be responsible riders. Achieving a sustainable polaris outlaw 500 top speed means building a machine that performs well for years to come while respecting our riding areas.

An often overlooked aspect of this is using high-quality parts that last longer. A cheap chain will stretch and need replacing quickly, creating more waste. A well-made exhaust system will last the life of the quad. Investing in quality is both a performance and an eco-friendly polaris outlaw 500 top speed practice.

Furthermore, when performing maintenance like oil changes, always capture the used oil in a sealed container and take it to an auto parts store or local recycling center for proper disposal. Never dump fluids on the ground. This protects the trails we love to ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Outlaw 500 Top Speed

What year is the fastest Polaris Outlaw 500?

All model years of the Polaris Outlaw 500 (2006-2007) use the same KTM 510 RFS engine and have virtually identical top speeds from the factory. The main difference was the 2007 model’s switch from a solid rear axle to the PRO Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), which can affect handling at speed but not the raw power output.

Can I make my Outlaw 500 do 100 MPH?

Reaching 100 MPH on an Outlaw 500 is extremely difficult and expensive. It would require extensive internal engine work (big bore kits, high-compression piston, custom cams), highly specialized gearing, and aerodynamic modifications. For most riders, aiming for a reliable and well-tuned 80-85 MPH is a much more realistic and achievable goal.

Is the Polaris Outlaw 500 reliable at high speeds?

Yes, when properly maintained. The KTM engine is robust, and the chassis is well-built. However, high-speed riding puts more stress on every component, from wheel bearings to engine internals. The key to reliability is preventative maintenance. Follow the polaris outlaw 500 top speed care guide we outlined above, and your machine will be a trustworthy speed demon.

The journey to optimizing your polaris outlaw 500 top speed is about more than just a number—it’s about understanding your machine inside and out. It starts with a solid maintenance foundation, followed by smart, incremental upgrades. By focusing on engine health, proper gearing, and efficient breathing, you can transform your Outlaw from a fast quad into a truly exceptional one.

Now, grab your tools, get to work, and always wear your safety gear. The trail is waiting. Ride hard and ride safe!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.