3 ATV Upgrades for Improved Performance

All-terrain vehicles aren’t just about riding fun. Based on the tried-and-tested snowmobile and dirt bike platforms (albeit with four driven wheels), they’re as good on the trails as they are at the worksite. And quad bikes have evolved to offer more power, improved comfort and off-roading capability that few vehicles can match. They’re decently specced even in base form, but the huge range of aftermarket accessories and upgrades bring performance and versatility to a whole new level.

Getting more from your quad doesn’t mean spending thousands. Affordable, well-built and reliable parts and upgrades are widely available, easy to install, and last longer than what’s fitted from the factory. And they’ll net you a better-looking bike and one that’s more capable when the road turns bad.

For more kicks and improved dependability, choose aftermarket ATV axle assemblies from reputed ATV and UTV parts manufacturers, look to upgraded suspension components to smooth out the uneven ground, and add more pep and substance to your riding with a livelier, less restrictive exhaust. To complete the picture, invest in the appropriate wheel and tyre combos, sitting on decently thick wheel spacers so you don’t scratch the paintwork.

Aftermarket Axles

Axles are what get the wheels turning. Like all factory parts, they’re made to a price point usually reflecting that of the quad. The higher up the trim and feature list, usually (but not always) means axles that are better built to handle high RPMs and torque numbers and the associated friction and heat that comes with more power. Stock axles are one of the first quad bike parts to break or suffer irreparable damage, often leaving riders stranded. Seized shafts, splintered splines, or worn bearings aren’t good for power transfer.

Much of the damage is down to punctured CV boots and leaking lubricant. Grease reduces friction in metal-on-parts spinning thousands of times each second. And once this is gone, expect advanced wear or shafts snapping straight off the quad. Blame the thin thermoplastic boots that shield the assembly from external elements (mud, dirt, water, road debris).

The good news though is that common signs of nearing axle failure come on gradually. If you’re hearing clicking or popping sounds when accelerating, turning or braking or experiencing difficulty steering or changing gears, then time to look for a working ATV axle replacement.

Aftermarket units are better built and use superior materials, and some also offer performance gains such as increased wheel articulation angles to help get over larger obstacles. Like all aftermarket vehicle parts, there are tiered axles, priced differently and meant for different machines.

Look for heavy-duty quad bike axle replacements made of thicker, high-strength steel alloys, precision-machined splines, industrial-grade bearings and more durable neoprene or thermoplastic boots. Shafts in axles pre-assembled this way have higher strength and metal fatigue ceilings to reduce binding that comes from increased friction or impact in bigger jumps. Splines ensure engine power gets to the wheels smoothly (no jolting, slippage or hesitation) and treated and reinforced bearings endure higher weight loadings while reducing rolling resistance.

A major difference though is the higher-grade boots. These fare better in usual quad bike territory, able to prevent scratches or tears while keeping high-pressure and high-temp grease working inside.

Heavy-duty aftermarket axles are meant for mid-to-high spec ATVs and heavier utility vehicles, putting out 50 to 60hp through the wheels. If you’re looking for axle replacements for something with even more power and torque, scale up to extreme-duty variants. These are built around high-tensile 4340 Chromoly steel shafts in even thicker diameters, induction heat-treated bearings, CNC-machined splines and thicker, tougher boots. They can handle machines puffing up 100+hp and last longer than any OE axle, while often costing half as much.

Buy axles in left and right, front and rear pairs to ensure even power transfer and reduce the likelihood of misalignment or uneven tire wear.

Suspension Modifications and Upgrades

New quad bikes rely on independent suspension to balance comfort and rideability. This consists of linkages, including control, or A-arms to ensure wheel stability, trail arms that provide pivoting in the rear, and radius arms to control wheel longitudinal movement. This pairs with shocks to absorb impact and control compression and rebound rates in springs when hitting larger obstacles.

Other parts, including ball joints, bushings, sway bars and tie rods are part of the complex setup. All can be replaced with heavy-duty options to restore or exceed OE performance.

Simple modifications are adjusting shock settings to firm up or soften the ride, depending on the terrain and your comfort preferences. Or upgrading to aftermarket A-arms that can be adjusted for camber and alignment to ensure you’re getting more control and improved handling that matches the terrain and trail specifics.

Other changes are going with heavy-duty, greaseable ball joints to extend longevity and reduce maintenance, especially in harder, high-speed runs, or changing to heavy-duty tie rods to get the best steering input and control on trails with multiple bends. A simple mod is adjusting the preload and ride height in the factory springs to provide more comfort in laden quads and increase ground clearance without having to resort to a full lift kit.

Slip-on Mufflers

Slip-on mufflers are an inexpensive performance upgrade, that as the name suggests, is also easy to get on. They won’t provide all the benefits of a full aftermarket exhaust, but the improved airflow and more substance in the exhaust note are more than enough for most quad bike owners.

Performance gains depend on the machine, but you’ll be looking at an extra 2-3hp to get you out of tight spots. Unlike a full exhaust, this won’t require an ECU tune. Slip-ons also shed some weight if you’re into racing or need the leverage for other mods. And they add some style with carbon fiber or treated metals like stainless steel or titanium in different finishes.  

Summing Up

There’s more aftermarket gear for ATVs and UTVs than most of us admit. Axles, suspension mods, and slip-ons are just a handful of performance upgrades available for a huge selection of quad bike brands and models. They provide consistent power, proven handling and tangible performance gains, accompanied by a louder exhaust note to inspire confidence in any type of riding. Shop parts from established aftermarket brands to ensure they last and deliver.