The Polaris RZR 170 is a popular off-road vehicle designed for teenagers and children aged 10 years and above. This vehicle is built to offer a thrilling driving experience while providing safety features to protect younger drivers. One of the most important aspects of the Polaris RZR 170 is its top speed, which refers to the maximum speed the vehicle can reach.
The top speed of the Polaris RZR 170 is a crucial factor for those who want to purchase this vehicle for their kids, as it determines the level of excitement and fun that they can experience while riding it. In this context, understanding the Polaris RZR 170’s top speed is essential, as it can provide insight into how the vehicle performs and what to expect when operating it.
But first, let’s explore other important aspects of this youth UTV!
Polaris RZR 170 Review
As we have stated, the Polaris RZR 170 is a youth UTV designed for younger riders, but it still offers many features and capabilities that make it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. Here are some of the most notable features of the Polaris RZR 170;
Engine Capability
The Polaris RZR 170 is powered by a 169cc, air-cooled, four-stroke engine. The engine is designed to provide ample power for off-road adventures while also being reliable and easy to maintain. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with two valves, which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and power output. It also features an electric starter, which makes it easy to start the vehicle with the push of a button.
Automatic Transmission
The Polaris RZR 170 features an automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with forward and reverse gears. This type of transmission is designed to provide a smooth and seamless driving experience while making it easy for younger drivers to operate the vehicle.
This vehicle does not require any shifting by the driver, as the system constantly adjusts the gear ratio to match the driving conditions and throttle inputs. This means that the driver can focus on steering and enjoying the ride without worrying about shifting gears.
In addition to the automatic transmission, the Polaris RZR 170 also features a reverse gear, which makes it easier to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces or when backing up.
Adjustable Suspension
The Polaris RZR 170 is equipped with an adjustable suspension system that helps to provide a smoother ride over rough terrains. It also implies that it can be customized to suit the rider’s preferences and the terrain condition. In addition to providing a smoother ride, it also helps to protect the vehicle from damage by reducing the amount of stress and strain on the chassis and other components.
Safety Features
The Polaris RZR 170 comes equipped with several safety features to protect younger riders and provide peace of mind to parents. The combination of a roll cage, safety belts, safety nets, and the speed limiter helps to make the vehicle safe and enjoyable to use, even for younger drivers.
Lighting
The Polaris RZR 170 is equipped with daytime running lights (DRLs) and a single rear brake light/taillight for added visibility and safety while riding. The DRLs are designed to automatically turn on when the vehicle is started, making it more visible to other drivers and riders during the day.
The single rear brake light/taillight is also an important safety feature that helps to make the vehicle visible from the rear, indicating when the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. The brake light is designed to illuminate brighter than the taillight when the brakes are applied, providing a clear signal to other riders or drivers behind the vehicle.
Polaris RZR 170 Top Speed
The Polaris RZR 170 is a youth UTV designed for younger drivers, so its top speed is limited for safety reasons. This begs the question, ‘How fast does an RZR 170 go?’ Under optimal conditions, the maximum speed that the Polaris RZR 170 can reach is around 25 miles per hour, which is fast enough to provide a thrilling off-road experience for kids.
However, the top speed of the Polaris RZR 170 is often limited using a speed limiter, which allows parents to control the maximum speed that the vehicle can travel. This feature is particularly useful for younger or inexperienced drivers who may not have the skills or judgment to handle high speeds safely.
Despite its limited top speed, the Polaris RZR 170 is still a capable and exciting off-road vehicle that can provide hours of entertainment for kids. Furthermore, its automatic transmission and adjustable suspension make it easy to handle, even on rough terrain, while its safety features ensure that younger drivers are protected while driving.
Overall, the Polaris RZR 170’s top speed is appropriate for its intended audience, and the addition of a speed limiter makes it a safe and responsible choice for parents looking to provide their kids with a fun and safe off-road experience.
Polaris RZR Top Speed Upgrades
The top speed of the Polaris RZR 170, which is limited to around 25 miles per, is designed to be appropriate for younger riders. However, some riders simply enjoy the thrill of driving at higher speeds and may want to modify the top speed of their RZR 170 to increase the excitement and challenge of riding.
However, it is important to emphasize that increasing the top speed of a vehicle can increase the risk of accidents and may require additional safety equipment or modifications to maintain control and stability at higher speeds.
Having said that, here are several upgrades you can make to your Polaris RZR 170 to increase its top speed;
Upgrading the Exhaust System
Upgrading the exhaust system can help increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 by improving the engine’s performance. The stock exhaust system of the RZR 170 is designed to be quiet and meet emissions regulations, which can limit the engine’s power output. Upgrading to a performance exhaust system can increase the diameter of the exhaust pipes and reduce backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently.
Improved exhaust flow can offer several benefits, including increased horsepower and torque. The engine will also be able to produce more power and operate more efficiently, which can translate to higher speeds. The upgraded exhaust system may also improve throttle response and acceleration, which can further enhance the vehicle’s overall performance.
Upgrade the Air Intake
Upgrading the air intake can help increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 by allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently. The stock air intake system of the RZR 170 is designed to meet emissions regulations and provide good filtration, but it may limit the amount of air that can enter the engine.
Generally, upgrading the air intake system can improve airflow by increasing the size of the intake pipe, reducing air restriction, and providing better filtration. With an increased air intake, more oxygen is delivered to the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and generate more power. This can lead to a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque, which can in turn help increase the top speed.
Change the Gear Ratio
Changing the gear ratio can also help increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 by altering the final drive ratio between the engine and the wheels. The final drive ratio is the number of revolutions the engine turns for each revolution of the wheels. Changing this ratio can have a significant impact on the vehicle’s speed performance.
By installing a smaller front sprocket or a larger rear sprocket, the gear ratio is effectively ‘taller’, meaning that the engine will have to turn fewer revolutions to achieve a given speed. This can result in improved speed, but it may also have an impact on acceleration and low-end power.
It’s worth noting that changing the gear ratio can have both positive and negative effects on the vehicle’s overall performance. While it may lead to improved speed, it may also result in a decrease in low-end power and acceleration. Additionally, changing the gear ratio may require other modifications, such as adjusting the clutch, to ensure optimal performance.
Upgrade the Clutch
Upgrading the clutch can help increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 by improving the transmission’s efficiency and power delivery. The clutch is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. As such, upgrading clutch allows it to handle more power and operate more efficiently, resulting in better performance.
A performance clutch may also have a higher torque capacity, which allows it to handle more power and reduce slippage, resulting in improved acceleration and higher speeds. Additionally, a performance clutch may have different clutch weights or springs, which can affect the engagement and disengagement of the clutch and improve the transmission’s efficiency.
Upgrading the clutch can also be beneficial when other modifications, such as changing the gear ratio or upgrading the exhaust or air intake, have been made. These modifications can increase the power output of the engine, but they may also put additional stress on the clutch, causing it to slip or wear more quickly. Upgrading the clutch can help ensure that the transmission is able to handle the increased power output and operate more efficiently.
ECU Tune
Apart from upgrading the clutch, an ECU tune can help increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 by modifying the engine’s fuel and ignition systems to optimize its performance. The ECU controls various aspects of the engine’s operation, including fuel delivery, ignition timing, and throttle response.
By modifying these settings, an ECU tune can improve the engine’s power delivery and efficiency, leading to increased horsepower and torque, which in turn, helps to increase the top speed.
ECU tuning can also help eliminate some of the restrictions that may be present in the stock engine programming, such as speed limiters or emissions controls that can limit the engine’s performance. This can result in improved throttle response and acceleration, as well as improved speed.
Removing the speed limiter
The speed limiter is a safety feature that is built into the vehicle’s electronic control module and is designed to limit the vehicle’s maximum speed. When the speed limiter is in place, the vehicle’s engine is prevented from reaching its full power output, thereby restricting the vehicle from attaining maximum speed. By removing the speed limiter, the engine is able to produce more power, allowing your vehicle to reach higher speeds.
However, RZR 170 speed limiter removal can be a dangerous move, as it can lead to excessive speeds and loss of control. Additionally, removing the speed limiter may void the vehicle’s warranty and can have legal implications, depending on the jurisdiction. If you are considering removing the speed limiter on your Polaris RZR 170, it’s important to do so only after carefully weighing the potential risks and benefits.
The Parting Shot!
The Polaris RZR 170 is an exceptional off-road vehicle that is specifically designed for young riders who are looking for an exciting and safe way to explore the great outdoors. With a top speed of up to 25 mph, the RZR 170 is fast enough to keep kids engaged and entertained, while also being slow enough to ensure their safety. Increasing the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 is an exciting prospect for many off-road enthusiasts. By taking a thoughtful and informed approach, it’s possible to increase the top speed of a Polaris RZR 170 and enjoy an even more thrilling off-road adventure.
