How To Make Polaris General Ride Better?

We’re huge fans of the Polaris General here at Kemimoto, and even though it’s a UTV loved by many off-road enthusiasts, we know there’s always room for optimization. 

Whether you're navigating rugged terrains, conquering trails, or simply seeking a smoother ride for doing work around the property, modding your Polaris General with the right third-party upgrades can make a world of difference. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at a number of things you can do to your Polaris General to take its rideability to new heights. From suspension adjustments and tire selections to handling refinements and comfort upgrades, let’s take a look at how you can make your Polaris General ride better.

1. Suspension Upgrades

One of the biggest facts that can impact the overall performance of your Polaris General, or any UTV for that matter, is the suspension system. 

Your suspension system is the bridge between the tires and the chassis, absorbing shocks and vibrations when riding offroad. Not only does a well-designed suspension system minimize the jarring effects of rough terrains, providing a smoother and more comfortable riding style, but it can also improve your General’s handling and control, keeping the wheels more in contact with the ground and ensuring optimal traction. 

Going Aftermarket With Your Suspension

When it comes to upgrading your suspension, we recommend using a lift kit or installing high-performance shocks.

With a proper lift kit installed, you’ll have far better ground clearance, meaning you can tackle more challenging terrain without having to worry about getting hung up on obstacles. Most kits offer varying levels of lift, such as 2-inch, 3-inch, or higher, so it’s up to you to choose the amount of clearance you need. 

When installing a lift kit, there are many factors to consider. For starters, your UTV will have a new center of gravity, which will impact your handling. Secondly, you might need to make additional modifications to maintain drivetrain integrity, such as longer axles. 

One of the best ways to enhance the handling on your General is with high-performance shocks. Check out brands like Fox, Walker Evans, and King Shocks, as they offer some of the most premium shock absorbers on the market.

It’s worth noting that most premium shocks are adjustable, so if you have a specific riding style or terrain you often find yourself on, you can fine-tune your shocks’ compression and rebound settings to match.

2. Tire And Wheel Selection

Another great way to upgrade your General’s rideability is with new tires and wheels. 

The Polaris General is compatible with a wide range of tires and wheels, many of which are optimized for specific terrains. In fact, the right tires can make a world of difference in how your UTV handles different environments. 

One Google search and you’ll find tons of different tire types with unique tread patterns, including all-terrain tires, sand tires, mud tires, trail tires, and more. Pick the ones that best align with your riding style and make sure they’re compatible with your Polaris General's stock or modified suspension. 

The last thing you want is for your tires to negatively impact ground clearance, turning radius, or rub against the fenders.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite tire and wheel brands:

Tires:

• Maxxis
• ITP
• BFGoodrich
• Kenda
• STI Tire & Wheel

Wheels:

• MSA Offroad Wheels
• Method Race Wheels 
• ITP
• STI Tire & Wheel
• Fuel Off-Road Wheels

3. Power And Performance Enhancements

Many offroaders are simply looking for more power. We get it. 

The cool thing is that there are several unique ways to inject your Polaris General with more power and performance, whether tuning the engine or upgrading the exhaust.

Tuning Your Engine

Unless you’re an experienced mechanic, we recommend leaving the engine tuning to a professional. Here’s a few ways you can take your General’s engine to the next level.

• ECU Remapping: With a modified ECU, you can optimize fuel and ignition settings, giving you better horsepower and torque. 

• Turbocharging or Supercharging: Adding a turbocharger or supercharger can significantly boost your UTV’s power.

• High-Flow Air Intake: This upgrade improves engine air supply, which can increase your UTV’s power and responsiveness.

Exhaust Upgrades

Consider swapping out your General’s stock exhaust for a high-performance aftermarket system. You’ll get better power and a more aggressive exhaust note for it. We typically recommend full exhaust systems for performance gains, though slip-on systems are easier to install.

Just make sure you’re up to date with local noise regulations, as some areas have strict noise level requirements.

4. Comfort and Ergonomics

How comfortable you feel in your UTV can go a long way in determining how enjoyable your rides are. One of the best ways to upgrade your comfort level is with the right high-quality seating. 

Just because you’re driving a rough and rugged UTV doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable doing it. Upgraded seating is the way to go!

While the stock seats that come with the Polaris General are pretty solid, there are much better aftermarket options that offer better lumbar support and vibration dampening. On long rides, there’s nothing more fatiguing.

5. Handling and Control

When it comes to the safety, stability, and maneuverability of your UTV, it’s all about handling. If you’re not a big fan of the way your Polaris General handles, let’s look at a few upgrades you can make to optimize it. 

Steering System Upgrades

One of the best things you can do for your Polaris General's handling is to upgrade the steering system. There are several aftermarket steering wheels that offer better grip and control, as well as quicker steering ratios for more precise maneuverability. 

You might even consider throwing a power steering kit into the mix to cut back on steering effort.

Brake Upgrades

If the stopping power on your Polaris General isn’t enough for you, consider upgrading the braking system.

We’ve seen several UTV owners swap out their stock materials for larger brake rotors, performance brake pads, and stainless steel brake lines, all of which can be helpful if you’re consistently hauling heavy loads or tackling steep trails.

Sway Bars

If you feel like your UTV isn’t staying level in your turns, you might consider installing sway bars. They provide better stability and control on uneven terrain and reduce the risk of tipping over.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many approaches you can take to make your Polaris General ride better, from enhancing the suspension to upgrading the engine. One of the great things about Polaris and many other UTV companies is that they make it easy to modify their vehicles so you can enjoy your favorite terrain just like you envision it.

If you’re interested in upgrading your Polaris General today, make sure to check out our list of compatible accessories here at Kemimoto.