Well, I've come to the conclusion that I don't have adequate funds to pay for an aftermarket pipe, so I'm gonna try and fix the other problem I have with my Xplorer 400.
Is there anything I can do that will give me a more forceful clutch engagement in High? Right now its stock from the factory, and the engagement in High range feels slushy, and just isn't all that much fun. Low is nice, but I just want a harder engagement in High (if its possible).
Also, by doing this, will I lose anything from my top end? I don't often break 60mph, but 55 is a different story. Will I still retain something around that for a top speed?

Thanks

 

You sound like a perfect candidate for a new primary clutch spring. I would recommend either the Polaris green or white spring. The green has a more firm engagement than the white, but both are a step forward from stock. The cost is under $25 for either, and are available either through Polaris, or can be ordered from a variety of mail-order places. I recommend Ritter Cycle, where I got mine. Rick does quite a bit of work with the Polaris machines and will be able to give you an idea what each will do. His website is at www.rittercycle.com which has his phone # listed.
I tried both the white and green springs, both gave stronger engagement, both gave increased acceleration to 40+ MPH, and neither hurt top speed by more than 1 or 2 MPH. In fact, the white seemed to actually allow another MPH on the top end, by just a hair.
Switching springs is a simple matter of wrench turning, and doesn't take that long to do. If you need any pointers on how to do it, just reply back & I can give a few pointers.

 

Sorry, duplicate post. Server is wacking out again.

 

Ahh, 25$ sounds more like the price I want to pay, as opposed to what? 150$ or more for a pipe...

Now, are the clutch springs from Ritter Cycle just factory Polaris springs, or are they his own special spring? I would just as soon go with the factory direct Polaris spring, unless its the same thing for a better price at Ritter Cycle...

 

As far as I know, Ritter's springs interchange with the factory springs of the same color (at least the green and white do). What you get from Ritter is acvice on which spring will have how much effect. However, if your Polaris dealer will exchange one spring for the other if it not what you expected, they might be the best choice. They might even have the springs on hand.
If you want an idea what changing the springs will do, check out the archives, as there are a lot of posts by different people who have tried them.
I went with the white spring because I have nieces and nephews in their early teens, and the green pulled the front end of my Xplorer up WAY too easy, in my opinion, for novice riders. We are talking anything over half or 2/3 throttle in low, if the rear wheels have traction, lifting the front end in the air, and it is worse if riding double (as in me on the back trying to give riding lessons). With the white spring, it still will lift the front end, but it isn't nearly so easy to do accidentally. Either one would be fine with an experienced driver, though. I just wanted a little more oomph without risking one of my 'young uns' (as I call them) losing it because of something I did.
Also, unlike a pipe, this is a simple put-it-on type mod. No jetting to fiddle with, no extra engine noise to annoy the neighbors. If you want to go back to stock, it won't take a half hour to switch back.