What’s the True Top Speed of Polaris’ Scrambler XP 1000s?

ATVs are thrilling off-road vehicles capable of covering rough terrain with speed and agility. And few match the capabilities of the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s.

With its muscular 952cc twin-cylinder engine pumping out 89 horsepower, this sporty quad has the power to achieve exhilarating velocity across open trails and desert racing courses.

But exactly how fast can you push a Scrambler XP 1000s? In stock form, the top speed lands around 80 mph. What modifications unleash its maximum velocity?

Let’s dig into the key specs and features, analyze the factors that influence top speed, see how it compares to rival models, review the best mods for more mph, highlight owner opinions, and ultimately determine what pace provides the optimal balance of thrill and reliability from this capable ATV.

Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s Key Specs

Specification	Value
Drive System	4×4 (AWD)
Front Tire Size and Pressure	27X9-12 – 7.25 psi
Rear Tire Size and Pressure	27X9-12 – 7.25 psi
Dry Weight	880 lbs
Length	83 in.
Width	55 in.
Height	50 in.
Wheelbase	57 in.
Seat Height	37 in.
Ground Clearance	14.5 in.
Engine Type	4 Stroke, SOHC, Prostar
Cylinder Arrangement	Twin Cylinder
Displacement	952 cc
Engine Cooling	Liquid-Cooled
Horsepower	89 HP
Fuel Delivery	EFI
Fuel Capacity	5.25 US Gallons
Transmission Type	Automatic CVT
Gear Shift Pattern	P – R – N – L – H
Front Tires	27 x 9-12 (Duro Power Grip II)
Rear Tires	27 x 9-12 (Duro Power Grip II)
Wheels	Aluminum, 12 inches
Front Brake Type	4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Type	Dual Hydraulic Disc
Wheelbase	57.4 inches
Ground Clearance	14.5 inches
Front Suspension	High Clearance Arched Dual A-Arms w/ Fully Adjustable Shocks
Rear Suspension	Dual A-Arm Rolled IRS w/ Fully Adjustable Shocks
Travel	Front – 12.5 inches, Rear – 14 inches
Top Speed	80 mph
Price	$17,799

What is the True Top Speed of a Stock Scrambler XP 1000s?

In promotional materials and owner manuals, Polaris rates the top speed of the Scrambler XP 1000s at a maximum of 80 mph (miles per hour).

However, independent tests by ATV media outlets and enthusiasts pushing the stock machine under optimal conditions on hard packed trails or sand dunes indicate it will nudge around 78-80 mph on the speedometer before running out of steam.

The key determining factors include:

• Rider weight and size: Heavier riders reduce acceleration and max velocity.
• Terrain: Hard surfaces enable higher speeds than soft sand or hills.
• Altitude: Performance drops at high elevations.
• Headwinds: Significant winds hamper top pace.
• Condition of machine: Proper break-in and maintenance maximize speed.

So while 80 mph represents the average top limit for a bone stock Scrambler XP 1000s model, your results may vary a few mph in either direction based on the above criteria.

What Factors Determine the Top Speed?

Several important components and design factors dictate how fast an ATV can ultimately travel:

• Engine power – The Scrambler’s muscular twin-cylinder motor churns out 89 horsepower, providing phenomenal acceleration and velocity potential.
• Gearing – Effective gear ratios must balance low-end grunt for towing and hill climbing with suitable RPMs for high speed cruising.
• Weight – At 880 pounds dry, the XP 1000s can bulk up significantly with accessories, hindering speed.
• Drivetrain – Efficient delivery of power from the engine through the clutch, transmission, differentials and shaft puts it to the ground.
• Electronics – Tuned engine mapping and precise fuel injection control optimize performance.
• Aerodynamics – Shape and ergonomics that cheat the wind enable greater speeds.
• Suspension – Properly absorbing bumps maintains stability and traction at velocity.

With a stout motor, optimized drivetrain, dialed suspension and reasonable weight, the Scrambler XP 1000s contains the right ingredients for dune blasting velocity …with some well chosen modifications.

Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s Top Speeds by Model Year

Bike	Model Year	Top Speed (mph)
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2023	80
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2022	80
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2021	100
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2020	78-80
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2019	78-80
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2018	75-78
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S	2017	75-78

How Does Top Speed Compare to Similar ATV Models?

The specialty of sporty ATVs like the Scrambler 1000s lies in their ability to achieve higher velocities for maximum thrills on wide open spaces.

Here’s how some rival models stack up:

• Yamaha YXZ1000R: 78 MPH
• Can Am Renegade X xc 1000R: 70+ MPH
• Honda Pioneer 1000: 67 MPH

The Scrambler competes well against pricier models from Yamaha and Honda, but the supercharged Can Am boasts another gear of speed for several thousand dollars more.

Best Modifications to Make a Scrambler Faster

While properly broken in stock examples can hit nearly 80 MPH off the showroom floor, these common “bolt-on” mods can eke out even greater velocity:

Exhaust

Aftermarket full systems significantly reduce weight over stock while increasing airflow. Popular brands like Muzzys, Yoshimura, Two Brothers Racing, and HMF all help the big twin inhale easier and exhale faster.

Intake/Air Filter

Adding free-flowing intake plenums and less restrictive air filters feed the engine more oxygen for combustion and power.

ECU Tuning

Plug-in fuel and timing controllers like the Dynojet Power Commander allow custom tuning of the engine mapping for max performance.

Clutch Kits

Reducing rotating mass while optimizing engagement and ratio characteristics helps put more power to the ground.

While further internal engine mods can extract even more horsepower, an XP 1000s ATV upgraded with the above bolt-ons can see rear wheel dyno numbers surpass 100 horsepower and obtain GPS verified top speeds exceeding 90 MPH given ideal conditions and rider weight.

Pros of Achieving Higher Speeds

Uncorking more velocity from the Scrambler 1000s ATV yields these benefits:

• Pure adrenaline thrill rush
• Increased passing power and torque
• Expanded dune and desert capability
• Higher intensity racing and play in expansive spaces
• Improved sand and mud performance

Caution must balance raw pace to avoid disaster, but moderately pushing limits proves fun and rewarding for advanced riders.

Cons of Max Speed Attempts

Chasing the horizon at excessive velocities on an ATV invites these risks:

• Increased chance of crashes and bodily harm
• Machine damage from jumps and accidents
• More wear and tear on components
• Blown engines or mechanical failures
• Voiding factory warranty coverage
• Legal problems exceeding regulations

While fun in doses, constantly running flat out hampers durability and heightens dangers.

What Owners are Saying About the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s

Enthusiasts who have purchased and modified Scrambler 1000s models report excellent comfort at high speeds:

“It is amazing when you are flying through the desert doing 70 mph how comfortable and stable the Scrambler feels. It soaks up nasty whoops and feels very planted at speed.” – Scott M.

But owners warn about chasing the limits too aggressively:

“I got it to 90 mph once which was sketchy. Wouldn’t recommend going that fast unless you like rebuilding engines!” – Jimmy R.

Overall, most praise the capabilities but respect the limits:

“With a few mods, I’ve had my Scrambler over 85 mph indicated. That’s plenty fast enough to get your adrenaline fix!” – Mike D.

Conclusion: Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s Top Speed

While a bone stock Scrambler XP 1000s can hit nearly 80 mph off the showroom floor, adding common bolt-on mods allows experienced riders to push toward 90 mph under ideal conditions.

But constantly running at redline RPMs places undue stress on components leading to increased failures or catastrophic engine damage. Not to mention elevated safety risks.

Finding the optimal cruising speed that balances performance thrills with mechanical preservation proves essential for longevity and reduced downtime. With huge suspension travel soaking up terrain, the Scrambler XP 1000s finds a happy pace between 65-80 mph where capability meets reliability.

So get out and test the limits through sweeping desert landscapes or roosting sand dunes. Just be sure to build in margins that account for rider ability, machine preservation, conditions, and self-preservation. Because too much velocity can quickly turn thrill into tragedy.