As one of the most popular models in the Polaris lineup of ATVs, the Scrambler XP 1000s is about as well-rounded as they come.
Featuring an impressive combination of power, speed, and stability, this model can conquer just about any terrain. And riders can really open up while doing it.
So how fast is a Polaris XP 1000S? And what should you consider before buying one?
This guide will answer those questions including:
- Polaris XP 1000S top speed
- Modifications to make it faster
- Stock vs modified top speed
- Key specs and features to consider before buying
- Key pros and cons
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s Top Speed
Powered by a 952 cc V-twin engine with a whopping 89 horsepower, the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s top speed is around 80 mph in fully stock condition.
This speed lands the Scrambler XP firmly near the top of the list of fastest ATVs for 2024, and puts it right up there with the fastest Polaris side-by-sides as well.
While most owners have reported reaching a top speed of between 78-80 mph in their stock models, those who have made some common modifications to increase the power and speed report topping speeds of 90+ mph.
While this top speed is impressive, the acceleration is no slouch either. Loaded with low end torque, the Scrambler XP 1000s can go from zero to sixty mph in around eight seconds.
Increasing The Speed
For true speed demons, there are ways to increase the top speed of the Scrambler XP 1000s if 80 mph just won’t cut it.
A number of owners have chosen to do this by upgrading the intake and exhaust systems, along with adding a power commander.
Upgrade The Intake System
The intake system consists of the airbox and air filter. It allows clean air into the engine and determines how much fuel the engine can be fed, which both affect the amount of power produced.
By upgrading the airbox and air filter, you’ll enable more airflow into the engine while also ensuring the air is clean so it runs better.
While this model is already loaded with horsepower throughout, doing this should increase the power at the highest RPM levels by even more.
Upgrade The Exhaust System
Upgrading the exhaust system helps provide a more efficient escape for this added airflow once used up.
An upgraded exhaust system should result in just a bit more horsepower and torque across all gears for the Scrambler XP 1000S.
It should also enhance the tone of your vehicle when riding.
Add A Power Commander
For those who have upgraded the intake and exhaust systems, a power commander (or fuel controller) should be added as well.
To ensure your ATV performs at its best, the power commander will monitor the air to fuel ratio and calculate the correct fuel adjustment needed based upon the new amount of airflow.
It will then calculate the necessary amount of added fuel flow for the ATV to perform at its highest level and apply that.
This device will help ensure the optimal air to fuel ratio at every RPM level, engine load level, and throttle position. It is essential to keep your engine running properly after making changes to the airflow.
Outfitting your Scrambler XP 1000s with these three updated components should translate to even better acceleration and a slightly higher top speed.
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000s Specs & Key Features
While the design of this vehicle may come off as a little too modern and bulky for some, this quad’s performance ability to go literally anywhere more than make up for it.
Engine
The Scrambler is powered by a 952cc V-Twin beast of an engine, with a max output of a whopping 89 horsepower.
It offers two different power modes via a switch on the dash – Standard and Performance – which riders can select depending upon the type of terrain and riding they’ll be doing.
Throttle response is excellent, and riders will be amazed at the seemingly never-ending torque that exists in Low gear.
This model is one of the most powerful in its class.
| 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 |
Drivetrain
This model offers selectable two-wheel and four-wheel drive via a switch on the handlebar.
The lack of a lockable front differential on a machine built for rough terrain is one ding against this model, but you’ll find that its power and performance capabilities help it overcome this.
The automatic CVT transmission includes Park, Reverse, and Neutral settings, along with both High and Low gears.
The High and Low range gears enable you to use the option that makes the most sense for the conditions and terrain you’ll be riding in.
The drivetrain on the Scrambler XP 1000S is built for performance in the harshest off-road conditions.
| Drive System | One Touch On-Demand Selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gear Shift Pattern | P – R – N – L – H |
Tires & Brakes
The 27-inch diameter Duro Power Grip tires are plenty aggressive, and with the combination of the 12-inch alloy wheels, offer excellent traction in any terrain and add to this model’s rock crawling ability.
Polaris’ engine-braking system is installed on the Scrambler, but with its mighty size sometimes has a tough time slowing it enough in steep terrain, with the quad even briefly free-rolling before it kicks in at times.
You’ll likely need to use the manual hand-lever-operated front brakes and foot-lever-operated rear brakes to feel truly secure when descending steep trails or hills.
| 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 |
Suspension
Featuring a 57.4-inch wheelbase, which is one of the longest in the industry for a single-seat ATV, the Scrambler offers excellent stability.
The adjustable Walker Evans shocks mounted at all four wheels offer riders the ability to find the perfect setting for their riding style and offer plenty of cushion for a comfortable ride.
With suspension travel of 12.5 inches in the front and 14 inches in the rear, the Scrambler bests even a number of UTVs in this regard.
The 14.5 inches of ground clearance is also one of the best marks in the ATV industry, giving it the ability to easily crawl larger rocks, logs, and rutted sections of trail.
| 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 |
Dimensions
The Scrambler XP 1000S is one of the biggest ATVs you’ll find dimensionally and weight-wise.
Wider than every other ATV available at 55 inches in width, it won’t make a good fit for tighter trails. But its wide stance makes it more stable than most other quads.
And if you ride often in OHV, BLM, or state forest lands, this model is technically prohibited as it is not under the 50-inch maximum width limit mandated in most of those areas.
With its big, bulky build and a heavy weight of 881 lbs, you would think that this model might not move well. But it’s loaded with so much low-end torque and horsepower that’s not the case.
| Length | 82.5 inches |
| Width | 55 inches |
| Height | 49.5 inches |
| Dry Weight | 881 lbs. |
Ergonomics
The design of the Scrambler XP 1000S helps provide an upright, comfortable riding position which is beneficial when riding in the rough terrain it excels in as it reduces the strain on riders and reduces fatigue.
The power steering helps a good deal in this regard as well, with riders able to easily steer the machine in both two wheel and four wheel drive.
The footwells are plenty spacious and offer good grip for riders’ feet while maneuvering, and there is plenty of room between the seat and footwells for those with longer legs to be comfortable.
Scrambler XP 1000S Pros & Cons
The Scrambler XP 1000S is one of the highest-performance ATVs on the market with countless strengths.
Even so, this model is not perfect. And as owners have noted, there are some perceived weaknesses to take into consideration as well.
Pros
- Excellent throttle response
- 55 inch wide stance provides some of best stability in ATV industry
- Easily adjustable shocks
- Feels balanced and controllable at any speed
- Despite heavy weight, easy to wheelie if you desire
- Essentially floats over rocks and chop in the trail
- Easily climbs rocks, logs, ruts, and mountainous terrain
- Exceptional ground clearance
- Stock tires can withstand plenty of abuse and provide plenty of traction
- Power steering is excellent and makes for easy handling
Cons
- Boxy, bulky design is not the most appealing
- Width prevents it from being able to ride most National Forest and BLM trails whose width limit is 50 inches
- Machine prone to free rolling downhill occasionally before engine braking system kicks in
- No locking front differential for increased traction
- 55 inch wide stance provides some of best stability in ATV industry
- Plastic footwell bottoms can be slippery for feet in wet conditions
- Very limited personal storage space
- Halogen headlights are lacking in terms of brightness for night riding
Conclusion
With incredible horsepower, torque and the ability to hit a top speed of 80 mph in stock condition, the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S is one of the more well-rounded ATVs you’ll find.
And if you’re looking to go even faster than 80 mph, the good news is that there are a number of modifications you can make to achieve this and hit top speeds upwards of 90 mph.
For those looking for an excellent combination of speed, power, and off-road ability, there aren’t many models out there that compare.
And for those who do a lot of riding in rocky, mountainous terrain, it’s pretty hard to beat the performance the Scrambler XP 1000S offers in those conditions.
But it does have its drawbacks, and potential buyers should take into consideration where they most often ride before making a decision on this model.
For a look at how the Scrambler XP 1000S stacks up with some similar models, check out the following guides before you hit the trails:
