How to Increase the Horsepower of Bikes

The Yamaha bike Raptor Yamaha bike a mid-sized sport ATV, is a terrific example of the benefits of modern engineering. Light and strong, the Raptor Yamaha bike has amazing power coming from small engine but still provides a great introductory ride for aspiring ATV riders who don't want to purchase too large of a machine too quickly. To get more horsepower from your Raptor, adding two simple bolt-on components, a slip-on high performance muffler and performance air filter should be the first steps you take.

Under The Hood:

• How to Increase the Horsepower of a Sportster
• How to Increase the Horsepower on a Gold Wing
• How to Increase Horsepower on the Suzuki C50 Boulevard
• How to Increase the Horsepower of a 350 Yamaha

 How to Increase the Horsepower of a Sportster

Replace the standard air filter with a performance version, such as the hypercharger supplied by K&N. A high-flow air filter allows more air to flow through the engine, and improving the air filtration system lets the engine produce more power.

Change the carburetor to a fuel injection system (EFI). The upgraded system controls the air/fuel mixture, which results in a better performing engine.

Install a performance chip that not only increases the power immediately by automatically controlling the air flow and fuel burn, but also allows for the downloading of further modifications at a later date. However, the software packages can be quite complicated, so this might be one modification best left to a professional.

Change the factory exhaust system to a high flow/performance version that expels hot air faster and does not allow it to flow back and contaminate the engine. Increasing the diameter of your exhaust pipe lets the air flow out of your engine quicker, so the engine keeps cooler and produces more power.

 How to Increase the Horsepower on a Gold Wing

Use a wrench to remove the stock muffler. The muffler canister's retaining bolt is accessible by setting the passenger footrests into the up position. Unbolt them and then slide them back off the exhaust pipe. The replacement muffler slides into place and bolts down in the same position as the stock unit. Replace the footrests and bolts.

Unbolt the seat from the frame to gain access to the wiring harness. The fuel management system plugs between the wiring harness and the computer. Remove the negative battery terminal, then use a screwdriver to release the clasp holding the wiring harness into the computer. Plug the fuel management chip into the computer, then plug the wiring harness into the fuel management chip. Replace the negative battery terminal, then bolt the seat back into place.

Open the Gold Wing's air cleaner access hatch and remove the stock air filter. The replacement air filter slips into place where the original air filter was housed. Replace the air cleaner access hatch.

 How to Increase Horsepower on the Suzuki C50 Boulevard

Install the slip-on high performance muffler by first removing the stock muffler using the socket set. The new muffler simply slips over the existing exhaust pipe and bolts into place using the same hardware.

Unbolt the stock air cleaner from the intake using the socket set. You will not need to retain anything unless you intend to return the motorcycle to stock condition some day. Insert the high-flow air filter into the new air cleaner, then mount it onto the bike. The new air cleaner uses the same hardware to mount to the air intake that the old air cleaner did.

Remove the passenger seat by using a hex wrench to remove the bolt you'll find on the motorcycle's fender. With the passenger seat removed, there are two more bolts which secure the driver seat to the frame. Remove these bolts with the hex wrench. Under the seat, you'll find the motorcycle's computer and it's wiring harness.

Disconnect the Suzuki's battery, then unplug the wiring harness from the computer. Plug the high performance computer chip into the computer, then plug the wiring harness into the supplied connector.

Bolt the seats back onto the motorcycle and start the bike to ensure all parts are functioning correctly.

 How to Increase the Horsepower of a 350 Yamaha

Unbolt the exhaust canister located under the driver seat of the Raptor. The bolt to remove the exhaust canister is located on the leading side of the exhaust canister and is accessible from the rear of the ATV without removing other parts. Remove the bolt using the socket set, then simply pull the exhaust canister off of the exhaust tubing.

Install the replacement slip-on exhaust canister onto the exhaust tubing where the stock exhaust canister was removed and tighten the bolt which secures it in place.

Remove the decorative side cover from the left hand driver's side of the Raptor by first removing the retainer clip which holds it in place. The main retainer clip is a round black fitting located below and to the side of the gas cap. Twist this fitting with your fingers in a counterclockwise rotation to release the body panel.

Use a screwdriver to remove the compression band which secures the air filter to the carburetor. The carburetor is located directly behind the engine, and the air filter is behind it. With the compression band loosened, the air filter simply pulls away from the carburetor housing.

Install the replacement air filter onto the carburetor housing. The replacement air filter mounts in the same fashion that the stock air filter mounted, utilizing its own compression band however. Tighten the compression band with a screwdriver to secure the air filter into place, then replace the ATV side cover.