If you ride a Can-Am Ryker, you already know it’s not your average three-wheeled machine. It’s a torque-happy, lightweight little beast that’s equal parts fun and functional. But as with most powersports toys, good enough is never good enough. Whether you’re trying to squeeze out more performance, fine-tune your handling, or just make the ride more comfortable for your back and backside, a few smart upgrades can transform your Ryker from “fun” to “ridiculously grin-inducing.”

Some upgrades give you instant satisfaction—like louder exhaust or sharper throttle response—while others offer more subtle improvements that you’ll appreciate after a few hundred miles. Either way, the best part is you don’t need to be a professional mechanic or sell a kidney to get started. Most of these mods are bolt-on friendly and easy to source from trusted Ryker parts retailers or directly from the manufacturers.

Let’s break down the top five performance upgrades for the Can-Am Ryker that’ll make your ride smoother, sharper, and just a little more badass.

Exhaust System Upgrade

Let It Breathe. Let It Roar.

If you’ve ever rolled up next to a stock Ryker at a stoplight and felt like yours sounded like a toddler with a kazoo, you’re not alone. The stock exhaust does its job—quietly—but let’s be honest, it’s like putting a house cat on a leash and calling it a tiger.

An aftermarket exhaust system doesn’t just sound better, it also helps your engine breathe more freely. Less restriction = more horsepower and torque, especially when paired with an air intake upgrade or ECU flash.

Recommended Product:
RLS Exhaust Assassin Series for Can-Am Ryker is a highly regarded aftermarket exhaust option known for its aggressive growl, reduced weight, and noticeable performance gains—making it a favorite among Ryker riders looking to boost both style and sound.

Why it’s worth it:

• Better sound = more riding joy

• Slight performance gains

• Lighter than stock, which reduces weight

• Installation is doable with basic tools and some patience

Air Intake Upgrade

Feed the Beast More Air

Think of your Ryker’s engine like your teenage kid during a growth spurt—it’s hungry. And the more air it gets, the more power it can crank out. Upgrading the air intake system lets your Ryker breathe deeper, which improves throttle response and acceleration.

Recommended Option:
A K&N High-Flow Air Filter is a popular drop-in upgrade for the Ryker. It increases airflow while maintaining excellent filtration. Plus, it’s washable and reusable, making it more eco-friendly and budget-friendly in the long run.

Why it’s worth it:

• Inexpensive horsepower

• Easy install—5-minute job

• Boosts throttle response

• Pairs well with exhaust and ECU mods

Upgraded Sway Bar

Control Is King

Here’s where the nerdy-but-important stuff comes in. The Ryker is fun in the corners, but if you’ve ever taken a tight turn a little hot and felt the front end get squirrelly, you know that body roll is a thing. An upgraded sway bar can fix that.

Installing a performance sway bar (aka stabilizer bar) tightens up the front suspension, reducing that roll and giving you a more planted, confident ride—especially when you’re carving through twisties or dodging potholes like you're in a Mario Kart race.

Recommended Option:
The NBPerformance (NBP) Ryker Front Sway Bar Kit, BajaRon sway bar, or kits from LaMonster Garage are all top-tier options for improving front-end stiffness and responsiveness without sacrificing comfort.

Why it’s worth it:

• Less body roll = more confidence

• Better handling in curves and corners

• Feels like you’re riding on rails

• Especially helpful for 2-up riding or spirited day trips

ECU Tuning Module

Wake the Beast with a Flash

The Ryker 900 has plenty of grunt stock, but the ECU (engine control unit) is tuned from the factory with all kinds of restrictions for emissions and fuel efficiency. An aftermarket tuning module or ECU flash can unlock hidden power and optimize throttle response, fueling, and ignition timing.

Recommended Option:
The Dynojet Power Commander V is one of the most respected tuning modules for Ryker owners. It gives you full control over your fuel mapping and lets you fine-tune your ride to match your mods.

Why it’s worth it:

• Smoother power delivery

• Quicker throttle response

• Can improve MPG if tuned correctly

• Essential if you’ve done other performance mods

Heads up: If you’re not comfortable with tuning or you're worried about warranty implications, make sure to research your setup carefully or consult with a shop that specializes in Rykers. It’s a high-reward upgrade, but it deserves a bit of respect.

Upgraded Suspension

Because Stock Suspension is Like Wearing Flip-Flops to a Marathon

Let’s be real—Can-Am did a decent job with the Ryker’s stock suspension for casual riders. But if you’re pushing it a little harder, riding rough roads, or just want a better ride feel, upgraded shocks are a game changer.

Recommended Option:
Elka Suspension offers Stage 1 and Stage 2 shocks tailored to your weight, riding style, and terrain preferences. They’re designed specifically for the Ryker platform and offer a noticeable boost in ride quality, comfort, and handling.

Why it’s worth it:

• Improved ride comfort (less jarring over bumps)

• Better traction and control

• Customizable damping settings

• Great for 2-up or aggressive solo riding

If your ride quality feels like a wooden roller coaster at the county fair, this upgrade will change your world.

Final Thoughts

The Can-Am Ryker is already a blast to ride straight out of the crate, but it really shines when you start to make it yours. These performance upgrades aren't just about more speed or louder exhaust—they’re about control, comfort, and dialing in the ride to match your personality.

If you’re anything like me—someone who came to three wheels for the freedom, confidence, and let’s face it, some extra fun—then investing in your ride makes all the difference. You don’t need to go full race mode to feel the benefits. Start small, experiment, and enjoy the process.

Because at the end of the day, riding is about being present. It’s about soaking up every twist in the road and forgetting, for a moment, that laundry even exists.