So, you finally pulled the trigger on a set of SuperATV’s GDP Portals. Whether you went with 4, 6, or 8 inches, portals completely change the way your machine looks and performs. You get more ground clearance, room for larger tires, and a gear reduction. You really can’t beat that!
Once you get your portals installed, you’re probably wondering the same thing that other riders with portals wonder—“what else should I upgrade?” Honestly, you don’t necessarily need a whole bunch of extra accessories to enjoy your portals. There are plenty of riders who slap them on and take off, which is okay, but the truth is it really depends on how you ride.
We’re going through the best upgrades that enhance your portal experience. Let’s break it down.
Let’s start out with the most basic upgrade. Trust us, you’ll be so happy you listened. SuperATV’s Portal Gear Lift Install Kit comes with everything you need for your initial install.
What it includes:
While it’s not the flashiest purchase and you can’t show it off, it’s one that you seriously won’t regret.
Yes, the install kit comes with some portal blood, but it’s only enough to get you set up. It’s always good to have extra on hand because proper maintenance for your portals is essential to keep them running properly.
Fresh oil helps keep everything running smoothly. If you ride in deep mud, water, or other nasty conditions, you’ll especially appreciate having some extra fluid in the garage when it’s time for maintenance.
It’s one of those purchases future you will thank yourself for.
A SuperATV Frame Stiffener is kind of a must-have when you get portals—especially with 8”. While it won’t cause damage or anything if you don’t have one, it’s always good to have that extra support, especially if you’re going with bigger tires or heavier add-ons.
Once you start adding more weight and traction, your machine naturally sees more stress during hard riding. That doesn’t mean portals are unsafe or that your frame can’t handle them. Tons of riders run portals without adding any reinforcement at all.
That being said, if you ride hard, hit mud every weekend, carry extra gear, or just like building an over-the-top machine, a frame stiffener can add some extra confidence and support.
One of the first things a lot of riders do after installing portals is move up to bigger tires. While portals help you get back lost torque and takes some strain off the drivetrain, larger tires can still put extra demand on your clutch and drive belt—especially in deep mud, sand, rocks, or other tough terrain.
That’s why carrying a spare drive belt is always a smart move. If you ride hard, having an extra SuperATV Drive Belt in your toolbox can save a ride pretty quickly.
It’s not about portals being hard on belts. It’s more about the kind of riding and tire setup that often goes along with portals that puts strain on your drive belt.
If you’re running 8” portals, track bars are definitely worth looking into. Adding portals, big tires, and other larger accessories can cause some strain on your suspension because of all of the weight. SuperATV’s Track Bars give your suspension more support which gives you more confidence when you ride.
That doesn’t mean 8” portals handle poorly without them. A lot of riders are perfectly happy with their setup as is. Track bars are just another way to ensure some extra support.
If you’re planning to run bigger tires with your GDP Portals, a SuperATV Clutch Kit is definitely worth considering. While GDP Portals help restore lost power through gear reduction, larger tires and tougher terrain can still make your clutch system work harder than normal.
A clutch kit can help improve throttle response, power delivery, and overall drivability—especially in mud, sand, rocks, or other tough conditions. Many riders also like the smoother engagement and improved low-end feel.
It’s not something every rider needs, but if you’re building a more aggressive setup or just want to fine-tune performance, a clutch kit pairs really well with portals.
Once you add portals, bigger tires, and extra accessories, your machine can start to feel a little different than stock. That’s why a lot of riders eventually look at upgrading their shocks to help fine-tune ride quality and handling.
Upgraded suspension components can help your machine feel more controlled in rough terrain while also improving comfort on long rides. Some riders prefer stiffer springs for added support, while others go with premium shocks for better damping and adjustability.
It’s not a necessary upgrade for every portal build, but if you’re carrying extra weight or pushing your machine harder than before, upgraded shocks and springs can make a noticeable difference.
GDP Portals really just speak for themselves. Once they’re installed, you immediately notice the extra ground clearance, improved capability with larger tires, and the overall change in how your machine tackles tough terrain. For a lot of riders, that’s already the perfect setup right out of the gate.
From there, supporting upgrades are really just about dialing things in. You can refine how the whole build feels and holds up over time. At the end of the day, portals are the star of the show. Everything else is optional add-ons that help you customize the experience and get even more out of an already impressive setup.
You can find the upgrades we mentioned at SuperATV, plus many more accessories to help get the most out of your machine.
Disclaimer: This article was written by an employee of SuperATV. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this blog are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of SuperATV. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as safety advice or official technical guidance. Modifying vehicles and using aftermarket parts can impact performance and safety. Readers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, compatibility, and safe operation. SuperATV makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on it.
