Getting your young rider on their first ATV is a huge moment. The smile on their face as they master the trails on a 2019 Can-Am DS 90 is priceless. But with that fun comes the responsibility of keeping their machine safe, reliable, and ready for every adventure.
You don’t need to be a master mechanic to handle the basics. We promise to give you the expert insights and practical steps you need to maintain, troubleshoot, and truly understand this fantastic youth ATV.
In this complete 2019 can-am ds 90 guide, we’ll walk you through pre-ride checks, essential maintenance, how to spot common problems, and the best practices to keep it running like new for years to come. Let’s get those hands dirty!
First Things First: Your Essential Pre-Ride Safety Checklist
Before any ride, no matter how short, a quick walk-around can prevent a ruined day or a dangerous situation. It takes five minutes, but it’s the most important maintenance you’ll ever perform. We call it the “T-CLOCS” check, a simple way to remember the essentials.
T — Tires & Wheels
Start at the ground level. A youth ATV tire doesn’t need much pressure, but the correct pressure is critical for stability and control. Grab a low-pressure tire gauge for this job.
- Pressure: Check that all tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall or in your owner’s manual.
- Damage: Look for any cuts, punctures, or bald spots in the tread.
- Wheels: Wiggle each wheel to check for loose lug nuts or wobbly wheel bearings.
C — Controls & Cables
Your rider’s connection to the machine is through the controls. Make sure they operate smoothly and predictably.
- Levers: Squeeze the front and rear brake levers. They should feel firm, not spongy, and move without sticking.
- Throttle: Twist the throttle. It should snap back crisply into place when you let go. A sticky throttle is extremely dangerous.
- Cables: Visually inspect the throttle and brake cables for any kinks, frays, or damage.
L — Lights & Electrics
Even though the DS 90 is a simple machine, a few key electrical components need to work every time.
- Kill Switch: Test the engine kill switch and the tether cord pull-switch to ensure they both shut off the engine instantly. This is a critical safety feature.
- Neutral Light: Make sure the neutral indicator light on the display works correctly.
O — Oil & Fuel
Fluids are the lifeblood of your engine. Running low can cause catastrophic damage in minutes.
- Fuel Level: A simple visual check. Always start a ride with plenty of fuel.
- Engine Oil: With the ATV on level ground, unscrew the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert it without screwing it in, and pull it out again to check the level. It should be between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ marks.
C & S — Chassis & Suspension
Give the entire frame and drivetrain a once-over. This is where you’ll spot things that have rattled loose.
- Chain: Check the chain tension. It should have about an inch of up-and-down play. Too tight wears out sprockets; too loose and it can fall off.
- Fasteners: Look for any loose nuts or bolts on the suspension, handlebars, and engine mounts.
- Frame: Do a quick visual check for any cracks or damage, especially after a rough ride or tumble.
The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Drivetrain Care for the 2019 Can-Am DS 90
Consistent engine maintenance is one of the best 2019 can-am ds 90 best practices to ensure a long, trouble-free life for the ATV. These are simple jobs you can easily tackle in your garage on a Saturday morning.
How to Perform an Oil Change
Changing the oil is the number one task in any good 2019 can-am ds 90 care guide. It keeps the engine lubricated, clean, and cool. Aim to do this every 10-15 hours of ride time or at least once a season.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and the correct type and amount of 4-stroke ATV oil (check your manual for specs, usually 10W-40).
- Warm It Up: Run the engine for 2-3 minutes. This warms the oil, making it flow out easier.
- Drain the Old Oil: Place the drain pan under the engine and remove the drain bolt. Let the old oil drain completely.
- Replace the Bolt: Clean the drain bolt and reinstall it. Don’t overtighten it! Just snug is enough.
- Add New Oil: Remove the dipstick/fill cap and use a funnel to add the correct amount of fresh oil. Check the level with the dipstick to ensure it’s right.
Air Filter Maintenance: Let It Breathe!
An ATV breathes through its air filter. In dusty, off-road conditions, this filter gets clogged fast, choking the engine and robbing it of power.
Simply remove the seat, open the airbox cover, and pull out the foam filter. Clean it with a dedicated foam air filter cleaner and warm water. Once it’s completely dry, apply a light, even coat of foam filter oil. Squeeze out the excess, and it’s ready to go back in.
Chain and Sprocket Care
A neglected chain will wear out quickly and can even break, ending a ride instantly. After every wash, or every few rides, apply a quality chain lube specifically for O-ring chains. Spray it on the inside of the chain while you slowly rotate the rear wheels. This ensures the lube gets into the rollers where it’s needed most.
Stopping Power and Smooth Rides: Brakes, Suspension, and Tires
Control and comfort are just as important as engine power. Keeping the chassis components in top shape is key to a safe and enjoyable ride. Here are some key 2019 can-am ds 90 tips for the running gear.
Brake System Inspection
The DS 90 uses mechanical drum brakes, which are simple and effective. The main thing to check is the cable free play at the levers. There should be a small amount of slack before the brakes begin to engage. You can adjust this with the barrel adjusters on the brake levers or down at the brake drums themselves. Ensure both front and rear brakes engage firmly.
Tire Pressure is Everything
We mentioned it in the pre-ride check, but it’s worth repeating. Running the correct tire pressure offers the biggest benefits of 2019 can-am ds 90 handling. Too high, and the ride is harsh with poor traction. Too low, and the steering feels heavy and you risk popping a tire off the bead. A reliable 1-15 PSI gauge is a must-have tool.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with the 2019 Can-Am DS 90
Even with perfect maintenance, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing the most frequent issues you might encounter.
Issue: The ATV Won’t Start or Cranks Slowly
This is the most common problem. Follow this simple diagnostic path before you panic.
- Is the Kill Switch Off? Check both the handlebar switch and the tether cord. It’s the #1 reason for a no-start condition.
- Is it in Neutral? The DS 90 has a neutral safety switch and won’t start in gear. Make sure the green light is on.
- Is the Fuel Valve On? The petcock (fuel valve) under the tank has ON, OFF, and RES (reserve) settings. Make sure it’s set to ON.
- Battery Check: If it cranks slowly or just clicks, the battery is likely dead. Put it on a trickle charger. Check that the terminals are clean and tight.
Issue: The Engine Bogs Down or Lacks Power
If the ATV starts but runs poorly, it’s almost always a breathing or fuel issue.
- Clogged Air Filter: As we covered, this is the most likely culprit. A dirty filter will make it run rich and bog down. Clean or replace it.
- Old or Bad Fuel: Gas can go bad in as little as a month. If the ATV has been sitting, drain the old fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl and refill with fresh gas.
- Clogged Spark Arrestor: The exhaust has a screen called a spark arrestor that can get clogged with carbon. Removing and cleaning it with a wire brush can restore lost power. This is an often-overlooked step.
Pro Tip: If these steps don’t solve the issue, the carburetor’s pilot jet may be clogged. Cleaning a carb can be tricky for beginners. If you’re not comfortable, this is a good time to call a professional mechanic.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Riding: Best Practices for the Trail
Part of being a responsible off-roader is protecting the trails we love. Teaching your young rider these habits early is a gift to the entire community. This is how to approach a sustainable 2019 can-am ds 90 ownership experience.
A core part of being an eco-friendly 2019 can-am ds 90 owner is managing waste. When you do an oil change, be sure to take the used oil to an auto parts store or local recycling center. Never dump it on the ground or in the trash.
When washing the ATV, try to do it on a grassy area away from drains to prevent oily runoff from entering waterways. And most importantly, always follow the “Tread Lightly!” principle: stay on designated trails, avoid sensitive areas like mud bogs and streams, and pack out everything you pack in.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Can-Am DS 90
What kind of oil does a 2019 Can-Am DS 90 use?
The 2019 DS 90 uses a 4-stroke 10W-40 ATV/motorcycle oil. It’s important to use oil specifically designed for wet clutches, even though the DS 90 has a CVT, as these oils have additives that are beneficial for engine and transmission components.
How fast can the 2019 Can-Am DS 90 go?
The DS 90 has a built-in throttle limiter screw that allows parents to restrict the top speed. Unrestricted, the top speed is around 15 mph, but you can limit it down to a walking pace for new riders, making it an incredibly safe platform to learn on.
Is the DS 90 hard to maintain for a beginner?
Not at all! It’s one of the easiest ATVs to maintain. The air-cooled engine, simple drum brakes, and straightforward chain drive were designed for simplicity. The tasks in this guide cover 90% of what you’ll ever need to do and are perfect for a DIYer.
Can I use regular car oil in my DS 90?
It’s highly recommended that you do not. Automotive oils contain friction modifiers that are not designed for the shared engine/transmission systems in powersports vehicles. Stick with a quality powersports-specific 10W-40 oil to ensure a long engine life.
Taking care of your young rider’s 2019 Can-Am DS 90 is a rewarding experience that teaches responsibility and basic mechanical skills. By following this guide, you can ensure every ride is safe, fun, and trouble-free.
Get those tools out, keep that machine in top shape, and watch your young rider build a lifetime of memories. Stay safe and have a blast on the trails!
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