2021 Can-Am Ds 70 – The Ultimate Maintenance And Rider'S Guide

Getting a young rider their first ATV is a huge moment. You see the excitement in their eyes, and you can’t wait to hit the trails together. But with that excitement comes a big responsibility: keeping their machine safe, reliable, and ready for adventure. You’ve got the 2021 Can-Am DS 70, a fantastic starter quad, but now you’re wondering what it really takes to keep it in top shape.

You’re in the right place. We promise this guide will cut through the confusion and give you the confidence to handle the essentials yourself. We’re not just going to list specs; we’re going to give you a real-world, hands-on playbook for ownership.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything from the crucial pre-ride safety checks and basic maintenance you can do in your garage to troubleshooting common issues and setting up the ATV for your young rider’s safety. Let’s get wrenching.

First Look: What Makes the 2021 Can-Am DS 70 Special?

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s appreciate what makes this little machine a great choice. Can-Am designed the DS 70 specifically for riders aged six and up, focusing on building confidence and making the learning process fun and safe.

The core of the machine is a simple but reliable 70cc four-stroke engine. It’s air-cooled, which means fewer complex parts like radiators and coolant to worry about. This is one of the key benefits of the 2021 Can-Am DS 70 for parents who are also new to ATV maintenance.

Key features that stand out include:

Automatic CVT Transmission: This means no shifting gears. Your young rider can just focus on the throttle, brakes, and steering. It’s a simple “gas and go” setup.
Electric Start: A simple push-button start makes getting going easy and frustration-free. There’s also a backup kick-starter, just in case.
Built-in Throttle Limiter: This is a non-negotiable safety feature. It’s a simple screw adjustment that allows you to limit the machine’s top speed to match your child’s skill level.
Long-Travel Suspension: It might be a small ATV, but it has proper suspension that can soak up bumps on the trail, providing a more stable and comfortable ride.

These features combine to create a package that’s approachable for kids and reassuring for parents. It’s the perfect platform to build a lifelong love for off-roading.

The Essential 2021 Can-Am DS 70 Care Guide: Pre-Ride Checks

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: perform a pre-ride check every single time. It takes five minutes, and it’s the single best thing you can do to prevent a mechanical issue from ruining a fun day or causing an accident. This is one of the most important 2021 can-am ds 70 best practices.

We use a modified version of the motorcycle “T-CLOCS” checklist. It’s easy to remember and covers all the critical systems.

Tires, Controls, and Chassis

Start with a walk-around. Look at the ATV’s general stance. Does anything look bent, broken, or out of place?

Tires & Wheels: Check the tire pressure with a low-pressure gauge. The recommended pressure is written on the tire’s sidewall. Look for any cuts, punctures, or damage. Grab each wheel and try to wiggle it—there shouldn’t be any excessive play.
Controls & Cables: Squeeze the brake levers. They should feel firm, not spongy. Test the throttle—it must snap back to idle crisply when you let go. A sticky throttle is extremely dangerous. Check the kill switch to ensure it works.
Chassis & Suspension: Visually inspect the frame for any cracks. Push down on the front and rear of the ATV to check the suspension. It should compress and rebound smoothly. Check the chain for the correct tension; you should have about an inch of up-and-down play in the middle.

Lights, Oil, and Fuel

Now, let’s check the fluids and electrical components.

Lights & Electrics: Turn the key on. The neutral light should illuminate. Test the electric start button. While not equipped with headlights, ensuring the basic electrical system is working is crucial.
Oil & Fluids: With the ATV on level ground, unscrew the dipstick (located on the right side of the engine), wipe it clean, re-insert it without screwing it in, and pull it out again. The oil level should be between the high and low marks.
Fuel: Make sure the fuel valve is turned to the “ON” position and that you have plenty of fresh fuel in the tank. Old, stale gas is a primary cause of running issues.

How to Perform Basic Maintenance on Your 2021 Can-Am DS 70

Ready to get your hands dirty? This simple maintenance will keep your DS 70 running like a top. This is a practical, how to 2021 can-am ds 70 guide for the average garage mechanic. You’ll need some basic tools like a socket set, screwdrivers, and a drain pan.

Changing the Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your ATV. Changing it regularly is critical. Aim to do this after the first 10 hours of break-in, and then every 20-25 hours of riding after that.

Warm up the engine for a few minutes to help the oil drain easily.
Place an oil drain pan under the engine. The drain plug is on the bottom of the engine case.
Remove the 17mm drain plug and let all the old oil drain out completely.
Clean the drain plug and reinstall it. Don’t overtighten it! Just snug is good.
Unscrew the black plastic dipstick/fill cap.
Using a funnel, slowly add the recommended amount of fresh 10W-40 ATV oil (check your owner’s manual for the exact capacity, but it’s less than a quart).
Re-check the level with the dipstick and adjust as needed.

Cleaning and Oiling the Air Filter

A clean air filter is essential for performance and engine longevity, especially in dusty off-road conditions.

The air filter is located in a black box under the seat. Remove the seat and the airbox cover.
Carefully remove the foam air filter. Be sure no dirt falls into the air intake.
Wash the filter using foam air filter cleaner and warm water. Gently squeeze it out—never wring or twist it, as this can tear the foam.
Let the filter dry completely. This is very important.
Once dry, apply foam filter oil evenly. It should be fully saturated but not dripping. Squeeze out any excess.
Reinstall the filter and the airbox cover.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with the 2021 Can-Am DS 70

Even with great care, you might run into an issue. Here are some common problems with the 2021 Can-Am DS 70 and how to diagnose them.

Engine Won’t Start

This is the most common complaint. Before you panic, run through this simple checklist:

Is the kill switch in the “RUN” position? It’s easy to bump it by accident.
Is the fuel valve “ON”? Another simple one that gets overlooked.
Is the ATV in neutral? Most youth ATVs have a safety switch that prevents starting in gear.
Is the battery charged? If the electric start clicks or cranks slowly, the battery is likely low. Try the kick-starter.

Engine Bogs Down or Runs Poorly

If the ATV starts but sputters or lacks power, the culprit is usually related to fuel or air.

Dirty Air Filter: As we covered, a clogged filter will choke the engine. This is the first thing to check.
Old or Bad Fuel: Gasoline can go bad in as little as a month. If the ATV has been sitting, drain the old fuel and put fresh stuff in.
Clogged Carburetor Jet: The small passages in the carburetor can get clogged by debris or old fuel. Cleaning a carburetor is a more involved job, but often necessary if the above steps don’t solve the problem.

Safety First: 2021 Can-Am DS 70 Best Practices

Owning this ATV is as much about teaching safety as it is about having fun. Here are some crucial 2021 can-am ds 70 tips for setting up the machine and your rider for success.

Setting the Throttle Limiter

On the right-side handlebar, inside the throttle housing, there is a simple screw. Turning this screw in physically prevents the throttle lever from being pushed all the way. This limits the ATV’s top speed. Start with it turned almost all the way in for a walking pace, and gradually back it out as your rider’s skills and confidence grow.

The Importance of Proper Riding Gear

This is non-negotiable. Every ride, every time, your child should be wearing:

A DOT-approved helmet that fits snugly.
Goggles to protect their eyes from dust, rocks, and branches.
Over-the-ankle boots for ankle support and protection.
Gloves for better grip and protection.
A long-sleeve shirt and durable pants.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly 2021 Can-Am DS 70 Ownership

Being part of the off-road community means being a good steward of the land. A sustainable 2021 Can-Am DS 70 experience is about respecting the environment and our trails.

When performing maintenance, always capture used fluids like engine oil in a sealed container. Most auto parts stores will accept used oil for recycling free of charge. Never dump it on the ground or down a drain.

When washing the ATV, consider using a biodegradable, eco-friendly 2021 Can-Am DS 70 cleaning solution to minimize impact. On the trail, always follow the “Tread Lightly” principles: stay on marked trails, avoid sensitive areas like wetlands, and pack out everything you pack in. Teaching these habits early creates a responsible rider for life.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Can-Am DS 70

What is the top speed of the 2021 Can-Am DS 70?

The top speed is restricted from the factory to 15 mph (24 km/h). The throttle limiter allows parents to reduce this speed further, down to a walking pace if needed.

What kind of fuel should I use in the DS 70?

Use fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Avoid using fuel with more than 10% ethanol (E10), as it can damage fuel system components over time.

How often should I change the oil?

The first oil change is crucial and should be done after the initial break-in period (around 10 hours). After that, a good rule of thumb is every 6 months or every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first.

Is the 2021 Can-Am DS 70 hard to maintain?

No, it’s one of the easiest ATVs to maintain. The air-cooled, four-stroke engine and simple chain-drive system make routine tasks like oil changes, air filter cleaning, and chain adjustments very straightforward, even for a beginner DIY mechanic.

The 2021 Can-Am DS 70 is an incredible machine for introducing a young rider to the world of off-roading. It’s built to be safe, reliable, and, most importantly, fun.

By following this guide, you can confidently handle its basic needs, ensuring it’s always ready for the next adventure. Remember that consistent pre-ride checks and routine maintenance are the keys to a long-lasting, trouble-free experience.

Now get out in the garage, share these moments with your young rider, and get ready to make some memories on the trail. Stay safe and happy wrenching!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.