2021 Can-Am Ds 90 – The Ultimate Owner’S Guide To Maintenance

So, you’ve got a 2021 Can-Am DS 90 in the garage, or you’re thinking about getting one for a young rider in the family. It’s a fantastic little machine that serves as a perfect gateway into the thrilling world of off-roading, built with safety and fun in mind.

But like any piece of off-road equipment, its performance and longevity depend entirely on how you care for it. You want to spend more time on the trails and less time scratching your head over a non-starting engine or a slipping chain.

We promise this comprehensive guide will give you the confidence to handle essential maintenance, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure every ride is a safe one. We’ll walk you through pre-ride checks, a DIY care guide, common problems, and best practices to keep that youth ATV running like a champ for years to come.

Meet the 2021 Can-Am DS 90: More Than Just a Starter ATV

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s appreciate what this machine is. The 2021 Can-Am DS 90 is designed specifically for riders aged 10 and up. It’s not just a toy; it’s a genuine All-Terrain Vehicle engineered with features from its bigger BRP siblings, just scaled down for safety and accessibility.

Its 90cc four-stroke engine provides manageable power, and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) means no shifting gears—just press the throttle and go. This simplicity is one of the key benefits of the 2021 Can-Am DS 90, as it allows new riders to focus on fundamentals like steering, braking, and body position.

Key Features That Matter

Electric Start with Backup Kick-Start: Makes starting easy for kids, but the kick-start is a great backup for a weak battery on the trail.
Built-in Throttle Limiter: This is a critical safety feature. It allows parents to restrict the top speed to match their child’s skill level.
Long-Travel Suspension: With an independent A-arm front suspension, it handles bumps and ruts surprisingly well, providing a stable and confidence-inspiring ride.
Full Floorboards: These offer excellent protection for a young rider’s feet, keeping them away from the wheels and trail debris.

Your Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist: The 5-Minute Safety Habit

Never, ever skip the pre-ride check. This is one of the most important 2021 Can-Am DS 90 best practices you can adopt. It takes five minutes and can prevent a mechanical failure that could ruin a day or, worse, cause an injury. We use a version of the T-CLOCS checklist used by motorcyclists.

T — Tires & Wheels: Check the tire pressure with a low-pressure gauge (most youth ATVs run 3-5 PSI). Look for any cuts or embedded objects. Grab each wheel and check for wobbly bearings.
C — Controls & Cables: Squeeze the brake levers. They should feel firm, not spongy. Make sure the throttle snaps back crisply when you release it. A sticky throttle is extremely dangerous.
L — Lights & Electrics: Test the headlight and taillight. Make sure the tethered kill switch (engine cut-off cord) works properly. It’s a key safety feature.
O — Oil & Fluids: Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. The quad should be on level ground. Look under the machine for any new drips or leaks.
C — Chain & Chassis: Inspect the drive chain. It should have about 1 inch of slack. Look for tight spots or heavy rust. Check that major nuts and bolts on the frame, suspension, and handlebars are tight.

The Essential 2021 Can-Am DS 90 Care Guide: DIY Maintenance

Following a solid maintenance schedule is the core of this 2021 Can-Am DS 90 care guide. These are the simple, repeatable tasks that will keep the engine happy and the wheels turning. You don’t need a full workshop, just a few basic tools and a little time.

Changing the Engine Oil

Clean oil is the lifeblood of that 90cc engine. Do this after the initial break-in period (around 10 hours) and then every 15-20 hours of riding after that, or at least once a season.

Tools Needed: Ratchet with a 17mm socket, drain pan, funnel, 10W-40 ATV/Motorcycle oil.
Step 1: Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes. This helps the oil drain completely.
Step 2: Place the drain pan under the engine and remove the drain bolt on the bottom of the engine case. Let the oil drain fully.
Step 3: Clean and reinstall the drain bolt. Don’t overtighten it! Just snug is enough.
Step 4: Remove the dipstick/fill cap and add the correct amount of new oil (check your owner’s manual, but it’s usually around 0.8 quarts). Check the level with the dipstick.

Cleaning the Air Filter

An ATV breathes through its air filter. A dirty filter chokes the engine, robbing it of power and potentially causing internal damage. Check it after every few rides, especially in dusty conditions.

Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, foam air filter cleaner, foam air filter oil.
Step 1: Remove the seat to access the airbox. Unscrew the airbox cover.
Step 2: Carefully remove the foam filter. Be sure no dirt falls into the air intake.
Step 3: Wash the filter thoroughly with a designated foam filter cleaner and water. Let it dry completely.
Step 4: Apply fresh foam filter oil, working it into the foam evenly until it’s tacky but not dripping. Reinstall everything.

Chain Care: Clean, Lube, Adjust

A neglected chain will wear out sprockets and can even break. This is a crucial part of how to care for your 2021 Can-Am DS 90.

First, clean the chain with a chain-specific cleaner and a soft brush. Then, apply a quality chain lube while slowly rotating the rear wheels. Finally, check the tension. You should be able to move it up and down about an inch midway between the sprockets. Adjust as needed using the carrier bolts near the rear axle.

Common Problems with the 2021 Can-Am DS 90 and How to Fix Them

Even with great care, you might run into issues. Here are some of the most common problems with the 2021 Can-Am DS 90 and the simple things to check first.

Problem: Engine Cranks but Won’t Start

Parking Brake: The DS 90 has a safety switch. The parking brake must be engaged for the electric start to work. Check this first!
Kill Switch: Make sure the handlebar kill switch is in the “ON” position and the tether cord cap is properly seated.
Fuel: Is there fresh gas in the tank? Is the fuel petcock turned to “ON”? Old gas can cause starting issues.
Spark Plug: A fouled or old spark plug is a common culprit. Pull it out and check its condition. A new NGK CR7HSA plug is cheap insurance.

Problem: ATV Bogs Down or Loses Power

Dirty Air Filter: This is the #1 cause. If the engine can’t breathe, it can’t make power. Clean it (see above).
Clogged Carburetor Jet: If the ATV has sat for a while with old fuel, the tiny jets in the carburetor can get clogged. This often requires a carburetor cleaning. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s a quick job for a local powersports mechanic.
Water in Fuel: Did you recently ride through deep water or leave the gas cap loose in the rain? You may need to drain the fuel tank and carburetor float bowl.

Smart Riding: 2021 Can-Am DS 90 Tips for Young Riders

Owning the machine is only half the equation. Teaching safe and responsible riding habits is paramount. This is a core part of any good 2021 Can-Am DS 90 guide.

ATGATT: All The Gear, All The Time. This is non-negotiable. A certified helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt, and long pants are required for every single ride.
Start with the Throttle Limiter. Use the screw on the throttle housing to limit the speed. As the rider’s skill and confidence grow, you can gradually increase it.
Practice in an Open Area. Before hitting trails, spend hours in a flat, open field practicing starts, stops, and turns. Set up cones to create a small course.
Look Ahead. Teach riders to look far down the trail where they want to go, not directly in front of the ATV. This helps with balance and obstacle avoidance.

Eco-Friendly Off-Roading: Sustainable 2021 Can-Am DS 90 Practices

Being part of the off-road community means being a steward of the land we love to ride on. Adopting eco-friendly 2021 Can-Am DS 90 habits ensures trails stay open for future generations.

A key principle is to follow Tread Lightly! guidelines. This means staying on designated trails, crossing streams only at marked crossings, and being mindful of wildlife.

When performing maintenance, practice being a sustainable 2021 Can-Am DS 90 owner. Use a drain pan for all fluid changes and take used oil to an auto parts store or recycling center. Never dump fluids on the ground. Consider using biodegradable chain lubes and cleaners where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Can-Am DS 90

What is the top speed of a 2021 Can-Am DS 90?

Unrestricted, the DS 90 can reach speeds of approximately 25-30 mph on a flat surface. However, its key safety feature is the built-in throttle limiter, which allows a parent to reduce the top speed to as low as 10 mph for beginners.

Does the 2021 Can-Am DS 90 have a reverse gear?

No, the DS 90 is a forward-only machine. Its CVT transmission is simplified to Forward-Neutral. This is common for youth ATVs in this class to reduce complexity for new riders.

What kind of fuel should I use in the DS 90?

The 2021 Can-Am DS 90 runs perfectly fine on regular 87 octane unleaded gasoline. It is highly recommended to use ethanol-free fuel if available, or at least use a fuel stabilizer if the ATV will sit for more than a few weeks. This prevents carburetor issues.

The 2021 Can-Am DS 90 is a fantastic machine for creating a lifetime of memories. By investing a little time in these maintenance tasks and safety practices, you ensure that those memories are all good ones. It’s about empowering yourself with the knowledge to keep your gear in top shape.

Now, get those tools out, run through that checklist, and get ready for your next adventure. Stay safe and have fun on the trails!

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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.