So, you’re looking at the Can-Am DS 50 for your young rider, and the big question on your mind is, “Just how fast does this thing go?” It’s a question every responsible parent asks. You want something fun, but more importantly, you want something safe and controllable.
You’ve probably heard different numbers tossed around, and you’re wondering what the real story is. You need to know the facts, not just for peace of mind, but so you can make sure your child has the best and safest possible first experience on the trails.
We promise this guide will give you the definitive answer on the can am ds 50 top speed. We’ll break down its factory-set limits, show you exactly how to adjust it to match your child’s skill level, and walk you through the essential maintenance that keeps it running reliably. You’ll learn how to be the master of this machine’s performance, ensuring every ride is a safe one.
What is the Real Can Am DS 50 Top Speed?
Let’s cut right to the chase. Straight from the factory, the Can-Am DS 50 is designed to have a top speed of approximately 10 to 15 mph (16 to 24 km/h) on a flat, level surface.
If that sounds slow, that’s the point. Can-Am engineered this youth ATV specifically for riders aged six and up. The entire design philosophy revolves around safety, learning, and building confidence, not outright speed. The modest top speed is a feature, not a limitation.
The single most important feature controlling this speed is the built-in throttle limiter, which we’ll cover in detail next. This simple mechanism is what allows the DS 50 to grow with your child, transforming it from a gentle first-timer’s machine to a slightly more spirited ATV for a rider who has mastered the basics.
The Built-In Speed Limiter: Your Key to Safety & Control
The most powerful tool you have for managing the DS 50’s performance is already on the machine. The throttle limiter is a simple screw that physically prevents the thumb throttle from being pushed all the way. This is the heart of the machine’s safety system and your go-to for speed management.
What is the Throttle Limiter Screw?
Located on the throttle housing on the right handlebar, the throttle limiter is a long screw with a lock nut. When you turn the screw in (clockwise), it extends further into the housing, physically blocking the throttle lever from moving very far. This reduces the amount of fuel and air the engine gets, thus limiting the speed.
When you turn the screw out (counter-clockwise), it retracts, allowing the throttle lever more room to travel. This gives the rider access to more power and a higher top speed, up to its maximum of around 15 mph.
How to Adjust the Can Am DS 50 Top Speed for Your Rider
Adjusting the speed is a straightforward process that takes less than a minute. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide. This is one of the most important can am ds 50 top speed tips for any parent.
- Gather Your Tools: You will typically need two wrenches (often 10mm, but check your model’s owner’s manual) or a wrench and a Phillips head screwdriver, depending on the year. One tool holds the screw, and the other loosens the lock nut.
- Locate the Limiter: Find the throttle assembly on the right handlebar. You will see the screw and nut on the bottom or front of the housing.
- Loosen the Lock Nut: Use one wrench to hold the lock nut in place while you use the other tool to slightly turn the screw. Then, loosen the lock nut just enough so the main screw can turn freely.
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Set the Desired Speed:
- To decrease speed for a new rider, turn the main screw clockwise (in). For a true beginner, you can turn it almost all the way in, limiting the ATV to a walking pace.
- To increase speed for a more experienced rider, turn the main screw counter-clockwise (out). Do this in small increments, like a quarter-turn at a time.
- Tighten the Lock Nut: Once you’ve set the screw, hold it in place and securely tighten the lock nut against the housing. This is a critical step to prevent the screw from vibrating loose and changing the speed setting during a ride.
- Test and Re-adjust: Have your rider test the new setting in a safe, open area under your supervision. If it’s still too slow or too fast, repeat the process.
Best Practices for Setting the Speed
Following these can am ds 50 top speed best practices will ensure a safe and positive experience. Always start slower than you think is necessary. You can always give a rider more speed, but you can’t undo a crash from too much, too soon.
Assess your rider’s skill, not their age. A cautious 8-year-old may need a slower setting than a confident 6-year-old who has mastered the basics. The goal is control and confidence.
Common Problems Affecting DS 50 Performance & Speed
Is your DS 50 running rough or failing to reach its expected speed even with the limiter backed out? Before you suspect a major issue, check these common culprits. These are the most frequent common problems with can am ds 50 top speed that we see in the shop.
Clogged Carburetor
The small passages in a 50cc carburetor are highly susceptible to clogging from stale fuel, especially modern ethanol-blended gasoline. If the ATV has been sitting for more than a month, this is the first place to look.
Symptoms: Hard starting, won’t idle without choke, bogging down on acceleration, or a lack of power.
Solution: The best fix is to remove and thoroughly clean the carburetor jets with carb cleaner and compressed air. To prevent this, always use a fuel stabilizer if the ATV will sit for more than a few weeks.
Dirty Air Filter
Your ATV’s engine needs to breathe. A dirty, clogged air filter restricts airflow, essentially choking the engine and robbing it of power. This is especially true if you ride in dusty or muddy conditions.
Symptoms: Sluggish performance, black smoke from the exhaust, and reduced top speed.
Solution: The foam air filter on the DS 50 is easy to access. Remove it, wash it with soap and water, let it dry completely, and then re-oil it with proper foam filter oil. Check it before every ride.
Worn or Fouled Spark Plug
The spark plug is a small but mighty component. A plug that is old, covered in carbon (fouled), or has an incorrect gap won’t produce a strong spark, leading to poor combustion and lost power.
Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfiring, and a general lack of crisp throttle response.
Solution: Spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to replace. Check it regularly for buildup. It’s good practice to replace it at the beginning of each riding season. You’ll need a basic spark plug socket to do the job.
A Responsible Can Am DS 50 Top Speed Care Guide
The best way to ensure your DS 50 runs safely and reliably is through consistent, preventative maintenance. This can am ds 50 top speed care guide isn’t about making it faster; it’s about making it work correctly every time you turn the key.
The Pre-Ride Checklist
Before every single ride, take 60 seconds to perform a quick check. A great acronym to remember is T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands), adapted for an ATV:
- Tires: Check the pressure. Low tires can make the ATV unstable and rob power.
- Controls: Check the throttle and brakes. Ensure the throttle snaps back crisply and the brake levers are firm.
- Oil: Check the engine oil level using the dipstick.
- Chassis: Check the chain for proper tension (about 1 inch of slack) and give it a quick lube. Look for any loose nuts or bolts.
Fuel and Oil Best Practices
Use fresh gasoline (87 octane is fine) whenever possible. If you can find ethanol-free gas, it’s even better for small engines. As mentioned, if the fuel will sit for more than 3-4 weeks, add a quality fuel stabilizer.
Use the 4-stroke engine oil recommended in your owner’s manual and change it according to the service schedule. Clean oil is the lifeblood of your engine.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Riding
Part of responsible ownership includes caring for the environment you ride in. A well-maintained engine is a more eco-friendly can am ds 50 top speed practice, as it burns cleaner and uses fuel more efficiently. Always dispose of used oil and fluids at a proper recycling facility. Teach your young rider to stay on designated trails to protect wildlife and prevent erosion, ensuring a sustainable can am ds 50 top speed experience for generations to come.
Thinking About More Speed? A Realistic Look at Performance Mods
Inevitably, the question comes up: “Can I make it faster?” While the technical answer is yes, the real-world answer is more complicated. This is a critical part of our can am ds 50 top speed guide.
The Big Question: Should You Modify a DS 50?
For 99% of owners, the answer is no. The DS 50’s frame, suspension, and brakes are engineered for a 15 mph top speed and a rider under a certain weight. Significantly increasing the power can overwhelm these systems, making the ATV dangerously unstable and difficult to stop.
Remember, the next step up isn’t a modification; it’s a bigger machine like the DS 90. These youth ATVs are designed as stepping stones. Once a rider has truly outgrown the DS 50’s capabilities (not just its speed), it’s time to move up to the next size, which has the upgraded chassis and brakes to handle more power.
Common (But Risky) Modifications
If you search online, you might see people talk about aftermarket exhausts, bigger carburetor jets, or performance air filters. While these can add a small amount of power, they often come with significant downsides:
- Loud Exhausts: Can be obnoxious and get you kicked off riding areas.
- Re-jetting Carbs: Can be very difficult to tune correctly, leading to a poorly running engine.
- Performance Intakes: May let in more dirt and require more frequent maintenance.
The best “performance mod” you can invest in is rider training. Proper body positioning, braking technique, and throttle control will make your child a faster and safer rider on any machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am DS 50 Top Speed
How fast does a Can Am DS 50 go from the factory?
The Can Am DS 50 is factory-limited to a top speed of about 10-15 mph. This speed is easily adjustable downwards to a slow walking pace using the built-in throttle limiter screw, making it ideal for absolute beginners.
Is the Can Am DS 50 a 2-stroke or 4-stroke?
The Can Am DS 50 features a reliable, air-cooled, 49cc 4-stroke engine. This is great news for parents, as it means you don’t have to worry about mixing oil with the gasoline. Just fill it with regular unleaded fuel.
How do I make my Can Am DS 50 safer for a brand new rider?
The best way is to use the throttle limiter screw. Turn it clockwise until the ATV moves at a speed you are comfortable with. Also, ensure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet, goggles, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. Always supervise them in a wide-open area away from obstacles.
Can an adult ride a Can Am DS 50?
No. The DS 50 is designed for children aged 6 and up and has a strict weight limit (check your manual, but it’s typically around 100-130 lbs). An adult’s weight will over-stress the frame, suspension, and brakes, making it unsafe to ride and causing premature wear on the machine.
The Can-Am DS 50 is a fantastic machine designed with one primary goal: to introduce young riders to the world of off-roading safely. Its top speed is a feature, not a bug, and your ability to control it is its greatest strength.
Focus on proper maintenance and rider skill development. By using the throttle limiter and teaching good habits, you’re not just controlling your child’s speed—you’re building the foundation for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable riding.
Now, get those tools out, do your pre-ride check, and go make some dusty memories. Ride safe!
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