So, your young rider has finally mastered their Can-Am DS 90. They’ve got the hang of throttle control, braking, and turning, but you’re starting to notice the little ATV just doesn’t have the pep it used to. You’re probably wondering about the can am ds 90 top speed without limiter and how you can safely unlock a bit more performance to match their growing skills.
You’ve come to the right place. Many parents reach this exact crossroads, wanting to give their kids more of a challenge without immediately jumping to a larger, more expensive machine. The good news is that the DS 90 is designed to grow with your rider, and its factory restrictions can be adjusted.
In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to break down everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to identify and adjust the limiters, the crucial follow-up tuning steps many people miss, and how to manage the new performance responsibly. Let’s get that little quad running the way it was meant to for a more experienced rider.
What’s Really Limiting Your Can-Am DS 90? Understanding the Factory Restrictions
Before you grab your tools, it’s vital to understand what you’re adjusting. Can-Am installs these limiters for a very important reason: safety. They ensure that a brand-new, inexperienced rider can’t accidentally get in over their head. Think of them as training wheels for the engine.
There are typically three types of restrictors on a DS 90 that work together to keep the speed down. Understanding each one is key to a successful and safe modification.
The Throttle Limiter Screw: The Main Speed Governor
This is the most common and easiest restrictor to adjust. It’s a simple screw located on the throttle housing (where your thumb pushes the lever).
This screw physically blocks the thumb throttle from being pushed all the way. By limiting how much the throttle can open, it limits how much fuel and air enter the engine, thus limiting the speed. It’s the first thing you should look at when your rider is ready for a little more power.
The Exhaust Restrictor: A Bottleneck for Power
Tucked away inside the exhaust pipe, right where it bolts to the engine, is a small metal washer or plate with a tiny hole in it. This is the exhaust restrictor.
An engine is essentially an air pump—the more air it can move in and out, the more power it can make. This little washer creates a major bottleneck, preventing exhaust gases from escaping efficiently. By removing it, you allow the engine to “breathe” freely, which is a major step in unlocking its true potential.
The CDI/Rev Limiter: The Electronic Brain
The Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) box is the electronic brain of the ignition system. The stock CDI on the DS 90 has a built-in rev limiter that cuts the spark at a certain RPM to prevent the engine from over-revving.
Even after adjusting the throttle and exhaust, this electronic nanny will still cap the engine’s maximum RPM. Bypassing this usually requires purchasing an aftermarket performance CDI, which is a step best reserved for when all other restrictions have been removed and the rider is truly ready for full power.
The Complete Can Am DS 90 Top Speed Without Limiter Guide
Ready to get to work? This section provides a step-by-step can am ds 90 top speed without limiter guide. Remember to work slowly, be patient, and always prioritize safety over speed. This is the core of learning how to can am ds 90 top speed without limiter correctly.
Safety First: Pre-Work Checklist
Before you loosen a single bolt, run through this checklist:
- Rider Assessment: Is your rider truly ready? They should demonstrate consistent control, good judgment, and always wear their safety gear without being asked. This is a judgment call only a parent can make.
- Full Safety Gear: Ensure you have a properly fitted helmet, goggles, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots ready for the post-modification test ride.
- Work Area: Work on a flat, level surface in a well-lit garage or driveway. Make sure the ATV is cool to the touch, especially the engine and exhaust.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a full professional shop for this job. Basic hand tools will get it done.
- A set of metric wrenches (specifically 8mm and 10mm)
- A metric socket set with a ratchet
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A flathead screwdriver
- A pair of pliers
- A new exhaust gasket (highly recommended, don’t reuse the old one!)
Step 1: Adjusting the Throttle Limiter Screw
This is the easiest adjustment and can be done in minutes.
- Locate the throttle assembly on the right handlebar.
- Look for a screw on the housing, often underneath, that makes contact with the throttle lever. There may be a lock nut on it.
- Loosen the lock nut (if present) with a wrench.
- Using a screwdriver, back the screw out. The further you back it out, the more the throttle can be pushed, increasing the potential speed.
- For a gradual increase, back it out just a few turns at a time. You can always adjust it more later.
- Once adjusted, tighten the lock nut to secure the screw in its new position.
Step 2: Removing the Exhaust Restrictor
This step requires a little more work but provides the biggest performance gain.
- Locate the exhaust “header” pipe where it connects to the engine cylinder. You’ll see two nuts (usually 10mm) holding a flange in place.
- Carefully remove these two nuts. The exhaust pipe may also be secured to the frame further down, so you may need to loosen that bolt as well to get some wiggle room.
- Gently pull the header pipe away from the engine. Be careful not to damage the old exhaust gasket if you plan to reuse it (though we strongly advise against it).
- Look inside the end of the pipe you just removed. You should see a small washer tack-welded in place. This is your restrictor.
- Using a screwdriver and hammer or a pair of pliers, carefully break the small tack welds and remove the washer. Ensure no metal debris falls into the pipe.
- Clean both the engine’s exhaust port surface and the flange on the pipe.
- Place your new exhaust gasket onto the engine studs.
- Re-install the exhaust pipe and tighten the two nuts evenly. Don’t overtighten and snap a stud! Just get them snug. Re-tighten any other bolts you loosened.
Benefits and Risks: What to Expect After Derestriction
Unlocking the DS 90’s performance is exciting, but it’s a double-edged sword. Understanding the pros and cons is part of responsible ownership. This is where you weigh the benefits of can am ds 90 top speed without limiter against the potential problems.
The Upside: More Power and a Longer Lifespan for the ATV
- Grows with Your Rider: The ATV can now keep up with your child’s improving skills, extending its useful life and saving you money.
- Better Trail Performance: The added power makes climbing small hills and navigating varied terrain much easier and more enjoyable.
- Increased Top Speed: The most obvious benefit. The stock DS 90 is limited to around 15 mph. Unrestricted, you can expect speeds closer to 25-30 mph, depending on rider weight and conditions.
The Downside: Common Problems and Safety Concerns
Here are some common problems with can am ds 90 top speed without limiter modifications if not done correctly.
- Increased Risk: This is the most important consideration. A faster ATV is inherently more dangerous. It requires more skill to handle and more distance to stop. Constant supervision is non-negotiable.
- Engine Damage from a Lean Condition: Removing the exhaust restrictor allows more air to flow out. This can cause the engine to run “lean” (too much air, not enough fuel), which creates excessive heat and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This is why re-jetting the carburetor is critical.
- Increased Wear and Tear: More power means more stress on the chain, sprockets, brakes, and clutch components. You will need to inspect these parts more frequently.
Beyond the Basics: Performance Tuning for the Unlocked DS 90
Just removing the restrictors isn’t the end of the job. To do it right and ensure the engine runs reliably, you need to do some follow-up tuning. This is what separates a backyard hack job from a proper performance upgrade.
Carburetor Re-Jetting: A Non-Negotiable Step
As mentioned above, you must adjust the fuel delivery to match the increased airflow. This is done by changing the “main jet” inside the carburetor float bowl.
A jet is a tiny brass piece with a precision-drilled hole that meters fuel. You will need to install a slightly larger main jet. Jet kits are available online, and a good starting point is to go up 2-3 sizes from the stock jet. This ensures the engine gets the fuel it needs to run cool and strong.
Upgrading the CDI Box
If you’ve done the other mods and still feel the engine is “hitting a wall” at high speeds, that’s the stock rev limiter. An aftermarket performance CDI will eliminate this electronic limit, allowing the engine to rev higher and achieve its absolute maximum speed. This is an advanced step for riders who need every last bit of performance.
Best Practices: A Post-Modification Care Guide
Your job isn’t done yet. Following the right can am ds 90 top speed without limiter best practices ensures the machine remains safe and reliable for years to come. This is your new can am ds 90 top speed without limiter care guide.
The First Ride: Testing and Observation
After the modifications, the first ride should be a supervised test session in a large, open, and flat area. Have the rider start slowly to get a feel for the new, quicker throttle response and acceleration. Listen for any odd engine sounds and check for any exhaust leaks after the ride.
Adjusting Your Maintenance Schedule
A harder-working engine needs more love.
- Check the Spark Plug: After a good ride, pull the spark plug. It’s the ultimate window into your engine’s health. You’re looking for a light, tan or “cardboard brown” color on the insulator. If it’s white or grey, your engine is still too lean (danger!). If it’s black and sooty, it’s too rich.
- Inspect Brakes and Chain: With higher speeds, the brakes and chain are under more stress. Check brake function and chain tension before every single ride.
- More Frequent Oil Changes: It’s cheap insurance. Consider changing the oil more frequently than the owner’s manual suggests to keep the engine protected.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Modifications
It might seem odd to discuss these terms, but a well-executed modification can be considered a form of sustainable can am ds 90 top speed without limiter practice. By extending the useful life of the ATV for your growing rider, you delay the need to purchase a new, larger machine, which reduces overall consumption.
Furthermore, achieving a proper tune is an eco-friendly can am ds 90 top speed without limiter approach. An engine running too lean or too rich is inefficient. By correctly jetting the carburetor, you ensure the fuel is burned as completely and efficiently as possible, optimizing power and minimizing wasted fuel and emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am DS 90 Top Speed Without Limiter
What is the stock top speed of a Can-Am DS 90?
With all factory limiters in place and fully engaged, a stock Can-Am DS 90 is restricted to approximately 15 mph for safety.
What is the Can-Am DS 90 top speed without limiter?
After removing the exhaust restrictor, fully backing out the throttle screw, and re-jetting the carb, you can expect a top speed in the range of 25-30 mph. This can vary based on rider weight, tire pressure, and terrain.
Is it safe to remove the limiters on a DS 90?
It is only safe if the rider has the skill, experience, and maturity to handle the increased speed. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to make this judgment. Always ensure the rider wears full protective gear and is supervised.
Will removing the limiters void my warranty?
Yes, almost certainly. Modifying the engine and exhaust systems from their factory-specified configuration will typically void any remaining manufacturer’s warranty. This is considered a performance modification.
Do I have to re-jet the carburetor after removing the exhaust restrictor?
Yes. We consider this a mandatory step. Failing to do so can cause the engine to run lean, leading to overheating and severe, expensive engine damage. It is a critical part of doing the job correctly and safely.
Unlocking the potential of your Can-Am DS 90 is a rewarding project that allows the machine to grow right alongside your young rider’s skills. By following these steps, prioritizing safety, and committing to proper tuning and maintenance, you can provide them with a more exciting and challenging ride.
Take your time, double-check your work, and always put safety before speed. Now get those tools out, and get ready to see a huge smile on your rider’s face. Happy trails!
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