So, you’ve brought home a Can-Am Renegade 50 for the young rider in your life. You’ve seen the excitement in their eyes, and you’re already picturing the fun-filled weekends ahead. It’s a fantastic feeling, but it comes with a big responsibility: keeping that machine safe and reliable.
We get it. You want to spend more time on the trails and less time scratching your head in the garage. You need straightforward advice from folks who’ve been there, turned the wrenches, and learned the lessons the hard way.
That’s exactly what this can am renegade 50 guide is for. We promise to walk you through everything you need to know, from the essential pre-ride checks to basic maintenance and troubleshooting common issues. You’ll learn how to keep this youth ATV in top shape, ensuring every ride is as safe as it is fun.
Getting to Know Your Can Am Renegade 50: The Basics
Before we grab the tools, let’s get acquainted with what makes this little machine tick. The can am renegade 50 isn’t just a downsized adult ATV; it’s purpose-built for young riders, with safety and ease of use baked into its DNA.
Understanding its core features helps you appreciate why certain checks and maintenance tasks are so important. These are some of the key benefits of the Can Am Renegade 50 that make it a great starting point for any young enthusiast.
Key Features Designed for Safety
- 49cc 4-Stroke Engine: This is the heart of the machine. It’s an air-cooled, low-maintenance engine that provides smooth, predictable power. Unlike a 2-stroke, you don’t need to mix oil and gas—a huge plus for simplicity.
- Electric Start with Backup Kick-Start: The push-button electric start makes getting going a breeze for small hands. Having a kick-start backup is a great feature in case the battery runs low out on the trail.
- Built-in Throttle Limiter: This is arguably the most important safety feature. It’s a simple screw that allows you to limit how much the throttle can be pressed, effectively controlling the ATV’s top speed as your child learns.
- Fully Enclosed Footwells: These full-coverage floorboards are designed to keep a young rider’s feet and legs protected from the wheels and trail debris, offering far more protection than simple footpegs.
- Automatic CVT Transmission: CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. In simple terms, it means no shifting gears. The rider just has to focus on the throttle, brakes, and steering.
The Pre-Ride Checklist: Your Can Am Renegade 50 Care Guide
The single most important habit you can teach a young rider is the pre-ride inspection. It takes five minutes, but it can prevent a ruined day or, more importantly, an accident. This is one of the most crucial can am renegade 50 best practices to adopt.
Make this a non-negotiable ritual before every single ride. Walk through it with your child so they learn what to look for.
Tires & Wheels
Give each tire a quick squeeze and visual inspection. Look for any obvious damage or embedded objects. Use a simple, low-pressure tire gauge to check the pressure—the recommended PSI is usually printed on the tire’s sidewall. Properly inflated tires ensure stable handling.
Fluids Check (Oil & Fuel)
Ensure you have enough fuel for the ride. Then, with the ATV on level ground, unscrew the oil 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.
Controls & Brakes
Squeeze the front and rear brake levers. They should feel firm, not spongy. Roll the ATV forward a bit and apply the brakes to ensure they engage properly. Twist the throttle and make sure it snaps back smoothly on its own when you let go. A sticky throttle is extremely dangerous.
Chain & Sprockets
Look at the drive chain. It shouldn’t be drooping excessively, nor should it be banjo-string tight. You should be able to move it up and down about an inch midway between the two sprockets. Also, check that it looks clean and lightly lubricated.
Lights & Electrics
Turn the key on. Test the headlight and taillight. Most importantly, test the engine kill switch and the tether cord kill switch (if equipped) to ensure they shut the engine off immediately.
Essential Maintenance: How to Keep Your Can Am Renegade 50 Running Strong
Beyond the pre-ride check, some periodic maintenance will keep your Renegade 50 reliable for years. This is where you’ll learn how to can am renegade 50 maintenance yourself, saving a trip to the dealer. You only need a few basic tools and a little bit of time.
The All-Important Oil Change
Clean oil is the lifeblood of that little 4-stroke engine. The very first oil change after the break-in period (check your owner’s manual, usually around 10 hours) is the most critical.
After that, changing it every 6 months or 25 hours of use is a good rule of thumb. Use a quality SAE 5W-40 synthetic oil designed for powersports engines.
The process is simple: warm the engine for a few minutes, place a drain pan under the engine, remove the drain bolt, and let the old oil drain completely. Replace the drain bolt (don’t overtighten!) and refill with the correct amount of new oil through the filler cap.
Air Filter Cleaning 101
An ATV breathes through its air filter. A clogged filter chokes the engine, robbing it of power and causing it to run poorly. Because kids ride in dusty conditions, this is a frequent job.
Simply unclip the seat, locate the airbox, and remove the foam filter. Gently tap out any loose dirt. Wash it in a bucket of warm, soapy water, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, and let it dry completely. Once dry, apply a light, even coat of foam filter oil, squeeze out the excess, and reinstall it.
Chain Adjustment and Lubrication
A properly maintained chain is safer and makes parts last longer. To adjust, loosen the axle carrier bolts at the rear of the swingarm. You’ll see adjuster bolts that you can turn to push the axle back, tightening the chain.
Adjust both sides evenly until you have about one inch of slack. Tighten the carrier bolts back up. After adjusting, clean the chain with a chain-safe cleaner and a soft brush, then apply a quality chain lube while slowly rotating the rear wheels.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with a Can Am Renegade 50
Even with perfect maintenance, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some of the most common problems with can am renegade 50 ATVs and how to diagnose them before panicking.
Problem: It Won’t Start
This is the number one issue most people face. Don’t worry, it’s usually something simple. Run through this checklist:
- Is the kill switch in the ‘RUN’ position? It’s the easiest thing to overlook.
- Is the fuel petcock turned to ‘ON’? This small lever on the side of the fuel tank controls fuel flow.
- Is there fuel in the tank? It sounds obvious, but it happens!
- Is the parking brake engaged? Many youth ATVs have a safety interlock that prevents starting unless the brake is on.
- Is the battery dead? If the electric start just clicks or does nothing, try using the kick-starter. If it fires up, your battery likely needs a charge.
Problem: It Bogs Down or Lacks Power
If the engine starts but sputters or feels weak when you give it gas, the culprit is often related to air or fuel.
First, check the air filter. A dirty filter is the most common cause of poor performance. Refer to the cleaning steps above.
Second, you may have a clogged jet in the carburetor, especially if the ATV has been sitting for a while with old fuel. Using a fuel stabilizer can help prevent this. If you suspect a carb issue and aren’t comfortable cleaning it, this is a good time to visit your local mechanic.
Safety First: Can Am Renegade 50 Best Practices
Owning a youth ATV is a partnership in safety between you and your child. Here are the absolute must-follow can am renegade 50 tips for every ride.
Master the Throttle Limiter
Before your child’s first ride, locate the throttle limiter. It’s typically a screw near the throttle housing on the handlebars. Turning the screw in restricts how far the throttle lever can be pushed, reducing the ATV’s maximum speed. Start with the most restrictive setting and only gradually increase the speed as your child demonstrates skill and control.
All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT)
This is not negotiable. Every single ride requires proper safety gear. This includes:
- A DOT-approved helmet that fits snugly.
- Goggles to protect their eyes.
- Over-the-ankle boots for support and protection.
- Durable gloves.
- A long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
Supervision is Key
The Can-Am Renegade 50 is designed for riders aged 6 and up, but always with direct adult supervision. Never let a child ride alone. Choose wide-open, flat areas free of obstacles like trees, rocks, and ditches for them to learn and practice in.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Riding Practices
Part of being a responsible off-roader is respecting the environment. Teaching these habits early creates a lifelong steward of the trails. An eco-friendly can am renegade 50 experience is easy to achieve.
When performing maintenance, always capture used fluids like oil in a sealed container. Most auto parts stores will accept used motor oil for free recycling.
A well-maintained machine is a more sustainable can am renegade 50. Regular tune-ups, clean air filters, and properly inflated tires ensure the engine runs efficiently, burns less fuel, and produces fewer emissions. Stick to designated trails to prevent erosion and protect wildlife habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Renegade 50
What age is the Can Am Renegade 50 for?
The manufacturer recommends the Renegade 50 for riders aged 6 and older. However, this is always at the discretion of a parent or guardian, who must provide constant supervision.
What is the top speed of the Can Am Renegade 50?
The top speed is approximately 15 mph. However, this can be easily reduced to a walking pace using the built-in, adjustable throttle limiter, making it perfect for absolute beginners.
What kind of fuel and oil does the Can Am Renegade 50 use?
It uses standard 87 octane unleaded gasoline. For the engine oil, a high-quality 4-stroke SAE 5W-40 synthetic powersports oil is recommended. Always confirm with your owner’s manual for the exact specifications.
How often should I clean the air filter?
This depends entirely on your riding conditions. In very dusty environments, you should check it after every ride. For average use, checking and cleaning it every 5-10 hours of ride time is a good practice.
The Can-Am Renegade 50 is an incredible tool for introducing a new generation to the joys of off-roading. By following this care guide, you’re not just maintaining a machine; you’re investing in countless hours of safe, family fun.
Take these tips, make them habits, and teach them to your young rider. The confidence you build in the garage will translate directly to safer, more enjoyable adventures on the trail. Now get out there and make some memories!
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