How To Make Polaris Outlaw 50 Faster - A Complete Guide To Safe Speed

So, your young rider has mastered the basics on their Polaris Outlaw 50, and you’re starting to hear the inevitable question: “Can it go any faster?” It’s a sign they’re growing in confidence, but as a parent or guardian, your priority is always safety.

We get it. You want to give them a little more thrill without turning their trusty mini-quad into an uncontrollable rocket. The good news is that Polaris built these machines with growth in mind, including several built-in restrictors that can be adjusted as your rider’s skills improve.

This guide promises to show you exactly how to safely unlock that hidden potential. We’ll walk you through a complete how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster guide, covering the factory limiters, essential maintenance that boosts performance, simple bolt-on upgrades, and the critical safety checks you need to perform every step of the way. Let’s get that Outlaw running how it was meant to.

Before You Begin: A Critical Safety-First Mindset

Before you pick up a single tool, let’s talk about the most important component: the rider. Making an ATV faster is pointless if the person riding it isn’t ready for the extra speed and responsibility.

This isn’t just about going faster in a straight line. Increased speed means longer stopping distances, a greater need for throttle control in turns, and a higher level of situational awareness. These are the how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster best practices that professionals and experienced parents follow.

Assessing Rider Readiness

Ask yourself these honest questions about your young rider:

Can they consistently use the brakes to come to a smooth, controlled stop?
Do they understand how to lean into turns and maintain balance?
Are they able to navigate varied terrain without panic?
Do they wear their safety gear every single time without being told?

If you hesitated on any of these, it might be best to hold off on modifications and focus on more practice. The goal is to build confidence, not fear.

The Essential Gear Checklist

Non-negotiable. Every ride, every time. Increased speed significantly increases the risk of injury, and proper gear is the only thing standing between a scare and a serious problem.

DOT-Approved Helmet: Make sure it fits snugly and the chin strap is always fastened.
Goggles: Protects eyes from dust, rocks, and branches.
Over-the-Ankle Boots: Provides ankle support and protection.
Gloves: Improves grip and protects hands.
Long-Sleeve Shirt & Pants: Shields skin from scrapes and abrasions.

The Easiest Win: Adjusting Factory Speed Limiters

The single most effective way to make a Polaris Outlaw 50 faster is by adjusting the limiters put in place at the factory. Polaris designed these to be easily modified so the ATV can grow with your child. There are typically two main restrictors to look for.

Locating and Adjusting the Throttle Limiter Screw

This is your first and most important adjustment. The throttle limiter is a simple screw that physically prevents the thumb throttle from being pushed all the way in, limiting how much fuel and air the engine gets.

Locate the Screw: Find the throttle housing on the right handlebar. You’ll see a small screw, often with a lock nut, on the front or bottom of the housing.
Tools Needed: You’ll typically need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver and a small wrench (often 8mm or 10mm).
Make the Adjustment: Loosen the lock nut first. Then, back the screw out a little bit at a time. Turning it counter-clockwise allows the throttle to be pushed further.
Test and Repeat: Back the screw out just one or two full turns. Tighten the lock nut, and have your rider test the new speed in a safe, open area. Do not remove the screw entirely. Make small, incremental changes until you reach a speed you are both comfortable with.

Finding and Removing the CDI Jumper/Clip

The second restrictor is electronic. The CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) box controls the engine’s timing and rev limit. Many youth models have a jumper wire or a removable clip that sets the CDI to a low-RPM mode.

To get the full benefits of how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster, you’ll want to address this. Disconnecting it allows the engine to rev higher, unlocking more power and top speed.

Locate the CDI Box: On most Outlaw 50s, you’ll find the CDI box under the seat, near the battery. It’s a small black box with wires coming out of it.
Identify the Jumper: Look for a specific wire (often green on older models, but check your owner’s manual) that plugs into itself or into a separate, single connector on the wiring harness. Sometimes it’s a black clip right on the CDI box itself.
Unplug the Jumper: Simply disconnect this wire or remove the clip. Tuck the loose end away securely so it doesn’t get caught on anything. That’s it! The rev limiter is now unrestricted.

How to Make Polaris Outlaw 50 Faster with Basic Maintenance

You can’t build a fast house on a weak foundation. Before you even think about buying performance parts, you need to ensure the ATV is running in peak condition. A well-maintained machine is a faster, more reliable machine. This is the core of our how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster care guide.

Clean Air is Free Horsepower: Air Filter Service

An engine needs to breathe. A dirty, clogged air filter chokes the engine, robbing it of power and performance. Servicing it is one of the easiest how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster tips we can offer.

Simply remove the air filter, wash it with filter cleaner or warm, soapy water, let it dry completely, and then re-oil it with proper foam filter oil. Squeeze out the excess, and reinstall. Do this every few rides, especially in dusty conditions.

Fuel Flow and Spark: Carburetor and Spark Plug Check

Your engine needs a clean fuel supply and a strong spark. Old fuel can gum up the tiny passages, called jets, inside the carburetor.

Check the spark plug. If it’s black and sooty or white and blistered, it’s a sign of a problem. A healthy plug should be a light tan color. Replace it if it looks worn. Ensure the gap is set to the manufacturer’s specification using a feeler gauge.

Reducing Drag: Tire Pressure and Chain Maintenance

Power that doesn’t reach the ground is wasted. Underinflated tires create huge amounts of rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder just to move.

Check the tire pressure before every ride with a low-pressure gauge. The recommended PSI is printed on the tire’s sidewall. Also, check the drive chain. A chain that is too tight or too loose, or one that is dry and rusty, will sap power. Keep it clean, properly lubricated with chain lube, and adjusted to the correct tension (check your manual for the spec, usually about 1 inch of slack).

Stage 2 Upgrades: Simple Bolt-On Performance Parts

Once you’ve removed the restrictors and performed a full tune-up, you can consider some simple aftermarket parts. Remember, any change that increases airflow will likely require a change to fuel flow to avoid common problems with how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster, like a lean-running engine.

Upgrading the Exhaust System

The stock exhaust on the Outlaw 50 is quiet and restrictive. An aftermarket performance exhaust allows the engine to exhale more easily, which can result in a noticeable power gain across the RPM range.

Pro Tip: Installing a new exhaust will almost always require you to re-jet the carburetor to provide more fuel. Without this step, the engine will run lean (too much air, not enough fuel), which can cause it to bog down and even lead to engine damage.

Carburetor Jetting for More Fuel

Inside your carburetor is a tiny brass piece called a “main jet.” It has a precise hole in it that meters how much fuel is mixed with the air. When you add a performance exhaust or air filter, you need a jet with a slightly larger hole to compensate.

Jet kits are available with several sizes. This is a more advanced task, but it’s crucial for performance. Start by going up one or two sizes from the stock jet and test performance. This is a key part of a sustainable how to make polaris outlaw 50 faster approach, ensuring engine longevity.

Advanced Considerations: Gearing and Clutch Mods

For those who really want to fine-tune the power delivery, changing the sprockets or modifying the clutch can make a big difference. This is for the more experienced DIY mechanic.

Sprocket Changes for Top Speed vs. Acceleration

You can trade acceleration for top speed, or vice versa, by changing the size of the front and rear sprockets.

More Top Speed: Install a smaller rear sprocket or a larger front sprocket. This will make acceleration slower.
More Acceleration: Install a larger rear sprocket or a smaller front sprocket. This will reduce the ATV’s maximum top speed.

For most young riders on smaller tracks or trails, prioritizing acceleration with a larger rear sprocket is often the more practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Polaris Outlaw 50 Faster

What is the top speed of a stock Polaris Outlaw 50?

With all factory restrictors in place, a stock Polaris Outlaw 50 is typically limited to around 10-15 mph. With the restrictors removed, top speed can increase to 20-25 mph, depending on rider weight and terrain.

Is it safe to remove all the speed limiters at once?

We strongly advise against it. The best practice is to make small, incremental adjustments to the throttle screw first. As your rider proves they can handle the current speed safely and confidently, you can give them a little more. Only remove the CDI jumper when they have completely mastered the machine with the throttle screw fully backed out.

Will these modifications void my warranty?

Adjusting the factory-intended limiters like the throttle screw and CDI jumper generally does not void the warranty, as they are designed to be adjusted. However, adding aftermarket parts like an exhaust or changing internal components could potentially void your warranty. Always check your agreement or consult your dealer.

Your Guide to a Faster—and Smarter—Ride

Unlocking the performance of a Polaris Outlaw 50 is a rewarding project that allows the machine to grow with your child. By following this guide, you can do it safely and effectively.

Remember the progression: start with a safety assessment, move to the factory limiters, perfect the basic maintenance, and only then consider bolt-on parts. Each step builds on the last, creating a faster, more reliable, and still-safe machine for your young enthusiast.

Now get in the garage, wrench safely, and watch your young rider’s confidence and skills soar. Happy trails from all of us here at FatBoysOffroad!

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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.