Picking out a youth ATV is one of the most exciting moments for any off-road family. You’re not just buying a machine; you’re buying years of trail memories, skill-building, and outdoor adventure. But that excitement can quickly turn to confusion when you’re staring at two very similar models on the showroom floor.
You’ve probably found yourself in this exact spot, weighing the polaris 90 vs 110. They look almost identical, but you know there are key differences under the plastic that will have a huge impact on your young rider’s safety, confidence, and enjoyment. You want to make the right choice—one that fits them now but also gives them room to grow without being overwhelming.
Promise yourself you’ll get this right. In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to break down everything you need to know. We’ll put these two youth quads head-to-head, covering engine performance, critical safety features, long-term maintenance, and exactly who each machine is built for. By the end, you’ll be able to walk away confident you’ve chosen the perfect ATV for your young trailblazer.
At a Glance: Head-to-Head Spec Showdown
Before we dive deep, let’s lay out the raw numbers. Sometimes, seeing the specifications side-by-side makes the primary differences pop. While these machines share the same chassis and overall look, the powertrain and a few key features set them apart.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Polaris Outlaw 90 (a popular older model often found used) and the current Polaris Outlaw 110 EFI.
Polaris Outlaw 90 (Discontinued Model)
- Engine: 89cc, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, Carbureted
- Fuel System: Carburetor
- Transmission: Automatic F/N/R
- Suspension Travel: 5″ Front / 6″ Rear
- Ground Clearance: 4 inches
- Dry Weight: Approx. 274 lbs
- Key Feature: Simpler, carbureted engine ideal for basic learning.
Polaris Outlaw 110 EFI (Current Model)
- Engine: 112cc, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, Fuel Injected
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
- Transmission: Automatic F/N/R
- Suspension Travel: 5″ Front / 6″ Rear
- Ground Clearance: 4 inches
- Dry Weight: Approx. 278 lbs
- Key Feature: Modern EFI system for easy starting and consistent performance.
As you can see, the biggest story here is the jump from a carbureted 89cc engine to a fuel-injected 112cc engine. This is the heart of the polaris 90 vs 110 debate.
The Core Difference: Engine Power and Rider Experience
The spec sheet tells part of the story, but how that engine feels to a 60-pound kid on the trail is what really matters. The power delivery and characteristics of these two engines create two distinct riding experiences.
The Outlaw 90: The Perfect Starting Point
The carbureted 90cc engine is a fantastic learning tool. Its power delivery is typically softer and more gradual. This is a huge confidence-booster for a true first-time rider who is still learning throttle control.
A sudden “hit” of power can be intimidating, but the Outlaw 90 spools up gently, making it predictable and easy to manage. It has plenty of pep to keep things fun on flat ground and mild inclines, but it’s less likely to overwhelm a nervous beginner.
The main drawback is the carburetor. It might require choke adjustments for cold starts and can be finicky with changes in elevation or temperature. For a DIY parent, this means you might have to occasionally clean the jets if it sits for too long with old fuel.
The Outlaw 110: Room to Grow and More Grunt
The Outlaw 110’s 112cc engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is a significant upgrade. The first benefit you’ll notice is the effortless starting. No choke, no sputtering—just turn the key and go, whether it’s a cold morning or you’re up in the mountains.
On the trail, the extra displacement and EFI deliver a crisper, more responsive throttle feel. It has more torque for climbing hills and pulling through sandy or muddy sections. This makes it a better choice for a kid who has already mastered the basics on a smaller machine or for a slightly larger, more aggressive beginner.
The key advantage of the 110 is longevity. A child is less likely to outgrow its power in a single season. The added capability means they can keep up with the family on more challenging trails as their skills progress.
A Parent’s Priority: Safety Features in the Polaris 90 vs 110
As enthusiasts, we love performance, but as parents, safety is our number one job. Fortunately, Polaris packs these youth models with an excellent suite of safety features. This is a critical part of any good polaris 90 vs 110 guide.
Standard Safety Kit: What Both Models Include
Right out of the box, both the 90 and 110 come with a fantastic safety package designed to give you peace of mind. This includes:
- A high-visibility safety whip flag.
- A Polaris-branded youth helmet.
- A safety tether that clips to the rider’s wrist and kills the engine if they fall off.
- Daytime running lights for increased visibility.
These aren’t just accessories; they are essential tools for safe riding. Always insist your child uses the helmet and tether on every single ride.
Adjustable Speed Limiter: Your Most Important Tool
The single most important safety feature on both models is the adjustable throttle limiter. This is a simple screw located on the throttle housing that physically prevents the thumb throttle from being pushed all the way.
Here’s a quick “how to” on adjusting it:
- Locate the throttle assembly on the right handlebar.
- You will see a small screw, often with a lock nut.
- To reduce speed: Turn the screw in (clockwise). This creates a smaller gap, limiting how far the throttle can be pressed.
- To increase speed: Loosen the lock nut and back the screw out (counter-clockwise). This allows for more throttle travel.
Start with the speed limited to a walking pace for their first ride. As they demonstrate control and good judgment, you can gradually allow more speed. This is one of the most important polaris 90 vs 110 best practices to follow.
Sizing and Ergonomics: Is Your Child a Good Fit?
While Polaris recommends these models for ages 10 and up, a child’s physical size and strength are far more important than their age. A small 11-year-old might be better suited to the machine than a large 9-year-old.
Perform this simple “fit test”:
- Have the child sit on the ATV in a normal riding position.
- Feet: Can they place both feet flat on the floorboards/footwells with their knees bent? Their feet shouldn’t be dangling.
- Hands: Can they comfortably reach the handlebars, brake levers, and throttle without stretching or leaning far forward?
- Control: Can they turn the handlebars from lock to lock and operate the brake levers with their own strength?
An ill-fitting ATV is an unsafe ATV. If they are too small to control the machine properly, wait until they grow into it.
Long-Term Ownership: Maintenance and Common Problems
Keeping the youth quad running reliably is key to a fun season. A solid polaris 90 vs 110 care guide will help you minimize downtime and maximize trail time. The good news is that both models are fairly simple to maintain.
Routine Maintenance Checks
Before every ride, perform a quick “T-CLOCS” check (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands). For these ATVs, that means:
- Tires: Check for proper air pressure (usually 3-5 PSI).
- Controls: Check throttle and brake lever operation.
- Oil: Check the engine oil level using the dipstick.
- Chain: Check for proper tension (about 1 inch of slack) and make sure it’s lubricated.
- Fuel: Make sure you have enough gas for the ride!
Common Problems with Polaris 90 vs 110 Models
These are robust machines, but some common issues can pop up, usually due to the nature of how kids ride and how often the machines sit.
- Dead Battery: The most common issue. Youth ATVs often sit for weeks. Invest in a battery tender to keep the battery charged and healthy between rides.
- Carburetor Issues (Outlaw 90): If the quad sits with ethanol-blended fuel, the tiny jets in the carb can get clogged. Use a fuel stabilizer if it will sit for more than a month, or have a can of GUMOUT Carb/Choke Cleaner on hand for cleaning.
- Stretched Chain: Kids love to do donuts and ride hard. This wears out the chain and sprockets. Teach them to be smooth, and check chain tension regularly.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices
Part of being a responsible off-roader is taking care of our trails and our equipment. Integrating sustainable polaris 90 vs 110 habits is easy.
When performing an oil change, capture the used oil in a drain pan and take it to an auto parts store or local recycling center. Never dump it on the ground. A well-maintained engine with a clean air filter and fresh oil also runs more efficiently, creating fewer emissions. This is the core of being an eco-friendly polaris 90 vs 110 owner.
Making the Final Call: A Practical Polaris 90 vs 110 Guide
You’ve seen the specs, understand the power differences, and know the safety features. Now, let’s put it all together to make your decision.
Who Should Buy the Outlaw 90?
The Outlaw 90 (if you’re buying used) is the perfect choice for:
- The True Beginner: If this is your child’s very first powered machine, the 90’s gentler power is less intimidating.
- Smaller or More Timid Riders: A child who is on the smaller side for their age or is naturally more cautious will build confidence faster on the 90.
- Budget-Conscious Families: As a discontinued model, you can often find great deals on used Outlaw 90s.
Who Should Buy the Outlaw 110?
The Outlaw 110 is the superior machine and the better investment for:
- Kids with Some Experience: If they’ve ridden smaller quads or dirt bikes, they can handle the 110’s extra power.
- Larger or Faster-Growing Kids: The 110 gives them more “room to grow” before they feel the machine is too slow.
- Families Riding Varied Terrain: If your rides include hills, sand, or mud, the 110’s extra torque and EFI will be a huge advantage.
- Parents Who Value Convenience: The EFI’s push-button starting and reliability is a massive quality-of-life improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris 90 vs 110
What is the actual top speed of the Polaris 90 and 110?
From the factory, both models come restricted. The Outlaw 110 is electronically limited to 15 mph from the factory but can be adjusted to reach nearly 30 mph. The older Outlaw 90 has a similar restricted speed, with an unrestricted top speed in the 25 mph range. Always increase speed in small, safe increments.
Can I make a Polaris 90 faster?
Yes. The primary restriction on the Outlaw 90 is the throttle limiter screw. Backing it out allows more speed. Some models may also have a restrictor plate in the exhaust or a jumper on the CDI box that can be removed, but always start with the throttle screw first.
Is the Polaris Outlaw 110 fuel-injected?
Yes, the Outlaw 110 features Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). This is a major benefit, providing easy, reliable starting in all conditions and eliminating the need for carburetor maintenance.
What age is appropriate for the Polaris Outlaw 90 and 110?
Polaris recommends these machines for riders aged 10 and older. However, we at FatBoysOffroad strongly believe that a rider’s physical size, strength, and maturity level are much more important factors than their age. Use the “fit test” described earlier in this guide to make the right call.
The choice between the polaris 90 vs 110 ultimately comes down to your individual rider. The Outlaw 90 is a gentle and forgiving teacher, while the Outlaw 110 is a more capable long-term partner for a growing enthusiast. Both are excellent, safe machines that will provide a fantastic platform for your child to learn the ropes of off-roading.
Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to invest in quality safety gear, provide constant supervision, and teach them to respect the machine and the trails. Now get out there, make the right choice, and start building those family memories one trail at a time. Ride safe!
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