Engineered for young, beginner riders, the Polaris Outlaw 50 is a 49-cc mini quad that serves as a good training vehicle for kids wanting to learn the fundamentals of ATV riding. Not only does this 4×4 cater to kids as young as age six but also to slightly more experienced operators who are preparing to move on to their own 90- or 110-cc four-wheeler.
The Polaris Outlaw 50 is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke youth ATV produced by Polaris between 2008 and 2019. Featuring an automatic PVT, ETC, a stop switch, and dual brake levers, this mini four-wheeler enjoyed a 12-year production run – later replaced by the fuel-injected Polaris Outlaw 70 EFI.
Like its 90-cc sibling, the quad’s key selling points include its sporty aesthetics, segment-leading suspension, and safety features. As if that were not enough, this 4×4 also ranked 1st out of 20 youth ATVs in its final production year. So, what makes it different than the others? Read on and discover just what the Polaris Outlaw 50 has to offer.
Polaris Outlaw 50
The Polaris Outlaw 50 is built specifically for this task. With a displacement of 49 cm3, this small four-wheeler is designed for kids six years of age and up.
Launched in 2008, the Outlaw followed in the footsteps of its bigger-displacement siblings and provided parents with a durable and handsome mini quad that their kids could have fun on while learning the ropes of off-roading. It was also a vehicle that allowed young riders – nouveau and experienced – freedom to appreciate the outdoors and enjoy recreational activities.
Unlike its utility-natured siblings, the Outlaw 50 had a 4-stroke power mill to go with its shiftless auto-transmission. Other than that (and sans cargo racks), the rest of its features were quite similar to the 90-cc Sportsmans.
Safety inclusions are the same across all Outlaw year models – a Rider-Training DVD, a safety flag that can be propped at the rear of the vehicle, and a DOT-approved helmet. There is also minimal movement in its pricing, starting at $1,999 when it debuted in the market and only increasing by $300 in its final year.
The 50-cc Polaris Outlaw enjoyed a 12-year production run from 2008 to 2019. For those wondering whether Polaris is still making the Outlaw, the answer is yes – but with a slightly higher class. As of 2020, the Outlaw has moved on to having a 70-cm3 displacement and a fuel-injected power mill.
Polaris Outlaw 50 Specs & Features
Engine & Lubrication
The size of the stock carb is unspecified in the service manual. But in Polaris Outlaw 50 reviews and forums, it is said to be anywhere between 12-mm and 19-mm.
Going for a PZ19 carb (view on Amazon) may be a good idea when rebuilding your top-end and increasing your mini quad’s power. However, you may need jetting adjustment in the process, too. When riding in high altitudes beyond 6,000 feet (1,800 m), carburetor and drive system adjustments can be made to allow more efficient operation.
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single cylinder |
| Carburetion System | Mikuni VM12H x 1 |
| Pilot Air Screw | 2.5 turns out |
| Needle & Seat | 1.2 |
| Pilot Jet | 15 |
| Main Jet | 62.5 |
| E-Clip Position | #4 from top |
| Engine Cooling | Air cooling |
| Engine Fuel | Unleaded gasoline of at least Antiknock Index or PON/RON rating of 87/91 |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 L or 1.2 US gal (reserve – 0.85 L/0.22 US gal) **increased to 5.68 L (1.5 US gal) for the ’11 model |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 39 x 41.4 mm (1.53 x 1.63 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Starting System | Electric/Kick starter |
| Displacement | 49 cm³ / 2.99 in³ |
| Top Speed | 15 mph (24.14 km/h) – unrestricted |
| Air Filtration | High-quality foam element |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Engine Oil & Quantity | 30 oz (900 ml) of PS-4 Extreme Duty 10W-50 4-Cycle Oil Main gearcase: AGL Gearcase Lubricant & Transmission Fluid |
Drivetrain
Since this 4×4 shares its automatic V-belt transmission and one-way starter clutch system with its bigger-displacement Outlaw and Sportsman siblings, we can assume that its maximum torque is comparable to 6.5 ft-lb (8.82 Nm).
The engine kill/stop switch, choke lever, start, and horn buttons are on the left handlebar, while the keyed ignition switch is on the center console – placement of the controls makes for easy handling of the vehicle.
| Clutch | Automatic wet type |
| Gearshifting | F-N-R shift sequence |
| Drive System | 2WD, Automatic PVT forward |
| Drive Chain | Chain drive |
Ignition
It has a DC-CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) electric-start system with an auxiliary kick starter. Its spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002 and European directives 97/24/EC and 89/336/EEC. The four-wheeler’s charging system requires a 0.5 Amp trickle charger.
| Spark Plug, Gap | Regular: NGK CR6HSA; Premium: NGK CR6HIX Gap: 0.70 – 0.80 mkick-starterm (0.028 – 0.031 in) |
| Fuse | 5 – 7.5 Amp |
| Battery | 12V 14.4kC (4 Ah)/10 Hr, YTH5L-12B/YTX5L-BS formats |
| Battery Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4.5 x 2.8 x 4.2 in (114 x 71 x 106 mm) |
Tires & Brakes
Steel wheels are equipped with 16 x 6.5-8 front and 16 x 8-7 rear tires, which can be difficult to find given that these tire sizes are phased out.
You can, however, go for slightly taller tires like Kenda Pathfinder K530 ATV Tires (view on Amazon) should you need to replace stock rubber. But if you are still using stock tires on your quad, it is best to determine its manufacture year. The ’08 models’ recommended tire pressure is 3 psi, while the final-year model’s recommended cold tire pressure is 2.0 psi (13.8 kPa).
| Front Tire, off-road/road air pressure | Duro 16 x 6.5 – 7, 20.7 kPa (0.21 kgf-cm2 , 3 psi) |
| Rear Tire, off-road/road air pressure | Duro 16 x 8 – 7, 20.7 kPa (0.21 kgf-cm2, 3 psi) |
| Front Brake Type | Expanding drum |
| Rear Brake Type | Expanding drum w/ mechanical lock parking brake |
Suspension
The Polaris Outlaw 50’s suspension design lends to the overall turning radius of 5.0 feet (1,524 mm), making for the 4×4’s stable and predictable handling – excellent for young riders. Wheel travel is a conservative 3.0 inches for both front and rear suspension.
| Frame Type | Tubular, double-cradle |
| Turning Radius | 1.52 m (5 ft) |
| Front Suspension Type, Travel | Single control arm w/ 3 inches (76 mm) of travel |
| Rear Suspension Type, Travel | Spring over shock w/ 3 inches (76 mm) of travel |
Dimensions
Since this machine is meant to be your kid’s first quad, things are kept pretty simple but still built according to Polaris specs. Very little difference can be noticed between the 50-class and 90-class kids quads that Polaris offers.
| Length | 1,220 mm (48 in) |
| Width | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Height | 710 mm (28 in) |
| Seat Height (Unloaded) | 584 mm (23 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 100 mm (4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 840 mm ( 33 in) |
| Dry Weight | 95.3 Kg (210 lbs) **increased to 97 Kg (215 lbs) for the 2019 model |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 41 Kg (90 lbs) |
| Colors | Avalanche Gray/Pink, Indy Red/White, Pink Power, Blue |
Exterior
The wheeler comes standard with a speed governor, indicator lamps, and a horn. It also has adjustable footboards that enable the quad to be a better fit as your child continues to grow.
As with any other youth ATV, the Outlaw 50 features safety equipment such as a tether kill switch (with wrist strap), orange whip flag, a DOT-approved helmet (view on Amazon), and a rider training DVD. Aesthetics-wise, the machine looks stylish and sturdy.
Cost of a Polaris Outlaw 50
Secondhand Outlaw 50 units keep their value quite well, with trade-in pricing averaging more than 50% of the ATV’s original MSRP. On the other hand, auction listings have a wider range (from $600 to $2,250), with some rare finds costing a bit more than the quad’s list price.
Normally, Outlaws auctioned off have pristine plastics, a hassle-free starting system, and functional safety features. Some may require a Polaris Outlaw 50 battery replacement or an oil change. But other than that, everything else is in good working condition.
If you would like to know the retail pricing and list prices of 2004-2019 models, the table below is a great reference:
(Source: Nada Guides and Kelley Blue Book)
| Year – Trim – Model Number | List Price | Retail/Trade-In Values |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $715 – $1,155 |
| 2009 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $745 – $1,195 |
| 2010 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $750 – $1,210 |
| 2011 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $755 – $1,260 |
| 2012 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $765 – $1,285 |
| 2013 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $1,999 | $805 – $1,315 |
| 2014 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,099 | $885 – $1,385 |
| 2015 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,099 | $955 – $1,530 |
| 2016 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,099 | $1.040 – $1,650 |
| 2017 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,099 | $1,110 – $1,730 |
| 2018 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,099 | $1,185 – $1,805 |
| 2019 Polaris Outlaw 50 | $2,299 | $1,245 – $2,205 |
A Problematic Kids Quad?
Starting Difficulties
If your Outlaw’s engine cranks but fails to start, it could be caused by fuel starvation, clogged fuel lines or filter, a plugged drain system, fouled spark plug, or the quad’s power mill running bone dry. Out of these usual probable causes, the last is a hit-or-miss trigger, as this is a common practice by owners who do not use the vehicle as often as others.
Some solutions to this dilemma involve using the correct type or adding the right amount of fuel to lubing the shaft to cleaning clogged lines and filters. Repair or replacement of the carburetor or ignition system components is also a proven but less likely fix. Typically, regular inspection and thorough cleanup of these systems prevent the problem’s recurrence.
In other cases, the wheeler’s small idle jet may be to blame (the same reason that pushes mechanically-skilled owners to replace the stock carb with a larger variant). Or it could be as easy as running a non-ethanol fuel and fuel stabilizer (plus some seafoam) on the quad.
Not running the fuel bowl completely out after every ride is another preventive measure – which can be done by turning the fuel off, letting it run for about a minute, then turning it off. This procedure also keeps the float from being fully up or down, preventing it from getting stuck.
Underpowered Quad
In truth, this is more of an outcome than a real problem with the vehicle. Parents who are into off-roading before even having kids would naturally gift them with a youth ATV as early as age six.
While this is a brilliant move and helps the kids seamlessly grasp the basics of riding a four-wheeler, it has one downside. Soon enough, your kid will outgrow the quad at the same rate that his or her foot size gets bigger.
If you have a highly skilled young rider, it would probably take less than a year or two before he or she would want a more challenging and powerful trail tamer.
Of course, there are several things you can do to the mini machine so that your kid can make do with it a little bit longer. A bigger piston, better shocks, and other beneficial upgrades would surely improve its performance.
For parents with budget to spare, outfitters that specialize in performance parts for small quads would definitely help and offer better (but potentially more expensive) hop-up items.
Reliability Issues
Some of the mini wheeler’s spotty reliability issues come from poor dealer prep or assembly of the machine. This seemingly small and often unadmitted shortcoming easily results in other problems such as poor idling, insufficient power, fouling spark plugs, and loose battery straps, nuts, and bolts.
If you suspect this, it is best to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle and re-torque parts to spec, among others. Performing this simple procedure will help you determine any assembly flaws. But if the Outlaw checks out, a standard oil change may be all that your mini ATV needs to be in tip-top shape.
A word to the wise: Confidence in your local dealer is as important as thoroughly researching the specs and features of this four-wheeler.
About Polaris
Polaris Inc. is an American manufacturer founded in 1954 and originally known for spawning the snowmobile industry. From the production of snowmobiles, the maker of the Polaris Outlaw 50 has carried over its quality manufacturing practices to producing all-terrain vehicles, side x sides, and other electric vehicles. This same quality is reflected in the cruising and touring motorcycles under the Victory® brand.
The firm’s contributions to the off-roading scene include automatic transmission, Independent Rear Suspension, and Electronic Fuel Injection, to name a few.
Today, Polaris continues to introduce industry-leading technology to the market through its expansive and highly successful product offerings.
Conclusion – Polaris Outlaw 50 Review
Online resources and targeted research reveal barely any glaring mechanical flaw with the Polaris Outlaw 50. The small but reliable wheeler does pretty much what is expected of it, on top of being a good value quad for its price point.
Its easy-to-use electric start system, shiftless automatic transmission with reverse, and push-button controls make it every youngster’s dream. And with present-day Outlaws bumped up to a 70-cc displacement and equipped EFI, kids can only look forward to a safer yet more thrilling riding experience.
With its proven off-roading lineage, no wonder the Polaris Outlaw 50 never fails to make the shortlist for the most trusted beginner youth ATVs.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris