The Polaris Outlaw 90 is a young rider’s next step in their off-roading journey. Somewhat bigger with a slightly higher displacement than the Outlaw 50, this 89-cc mini quad still offers the same fun and safe training platform for youngsters wanting to further their ATV riding skills. Unlike its 50-cc sibling, this 4×4 caters to kids that are at least 12 years of age.
The Polaris Outlaw 90 is an 89-cm3 4-stroke youth quad produced between 2007 and 2014. Sporting an automatic PVT, Electronic Throttle Control, a slew of safety features, and long-travel suspension, this carbureted 4×4 was the go-to kid quad for most consumers during its 8-year production run.
As if to complement the strength of Polaris offerings in the youth ATV segment, the Polaris Outlaw 90 ranked 3rd out of 15 quads in its final two years – and rightfully so. Aggressive styling, unrivaled suspension system, and speed rating – only some of the factors that lend to its appeal – deserve such an accolade. Curious to know what makes this small wheeler such an excellent ride? Continue reading this article and find out.
About the Polaris Outlaw 90
The Polaris Outlaw 90 provides both beginner and experience young riders equal opportunity to learn the fundamentals of off-roading. But unlike its smaller-displacement namesake, this mini quad had 12-year-olds in mind. The vehicle sports the same shiftless auto-transmission.
However, its speed rating doubled. What used to be the unrestricted top speed for the Outlaw 50 (15 mph) is now the bigger Outlaw’s speed with the speed governor on. Sans any limiter, the mini 4×4 can hit 30 mph – not too shabby for a kid quad.
What has not changed is how the 90-cc Outlaw shares quite the same inclusions as the 90-cc Sportsman. Both come with tons of safety features, a Rider-Training DVD, a whip flag propped at the rear of the mini quad, and a DOT-approved helmet. Both have an aesthetic with a sporty aggressiveness to them – a cool feature that kids really love.
The 90-cc Polaris Outlaw enjoyed an 8-year run from 2007 to 2014. While it preceded its smaller-displacement sibling, the latter went on for another five years before halting production. At present, the American manufacturer still offers the Outlaw youth ATV product line – but in 70-cc and 110-cc displacements. These mini quads have retained most of their fundamental features and design, except for their carbureted fuel system, now upgraded to fuel injection.
Polaris Outlaw 90 Specs & Features
Engine
Unlike the 50-cc Outlaw, the service manual for the 90-cc kid quad did specify the carb size used in the vehicle – 16-mm. What is also noticeable is that Polaris shifted from the Mikuni carb used on the smaller wheeler to a Keihin carb. This change lent to the Polaris Outlaw 90 top speed of 30 mph, resulting in twice the speed rating of its smaller-displacement sibling. Of course, drive system adjustments are still necessary when riding in altitudes beyond 6,000 feet (1,800 m).
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke OHV |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single cylinder |
| Engine Cooling | Air cooling |
| Carburetion System | Carburetion, 16-mm Keihin PTE x 1 |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 47×51.8 mm (1.85×2.04 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Displacement | 89 cm³ / 5.4 in³ |
| Idle Speed | 1,700 ± 100 RPM |
| Pilot Air Screw | 2.25 ± 0.5 turns out |
| Main Jet | 82 |
| Pilot Jet | 40 |
| Engine Fuel | 6.4 L/1.7 US gal (reserve – 0.86 L/0.23 US gal) |
| Fuel Capacity | Unleaded gasoline of at least Antiknock Index or PON/RON rating of 87/91 |
| Top Speed | 30 mph (48.3 km/h) – unrestricted |
| Air Filtration | High-quality foam element |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Engine Oil & Quantity | 30 oz (900 ml) of SAE 20W-40 Polaris Synthetic Youth 4-stroke Main gearcase: AGL Gearcase Lubricant & Transmission Fluid |
Drivetrain
This 90-cc machine retains the same automatic V-belt transmission and one-way starter clutch system that both the Outlaw and Sportsman lineups have. Not only that, but the location of the controls and switches are also easily within reach – perfect for youngsters who are just learning how to drive an ATV. The keyed ignition switch is on the center console. Meanwhile, the rest – the engine kill/stop switch, start, and horn buttons, and choke lever – are found on the left side of the handlebar.
| Clutch | Automatic wet type |
| Transfer, Transmission Type | 2WD, Automatic PVT forward |
| Gearshifting Pattern | Integrated F-N-R shift sequence |
| Drive System | Chain drive |
Ignition
It shares the same ignition setup, charging system, spark plug, and battery as its 50-cc sibling. Like the latter, its ignition system complies with European directives 97/24/EC, 89/336/EEC, and Canadian ICES-002 guidelines. Because of the vehicle’s low amperage, it requires a trickle charger like a NOCO GENIUS 2X2 Trickle Charger and Battery Desulfator w/ Temperature Compensation (view on Amazon) to help keep the YTX5L-BS battery in tip-top shape.
| Ignition | CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) |
| Ignition Timing | 17.5° B.T.D.C @ 1,700 RPM |
| Spark Plug, Gap | Regular: NGK CR6HSA; Premium: NGK CR6HIX Gap: 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in) |
| Alternator Type | Single-phase, Full wave |
| Rated Output | 56 W @ 1,700 RPM |
| Fuse | 7 Amp (main) |
| Battery | 12V (5 Ah)/10 HR, 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) |
| Starting System | Electric w/ kick start backup |
Tires & Brakes
For the Outlaw 90 and all other mini Polaris ATVs, Kendra tires seem to be the best tire option. Front tires can be swapped out for same-size Kenda K546 Speed Racers (view on Amazon). Similarly, rear tires can be replaced by Sahara Classic 4-ply A/T Golf Tires (view on Amazon). The wheeler’s stock braking system provides ample stopping power for beginner riders.
| Wheel Composition | Stamped steel |
| Front Tire, off-road/road air pressure | Duro 19 x 7-8, 20.7 kPa (0.21 kgf-cm2, 3 psi), 4-110 |
| Rear Tire, off-road/road air pressure | Duro 18 x 9.5-8, 20.7 kPa (0.21 kgf-cm2, 3 psi), 4-110 |
| Brake Type (F/R) | Expanding drum |
| Parking Brake | Mechanical lock |
Suspension
Improvements in the wheel travel and turning radius are welcome news for in-training riders who own a Polaris Outlaw 90. Wheel travel increased two inches at the front and three inches at the back. Meanwhile, the turning radius improved by 0.8 feet – not a lot but still makes for the 4×4’s predictable handling and stability. Center-frame ground clearance is a generous 7.7 inches and comparable to larger machines.
| Frame Type | Tubular, double cradle |
| Toe-Out | 3–6 mm (0.11811–0.23622 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 100 mm (4 in) – rear axle; 195 mm (7.7 in) – center of chassis |
| Wheelbase | 1,050 mm (41.5 in) |
| Turning Radius | 1.77 m (5.8 ft) |
| Front Suspension Type, Travel | Single A-arm w/ cam-adjustable shocks, 127 mm (5 in) travel |
| Rear Suspension Type, Travel | Swingarm w/ cam-adjustable mono-shocks, 152 mm (6 in) travel |
Dimensions
Although differences in vehicle dimensions are almost negligible, the Outlaw 90 increased by at least 10 inches in height and length. It is also five inches wider, with a seat height that is 3.5 inches higher compared to its 50-cc sibling. The maximum rider weight the mini quad can carry is 77 Kg (170 lbs), which may also work for slightly older drivers. Overall, the vehicle is larger and is more spacious than most of its competitors.
| Length | 1,560 mm (61.2 in) |
| Width | 930 mm (36.8 in) |
| Height | 980 mm (38.5 in) |
| Seat Height (Unloaded) | 673 mm (26.5 in) |
| Dry Weight | 128 Kg (283 lbs) |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 206 Kg (453 lbs) |
Exterior
While the mini Outlaw is slightly bigger than its 50-cc sibling, it does share similar safety features with the latter. These include a speed governor, a horn, daytime running lights, and indicator lamps. Adjustable footboards, a tether kill switch, a safety whip flag, and a DOT-approved helmet (view on Amazon) also come standard with the quad. Likewise, styling and body panel colors are kept the same.
| Colors | Avalanche Gray/Pink, Indy Red/White, Pink Power, Voodoo Blue |
| Instrumentation | N/A |
| Trip Odometer | N/A |
| Tachometer | N/A |
| Speed Governor | Standard |
| Indicator Lamps | Standard |
| Fuel Gauge | Standard |
| Switches, Controls | Standard |
| Headlight | Daytime running lights 12V 15/15 W x 2 |
| Brake Light/Taillight | 12V 21/5 W x 2 |
| Indicator Lights | (neutral, reverse) |
Polaris Youth ATV Pricing
Here is a full rundown of the retail pricing and list prices for all 90-cc Outlaw models released between 2007 and 2014:
(Source: Nada Guides and Kelley Blue Book)
| Year – Trim – Model Number | List Price | Retail/Trade-In Values |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,499 | $855 – $1,125 |
| 2008 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,499 | $870 – $1,145 |
| 2009 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,499 | $905 – $1,190 |
| 2010 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,499 | $940 – $1,235 |
| 2011 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,699 | $1,005 – $1,555 |
| 2012 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,699 | $1,195 – $1,925 |
| 2013 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,699 | $1,240 – $1,710 |
| 2014 Polaris Outlaw 90 | $2,699 | $1,305 – $2,025 |
Pre-owned Outlaws keep their value quite well, with resale pricing ranging from $900 to $3,250. You can find a good number of these units on Craigslist, with approximately 76% of the items listed retaining more than half of the ATV’s original MSRP in 2007. Because these mini ATVs are easy to maintain, auction listings typically fall within the same range as resale pricing found on most trader sites.
You can expect units auctioned off to have little to no cosmetic damage, in good running condition, and complete with OEM safety features and instructional DVD. Some may even come with a few aftermarket Polaris Outlaw 90 parts, such as alloy nerf bars (view on Amazon). Conversely, machines sold for parts are rare. But if you do, they would usually cost around $300 to $600.
Polaris Outlaw 90 Problems
Repeated Stalling Issues
This common problem with early Outlaw 90 quads traces back to its breather tube. This breather tube starts from the neck of the gas fill tube, runs under the plastic, and goes on top of the fuel tank. Because of its placement, it tends to get pinched by the plastic cowling on the tank. When this happens, airflow is restricted, leading to stalling. To fix, all you need to do is route the breather tube back towards the seat and remove the pinch in the breather tube – that should instantly solve the problem.
Starting Problems
Despite the engine displacement increase and change from a Mikuni to a Keihin carb, the Polaris Outlaw 90 reportedly still has this problem. As discussed in a previous guide, several factors can lead to this issue, namely:
- fuel starvation
- congested fuel lines, filter, or drain system
- fouled spark plug
- a bone-dry powerplant
As such, it is important to follow these precautionary measures to help reduce (if not avoid) the occurrence of this problem:
- Always use the correct fuel grade required by the vehicle.
- Make sure to also use the right lube for the shaft, fuel lines, and filters.
- Adhere to manufacturer-recommended steps on how to prep the mini quad for long periods of storage.
(This way, the engine will be kept in good condition during disuse and would unlikely cause starting problems once taken out for a ride again.)
- Regularly inspect and thoroughly clean the carb and ignition system components.
Other recommendations include inspecting the vehicle’s small idle jet and running a non-ethanol fuel and some fuel stabilizer and seafoam on the machine. Ensuring the float bowl is not entirely out after every ride is another way to prevent challenges with starting the engine. This procedure entails turning the fuel off, letting it run for about a minute, turning it off again, and preventing the float from getting stuck.
About Polaris
American manufacturer Polaris Inc. is best known for spawning the snowmobile industry and a recognized force in the ATV and motorcycle industries. Founded in 1954, Polaris spent its first 30 years focused on improving its snowmobile product offerings. Eventually, it decided to venture into ATV production. In 1985, it broke the Japanese firms’ monopoly of the market by introducing the first American-made quad. And in 1997, it launched its very own Victory Motorcycles.
From its inception, the American company’s quality manufacturing practices are evident in its wide array of off-roading and motorized vehicles. Additionally, its ingenious contributions to the off-roading scene helped shape current four-wheelers and big-bore behemoths.
Fast-forward to today, Polaris stands as one of the global brands trusted by consumers and enthusiasts. It is known as the maker of the Polaris Outlaw 90, along with other industry-leading all-terrain vehicles, side x sides, and other electric vehicles.
Conclusion – Polaris Outlaw 90 Review
For a young sport, it does not get any better than to ride on a Polaris Outlaw 90. With its bigger frame, taller handlebars, and overall rugged functionality, parents of nouveau or experienced riders can have peace of mind while their kid learns the ropes of off-roading.
Its sturdy build, unrivaled suspension, safety features, and overall dependable nature are everything that an in-training racer needs to master the dirt packs and trails. Plus, its increased speed rating makes for a thrilling outdoor experience. With the attributes and collective charm of the Polaris Outlaw 90, you would not need much persuading to introduce a youngster to the joys of ATV riding.
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