[I originally posted this in the Polaris forum but have received zero responses, so perhaps it's better asked here instead.]

Just upgraded my son from a 2002 Suzuki LT-A50 to a 2003 Polaris Predator 90. He'd gotten a bit big for the 50 and its top speed of ~20 MPH was starting to get a bit slow on long rides. I found a buyer for the Suzuki and a seller of the Polaris on the same day, so within a couple of hours we did everything and now he has a new machine and we both have a new learning curve - him riding it, and me maintaining it.

The previous owner seems to have taken good care of the machine. Cosmetically it's nearly perfect. Of the mechanical things I've checked out (not much time so far) it looks good too. The carb and filter box are dirty, and the bracket holding a heat shield next to a footwell is broken, but I liked what I saw enough to take a chance. It starts instantly and runs well. I'd estimate its top speed with my 170 pounds on it at 25-30 MPH on a paved level surface.

No manuals came with the 90, so while I'm trying to find owners and service manuals I have a few questions.

1) Is the throttle limiter the screw on the throttle assembly that has the stop nut? Anything special about setting it?

2) The online specs speak of an "electronic speed limiter". I wouldn't call a screw-and-nut "electronic" so what is this, and how is it adjusted?

3) Is this unit supposed to have a top chain guard? The entire top surface of the chain is exposed, but there are little brackets where it looks like a guard could be installed. I looked at online parts drawings but couldn't find anything.

4) What sort of transmission does this unit have? Is it like the bigger Polaris models, a belt and variable clutch system? It looks like there's room for a system like that but I can't tell for sure.

5) Speaking of the clutch - it seems to require rather high RPM's to engage and therefore when it does, the machine lurches. I'd like to back that off a bit. I presume this will require heavier clutch weights. Is this a common complaint? How difficult is it to adjust, or change the clutch weights?

6) Any other issues, good or bad, with this year and model? Anything I should inspect or know about?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

 

1)The screw for the throttle limiter: you adjust it to the motor rpm that you want your rider to ride at.
4) Yes a CVT clutch.
5) Get in there and service the clutchs (clean and check). This may explain the stall speed.
6) They are a fine machine.

Hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

Be sure to keep an eye on the rear brake. I've heard they can get clogged with mud, then not function. Not sure if it was the 03 models they were talking about, but not a bad idea to check.

 

Yes, I understand how it works. My question is WHICH screw is the throttle limiter. Is it the Phillips-head screw with the nut on it, going into the box that also has the throttle itself? Or is the limiter somewhere else?

And what is the "electronic speed limiter"? A screw isn't electronic.

Thanks, I'll do that. Hopefully that will resolve the high-RPM engagement.

Thank you for your help! Further comments and assistance from others would be greatly appreciated, too!

 

Should be the screw with the bolt on the front side (when sitting on quad) of the throttle housing.

Don't think you have a electronic limiter. Some models had that built into the CDI.

 

If you look to the left of the carb there is the CDI (black box). Take it loose from the holder and look on the back and there is a clip that may be in there held with screws. Take the clip out and it will improve the speed.