Hey folks, just saw the new Can-Am DS 90 X, which is apparently a DS 90 with a super-wide stance, great shocks, and a bunch of other features (like headlights, and a reverse). Since it is so wide (43") and has such great suspension travel (7" front, 9" rear), it looks like a much safer and better riding bike than any of the other big-name models.

Does anyone have any experience with this new quad or know about it's reputation so far? (The dealer said it is made in Vietnam(!) and has a 6-month warranty.)

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

check,
Just my .02........I have done a bit of research on this quad and have had it on order for some time (another story). What I have learned is it is a good trail ride machine, but takes some mods if you want to race it. Mods include clutch, pipe and cdi upgrades. With these mods and possibly a sprocket you can compete well in the cross country realm (assuming the riders are equal talent). Additional input is that it is very stable due to the width. The polaris outlaw mdx is a very similar machine with the same attributes....you should check that unit out also. I went with this unit b/c we ride trails with the occasionaly jump and in my opinion s/b very stable and my dealer support is also stronger with Can Am then Polaris....which is also important. Based on your inventory..it seems you may tinker a bit and not need the support as much as me. You might throw spacers on your viper 90R and pick up some of the stability?

 

Thanks, tlskinn - I do have spacers on the Viper (see my pics), and it does a good job, but it doesn't have the same wide axles and high ground clearance as the Can-Am.

Another issue is the power. Right now my daughter is 10 and weighs 65 lbs., so the Viper has enough power for her. (We mostly trail ride, and will likely never do any racing.) However, the comments/reviews on the forums seem to suggest that the DS 90 X is weak, and so we will probably stay away from it. (My daughter was driving her mother's Eton Vector 250 on the weekend, and now is bucking for something bigger than a 90 cc. However the Vector weighs 440 lbs., compared to only about 250 lbs. for the 90's, so saferty becomes an issue.)

The mods you suggested may be the answer, and in fact the Viper 90R already has (a) bigger rear tires (22" mudlites), (b) wheel spacers, and then (c) a bigger rear sprocket to compensate for the lost power due to the larger rear wheels. (The bike goes plenty fast enough.) Any idea what clutch/CDI/pipe/Sprocket mods would cost on the DS 90 X?

Another issue is the place of manufacture (Vietnam). I know about Taiiwan, but nothing about Vietnam, and the Can-Am warranty on the 90 is a lousy 6 months, so I am concerned about breakdowns and parts supply.

I'll check out the Polaris as well - thanks!

J.C.

 

In total around $800. The CDI is about $200, the exhaust is $300 and the clutch (depending upon specifics) is about $300.

Check your PM's.

 

not to burst anyones bubble but these new 4 strokes are way down on power. it also takes a lot of money to get anymore out of them. i saw a ds90 at a local arena cross race a couple of months ago and was not impressed at all. it could not come close to the 2 strokes. the shocks looked cool but if the kid tried to jump the quad just a little the quad would act like a pogo stick. then the cost is above $3000. for less you can buy a drr with good exhaust, over 40" wide, decent shocks and will run circles around the ds 90 and for way less cash.

Mark

 

HQR109 is correct. The 4strokes cannot keep up without a bunch of $$$. If you are going to race...drr or apex two strokes is your best bet for the money. If you want to trail ride, then you need to decide if you want a straight 4stroke (Eton, Suzuki, Honda TRX, Can AM DS, Polaris Outlaw,.etc..) and leave as is or do your own mods........or a 4stroke with factory upgrades (ie....Can Am DSX 90 or Polaris Outlaw MDX etc...). It boils down to what you feel is most comfortable for the rider and your pocket book. The other thing I have read is some states (Califorinia for sure) have issues with running two strokes year round.....there are limitations...but I don't recall all what they are.

 

Hey who has seen the DS90x with headlights? And where can I get em? I have the DS90X for my son and yes it definately needed and got the power upgrades. Now the little thing is a monster. It's no 2 stroke but it gets out of it's own way now. Anyways, I'm looking for the headlight kit for my sons bike so any help would be appreciated.

 

I think that we are going with the DS90X, in our district we can overbore it to a 125 for a handy cap. The one that is running now can't be touched but with that being said, yes it is very spendy but what the heck it's only money. Hope my wife doesn't see this post.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: hotblooded

I think that we are going with the DS90X, in our district we can overbore it to a 125 for a handy cap. The one that is running now can't be touched but with that being said, yes it is very spendy but what the heck it's only money. Hope my wife doesn't see this post.</end quote></div>

Thats almost what my parents said bout my cousin's DS90X. He placed 6th all in all for the season though, after alot of time.

 

My .02 also. We looked at the X and thought it would be a good starting quad for my girlfriend's 7 yr. old daughter. After doing a lot of comparing, we went with the Polaris Outlaw 90. From what I have read in reviews, the engine is the same as the DS90X but has better performance due to better exhaust. We took it to the Oregon dunes and after putting on a set of light weight paddles, she had a blast. It ran great and she could go a lot of places we didn't think she would be able to. Granted, the suspension isn't as nice as the X but it was also $1300 less! Now, we are looking at going to the Yamaha Raptor 90 with the double a-arm front. Her son will probably ride the Polaris. The state issue is correct. Calif. 2-strokes can only get a red sticker which has a season of around 3 months. Good luck with your adventure.