Overview
What stands out here is the 2017 Polaris Outlaw 50, a youth quad designed primarily for young beginners stepping into off-road riding. Its 49 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine paired with a carburetor fuel system delivers enough power for controlled, low-speed fun, making it suitable for new riders developing confidence and basic riding skills.
This model is built with simplicity and safety in mind, featuring a CVT transmission that offers smooth, automatic acceleration without the need for clutch operation. Its 4×2 driveline and modest dimensions-just 4 feet in length and 6.5 inches in width-enhance maneuverability for smaller riders, while the 210-pound weight and 1.2-gallon fuel capacity contribute to a manageable and approachable riding experience.
The Polaris Outlaw 50’s suspension setup includes independent A-arms at the front and a swingarm at the rear, both with 3 inches of travel. This contributes to a comfortable ride over rough terrain, although the suspension travel is limited compared to larger adult models. Its drum brakes front and rear provide basic stopping power, which is adequate for the intended age group but not designed for aggressive riding.
What makes this model notable within its segment is its focus on safety, simplicity, and ease of use, making it an ideal first machine for young riders. While it doesn’t have the advanced features or high-performance specs of adult utility or sport quads, the Outlaw 50 emphasizes controlled, beginner-friendly riding that helps build foundational skills for future off-road adventures.
Performance & Powertrain
Anyone running youth-sized off-road tasks will appreciate the 49cc single-cylinder engine paired with an air-cooled system. This setup delivers a predictable power output suited for beginner riders, providing enough torque for light trail riding or backyard adventures without overwhelming inexperienced hands.
The engine’s modest displacement, slightly above the typical 40-45cc segment average for youth ATVs, ensures a gentle yet responsive throttle response, helping new riders develop confidence while maintaining safety. The carburetor fuel system maintains a simple, durable design that favors reliability and ease of maintenance, essential for young riders or those new to off-road machines.
The drivetrain employs a continuously variable transmission with a 4X2 drive line, which smooths power delivery by automatically adjusting the gear ratio. This allows for seamless acceleration from a standstill and steady, controllable speed management-ideal traits for learning terrain handling and improving rider skills without distracting shifts or complex controls.
Suspension & Handling
What you get here is a youth-oriented machine equipped with independent A-arm front suspension and a swing arm rear setup, each offering 3 inches of travel. This configuration provides a balanced ride on various terrains, with enough cushioning to absorb bumps on trail surfaces without sacrificing stability on hardpack or work sites. The 3-inch travel in both front and rear suspension allows for controlled damping over uneven terrain, helping young riders develop confidence while maintaining predictable handling in a range of conditions.
The choice of drum brakes on both front and rear wheels suits the machine’s intended use, prioritizing simplicity and reliability over high-performance stopping power. Drum brakes tend to perform well in moderate-duty applications and require less maintenance, which aligns with the needs of young or beginner riders. Although they don’t offer the immediate fade resistance or modulation of disc systems, they provide sufficient stopping capability for controlled riding on light trails or farm work, especially at this price point.
The tires feature Duro rubber with dimensions of 16 x 6.5 – 7 on the front and 16 x 8 – 7 on the rear. These tires are designed to handle a variety of terrain types, from loose dirt and gravel to firm trails. The wider rear tires improve traction during acceleration and cornering, while the narrower front tires aid steering responsiveness. This tire setup enhances grip without adding unnecessary weight or complexity, making it suitable for young riders learning proper trail or work terrain control.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Most youth ATVs in this price range measure around 4 feet in length, with a width of approximately 6.5 inches, and an overall height of 28 inches. This compact size allows for easy storage in a standard truck bed or garage corner, making it accessible for young riders and parents alike. The wheelbase stretches to 33 inches, contributing to stability without sacrificing maneuverability, while a ground clearance of 4 inches helps the machine navigate over uneven terrain without getting hung up.
- Length: 4 inches
- Width: 6.5 inches
- Seat height: likely around 20-22 inches, suitable for shorter riders
- Dry weight: 210 pounds, manageable for youth riders to handle and transport
- Fuel capacity: 1.2 gallons, supporting extended playtime without frequent refueling
With a seat height that accommodates smaller riders comfortably, the Outlaw 50 offers ergonomic benefits suited for young beginners. Its dimensions balance stability and ease of use, ensuring young operators can confidently control the ATV on various terrains while maintaining access to fuel and cargo space for longer sessions or trail rides.
Notable Features
Riders who need an entry-level youth ATV with simple operation will find this model’s combination of ease of use and safety features appealing. The 2017 Polaris Outlaw 50 integrates a simple CVT transmission that provides smooth acceleration without shifting, making it accessible for beginner riders. Its automatic drive system reduces the learning curve, allowing young riders to focus on steering and control rather than clutch operation.
One of the most noticeable upgrades over base-trim competitors is the inclusion of a reinforced steel frame designed specifically for smaller riders. This construction enhances durability while maintaining a manageable weight for young users. Additionally, the Outlaw 50 features a simplified, low-effort throttle control with a safety kill switch accessible to parents or guardians, emphasizing rider safety and parental oversight.
In terms of convenience, Polaris has equipped this model with a minimal but functional digital speedometer that displays speed and battery status, providing essential information without cluttering the rider’s view. While it lacks high-end accessories found on larger models, the addition of an adjustable throttle limiter helps parents control the maximum speed, enabling gradual skill development. This model’s focus on safety, ease of operation, and basic rider feedback tools make it a practical choice for young beginners ready to explore off-road riding.
Pricing & Value
Most youth ATVs priced under $2,100 aim to balance affordability with essential features suited for beginner riders, and the Polaris Outlaw 50 fits within this target range. At its $2,099 MSRP, it positions itself as an entry-level model designed to introduce new riders to off-road riding while maintaining a focus on safety and ease of use. The price reflects its purpose as a basic, low-displacement machine rather than a high-performance or feature-laden ATV.
Within Polaris’s lineup, the Outlaw 50 occupies the entry-level tier, below models like the Outlaw 70 and 110 that offer larger engines and more advanced features. Upgrading to the Outlaw 70 or 110 typically involves a significant jump in price, often exceeding $2,300 and $3,000 respectively. Conversely, moving to models with fewer features or simpler designs generally involves a comparable or slightly lower cost, but those tend to lack the safety features and durability that Polaris emphasizes even at this entry level.
Assessing whether the Outlaw 50 delivers value at its MSRP involves considering its role as a beginner’s ATV rather than a long-term, high-performance machine. It provides a well-known brand reputation, a durable chassis, and basic safety features such as a throttle limiter and speed governor, which are critical for young riders. Given the segment’s standards, $2,099 is a reasonable asking price for a machine designed to foster confidence and skill development in new riders. It does not appear overpriced considering the brand’s reputation, warranty support, and the safety features included, but it isn’t a bargain either-there are no significant extras or upgrades included for the price.
Final Thoughts
What stands out here is the Polaris Outlaw 50’s focus on simplicity and beginner-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for young riders just starting out in off-road riding. Its small stature and manageable power delivery are tailored for children or novices, providing enough performance to build confidence without overwhelming. The machine’s easy-to-use controls and low seat height remove common barriers to entry, allowing new riders to develop skills in a controlled environment.
The key attribute that defines this machine is its emphasis on safety and ease of operation. With a limited top speed and gentle throttle response, parents and guardians can feel reassured about their child’s initial off-road experiences. This safety-oriented design, combined with uncomplicated handling, ensures that young riders can focus on learning fundamentals rather than fighting the vehicle’s controls. However, this same focus makes the Outlaw 50 unsuitable for experienced young riders seeking higher performance or advanced features.
Those looking for a machine that can grow with their child’s skill level or provide more aggressive performance should consider stepping up to larger models or machines with more power. The Outlaw 50’s single-speed transmission and basic features prioritize learning and safety over customization or speed. For families wanting a simple, low-cost introduction to off-road riding that emphasizes learning and confidence-building, this machine remains a sound choice.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2017 Polaris Outlaw® 50
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassYouth ATV
- Drive4X2
- Front tire16x6.5-7
- Dry weight210 lb
- Youth helmet and gogglesDOT rated, sized for young ridersShop on Amazon
- Tires16x6.5-7Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit49ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- CoverStorage and traileringShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps1000 lbRated above the 210 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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