Polaris Scrambler 50 User Manual
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known
to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Welcome
Dear Parents:
We believe your children should have the opportunity to enjoy The Way Out experience
along with you. We’ve provided this owner’s manual to assist you and your children in
learning about safe operation and care of your new ATV. Please review the information in
this manual with any child who may operate the ATV. Help your children learn to operate
the ATV with safety as a top priority. Help them also learn to show respect for our
environment and for the rights of others while operating the ATV.
Children differ in skills, physical abilities and judgement. Some children m ay not be able to
operate an ATV safely. Always supervise your child’s use of the ATV, and permit continued
use only if you determine that your child has the ability and maturity to operate the ATV
safely. Never allow a child to operate the ATV without adult supervision.
The preventive maintenance program outlined in this manual is designed to ensure that all
critical components on your child’s ATV are thoroughly inspected at various intervals. For
safe and enjoyable operation of the vehicle, be sure to follow all of the instructions and
recommendations in this manual. If you have any questions about the ATV, contact a
Polaris dealer for assistance.
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Welcome
Dear Children:
Before you ride your new Polaris ATV, there are some important things that you need to
know. Your parents and Polaris want you to enjoy riding your new ATV, and that’s why
you need to read and understand the information in your owner’s manual.
Ask your parents to explain anything you don’t understand, and pay close attention to the
warnings and instructions you read. Your safety and the safety of others is the most
important thing to think about at all times.
As the driver of the ATV, you must learn how to keep yourself and those around you safe
while you’re riding. So read your manual, and then enjoy riding your new Polaris ATV!
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All information in this manual is based upon the latest product data and specifications available at the time of printing. Polaris
Industries Inc. reserves the right to make product changes and improvements which may affect illustrations or explanations.
No part of this manual shall be reproduced or used without the written permission of Polaris Industries Inc.
Illustrations included in this manual are general representations of parts having a similar function. Your model may differ.
Copyright 2002
Polaris Industries Inc.
All Rights Reserved Printed in Taiwan
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Safety
Understand the Warnings
Always follow the age guidelines for your ATV. Never allow a younger child to ride on or
drive the ATV. Make sure all operators understand all warnings and the owner’s manual
before driving the ATV.
Know Your ATV Before Riding
Parents must help their children learn the proper and safe way to ride an ATV. Read the
owner’s manual with your children before starting the engine for the first time, and review
it with them periodically afterwards.
Safety Training
When you purchased this ATV, your Polaris dealer offered a hands-on safety training course
that covers all aspects of ATV safety. In addition, you were provided with printed material
and a video that instructs operators on safe operating procedures. You should review this
information with your child on a regular basis. If you purchased a used Polaris ATV from a
party other than a Polaris dealer, you can request this free safety training from any
authorized Polaris dealer.
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Safety
The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual and on your
vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and symbols are used. Become familiar
with their meanings before reading the manual.
The safety alert symbol, on your vehicle or in this manual, alerts you to the
potential for personal injury.
WARNING
The safety alert warning indicates a potential hazard that may result in serious injury
or death.
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Safety
CAUTION
The safety alert caution indicates a potential hazard that may result in minor personal
injury or damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION
A caution indicates a situation that may result in damage to the vehicle.
NOTE:
A note will alert you to important information or instructions.
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Safety
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings in this manual can result in severe injury or death.
A Polaris ATV is not a toy and can be hazardous to operate. This vehicle handles
differently than other vehicles such as motorcycles and cars. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers like turning, or driving on hills or
over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precautions.
Read and understand the owner’s manual and all warnings before operating a
Polaris ATV.
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Safety
S Read this manual and all labels carefully and follow the operating procedures described.
S Never operate an ATV without proper instruction. Take a training course. Riders
should receive training from a certified instructor. Contact an authorized Polaris ATV
dealer or call Polaris at 1-800-342-3764 to find out about the training courses nearest
you.
S Always follow the age guidelines for your machine. Youth ATVs are designed and in-
tended for use by children in two age groups. The Scrambler 50 is for children not less
than 6 years of age. The Scrambler 90 and the Sportsman 90 are for children not less
than 12 years of age. No children under the age of 16 should ride an ATV designed and
sold for an adult.
S Do not allow other children to ride this ATV unless they have read the manual, seen the
instructional video and taken and passed a Polaris approved riding skill test.
S Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways,
parking lots and streets.
S Never operate an ATV on any public street, road or highway, including dirt or gravel
roads.
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Safety
S Never operate an ATV without wearing an approved helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection (goggles or face shield), gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirt
or jacket, and long pants.
S Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this ATV.
S Never operate at excessive speeds. Always travel at a speed which is proper for the ter-
rain, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience.
S Never attempt wheelies, jumps or other stunts.
S Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure i t is in safe operating condi-
tion. Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described
in this manual.
S Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests of the ATV dur-
ing operation.
S Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be
alert to changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV.
S Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
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Safety
S Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this manual. Practice turn-
ing at low speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at excessive
speed.
S Always have the ATV checked by an authorized Polaris dealer if it has been involved in
an accident.
S Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. P ractice on
smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
S Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in this manual. Check
the t errain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or
make sudden gear changes. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed.
S Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for braking on hills as de-
scribed in this manual. Check the terrain carefully before you start down any hill. Shift
your weight backward. Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going down a hill at
an angle which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight down the
hill where possible.
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Safety
S Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as described in this manu-
al. Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight to the
uphill side of the ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any hill until you have
mastered the turning technique described in this manual on level ground. Avoid crossing
the side of a steep hill if possible.
S Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backwards when climbing a hill. To
avoid stalling, maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the special procedure for braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to either side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following the procedure described in this manual.
S Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never attempt to operate
over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow proper procedures
when operating over obstacles as described in this m anual.
S Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces, such as ice, go slowly
and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
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Safety
S Avoid operating the ATV through deep or fast flowing water. If you cannot avoid water
which exceeds the recommended maximum depth (pg. 114), go slowly, balance your
weight carefully avoiding sudden movements, maintain a slow and steady forward motion, do not make sudden turns or stops, and do not make sudden throttle changes.
S Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after leaving water. If
necessary apply them lightly several times to let friction dry out the pads.
S Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire
pressure as described in this manual.
S Never modify an ATV through improper installation or use of accessories.
S Never exceed the stated load capacity for an ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed
and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow instructions in this manual for carrying
cargo. Allow greater distance for braking.
S Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use to prevent unauthorized
use or accidental starting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, call the Consumer Product Safety
Commission at 1-800-638-2772, or Polaris at 1-800-342-3764.
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Safety
Equipment Modifications
We are concerned for the safety of our customers and for the general public. Therefore, we
strongly recommend that consumers do not install on a Polaris ATV any equipment that
may i ncrease the speed or power of the vehicle, or make any other modifications to the
vehicle for these purposes. Any modifications to the original equipment of the vehicle
create a substantial safety hazard and increase the risk of bodily injury.
The warranty on your Polaris ATV is terminated if any equipment has been added to the
vehicle, or if any modifications have been made to the vehicle, that increase its speed or
power.
NOTE: The addition of certain accessories may change the handling characteristics of the
ATV. Use only Polaris-approved accessories, and familiarize yourself with their function
and effect on the ATV .
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Table of Contents
Welcome 1....................................................
Safety 5......................................................
Table of Contents 15...........................................
YOUTH SECTION 17
Know Your ATV 18..........................................
Pre-Ride Check 26..........................................
Riding Rules 29.............................................
ADULT SECTION 35
Safety Decals 36............................................
Driver Warnings 49..........................................
Vehicle Identification Numbers 76.............................
Controls 79.................................................
Break-in Period 94..........................................
Daily Pre-Ride Inspection 96.................................
Starting the Engine 98.......................................
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Table of Contents
ADULT SECTION (continued)
Driving Safely 100...........................................
Hauling Cargo 117..........................................
Noise Emission Control System Regulation 120.................
Maintenance 121...........................................
Specifications 164...........................................
Polaris-Recommended Products 170..........................
Troubleshooting 172.........................................
Warranty 178...............................................
INDEX 182
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Youth
Section
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Know Your ATV
P ARENTS: Polaris Youth ATVs are equipped with an electronic speed control system to
allow adults to limit the speed of the vehicle for the rider’s skill and experience. More
information on speed limiting functions can be found on page 141.
These units are not designed for adult use. Serious damage to the vehicle may occur if the
maximum rider weight capacity is exceeded. The maximum rider weight capacity for 50 cc
models is 90 lbs. (40.9 kg). The maximum for the 90 cc models is 150 lbs. (68.1 kg).
CHILDREN: Before you ride your new Polaris ATV, there are some important things that
you need to know. Your safety and the safety of others is the most important thing to think
about at all times. As the driver of the ATV, you must learn how to keep yourself and those
around you safe while you’re riding.
Pay attention when you see this symbol:
This is the safety alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your
ATV or in this manual it means PAY ATTENTION because you
could die or be seriously injured if you don’t follow the instructions.
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Know Your ATV
Before you have an adult start the engine for you for the first time, let’s learn about the
controls on your new ATV.
1. Engine Stop Switch - When the engine is running, push this button down to shut the
engine off quickly. The button must be up before you can start the engine again.
2. Throttle Control - Press the throttle lever with your thumb when you want the ATV to
go forward. Always make sure the throttle control does not stick before you drive your
ATV. Read more about it on page 26.
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Know Your ATV
3. Kick-Start Lever - If your battery is too
weak to start your ATV, you can push down
on the kick-start lever with your foot to
start t he engine. Have an adult show you
how it works. R ead more about how to use
the kick-start on page 93.
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3
Know Your ATV
4. Gas Cap - The gas cap has to be taken off when an
adult puts gas in your ATV. Never take the gas cap off.
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Always make sure it’s tightly closed.
Always have an adult put gas in your ATV.
Never try to do it yourself.
5. Seat Latch - To remove the seat, reach under the rear of the cab and pull back on the
seat latch. To replace the seat, set it in place and push down on the rear of seat.
Always make sure the seat is locked in place before riding.
The exhaust gets very hot when the engine is running. It can cause
serious burns to your skin if you accidentally touch it. Do not try to
release the seat latch until the engine has cooled for at least an hour.
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Know Your ATV
6. Brake Levers - Squeeze the brake levers toward the handlebar to slow down or stop
the ATV. The left hand lever (A) controls the rear brake. The right hand lever (B)
controls the front brake. Always squeeze both brake levers at the same time.
Always squeeze both brakes at the same time or you could lose
control of the ATV and be seriously injured.
Always take your thumb off the throttle lever when you squeeze the
brake levers.
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A
B
Know Your ATV
7. Ignition Switch - The ignition switch key must be turned on before pushing the starter
button. You can also use this key to turn off the engine. If you have a Scrambler, the
ignition switch key is on the right side of the ATV (A). If you have a Sportsman, it’s on
the pod (B).
A
B
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Know Your ATV
8. Tether Strap and Switch - The tether strap must always be attached snugly to your
right wrist and to your ATV every time you drive. If you fall off your ATV, the tether
strap will pull away from the switch and the engine will stop. If you have a Sportsman,
the switch is on the pod (A). If you have a Scrambler, the switch is at the center of the
handlebars (B).
A
Never ride without the tether strap attached to your right wrist and to
your ATV. Be careful not to let the cord get tangled around the
handlebars or any part of your body.
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B
Know Your ATV
Let’s review the three ways to stop your ATV:
1. Push the stop switch down.
2. P ull off the tether strap.
3. Turn the key off.
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Pre-Ride Check
We’re almost ready to have an adult start your ATV. But before the ATV is started for the
first time, you must do a Pre-Ride Check. In fact, every time you want to ride you must
have an adult help you check some things on your ATV before starting it. Let’s learn about
these things now.
Make sure the throttle doesn’t stick. Check this by pushing the throttle lever toward the
handlebar and then letting go. The lever should come right back to where it was before
you pushed it. If it comes back slowly or stays close to the handlebar, the ATV has a
sticky throttle. This means that something is wrong or broken and must be fixed before
you can ride your ATV safely.
Never start the engine if you have a sticky throttle. You could be
seriously hurt if you ride with a sticky throttle. Have an adult or your
Polaris dealer fix the throttle before you ride.
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Pre-Ride Check
Make sure the brakes don’t stick. Check the brake levers by squeezing them toward the
handlebar and then letting go. They should come right back to where they were before
you squeezed. If they go back slowly or stay close to the handlebar, your ATV has sticky
brakes. They must be fixed before you can ride your ATV safely.
Never start the engine if your ATV has sticky brakes. You could be
seriously hurt if you ride with sticky brakes. Have an adult or your
Polaris dealer fix the sticky brakes before you ride.
Have an adult check to see if your ATV needs more gas. Children must never add their
own gasoline. This must always be done by an adult. Before anyone adds gasoline to
your ATV they must read the instructions and warnings on page 88 of this manual.
Always have an adult put gas in your ATV. Never try to do it yourself.
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Pre-Ride Check
If you used the storage area under the seat, make sure the seat is locked in place.
Have an adult check the engine oil level when the engine is cold. The engine is very hot
after it has been running and it can burn your skin if you touch it. Children must never
check the oil on their own. An adult should always be in charge of keeping the gas and
oil levels at the full marks.
This last check is done with the engine running. You must check to make sure that all
three ways to stop your ATV are working the way they should. Do you remember what
they are? If you can’t remember the three ways to stop your ATV, go back to page 25
and review. Then have an adult help you start your ATV and practice stopping the engine all three ways.
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