As other manufacturers were entering the market, Honda was diversifying, offering the ATC250R, the first Sport ATC intended for competition, in 1981. The ability to go anywhere on terrain that most other vehicles could not cross soon made them popular with US and Canadian hunters, and those just looking for a good trail ride. As the popularity of ATCs increased dramatically, rapid development ensued. Kawasaki followed suit the next year with the KLT200, while Suzuki produced their first effort, the ALT125, in 1982. Yamaha introduced their first ATC, the Tri-Moto YZ125. By 1980, other companies would pay patent royalties to Honda to enter the lucrative ATC field with their own machines.
Honda entered the 1980s with a virtual monopoly in the market, due to effective patents on design and engine placement. Being directly influenced by earlier 6-wheeled AATVs of the sixties, it utilized balloon tires for both a low environmental impact and to compensate for a lack of mechanical suspension. In 1973, Honda would trademark the term "All Terrain Cycle" (ATC), applying the moniker to all Honda produced Three-wheeled ATVs, and creating the universal name which now associated with all vehicles of this type.
Variations would be popularized in the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever and TV shows such as Doctor Who, Magnum, P.I. Honda introduced their first sit-on straddle-ridden three-wheeled All Terrain Vehicle in 1969, known as a US90, as a 1970 Model. Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States (as of 2008 products) range from 49 to 1,000 cc (3.0 to 61 cu in).ġ984 Honda ATC200S, one of the many three-wheeled models made by Honda and other manufacturers Both classes tend to have similar powertrain parts. Multiple-user analogues with side-by-side seating are called utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or side-by-sides to distinguish the classes of vehicle. Although most are equipped with three or four wheels, six-wheel models exist for specialized applications. The rider sits on and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slower speeds. These ATVs are referred to as tandem ATVs. Although it is a street-legal vehicle in some countries, it is not street-legal within most states, territories, and provinces of Australia, the United States or Canada.īy the current ANSI definition, ATVs are intended for use by a single operator, although some companies have developed ATVs intended for use by the operator and one passenger. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. An all-terrain vehicle ( ATV), also known as a light utility vehicle (LUV), a quad bike, or simply a quad, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control.