| When ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) first hit the market | | | | as hydraulic brakes, push button start and good |
| around 1970 they were something new, exciting and | | | | headlights, to name a few. Some even come |
| unique. The first was a 90cc ATV made in Japan but | | | | equipped with a safety device called a remote kill |
| sold worldwide. In those early days, ATVs had no | | | | switch. This allows someone supervising a child riding |
| suspension, per se, but relied on big balloon tires to | | | | one of these machines to remotely kill the engine in |
| cushion the ride. | | | | the event of a problem. |
| As the name implies, an ATV is meant to go off the | | | | 3-wheeled ATVs were discontinued back in the |
| road, on all sorts of terrain. This ability makes them | | | | 1980's and gave way to a more stable 4-wheeler, |
| not only a lot of fun to drive in different | | | | also known as the quad. Some ATVs are also |
| environments, but also makes them quite useful for | | | | available in a 6-wheel configuration, which is beneficial |
| doing all kinds of jobs where a normal, full-sized | | | | in some applications. Many of the old 3-wheelers are |
| vehicle might be an impediment. They're great on a | | | | now gone and the remaining ones are sought after |
| farm or a ranch, in the woods or mountains. | | | | by serious collectors. They were more nimble and |
| The first ATVs (known as the ATC 90) appeared in | | | | easy to maneuver than their quad siblings, but also |
| an early James Bond, 007 movie and could be seen | | | | easier to tip over and crash. |
| on several 70's TV programs including 'Hart To Hart' | | | | ATVs find good use in many areas. They are |
| and 'Magnum P. I.'. The design incorporated the use of | | | | especially popular with hunters and fishermen, |
| three wheels and they were affectionately known as | | | | because they allow them easy access to remote |
| three-wheelers. Driven like a motorcycle, with | | | | areas. They've found various uses on farms and |
| handlebars and the driver straddling the seat, they | | | | ranches and can be equipped to pull wagons, blade |
| were meant to carry only one person, the operator. | | | | snow or just about anything you can think of. They |
| ATV engine sizes range from 49cc on the low end | | | | are entirely versatile in their function. They've even, in |
| to 1000cc in the upper range, with every imaginable | | | | some ways, replaced the use of horses on some |
| size in between. Kids love the smaller models for the | | | | ranches. They can be used to go out to mend the |
| fun they provide. They can be adjusted to reach a | | | | fence line or to tend to the stock. |
| predetermined top speed, to increase safety. Hunters | | | | The first 90cc ATV was the beginning of a |
| love ATVs for their ability to go where other vehicles | | | | revolution. Many more machines followed and |
| cannot. They're useful and fun at the same time. | | | | continue to follow. What started with one company |
| ATVs are legal for street use in some countries, but | | | | and one model is now spread over dozens of |
| mostly they're only allowed off-road. They're easy to | | | | companies with hundreds of ATV variations of |
| transport in the bed of a pick-up. They usually include | | | | different sizes and configurations. And the wheels |
| a long list of safety and convenience features, such | | | | keep turning. |