An Introduction to ATV Vehicles

The first ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) had six wheelsmodel to ATC90. The ATC90 had 7 hp through
instead of four. It was developed sometime duringdual-range 4-speed gearbox with automatic clutch
1950s in Japan primarily to combat its mountainousand features large balloon tires that can soak rough
topography and isolated rugged regions. Particularlyterrain. Honda had released two more ATCs through
during spring when the ice thaws and rivers wouldthe decade and all of them were revolutionary.
gain intensity, mountain roads and non-maintainedWhen ATVs moved onto the next decade, models
paths are often impassable with contemporarywere then distinctly divided into two usages, for
vehicles. In addition, these early ATVs becamesports and for utility. Sport models are built for
popular in rural areas where the means to go overperformance; lightweight, high power, good
rough terrain in the absence of roads is quitesuspension and low center of gravity became vital
frequent and considered necessary.factors for ATV construction. These models
When Honda exported the first ATV to the Unitedaccelerate quickly, have manual transmission and can
States in 1970, the US90 was by large sold purely asrun up to 120 km/hr. Since they allow travel in most
a recreational ride. Though it is still a very popular usekind of terrain; these models became popular with
even to this day, the growing number of ATV usersgame hunter and thrill riders.
quickly found out that the supreme efficiency it hasOn the other hand, its usage as a utility vehicle is
over rough terrain gave ATV a wide variety of uses.very understandable. Because of its construction,
Honda had a virtual monopoly on the market duringATV generally boasts remarkable strength with
ATVs early days, owing it to the smart patents onregards to its body. With its structure able to
the ATVs design and engine placements. Its maidenwithstand an amount of load and wheels, which
release in the western market, the US90 wasallows passage over demanding terrain, it is virtually
designed by engineers specifically for joy rides. Laterperfect for farm use and construction sites. All the
that year, Honda employed smart tactics tomore since ATVs requires only a fraction of fuel
trademark the name ATC and renamed the US90what typical heavy machine would consume.