Historical Facts About All Terrain Vehicles

January 22nd, 2011 |

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Amphibious all terrain vehicles date back about sixty years. Six-wheeled models known as the Amphicat and the Jiger were available in the 1950′s. In the 1960′s the Terra Tiger came into being.

The amphibious six-wheeler came into being in the 1950s. In 1970, Honda introduced the official first three-wheeled ATV. It was named the ATC90, with C being the abbreviation for cycle. It was strictly for recreational purposes. By 1975, due to it’s fuel economy engine, it began to be used for farm work. Yamaha followed suit with its version in 1979. [I:http://www.show-your-motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JoeKeenan4.jpg]

In the 1980′s, they grew in popularity for multipurpose usage. Ranchers, construction workers, and hunters began seeing their value. No longer were they just for recreation, but a valuable aid to workers. In 1981, Kawasaki also began manufacturing a three-wheeler. In 1982, Honda’s “Big Red”, proved itself as a big help to farmers. It’s sealed rear brakes made it suitable for use in mud and water. The improved front suspension provided a more comfortable ride. Suzuki introduced it’s first three-wheeler, and the first four-wheeled model in 1983.

Honda’s “Big Red” was born in 1982. Its 5 speed engine, sealed rear brakes, and dual range gearbox made it the workers’ favorite. Suzuki presented its first three-wheeled model, and the first four-wheeler, in 1983. Also in 1983, the SVIA was founded by the Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha companies of the United States. It’s purpose is the promotion of safety through education and rider training. Honda’s first four-wheeler came out in 1984. It was the highest sales year ever for Honda. 1985 was the first year for Kawasaki’s four-wheeler, the Bayou.

Three-wheelers were lightweight, fast, and fun to ride. But being lightweight, and having a single wheel in front, they flipped backward easily. Fatal, and near fatal accidents led to legal battles. In 1987, the preliminary Consent Decree was signed by the manufacturers and the CPSC. For the next ten years, none were manufactured. And none are manufactured in the U. S. At the present.

In 1991, the Breeze, by Yamaha, was the first automatic model. Artic Cat presented its first model in 1996. IN 1997, Japanese Kawasaki’s first full sized belt-drive model won ATV Magazine’s first ATV of the year award. In 1998, Honda began its “Ride Smart, Stupid Hurts” safety campaign.

In 2001, Arctic Cat began producing ATVs for Massey Ferguson Farm Equipment Company. In 2003, nearly 900,000 ATVs were sold in the U. S. The first type II was placed on the U. S. Market by BRP and Arctic Cat in 2005. The first model with electronic power steering was Yamaha’s Grizzly 700 of 2006.

All terrain vehicles remain popular, especially among youth and young adults. Due to the serious accident rates involving children, safety of all ATVs are questionable. The American Academy of Pediatrics now urges lawmakers to forbid sales to children under the age of sixteen. Despite all hazard warnings, manufacture and sales remain high.

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Historical Facts About All Terrain Vehicles

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