4WD Vehicle From The Past
Four wheelers, quads, quad bikes, and ATVs are names for all terrain vehicles of today. They are motorized machines made for recreation and/or work. They feature low pressure tires, a seat that must be straddled, and handle bars for steering. They are made to handle rough, rugged territory. Water and mud present them no problems. To some, they are useful work tools. To others, they are fun toys that are adventurous and dangerous.
In 1970, the Honda ATC90, a three-wheeler was born. The C was abbreviation for cycle. Honda holds the trademark for the ATC name. It had a single wheel in front, two in the back, and it was fast and fun. The seat had to be straddled like a bicycle seat, and it had handle bars for steering. It had large balloon, low pressure tires. It was unlawful on streets and highways. By 1975, farmers were beginning to use them as farm work tools. Their fuel economy exceeded that of a tractor. They could travel faster over rough territory. All ATV’s are designed for off the road use. They still feature the bicycle type seat, handle bars, and low pressure tires. Type I models have seating for the operator only. Type II models have a passenger seat. The passenger seat is located behind the operator. This gives the operator room to shift his or her weight. [I:http://lucesdebar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/HankRilley4.jpg]
After a few modifications, 1975 saw farmers using it to help them with farm work. It’s fuel economy was a small percentage of that of a tractor. Yamaha produced its version in 1979. By 1980, utility use increased. Since 1985, multipurpose usage has increased from thirty to about eighty percent of total usage. Farmers, ranchers, hunters, construction site workers, and others have found them to be useful tools.
In 1982, Honda’s Big Red, with it’s five speed engine gained quick fame. It was both rugged and more comfortable than previous models. Suzuki’s first three-wheeler, and the first four-wheeler, were introduced in 1983. Also that year, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America was founded by American companies Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Its function is to promote safety by providing rider education.
In 1984, Honda brought out its first four-wheeler. ATV sales reached an all-time high, with Honda in the lead. Yamaha introduced its first model, and the first youth model, also in 1984. The percentage of usage of all ATVs has increased from thirty in 1985 to about eighty-five. In 1985, Kawasaki’s four-wheeler came into being. Three-wheeled models flipped easily. Lawsuits increased. In 1987, manufacturers signed the preliminary Consent Decree with the CPSC. For 10 years, none were manufactured. None are produced in the U. S. Today.
In 1991, the first automatic model, the Yamaha Breeze, became available. In the mid 1990′s, Artic Cat introduced its first model. ATV Magazine’s first ATV of the year award went to Japanese Kawasaki’s fully automatic Prairie 400 in 1997.
Artic Cat began manufacturing ATVs for Massey Ferguson Farm Equipment Company in 2001. ATVs sold in the United States in 2003 totaled nearly 900,000. BRP and Arctic Cat placed the first type II model on the market in the U. S. In 2005. In 2006, Yamaha introduced the first model with electronic power steering, the Grizzly 400.
All terrain vehicles are known as ATVs, quad bikes, quads, or four-wheelers. For both recreation and utility purposes, they are an all-time favorite. Adults and children alike enjoy them. Popularity and sales remain high. So does the rate of serious accidents. Many are fatal, or near fatal. Many involve children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that sales be forbidden to persons too young for a drivers license.
Tags: atv, autos, extreme sports, hobbies, motorcycle, motorsports, Outdoors, quad, racing, riding, utv
