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.
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.
By 1980, popularity was rising. Three-wheelers were being used for utility purposes, as well as recreation. Hunters, farmers, ranchers, and construction site workers saw their value as work tools. Kawasaki's three-wheeled model of 1981 featured a dual mode differential.
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.
Serious accidents were occurring. Many young people were killed or disabled. Legal battles arose. Three-wheelers were felt to be the most dangerous. Suzuki stopped manufacturing them. In 1987, the CPSC and major manufacturers signed the preliminary Consent Decree. No three-wheelers were made from 1987 to 1997. None are manufactured in the United States 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.
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 continue to be a popular item with many adults and children. Whether for recreation or work, the sales remain lucrative. Safety of operation remains of great importance. The SVIA continues to offer training in attempt to foster rider responsibility. Dealerships are monitored for adherence to age and size guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages law makers to forbid sales to persons under sixteen years of age.
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.
By 1980, popularity was rising. Three-wheelers were being used for utility purposes, as well as recreation. Hunters, farmers, ranchers, and construction site workers saw their value as work tools. Kawasaki's three-wheeled model of 1981 featured a dual mode differential.
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.
Serious accidents were occurring. Many young people were killed or disabled. Legal battles arose. Three-wheelers were felt to be the most dangerous. Suzuki stopped manufacturing them. In 1987, the CPSC and major manufacturers signed the preliminary Consent Decree. No three-wheelers were made from 1987 to 1997. None are manufactured in the United States 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.
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 continue to be a popular item with many adults and children. Whether for recreation or work, the sales remain lucrative. Safety of operation remains of great importance. The SVIA continues to offer training in attempt to foster rider responsibility. Dealerships are monitored for adherence to age and size guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages law makers to forbid sales to persons under sixteen years of age.
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