Before getting into its history let s discover what an ATV actually is. An ATV or all terrain vehicle or quad bike is a vehicle which travels using tires with low pressure style of tires. It also has handlebars to steer and a seat for the operator to sit on. This vehicle is made to be used on many different terrains compared to what other vehicles can do. Even thought these are legal on the streets in some countries, in Canada, Australia, and the United States they are legal only off the streets and roads. They are only meant for one operator unless they are a tandem one.
Back in 1893 Royal Enfield put together a quadracycle and sold it. It was much like the modern ATV / quad bike. Then came the automobiles, which overshadowed the quadracycle. Then the USA brought out ATVs at least a decade before Japanese companies like Honda introduced their versions of 3 and 4 wheeled models of ATVs.
In the 1960s several manufacturers made small vehicles for off road use that were similar to the Japanese models. But these were even given floating capabilities that made them good for traveling in ponds, streams, and even swamps, along with dry land. These constructed usually of fiberglass or hard plastic, had 6 wheels, low pressure balloon tires, skid steer type of steering, and no suspension. These would not fit the definition of the ATV today according to the ANSI.
Since the invention of the 3 to 4 wheeled ATVs where the operators sit straddled on the seats, this is now the preferred definition for ATVs. The 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 floating style of these are now called AATV or amphibious all terrain vehicle.
In 1970 Honda brought out its first ATV that had three wheels. It was at first called the US90 and then changed to ATC90 when Honda was granted the trademark. This model appeared in TV programs such as Hart to Hart and Magnum PI , and in the James Bond flick called Diamonds are Forever . The were clearly based on the early models for the ATVs, with their big balloon tires in place of a mechanized suspension.
Suzuki lead the way with the 4 wheeled ATVs. They sold their first ATV in 1982 it was the QuadRunner LT125. This was a great recreational vehicle for the beginners. Then Suzuki in 1985 brought out the 4 wheel ATV that was high performance in the LT250R QuadRacer. This vehicle was produced from 1985 through 1992.
Today models are classified as either utility or sport. The utility ones are usually larger vehicles with four wheel drive and have top speeds of 72.5 mph. These can even haul light weight loads on dump beds or racks. They can even pull small trailers. The sport quad bike versions are normally light, small vehicles with two wheel drive and they can accelerate quite rapidly and can reach as fast as 110 mph. Each class of ATV has its own advantages because of their varying weights.
Make a note here that quad bikes are considered as dangerous as motorcycles and should be ridden with care. Take care to protect your body while riding. There are various state and local laws that need to be followed to ride the ATVs lawfully too.
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