ATV – Origination and History
Sunday, June 3rd, 2007ATVs first originated in 1967 as a result of slow motorcycle sales in the winter months. Manufacturers were scrambling to come up with a product that would sell all year long instead of just the spring and summer months. Honda came up with the US90 which had three wheels and could handle many types of terrain.
The first obstacle was finding ATV tires that could handle snow, mud, and even sand. Motorcycle tires were not suitable for the job. After considerable testing they came up with a 22 inch inflatable ATV tire that could stand up to the elements.
The original 70cc engine proved to be too small to carry a full grown adult so the 90cc engine was tested. The added horsepower seemed to fill the bill and the first ATV was introduced to the market in 1970.
For the first few years the ATV was sold mostly to hunters and young riders. It was a few years later when farmers figured out that owning an ATV would be a benefit to them in their day to day operations.
ATV sales began to soar as manufacturers began to produce sturdier tires and larger engines. More and more people were beginning to see the advantages of owning an ATV for sport or for work. Safety concerns soon had manufacturers looking at the three wheel design. After research and testing the four-wheel ATV was introduced and proved to be more stable with a less likely chance of turning over.
Four wheel ATV sales took off with a bang and soon the three wheel ATVs were discontinued. Manufacturers agreed that four wheels offered more stability and proved to be a safer ride.
Since the first ATV inception there have been numerous improvements to the motors, tires, gears, and body design. ATVs are now sold to young and old alike. ATV racing has become a highly competitive and popular sport. Regardless of your age or needs, ATVs can be bought for a wide variety of purposes and can be enjoyed by all.

