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 original models were six-wheelers. The Amphicat and the Jiger were known in the 1950's era. The 1960's brought the Terra Tiger. These were amphibious machines, meaning they could travel in water. Then came the three-wheeler in 1970. Honda's ATC90 was to fill in the motorcycle sales gap during winter months. It was designed solely with riding as a sport in mind. Honda holds the trademark for the ATC name.
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.
In 2001, Massey Ferguson Farm Equipment Company's first model was made by Arctic Cat. United States' sales were almost 900,000 in 2003. Arctic Cat and BRP introduced the first type II in the U. S. In 2005. Yamaha's Grizzly 400, of 2006 was the first with electronic power steering.
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.
The original models were six-wheelers. The Amphicat and the Jiger were known in the 1950's era. The 1960's brought the Terra Tiger. These were amphibious machines, meaning they could travel in water. Then came the three-wheeler in 1970. Honda's ATC90 was to fill in the motorcycle sales gap during winter months. It was designed solely with riding as a sport in mind. Honda holds the trademark for the ATC name.
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.
In 2001, Massey Ferguson Farm Equipment Company's first model was made by Arctic Cat. United States' sales were almost 900,000 in 2003. Arctic Cat and BRP introduced the first type II in the U. S. In 2005. Yamaha's Grizzly 400, of 2006 was the first with electronic power steering.
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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Don't get stuck paying big bucks for a Side x Side. Modern day Quad Side by Side vehicles can get you off the couch and out on the trails.
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