When ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) first hit the market around 1970 they were something new, exciting and unique. The first was a 90cc ATV made in Japan but sold worldwide. In those early days, ATVs had no suspension, per se, but relied on big balloon tires to cushion the ride.
As the name implies, an ATV is meant to go off the road, on all sorts of terrain. This ability makes them not only a lot of fun to drive in different environments, but also makes them quite useful for doing all kinds of jobs where a normal, full-sized vehicle might be an impediment. They're great on a farm or a ranch, in the woods or mountains.
The first ATVs (known as the ATC 90) appeared in an early James Bond, 007 movie and could be seen on several 70's TV programs including 'Hart To Hart' and 'Magnum P. I.'. The design incorporated the use of three wheels and they were affectionately known as three-wheelers. Driven like a motorcycle, with handlebars and the driver straddling the seat, they were meant to carry only one person, the operator.
ATV engine sizes range from 49cc on the low end to 1000cc in the upper range, with every imaginable size in between. Kids love the smaller models for the fun they provide. They can be adjusted to reach a predetermined top speed, to increase safety. Hunters love ATVs for their ability to go where other vehicles cannot. They're useful and fun at the same time.
ATVs are legal for street use in some countries, but mostly they're only allowed off-road. They're easy to transport in the bed of a pick-up. They usually include a long list of safety and convenience features, such as hydraulic brakes, push button start and good headlights, to name a few. Some even come equipped with a safety device called a remote kill switch. This allows someone supervising a child riding one of these machines to remotely kill the engine in the event of a problem.
3-wheeled ATVs were discontinued back in the 1980's and gave way to a more stable 4-wheeler, also known as the quad. Some ATVs are also available in a 6-wheel configuration, which is beneficial in some applications. Many of the old 3-wheelers are now gone and the remaining ones are sought after by serious collectors. They were more nimble and easy to maneuver than their quad siblings, but also easier to tip over and crash.
ATVs find good use in many areas. They are especially popular with hunters and fishermen, because they allow them easy access to remote areas. They've found various uses on farms and ranches and can be equipped to pull wagons, blade snow or just about anything you can think of. They are entirely versatile in their function. They've even, in some ways, replaced the use of horses on some ranches. They can be used to go out to mend the fence line or to tend to the stock.
The first 90cc ATV was the beginning of a revolution. Many more machines followed and continue to follow. What started with one company and one model is now spread over dozens of companies with hundreds of ATV variations of different sizes and configurations. And the wheels keep turning.
