Honda ATVs are one of the first all-terrain vehicles that have ever been released for production. Osamu Takeuchi, together with a group of engineers from Honda, conceptualized and designed the all terrain vehicle in 1967. Their efforts produced the US90 ATV.
The development of the first Honda ATV went through several concept and design phases, with the engineers testing 2, 4, and 6 wheel configurations and other different components. However, the group decided on a three-wheel Honda ATV because it was built with the most compatible features to provide the vehicle's intended function.
The US90 was the first Honda ATV in world. It cost around six hundred dollars and featured an automatic clutch with a four speed gearbox, and was powered by a seven horsepower engine. Farmers were the first group of people to adopt this new vehicle because of its off road capabilities and road stability. Before the end of the decade, the ATV caught the attention of the leisure seekers and it found a growing market in the recreational arena.
At the start of 1980s, both utility and sports ATV had a major boom in the market. Farmers are still using the utility models by this time. The most popular Honda ATV model of the 1980s was the ATC185, which boasted a four stroke, 180cc engine, and had a five speed transmission with an automatic clutch.
Capturing the budding sports ATV market was important to Honda, and in 1982 they launched the Honda ATC200E. It was a powerful vehicle with a 192cc engine and a 4-speed, dual range gearbox that produced more power, compared to its utility model counterpart. This exact model was enhanced with a reverse gear and new drive chain for added durability in 1984.
From 1980s onwards, Honda ATVs are used for racing everywhere from desert roads to frozen lakes all over America. Since Honda has been renowned for its high-performance vehicles that are fit for racing, their ATVs are no different.
After the success of three-wheel utility and sports ATV models, Honda as well as other manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles discontinued the production of three-wheel ATVs. They released a better version in four-wheel, allowing better suspension and a more powerful engine.
The name Honda is synonymous with innovation and vision in the all terrain vehicle market. Famous models from Honda include the four-wheel TRX200, the 1988 FourTrax 300, the 1995 Foreman 400 and a dozen more of high-performance vehicles.
