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Off-Road Adventures Begin With An ATV
By Richard | July 10, 2008
ATV, which is short for “all-terrain vehicles”, are any kind of small and open, motorized tricycles and buggies that are designed generally for off-road riding. An all-terrain vehicle is designed for only one operator. Riding an ATV is just like an ordinary motorcycle. However, all-terrain vehicles have extra wheels that provide more stability at slower speeds.
The first ever ATVs, which were designed with six wheels, were introduced to the public in the 1950s. However, Honda improved the early models by producing the first three-wheel all-terrain vehicle. It instantly became famous when it was publicly displayed in the 1971 James Bond Movie – Diamond’s are forever.
The History Of ATVs
After the release of the three-wheel ATVs, various models were produced for recreational use. These improved models offered big balloon tires without mechanical suspension. It was only in the early 1980s that lower tires with suspension were introduced.
The popularity of the ATV was due to its ability to pass anywhere on terrain, which other kinds of vehicles cannot cross. These all-terrain vehicles instantly became a hit with Canadian and US hunters.
Aside from recreational use, sport models of ATV became popular when Honda released the 1981 Honda ATC250R with an impressive engine placement, full suspension, 5-speed transmission and stunning design.
When it comes to four-wheel models, Suzuki develops high-performance all-terrain vehicles. Since the company introduced the very first ATV for beginners in 1983, it continuously produced a variety of 4-wheel ATVs for both beginners and professional riders. Other leaders in ATV production include Yamaha and Kawasaki.
In the 1980s, a variety of safety issues were raised regarding the three-wheel all-terrain vehicles. Because of this, all manufacturers of ATVs ended the production of 3-wheel and switched to 4-wheel models. Six-wheel models are also available. However, these all-terrain vehicles contain a small, dump bed and additional set of wheels that increases load capacity.
Today, you can find all-terrain vehicle models for both utility and sport markets. Utility ATV models are bigger, 4-wheeled vehicles with speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and have the capability of towing small trailers or dragging small loads on racks or dump beds. On the other hand, sport all-terrain vehicles are designed with 2-wheel drive and a manual transmission, and a lighter, smaller design that can run at 90 miles per hour.
Enjoy your choice of off-road vehicle and be sure to leave comments on this site about your experiences with them.
Check out the following eBay Auctions of ATV Items
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