In the early beginnings of ATV’s they proved themselves to have several advantages for the working man. The ATV was much cheaper to operate than tractors or even a pickup truck especially during the gas crunches in the 1970′s. ATV’s were also easier to maneuver in tight situations, and just were more convenient in general. In the early times of ATV’s the tires proved to be a problem. With low pressure they worked like a charm in muddy or sandy conditions, but in a rocky field they became punctured easily. Apart from the early tire problems the ATV’s proved themselves to be an invaluable piece of equipment.
In 1975 the tire problem was fixed by replacing the hubless design with steel hubs that was lined with a tough fabric on the inside. Also with the redesign of the wheels, more durable plastic fenders were introduced with bright colors for better visibility. As the popularity of the vehicles continued the Japanese manufacturers continued to tweak and improve the design by going into the field and gathering data on how the ATV’s performed and what new modifications could be used to improve the design.
Once the 1980′s arrived ATV’s were traveling the same path that motorcycles and dirt bikes had. ATV’s branched off from the utility vehicle direction to the racing circuit. More and more people were purchasing ATV’s for the purpose of recreational riding and racing just as much as they were purchasing them for work related uses. In just a short 15 years ATV’s went from a 30% usage to a whopping 80%. In 1998 Honda introduced another groundbreaking design change with the Four Trax 300 and the Four Trax 300 4X4.
ATV’s had always had 3 wheels, but with the introduction of the Four Trax the game changed. The newly designed four wheel ATV’s provided greater stability and power. The new Four Trax was also fitted with a four stroke single cylinder engine which was air cooled. A five speed transmission, automatic clutch, extra low gears and a maintenance free drive shaft made the Four Trax a powerhouse like none before it.
The ATV’s of today are ingrained into our society as a way of life. Everywhere you go, from dirt bike trails, farms, construction sites and numerous other places you will find ATV’s chugging along. The fever of the sport of ATV’s is spreading all over the world, and is a fun and efficient way for handling a wide variety of jobs in almost any environment and terrain.