A group of “quad bike” all terrain vehicles

The ATV is commonly called a four wheeler in Australia. They are used extensively in agriculture

Bank erosion started by four wheeler All-terrain vehicles, Yauhanna, South Carolina

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Trikes, ATVs & Quads

The term "all-terrain vehicle" is used in a general sense to describe any of a number of small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. more...

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Trikes, ATVs & Quads

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However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control. By the ANSI definition, it is intended for use by a single operator. The 4-wheeled versions are most commonly called "quads," "four-wheelers" or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking countries. Models with 3 wheels are typically known as ATCs (though this is a Honda trademark) and "three-wheelers," and less commonly "all-terrain cycles" and "trikes." 6- and 8-wheel models exist for specialized applications. The rider sits on these models just like on a motorcycle, but the extra wheels make them more stable at slow speeds. ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles, Jeeps and other off-road capable machines.

Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States (as of 2004) range from 50cc to 800cc. They range in price from about $499 to nearly $8000.

Development of ATVs

The first ATVs were made during the 1950s. These early models had six wheels instead of four. Honda made the first three-wheeled ATV in 1970, and were famously portrayed in the James Bond movie, "Diamonds Are Forever". Dubbed the US90 and, later, the ATC90, it was designed purely for recreational use. It featured large balloon tires instead of a mechanical suspension. By the early 1980s, suspension and lower-profile tires were introduced. The 1982 Honda ATC200E Big Red was a landmark model. It featured both suspension and racks, making it the first utility three-wheeled ATV. The ability to go anywhere on terrain that most other vehicles could not cross soon made them popular with US and Canadian hunters, and those just looking for a good trail ride. Soon other manufacturers introduced their own models.

Sport models were also developed by Honda, which had a virtual monopoly on the market, due to effective patents on design and engine placement. The 1981 ATC250R was the first high-performance three-wheeler, featuring full suspension, a 248-cubic-centimetre two-stroke motor, a five-speed transmisison with a manual clutch and a front disc brake. For the sporting trail rider, the 1983 ATC200X was another landmark machine. It has an easy-to-handle 192-cubic-centimetre four-stroke that was ideal for new participants in the sport.

Suzuki was a leader in the development of 4-wheeled ATVs. It sold the first ATV, the 1983 QuadRunner LT125, which was a recreational machine for beginners.