July 7, 2011
by Brent McNamee
The history of the All-Terrain-Vehicle as we know it today is closely tied with the history of Honda. Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959. During the gas shortage in WWII, Soichiro Honda (Honda's founder) was unable to use his car so he had the novel idea of attaching a small engine to his bicycle.
His idea gained widespread popularity and he established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Over 18,000 bicycle shop owners across Japan took part in the research, an initiative that helped bring together a nation torn apart by war. Thanks to this research institute Honda would pave the way for the modern ATV.
Here is how ATVs have evolved through time.
Though Honda would become the most popular ATV brand later on, the very first ATV was actually developed in 1961 in Toronto, Canada and called the Jiger. The Jiger was a 5 1/2 horsepower, 200 pound, 6-wheeled amphibious ATV, meaning the vehicle could travel on land and water. The first Jigers built for sale were all built to order.
Prospects for the product included sportsmen and the military. The Jiger was marketed as a "Go Anywhere Vehicle" and began being mass produced in 1965. Despite its popularity, the company’s financial troubles caused production to end in 1968.
In 1967, American Honda asked one of its engineers, Osamu Takeuchi, for a new product that dealers could sell when motorcycle sales cooled off in the winter. Takeuchi drafted many design ideas, vehicles with 2 wheels, 3, 4, 5, and even 6-wheeled models like the Jiger. Out of all the designs, the 3-wheeled concept far outweighed two wheelers in snowy, slippery or muddy conditions and also provided better maneuverability.
The challenge was finding tires that would actually get a grip on soft terrain like snow.
Honda then sent Takeuchi an invention called the Amphi-Cat, with six, 20-inch, low-pressure, high-flotation balloon tires. (The Amphi-Cat was actually the Moon Buggy in the British television series Space: 1999 pictured below)
Takeuchi’s tires would tack on another 2 inches to make 3 full 22-inch, low pressure balloon tires. Those tires allowed the vehicle to go places others couldn't, leaving little or no damage in their passing.
Honda brought the world’s first ever three-wheeled ATV or rather ATC (All-Terrain-Cycle) to the United States in 1970 and it was a hit. It was marketed and sold as a recreational vehicle and was famously portrayed in the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever, as well as popular TV shows like Magnum P.I and Hart to Hart. The three-wheeled US90 had a seven horsepower engine and sold for $595.
Honda released the ATC 70 a smaller version of the ATC 90 intended for youngsters.
Though ATVs were originally targeted towards sportsmen until the 70's gas crunch when customers began purchasing them as utility vehicles for agriculture and farming purposes. This was because ATVs cost exponentially less than a tractor, and guzzled only 8 percent of the fuel needed to feed a tractor.
By the 1980s ATV demand was at an all-time high and they became multi-purpose machines serving both recreational and utility purposes
Honda's first official ATC racing participation came in the 1981 Parker 400 race held in the Arizona desert where it came in first.
With the widespread popularity of ATVs also came an increase in accidents and injuries, particularly among adolescents and children. This prompted an investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1984. By 1986, their statistics suggested that most ATV accidents were due to improper rider behaviour rather than actual vehicle design.
Nevertheless, on April 28, 1988, U.S. ATV distributors signed a 10-year agreement with the CPSC called the Final Consent Decree upon which the ATV industry made a $100 million commitment to expand existing ATV safety courses and programs. Among the many components of this agreement, ATV distributors had to offer free training and training incentives to owners and purchasers of new ATVs.
This agreement also marked the end of three-wheelers on the ATV market.
In 1982, Suzuki introduced the first 4-wheeled ATV called the QuadRunner 125 (pictured below). It came equipped with an odometer, five forward speeds and reverse! This quad paved the way for the 4-wheel ATV revolution.
In 1985, Suzuki took the ATV world by storm when it introduced the first high-performance 4-wheel ATV, the Suzuki LT250R QuadRace (below).
Meanwhile, Honda was working on its own 4-wheeled concept. After scrutinizing research, testing the prototypes with riders wearing 50-pound instrument packs that recorded information on every aspect of the machine’s operation, they unleashed their beast in 1984 known as the FourTrax TRX250R (below).
To this day, the FourTrax 250R continues to win awards for its performance.
1984 was Honda's biggest sales year for ATVs. 370,000 units were delivered making up 69 percent of total ATV sales in the U.S. that year.
In 1986, Honda unveiled the first four-wheel-drive ATV, the FourTraxª 350 4x4. For its grand unveiling it was lowered from a helicopter to show all four wheels moving under their own power.
This model would ultimately become the most versatile and popular ATV in history.
ATVs have become more than recreational vehicles and have stood the test of time as vital tools in a wide range of industries from farming, agriculture, hunting, industry, ranching but also an important means of mobility for people with disabilities.
Interestingly, many of the uses and application for ATVs have sprung from their owners, who have helped shape their growth and design along the way.
The history of ATVs is a fascinating one—full of more twists and turns than a powersports racing track.
We’ve gathered up some intriguing bits of ATV history below. If you want to grab your own piece of history, shop the four-wheelers for sale at Langston Motorsports. Our dealership is located in Perris, California, and we also serve those in Temecula and Orange County.
Originally, the term "ATV" referred to an entirely different powersports vehicle. It was the nickname for amphibious 6-wheeled vehicles such as the Jiger, Amphicat, and Terra Tiger. With these models, riders sat in a seat instead of straddling a seat. When the straddle-ridden powersports vehicles emerged, they took over the name "ATV" and the original models became known as AATVs (amphibious all-terrain vehicles).
ATVs as we think of them trace their history to a 1967 college graduate project. John Plessinger was enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Arts and Science with an assignment to create a motorized tricycle that could navigate difficult terrain.
His model earned an A—and launched an entire new type of powersports vehicles!
After graduation, Plessinger approached various farm machine companies, Harley-Davidson, AMF, and other companies with the hopes of selling the patents and design rights. A company named Sperry Rand (now called Unisys), which was a Special Products Division of New Holland, was the most interested and best fit for the inventory. Part of what they liked is that Plessinger kept careful records of the mistakes he made along with ten different prototypes. This information helped speed up the process of getting the product to market and the Sperry-Rand Tricart began being manufactured in 1968.
During this time, snowmobiles were rapidly selling at about a million units a year. But they could only be used in the winter. Enter: the Tricart, which became the first year-round vehicle. The Tricart also enjoyed a few other claims to fame, including:
The success of the Tricart prompted many powersports manufacturers to get to work crafting their own models.
In 1970, Honda was the first powersports manufacturer to follow up the Tricart. They debuted the three-wheeled US90 with a 7hp engine alongside the ATC90, which was designed for kids. Their ATV was used in the movie Diamonds Are Forever and the TV shows Magnum, P.I. and Hart to Hart, which helped boost its popularity.
Honda continued innovating their product line over the coming years. In 1981, they released the first high-performance three-wheeler with full suspension and five-speed transmission. The model, the ATC250R, took inspiration from motocross technology. In 1982, Honda released the first utility three-wheeled ATV: the ATC200E.
During this time, other manufacturers competed to develop their own ATVs. Companies such as Yamaha and Kawasaki built impressive models, but Honda continued to hit many of the industry's firsts. All of these early models were three-wheeled designs.
The first four-wheeler emerged in 1982. The Suzuki® QuadRunner LT125 sported an extra wheel alongside an odometer, five forward speeds, and a reverse speed. This innovative design offered improved performance and safety and other ATV manufacturers quickly followed suit.
Today, four-wheelers build upon this rich history to offer exceptional riding experiences. Quads are used for recreational riding, work projects, and everything in-between. Riders of all ages can enjoy the thrill of ATV riding.
Ready to shop quads for sale? Check out the selection at Langston Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Perris, California. We also proudly serve those in Temecula and Orange County, California.
There are hundreds and thousands of different children's electric cars on the market today, so "Which is better?" - this is not an idle question at all.
How to buy the best electric car for your child, and does a fidget need such a toy at all?
Does my child need an electric car? Before asking the question “How to choose a children's electric car?”, It would be nice to decide why it is needed at all? And is it necessary?
From our point of view, the answer is simple: definitely needed! All children from a very young age just fanate on cars. They like that they are big, that they buzz, that they sparkle in the sun, that they ride ... In general, they like everything! And with age, this sympathy becomes only stronger.
Having learned to walk, the child dreams of riding something - just as big as mom or dad. Of course, it can be roller skates, a scooter, a bicycle ... but nothing beats a car in children's eyes anyway! Well, perhaps, except for a personal small tank (such electric vehicles also exist). So, we are sure: a children's electric car is the best gift for a baby!
Our store has a large selection of children's electric cars.
How to choose a children's electric car? First decide on the model. As is the case with real, adult cars, children's electric cars fall into several categories. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
Jeeps are a classic variant, perhaps they were the first to gain wide popularity. Why is that? The fact is that children usually ride around the yard or on the playground, and it’s better for them not to leave the asphalt: there is a big risk of meeting a large car. So it turns out that the kids drive just on easy off-road, and jeeps are simply created to conquer it.
Children's electric car Jeep - these can be reduced copies of the legendary Hummer and similar heavy military off-road vehicles: wide, stable, brutal. There are also more “urban” options: BMW, Range Rover, Land Cruiser, etc. In any case, the design of the car usually quite clearly indicates which jeep the designers were inspired by - it turns out really similar! A Jeep is well suited if your child likes big and massive cars.
ATVs - most children's cars just look like their prototypes, but an ATV is just a smaller copy of an adult vehicle. The same proportions, the same design... If your child likes to "drive" off-road, then an ATV will be an ideal option for him. Children's electric cars ATVs are a great choice for both toddlers and children over 8 years old. It is important to note that many classic children's cars (jeeps, sedans, etc.) are designed for children under 6-8 years old, and among ATVs there are many teenage models. Yes, and then it will be easier to transfer to an adult “quad”.
Sedans and children's vintage electric cars. Do you want to teach your kid from childhood to the fact that the car of a serious and successful person is a business class sedan? Or maybe your child is a fan of old cars, “like a grandfather”? In both cases, we have something to offer you!
First of all, these are mini-copies of modern cars: top models of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, Lamborghini and other brands.
It is important to note that representatives of the factories themselves take part in the development of many of these electric vehicles - they make sure that the car turns out to be really beautiful and similar to the original.
Secondly, we offer beautiful vintage cars - for example, government Volgas. They are distinguished by a leather interior, an abundance of chrome parts and other premium attributes. If you want your child to stand out on any playground, this is your choice!
Children's electric cars - Motorcycles are electric cars that are perhaps even better than a car! Faster, sportier, HARDER! If your fidget has always liked two-wheeled transport more than four-wheeled, then a motorcycle will suit him perfectly.
Whether it's a massive chopper with gleaming chrome details, a sleek enduro or a fast-paced sportbike, the choice is yours. In any case, such a gift will delight the child!
Electric cars for children - Tanks and tractors. Motorcycles, sedans, jeeps - it's all very cool, cool and great, but .
.. trite, or what? Do you want something original and unusual? There are also non-standard options! For example, a fidget can try himself in the role of a "farmer" sitting behind the wheel of his own tractor.
Agriculture is not attractive? And what will your kid say about an almost real tank? It even has a rotating tower! You simply won't find anything cooler!
Drift cars. E Ron Don Don! The kid wants to light up like an adult? Drift cars give him that opportunity! These cars will allow the fidget to feel like a cool racer from an early age, drifting on the steepest tracks in the world.
What to look for when choosing an electric car for a child? Naturally, the most important thing is that the baby likes the car, but there are a few more points to consider:
Make sure that the machine has a clearly limited and safe speed for your child. If you take a model "for growth" (for example, a 36-volt jeep for a 2-year-old kid), see if it has a maximum speed adjustment; 
Must be present in the configuration of electric vehicles for children under 3 years old. What age children are suitable for electric cars? At what age should a child buy an electric car? In fact, a fidget can get behind the wheel as soon as he learns to actually sit. Driving an electric car is not just a fun game, it helps the baby grow and develop. Motility improves, the reaction rate increases, the work of the vestibular apparatus stabilizes - there are a lot of pluses!
There are hundreds and thousands of different children's electric cars on the market today, so "Which one is better?" - this is not an idle question at all. How to buy the best electric car for your child, and does a fidget need such a toy at all?
Does my child need an electric car? Before asking the question “How to choose a children's electric car?”, It would be nice to decide why it is needed at all? And is it necessary?
From our point of view, the answer is simple: definitely needed! All children from a very young age just fanate on cars.
They like that they are big, that they buzz, that they sparkle in the sun, that they ride ... In general, they like everything! And with age, this sympathy becomes only stronger.
Having learned to walk, the child dreams of riding something - just as big as mom or dad. Of course, it can be roller skates, a scooter, a bicycle ... but nothing beats a car in children's eyes anyway! Well, perhaps, except for a personal small tank (such electric vehicles also exist). So, we are sure: a children's electric car is the best gift for a baby!
Our store has a large selection of children's electric cars. How to choose a children's electric car? First decide on the model. As is the case with real, adult cars, children's electric cars fall into several categories. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
Jeeps are a classic, perhaps they were the first to gain wide popularity. Why is that? The fact is that children usually ride around the yard or on the playground, and it’s better for them not to leave the asphalt: there is a big risk of meeting a large car.
So it turns out that the kids drive just on easy off-road, and jeeps are simply created to conquer it.
Children's electric car Jeep - these can be reduced copies of the legendary Hummer and similar heavy military off-road vehicles: wide, stable, brutal. There are also more “urban” options: BMW, Range Rover, Land Cruiser, etc. In any case, the design of the car usually quite clearly indicates which jeep the designers were inspired by - it turns out really similar! A Jeep is well suited if your child likes big and massive cars.
ATVs - most children's cars just look like their prototypes, but an ATV is just a smaller copy of an adult vehicle. The same proportions, the same design... If your child likes to "drive" off-road, then an ATV will be an ideal option for him. Children's electric cars ATVs are a great choice for both toddlers and children over 8 years old. It is important to note that many classic children's cars (jeeps, sedans, etc.) are designed for children under 6-8 years old, and among ATVs there are many teenage models.
Yes, and then it will be easier to transfer to an adult “quad”.
Sedans and children's vintage electric cars. Do you want to teach your kid from childhood to the fact that the car of a serious and successful person is a business class sedan? Or maybe your child is a fan of old cars, “like a grandfather”? In both cases, we have something to offer you!
First of all, these are mini-copies of modern cars: top models of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, Lamborghini and other brands. It is important to note that representatives of the factories themselves take part in the development of many of these electric vehicles - they make sure that the car turns out to be really beautiful and similar to the original.
Secondly, we offer beautiful vintage cars - for example, government Volgas. They are distinguished by a leather interior, an abundance of chrome parts and other premium attributes. If you want your child to stand out on any playground, this is your choice!
Children's electric cars - Motorcycles are electric cars that are perhaps even better than a car! Faster, sportier, HARDER! If your fidget has always liked two-wheeled transport more than four-wheeled, then a motorcycle will suit him perfectly.
Whether it's a massive chopper with gleaming chrome details, a sleek enduro or a fast-paced sportbike, the choice is yours. In any case, such a gift will delight the child!
Electric cars for children - Tanks and tractors. Motorcycles, sedans, jeeps - it's all very cool, cool and great, but ... trite, or what? Do you want something original and unusual? There are also non-standard options! For example, a fidget can try himself in the role of a "farmer" sitting behind the wheel of his own tractor.
Agriculture is not attractive? And what will your kid say about an almost real tank? It even has a rotating tower! You simply won't find anything cooler!
Drift cars. E Ron Don Don! The kid wants to light up like an adult? Drift cars give him that opportunity! These cars will allow the fidget to feel like a cool racer from an early age, drifting on the steepest tracks in the world.
What to look for when choosing an electric car for a child? Naturally, the most important thing is that the baby likes the car, but there are a few more points to consider:
Can be 12V, 24V or 36V. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the motor of the electric vehicle, the higher the maximum speed. For children under 3 years old, a 12-volt model is enough, but for older fidgets, it is better to take options with a voltage of 24 or 36V; 
