A Brief History of ATVs

Sure, you love to ride your ATV, but how much do you know about its provenance? The history of ATVs is relatively brief, relegated to the latter half of the 20th century, but it’s still interesting. Read on to learn more about how ATVs came to be the vehicles we use today.

First Use of the Term

The initialism “ATV” didn’t always refer to today’s four-wheeled “all-terrain vehicles,” known and used widely by powersports enthusiasts the world over. Instead, it was a term for an amphibious vehicle that had six wheels and a seat for the rider. When today’s four-wheeled, land-based vehicles appeared, the original vehicle was rechristened an “AATV,” for “amphibious all-terrain vehicle.”

Original ATV

In 1967, Cranbrook Academy of Arts and Science student John Plessinger was tasked with the creation of a tricycle with a motor that could cover rough terrain. He developed his prototype and got an A on the project, having unwittingly designed a brand-new powersports vehicle.

Once he graduated, Plessinger shopped his idea to several manufacturers, with a subdivision of agricultural New Holland called Sperry Rand being the first company to take any interest. The company appreciated the detailed records that Plessinger had made of his various prototypes and all the flaws they had, resulting in the final version that worked. The Sperry-Rand Tricart started rolling off assembly lines in 1968. 

The Tricart had the advantage of being able to be used year-round, compared to seasonal powersports vehicles like snowmobiles. These models had two seats and were very stable and lightweight, but they looked very different from the vehicle we know now.

Adding Another Wheel

Other companies began to produce their own three-wheeled ATVs during the 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1982 that powersports king Suzuki® made their QuadRunner LT125, which had four wheels instead of three, thus significantly increasing the vehicle’s overall stability and preventing it from rolling over. The vehicle had five forward speeds, a reverse option, and an odometer. ATVs moved away from the seats of the Tricart to a straddle-style riding position, like motorcycles.

Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda quickly followed suit, producing their own models during the course of the 1980s. Soon, four wheels became the ATV standard, with three-wheeled vehicles being relegated to history. Further modifications over the 1990s and into the 21st century have made ATVs more powerful, safer, and easier to ride.

We hope this history has helped you to understand these popular powersports vehicles better. In the market for an ATV? Visit our dealership in Timmins, ON, to check out our selection of new and used ATVs for sale. J&B Cycle & Marine proudly serves all of our customers throughout the province of Ontario.