When ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) first hit the market in 1970 they were something new, exciting and unique. The first was a 90cc ATV made in Japan but sold worldwide. They had no suspension, per se, but relied on big balloon tires to cushion the ride.

Appropriate to its name, the ATV was designed to ride off-road, on varied terrain. This capability makes them fun to operate and also very useful for providing transport where a full-sized vehicle might find the landscape inaccessible. Though developed strictly for recreational use, they soon found utility at work as well as play.

Some TV shows and a very popular movie in the 70's featured scenes where the original ATV (called the ATC 90) made its debut and was seen by millions. It became very popular and a must-have item for enthusiasts. These first models had three wheels and were designed to carry only one person, the operator.

ATV engine sizes range from 49cc on the low end to 1000cc in the upper range, with every imaginable size in between. Kids love the smaller models for the fun they provide. They can be adjusted to reach a predetermined top speed, to increase safety. Hunters love ATVs for their ability to go where other vehicles cannot. They're useful and fun at the same time.

ATVs are legal for street use in some countries, but mostly they're only allowed off-road. They're easy to transport in the bed of a pick-up. They usually include a long list of safety and convenience features, such as hydraulic brakes, push button start and good headlights, to name a few. Some even come equipped with a safety device called a remote kill switch. This allows someone supervising a child riding one of these machines to remotely kill the engine in the event of a problem.

In the 1980's the three-wheeler ATV was discontinued and the market was taken over by their more stable four- wheeler sibling called the quad. Six-wheel versions are also available and are useful for certain jobs. Older three wheelers are getting more and more rare and there is a demand for them as collector's items. The old 3-wheel models were very nimble and easily maneuvered but less stable and easier to upend than the quads.

ATVs find good use in many areas. They are especially popular with hunters and fishermen, because they allow them easy access to remote areas. They've found various uses on farms and ranches and can be equipped to pull wagons, blade snow or just about anything you can think of. They are entirely versatile in their function. They've even, in some ways, replaced the use of horses on some ranches. They can be used to go out to mend the fence line or to tend to the stock.

The first 90cc ATV was the beginning of a revolution. Many more machines followed and continue to follow. What started with one company and one model is now spread over dozens of companies with hundreds of ATV variations of different sizes and configurations. And the wheels keep turning.

When All Terrain Vehicles first hit the market in 1970 they were something new, exciting and unique. The first was a 90cc ATV made in Japan but sold worldwide. We've got the best inside scoop on 90cc atvs

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