Honda is still maintaining its reputation as the red standard in the ATV market. Its name is synonymous with unequaled quality and enduring durability. In 1970, Honda introduced the first commercial recreational ATV (all-terrain vehicle), the Honda US90 three-wheeler, which was featured in the James Bond movie, Diamonds are Forever. By the 1980’s, Honda added cargo racks and suspension systems to their three-wheelers and found themselves with a monopoly in the ATV industry.
In 1984, Honda entered the four-wheeled ATV market with the Honda TRX®200, and two years later in 1986, they introduced what would be their flagship model, the high-performance Honda FourTrax® 250R. The rest is truly ATV history.
Today’s Honda ATVs are a lot different than they were back then. Instead of a single model, the FourTrax has branched into a complete lineup of solid and reliable ATVs meant for work and play. They are known as the Rincon®, the Rancher®, the Recon®, the Foreman® and the Foreman Rubicon.
The Rincon and Rubicon were designed more as recreational platforms, while the Recon, Foreman and Rancher were engineered more for working applications. The Foreman Rubicon and FourTrax Rancher series are now offered with independent rear suspension (IRS) to insure long-lasting comfort during a rough day of hard terrain. Honda has updated its chassis on the Rubicon from the swingarm style to a double-cradle steel frame chassis which Honda claims is stiffer and presents more torsional rigidity. The idea of the new chassis is to improve performance with a smoother ride and more precise handling. The IRS and updated chassis are just a couple of the many new improvements that are the result of Honda being the industry leader in quality and innovation.
There are obviously many technical reasons to put trust in a Honda ATV, but Honda’s engineering successes come from high standards. Some of those company values have resulted in specific goals like producing fuel efficient and quiet ATVs; as well as, industry leading technology like the Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, for example.
With so many choices of drive trains, transmissions, suspensions, steering systems and stylish accessories, there is literally a Honda ATV for every person and practical purpose imaginable.
