#1983 honda atc 250r upgrade
#1983 honda atc 250r full

Rebadged the ATC110, this new trike offered more torque and an enclosed drive for better durability, but still no suspension (aside from the bounce of its balloon tires). In 1979, they finally bumped up the performance with a new 105cc motor for the full-size ATC. Steel hubs made their debut in 1975 (early ATCs used a hubless design that made tire repairs a nightmare) and better tires made punctures less likely. In 1973, Honda added a 70cc version for the kiddies and over the next few years, refined their full-size ATC package.

#1983 honda atc 250r full

With full suspension front and rear, a front disc brake and a powerful CR-based two-stroke motor, the new 250R offered performance never before dreamed of in a stock ATV. In 1981, Honda officially entered the high-performance ATV market with their first purpose-built racing three-wheeler, the ATC250R. Dads, moms, farmers and dune riders took to the ATC like bees to honey and snapped up the machines in droves. It was also less intimidating than a traditional motorcycle, appearing (at least initially) to be no harder to handle than a lawn tractor. With its Swivel-Lok™ (bars designed to fold up to aid transport) handle bars and compact size, the ATC could be carried in the trunk of a full-size car or station wagon. At $595, the ATC offered an affordable way to go exploring off-road.

Once consumers got a look at this odd new contraption, they began flying off the showroom floors.

#1983 honda atc 250r upgrade

Power upgrade packages easily doubled the 185’s meager output and full frame kits added suspension front and rear. With the help of the aftermarket, Honda’s mild-mannered ATC185 could actually be turned into a pretty formidable racer. As long as getting there fast was not a priority, the ATC90 was a capable companion.

Pumping out seven horsepower through its giant balloon tires and dual-range transmission, the ATC could handle snow, mud and sand with equal ease. It was great fun in the types of terrain that gave traditional motorcycles fits. Using a SOHC four-stroke single sourced from their existing ST70 motorcycle, the new machine offered modest performance, but great versatility. This allowed the team to keep the all-terrain capability of a buggy (through the use of large high-floatation tires), while improving maneuverability and lowering cost. In the end, Takeuchi’s team settled on a three-wheeled configuration.

In spite of its modest four-stroke power and utter lack of suspension, the 185 actually found its way to race tracks as riders hungry for a performance ATC turned to the aftermarket to make one of their own. In 1980, Honda introduced its most powerful ATV yet, the ATC185. At the time, six-wheeled all-terrain buggies were all the rage and Honda thought there might be a market for a smaller and more-maneuverable alternative. In order to do this, Takeuchi and his team of engineers had explored all manner of two, three, four and even six-wheel configurations. An engineer at Honda, Takeuchi had been tasked in 1967 with developing a product for dealers to sell in the slow winter months. Introduced by Honda Motor Corporation in 1970, the original US90 (later renamed the ATC90 after Honda trademarked the “ATC” name) was the brainchild of Osamu Takeuchi. Originally designed to provide its dealers with a winter selling option, the US90 (later renamed ATC90) would give rise to a huge ATV market in America. In 1970, Honda introduced the world to the first All Terrain Cycle. At a time when off-road riding was exploding in popularity, nothing was as hot as Honda’s balloon-tired little trike. From its inception in 1970, until its final demise in 1988, Honda sold an astounding 6.5 million of these peculiar-looking machines. Once the most popular recreational off-road vehicle in the world, the ATC was more than a fad, it was a phenomenon. To most people, it is a relic from an era when open face helmets were the norm and kids actually went outside to play after school. Today, the three-wheeled ATC (All Terrain Cycle) is something of a curiosity. After six years, three generations and countless sales, the original high-performance ATV would fall prey to political pressure and the inevitable march of technology. for Honda’s incredibly successful ATC250R. The 1986 season would be the last one in the U.S. For this edition of Classic Steel, we are going to venture off the beaten path and take a look back at the last of Honda’s high-performance three-wheelers, the legendary 1986 ATC250R.