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.

Custom honda atc 250r