Ride into the Past
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
– Albert Einstein –
ATV’s are incredible for personal and professional use. From the woods to the roads, these powerful vehicles have changed the way we experience and live in southwest Florida.
It begs the question, how did they begin? When were they first developed?
Gator Sports is taking you on a ride down memory lane…
The Wheels Start Rolling
In 1967, American Honda asked their Research and Development for a new product that dealers could sell during the winter when motorcycle sales slumped. What followed was three years of careful planning, consideration, and in 1970, the first all-terrain vehicle was born. The Honda US90 was officially the first ATV and sold at just $595.
Professionals in more physically-demanding jobs like farming began taking notice. More and more people began using ATV’s for work and this later extended into the military.
Improved mobility, strong suspension, and a low cost made ATV’s a no-brainer in the professional and militaristic world.
Brief Three-Wheeled History
History is always full of curve-balls. What may surprise you is there was a brief period where ATV’s were built with three wheels! The trend of three-wheeled ATV’s started and ended as quickly as it came. In the 70’s and 80’s, many manufacturers became creative in their designs. Three-wheeled vehicles, however, were quickly deemed more dangerous than their four-wheeled counterparts.
While it was briefly lived, the advertisements are certainly something to remember.
Four Wheels are Better than Three
In the mid to late-80’s four-wheeled ATV’s saw a resurgence and renewed interest. The market consisted of predominantly Japanese manufacturers, but this changed in 1985 when Polaris began manufacturing and selling their own ATV’s.
The success was instant. Dealers all over the country were selling out due to popular demand. Within 3 years, Polaris’ market share jumped from 7% in 1990 to 26% in 1993, and continued to climb. Polaris continues to be one of the leading manufacturers in the wide world of ATV’s. Reliable vehicles, smooth rides, and quality assurance is just part of the reason their ATV’s are the most trusted in the industry.
Today, ATV’s are still one of the most sought after vehicles in the world. Whether riders are using ATV’s to lighten their workload or explore their backyard, these vehicles are made with the utmost care. The rush behind ATV riding can be addicting. It definitely feeds the adrenaline junkie in all of us!
To the Future
Ready to ride into the future in style? Make the most of your adventure by exploring the tracks and trails of Florida on one of our premiere Polaris® vehicles!
Visit the Gator Sports ATV showroom in Labelle where our experienced staff can answer all of your questions. We believe that everyone in southwest Florida should have an ATV to truly explore. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you get into a vehicle and get you started in your new hobby.