About ATV (all-terrain vehicle)

ATV
(all-terrain vehicle)

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), informally referred to as a quad bike or quad, is defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. Although it is a street-legal vehicle in some countries, it is not street legal within most states and provinces of Australia, the United States and Canada. By the current ANSI definition, it is intended for use by a single operator, although a change to include two-seaters (in tandem), is under consideration.

The rider sits on and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slower speeds. Although typically equipped with three or four wheels, six-wheel models exist for specialized applications. Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States, (as of 2008 products), range from 49 to 1,000 cc (3 to 61 cu in).

ATV Terminology
Four wheeled versions are most commonly called "quads," "four-wheelers" or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking countries. In Australia, ATVs are also known as "forbys", and in Israel can be called "Polarises" (After the company). Models with three wheels are typically known as "three-wheelers," and ATCs (or less commonly "All-Terrain Cycles" and "trikes").

ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles.

Major ATV manufacturers
Quadbike adapted for spraying weedkiller, Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK

• Arctic Cat
• Bombardier (Can-Am)
• Honda
• Kawasaki
• KTM
• Kymco
• Polaris
• Suzuki
• Yamaha