Honda Sport ATCs

Honda Sport ATCs, produced until 1987, were built specifically for performance in mind, designed for use in racing, or for aggressive trail riding. The machines lack luggage racks and other utilitarian features, commonplace on most other ATC's or ATV's.

In 1970, Honda’ created the three-wheeled “All Terrain Cycle” market nearly single-handedly with the release of the Honda US90.[1] As the popularity of ATC's exploded in the late seventies, Honda began to diversify their line. Originally catering to winter activity, campers, hunters and weekend Recreational riders that ATC's were envisioned for, their research showed there was a market for both utility-focused machines, for growing commercial and agricultural use, and creating dedicated sport models intended for leisure and competition use.

This led to the creation of the ATC250R,[2] a 2-stroke racing ATC based on the CR250 motocross line in 1981. Honda would further produce 3 more Sport ATC's, using 4-stroke engines.[3] While the ATC250R remains a popular model for collectors, due to its high-performance 2-stroke engines and racing heritage, the 4-stroke “X” ATC's continue to be popular trail machines.

Honda ATC200X
Honda ATC200X
ManufacturerHonda
Production1983 - 1987
ClassSport ATC
Engine192 cc (11.7 cu in) Air-cooled four-stroke single
Bore / stroke65 x 57.8mm
Compression ratio142 - 170psi
Top speed<45Mph
Ignition typeCDI
Transmission5-speed with Auto-Clutch
Frame typesteel
Wheelbase46.5 in.
DimensionsL: 72.4 in.
W: 42.5
Seat height27.6 in.
Weight282.1 lbs. (dry)
Footnotes / references
Information provided via Honda ATC200X Service Manual

The ATC200X was Hondas first 4-stroke Sport model released, in 1983. The machine was based on the ATC200 line but was virtually unique in its set-up and engine tuning. It featured a 5-speed transmission with manual clutch and full suspension with 7.3” of front travel and 6.7” of rear travel.[4]

Honda ATC250SX
Honda ATC250SX
ManufacturerHonda
Production1985 - 1987
ClassSport ATC
Engine246 cc (15.0 cu in) Air-cooled four-stroke single
Bore / stroke66 x 72mm
Compression ratio142 - 170psi
Top speed< 50 Mph
Ignition typeCDI
Transmission5-speed w/Reverse and Auto Clutch
Frame typesteel
Wheelbase48.6in.
DimensionsL: 74.2 in.
Seat height27.8 in.
Weight357 lbs. (dry)
Footnotes / references
Information provided via 1985 Honda Service Manual

The ATC250SX was introduced alongside the ATC350X in 1985, and available for three model years. Decidedly more a trail machine than a racer, this ATC is equipped with a 246cc 4-Stroke air-cooled OHV engine, with 5-speed auto-clutch transmission and shaft final drive. Stoppage was handled by front and rear drum brakes, and it featured a reverse gear, unique among Honda Sport ATC's. This added to the weight, of nearly 50lbs more than similar machines.[5]

Honda ATC350X
Honda ATC350X
ManufacturerHonda
Production1985 - 1987
ClassSport ATC
Engine350 cc (21 cu in) Air-cooled four-stroke single
Bore / stroke81 x 68mm
Compression ratio150- 178psi
Top speed< 60 Mph
Ignition typeCDI
Transmission6-speed with Manual Clutch
Frame typesteel
Wheelbase48.6in.
DimensionsL: 74.4 in.
W: 43.9
Seat height27.8 in.
Weight320 lbs. (dry)
Footnotes / references
Information provided via Honda ATC350X Service manual

Honda's largest displacement ATC, the ATC350X, would be produced for two years in the United States. Equipped with a 350cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine and 6-speed manual clutch transmission to a chain final drive, the focus was purely on performance.[6]

Honda ATC250R
Main article: Honda ATC250R

The ATC250R, built for track racing, was produced from 1981–1987. Originally equipped with a 248cc air-cooled engine and 5-speed transmission, it received a 246cc 2-stroke liquid-cooled engine and 6-speed transmission in its third, and last, iteration.

References
  1. Atc90.tripod.com. "ATC90-History". atc90.tripod.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  2. Berts Mega Mall (2007-08-24). "What Happened to Honda ATC's". Bertsmegamall.com. Retrieved 2020-04-12.
  3. "Honda model history time line". hondanews.com. 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  4. (PDF) http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/honda/atc200x_83-85_servicemanual.pdf. Retrieved 2020-04-15. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. "Honda ATC250SX Factory Service Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  6. (PDF) http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/honda/85-86_ATC350X_Parts_Fiche.pdf. Retrieved 2020-04-15. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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