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

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 ATCs exploded in the late seventies, Honda began to diversify their line. Originally catering to winter activity, campers, hunters and weekend Recreational riders that ATCs were envisioned for, their research showed there was a market for utility-focused machines for commercial and agricultural use, and 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 and 3 more Sport ATCs, using 4-stroke engines.[3] The ATC250R remains a popular model for collectors due to its high-performance 2-stroke engines and racing heritage; and the 4-stroke “X” ATCs continue to be popular trail machines.

Honda ATC200X

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Honda ATC200X
 
A 1987 Honda ATC 200X at the AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania
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<58 mph
Ignition typeCDI
Transmission5-speed with Manual

1986-1987=6-speed with manual

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, released in 1983, was Honda's first 4-stroke Sport model. 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

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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 was 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 ATCs. This added to the weight, of nearly 50lbs more than similar machines.[5]

Honda ATC350X

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ATC350X
ManufacturerHonda
Production1985 - 1986
ClassSport ATC
Engine350 cc (21 cu in) Air-cooled four-stroke single
Bore / stroke81 x 68mm
Compression ratio150- 178psi
Top speed< 70 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

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The ATC250R, built for track racing, was produced from 1981–1986. 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

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  1. ^ Atc90.tripod.com. "ATC90-History". atc90.tripod.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Berts Mega Mall (2007-08-24). "What Happened to Honda ATCs". Bertsmegamall.com. Retrieved 2020-04-12.
  3. ^ "Honda model history time line". hondanews.com. 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  4. ^ http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/honda/atc200x_83-85_servicemanual.pdf. Retrieved 2020-04-15. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ "Honda ATC250SX Factory Service Manual" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  6. ^ http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/honda/85-86_ATC350X_Parts_Fiche.pdf. Retrieved 2020-04-15. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)