Honda ATC 90

What began as back room tinkering at Honda in the late 1960’s became a product now representing over 30% of many motorcycle dealers’ unit sales. Honda dealers asked for a new product that would offer sales in the winter season, a time when sales were off in the northern United States. This original Honda US90, a three-wheeler with a flotation tire and wheel* design then used on some American made six-wheel machines, was the answer.
Originally dubbed the US90 due to America being its first market, the machine soon became the ATC90; the All Terrain Cycle. It borrowed the engine/ transmission unit from a Honda Trail 90, an 89cc OHC single with a dual range transmission, but used rope starting. The frame was pressed steel with rigid tubular forks and a live rear axle also with no suspension. The cushy tires absorbed a lot of surfaces irregularities and was easier on trails than knobbies. Where most bodywork on today’s ATVs is polypropylene, the ATC90 used a steel fuel tank and front fender and a fragile fiberglass seat/fender unit. Summer Yellow, Bright Red, Aquarius Blue and Parrot Green were sporty new color offerings; it was the 70’s.