ATVConnection.com

Dear ATVC:

A friend of mine’s dad calls all ATVs “ATCs” even though we constantly correct him. What does ATC mean anyway?

ATC or all-terrain cycle was Honda’s designation for its 3-wheeler line. Don’t forget, while today’s do-it-all quads and UTVs have very little in common with motorcycles on a given manufacturer’s line, this certainly wasn’t the case in the late 1970s/ early 80s.

Interestingly, as the industry evolved to require a minimum of four wheels, Honda changed its model prefix from ATC to Fourtrax (or just “TRX”); a tradition that it carries on even to this day.

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If forced to identify one good thing about the riding season coming to an end, we would have to say that that’s when the good deals start surfacing on new & used ATVs.

Each week we rummage around SprocketList in the hopes of finding some good deal on a pre-owned machine and this week’s entry takes us to a place called Printer, KY.

Sadly there will be a time in the future when speak of factory-built 2-strokes will be the stuff of legends but in the late 1980s, there was still opportunity to experience the performance oriented 2-stroke engine in all of its glory. And of the competition, the Honda TRX 250R is typically considered the cream of the crop.

According to the listing, this is a 1989 Honda TRX 250R boasting new front wheel bearings, inside and out. New axle carrier and carrier bearings; also has brand new brake pads on the front and back and a freshly rebuilt top end.

This machine is said to have been only ridden a couple of hours on the fresh rebuild and the seller says he has a brand new set of stock Banshee tires he’s throwing in.

He’s looking for $2000 but is also entertaining trades for a decent car or truck, a 4×4 ATV, or a camper.

Each week we rummage around SprocketList in the hopes of uncovering some spectacular deal on a nice used ATV so as to offer hope to those in need of a new (or new to them) set of wheels for the upcoming season.

This week we happened across an ad that takes to a place called West Frankfort, IL where one of the most reliable, versatile sport ATVs ever built can be found.

The ad goes on to state that this is a 2003 Honda TRX300EX for sale or trade that boasts such goodies as a DG exhaust, mild cam and race-cut front fenders.

The seller does admit that while the machine runs great, new rear tires are going to be on the new owner’s short-term to-do list.

$1200 is the asking price but the quad’s current owner is entertaining trades in the form of dirt oval karts, 600 mini sprints or whatever else you may have of similar value.

This week’s ad is a perfect fit for a rider on a budget who may wish to get a little backyard mechanic experience under his or her belt.

This 2001 Honda FourTrax TRX300FW 4X4 boasts blue plastic, front & rear racks, and original seat still in good condition.

The machine is said to run good but puffs some exhaust smoke. Located in Vinton, LA; the owner is asking $1200/ best offer and is considering a lot of potential trades: motorcycle, dune buggy, go-kart. Perhaps most tempting is the closing line that states no reasonable offer will be turned down.

We’re still in the first quarter of 2012 but Honda’s apparently unconcerned with Mayan calendars and doomsday predictions as they are the first manufacturer to unleash word on their 2013 line. Here’s what they have to say:

“With our wide-ranging lineup of utility ATVs, Honda offers something for just about everybody who spends time outdoors for work or recreation. Whether you’re out checking fences or just enjoying a casual trail ride with friends, Honda has your ATV needs covered.”

–Kevin Aschenbach, Off-Road Media Coordinator, Honda Powersports Press

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