2. Reverse

Present in automobiles as far back as the Model T

It’s difficult to find a machine that doesn’t spec a reverse gear (weight-watching race machines excepted) but we shouldn’t forget how convenient this simple luxury actually is.  Not long ago, taking a wrong trail or getting stuck meant getting off your quad and pushing. Moves like the 50-point-turn and the “pull back and give a tiny but of throttle from behind the machine” were very common on trails around the world back in the ‘80s.  Reverse cured these awkward situations immediately; even if early reverse-gear engagement was way more complicated than necessary thanks to lawyers and consumer groups who gave ATVs a bad rap.

Kicking the kick start to the curb.