There is definitely no issue here. People are certainly free here in the USA to call their machines what ever they wish. That being said........ Come on guys..Bike = TWO WHEELS. Quad = FOUR WHEELS. Let's get it right!

 

OK, take a few steps back from your machine and take a look...it's basically a motorcycle with 4 wheels slaped on it! An over simplification I know, but use you imagination! LOL!

 

The term "All-Terrain Vehicle" or ATV is used in a general sense to describe any of a number of small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control. By the current ANSI definition, it is intended for use by a single operator, although a change to include 2-seaters (in tandem) is under consideration.

The rider sits on and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slow speeds. Although typically equipped with three or four wheels, six-wheel models exist for specialized applications. Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States (as of 2008 products) range from 49cc to 950cc and 49cc to 400cc for two stroke ATVs.





ATV Terminology
Four wheeled versions are most commonly called ", "four-wheelers" or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking countries. In Australia, ATVs are also known as "forbys", and in Israel can be called "Polarises" (After the company). Models with three wheels are typically known as "three-wheelers," and ATCs (or less commonly "All-Terrain Cycles" ).

ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles.


Development

Early days
ATVs were made in the United States a decade before 3- and 4-wheeled vehicles were introduced by Honda and other Japanese companies. During the 1960s numerous manufacturers offered similar small off-road vehicles, that were designed to float and were capable of traversing swamps, ponds and streams as well as dry land. Typically constructed from a hard plastic or fiberglass "tub", they usually had six wheels - all driven - with low pressure (around 3 PSI) balloon tires, no suspension (other than what the tires offered) and used a skid-steer steering setup. These early amphibious models were the original all-terrain vehicles - or ATVs. Contrary to todays ANSI definition of an ATV, they were intended for multiple riders, sitting inside, and would usually have steering wheels or control sticks rather than motorcycle-type handle bars as stipulated in the current definition.

 

When mines running good I call it a rig, when its not I call it a piece of shi...

 

Man Brutus, you have WAY too much time on your hands! Just kidding. Thanks for the clear and definetive outline. We'll still mangle them, but thanks. I enjoy a well thought out and researched answer.