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.
three - wheeled version also provided better maneuvering through
trails and unpredictable terrain , because the rider could easily
shift his weight and maintain stability to negotiate such
conditions .
The four - wheeler was also seen to be a prospective
product , even at that time .
But the four - wheeler was then
hought to be more of a utility vehicle for use on farms and
more
use d
cms
ranches , rather than for the recreational purpose that American
Honda had originally requested .
Thus , the developer created a vehicle which provided
high maneuverability along with stability , so that the optimum balance between these two was obtained . Because it was unique , a patent was granted to Mr . Takeuchi relating to the configuration
of the Honda ATC .
Its shape is an isosceles triangle with the
placement of the footpegs on the outside of the triangle at the
optimum for control .
The rider controls and maneuvers the
vehicle by shifting of his weight , and the footpeg location is
It
instrumental in providing this stability and maneuverability . also allows the engine to be placed in a location within the
triangle that maintains the longitudinal center of gravity in an
optimum location , both with and without a rider .
In this way the
handling characteristics and the rider ' s ability to control this
unique vehicle does not change from rider to rider , but are maintained as designed . This is incorporated in a Patent granted
to Honda Motor Company Limited and Mr . Takeuchi in 1974 .