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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 .