Lake District Sports - Lake District Quad Biking (ATV)

This is where All Terrain Vehicles get to grips with all types of terrain. Put them to the test on technical challenges and cross country treks - slippery moorland, forest tracks, rocky river beds, steep fellsides ... and mud, lots of mud!

With several excellent courses in the region, Quad Biking in Cumbria can offer everything from 50cc Kiddies Quads to full-on 450cc four wheel drive machines capable of doing 50mph over virtually anything. Full instruction and safety clothing is provided. You don't even need a driving licence. Just cllimb on and go.

Lake District Quad Biking Operators

Holmescales Activity Centre, Kankku Off Road, Rookin House Centre

History

The first ATVs were made during the 1950s. These early models had six wheels instead of four. Honda made the first three-wheeled ATV in 1970, and were famously portrayed in the James Bond movie, "Diamonds Are Forever". Dubbed the US90 and, later, the ATC90, it was designed purely for recreational use. It featured large balloon tires instead of a mechanical suspension. By the early 1980s, suspension and lower-profile tires were introduced. The 1982 Honda ATC200E Big Red was a landmark model. It featured both suspension and racks, making it the first utility three-wheeled ATV. The ability to go anywhere on terrain that most other vehicles could not cross soon made them popular with US and Canadian hunters, and those just looking for a good trail ride. Soon other manufacturers introduced their own models.

Sport models were also developed by Honda, which had a virtual monopoly on the market, due to effective patents on design and engine placement. The 1981 ATC250R was the first high-performance three-wheeler, featuring full suspension, a 248-cubic-centimetre two-stroke motor, a five-speed transmisison with a manual clutch and a front disc brake. For the sporting trail rider, the 1983 ATC200X was another landmark machine. It has an easy-to-handle 192-cubic-centimetre four-stroke that was ideal for new participants in the sport.

Suzuki was a leader in the development of 4-wheeled ATVs. It sold the first ATV, the 1983 QuadRunner LT125, which was a recreational machine for beginners.

In 1983, Suzuki introduced to the industry the first high-performance 4-wheel ATV, the Suzuki LT250R QuadRacer. This machine was in production for the 1985-1992 model years. During its run, it underwent three major engineering makeovers. However, the major core features were retained. These were: a sophisticated long-travel suspension, a liquid-cooled two-stroke motor and a fully manual 5-speed transmission for 85-86 models and a 6-speed transmission for the 88-92 models. It was a machine exclusively designed for racing by highly skilled riders. Honda responded a year later with the FourTrax TRX250R-a machine that has not been replicated. Kawasaki responded with its Tecate-4 250. In 1987, Yamaha introduced a different type of high-performance machine, the Banshee 350, which featured a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke motor from the RD350LC street motorcycle. Heavier and more difficult to ride in the dirt than the 250s, the Banshee became a popular machine with sand dune riders thanks to its unique power delivery. The Banshee has retained its popularity over the years, but 2006 is its last year of production, due to EPA emmissions rules.

Safety issues with 3-wheel ATVs caused all manufacturers to switch to 4-wheeled models in the late '80s, and 3-wheel models ended production in 1987, due to consent decrees between the major manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission -- the result of legal battles over safety issues among consumer groups, the manufacturers and CPSC. The lighter weight of the 3-wheel models made them popular with some expert riders. Cornering is more challenging than with a 4-wheeled machine because leaning into the turn is even more important. Operators may roll over if caution isn't used. The front end of 3-wheelers obviously has a single wheel making it lighter, and flipping backwards is a potential hazard, especially when climbing hills. Rollovers may also occur when traveling down a steep incline. The consent decrees expired in 1997, allowing manufacturers to once again make and market 3-wheel models, though there are very few marketed today.

Models continue today to be divided into the sport and utility markets. Sport models are generally small, light, two wheel drive vehicles which accelerate quickly, have a manual transmission, and run at speeds up to 75 miles per hour (120 km/h). Utility models are generally bigger four wheel drive vehicles with a maximum speed of up to 65 miles per hour (104 km/h). They have the ability to haul small loads on attached racks or small dump beds. They may also tow small trailers. Due to the different weights, each has advantages on different types of terrain.

Sport models are built with performance, rather than utility, in mind. To be successful at fast trail riding, an ATV must have light weight, high power, good suspension and a low center of gravity. These machines can be modified for such racing disciplines as motocross, woods racing (also known as hare scrambles, cross country), desert racing, hill climbing, ice racing, speedway, TT (Tourist Trophy), flat track, drag racing and others. Examples of high-performance models include the Yamaha YFZ450, Honda TRX450R and Suzuki QuadRacer R450. ATVs designed for fast trail riding include the Yamaha Raptor 700R, Suzuki QuadSport Z400, Honda Sportrax 400EX, Bombardier DS650 and Polaris Predator 500.

Six wheel models often have a small dump bed, with an extra set of wheels at the back to increase the payload capacity. They can be either 4 wheel drive (back wheels driving only), or 6 wheel drive.

There are also 6 and 8 wheel models where the rider sits inside, known as AATVs (amphibious all terrain vehicles). These vehicles may float and are designed to go through swamps as well as dry land. These were around in the United States long before 4 and 3-wheeled vehicles were introduced (by Honda and other Japanese companies). Current brands of these machines include Argo and MAX. They consist of a fiberglas or hard plastic "tub" with low pressure (around 3 PSI) tires and use a skid-steer steering setup. Though not as fast as other ATVs, they can be operated with precision at slow speeds, and, of course, have the ability to float. The spinning action of the tires is enough to propel the vehicle through the water, abeit slowly. Outboard motors can be added for extended water use. Technically, these AATVs are not true ATVs by the ANSI definition of an all-terrain vehicle. Often they have steering wheels or control sticks rather than motorcycle-type handle bars and are intended for more than a single rider, in contrast to ATVs that meet the ANSI definition.