Following Honda's undeniably huge success of the US90, the motorcycle giant set their sights a little lower and introduced the Honda ATC70. Even though in many circles, the adults seem to ride these like trikes the most, the Honda ATC70 was actually the first children's ATV ever produced.
Debuting in 1973 Honda released the smallest three wheeler offered in their line up and continued it's production up until the 1985 production ban. Little known is the fact that the little trike was actually missing from Honda's lineup from 1975 until 1978. Speculation leads us to believe that sales may have been poor, or perhaps the public just wasn't ready for the little trike. Missing from action for 2 years though allowed Honda to refine the machine for it's return in 1978. Like the US90, now renamed the ATC90, the ATC70 received updated body styling, engine and drive train refinements along with it's bold new graphics.
Weighing in at a measly 163.1 lbs but touting a 72cc displacement engine really gives the little ATC an incredible power to weight ratio. Small enough for children to ride, but powerful enough to carry around their parents, the 70 has been long favored as the perfect family machine, and an excellent pit bike! 70 racing actually developed a large following spawning a large support from the aftermarket. Many custom full suspended frames and other performance parts still float around auctions and sales even still today.
General ATC70 Specifications
Production Years :
1973-1974, 1978-1985
Engine type :
4 Stroke, Air cooled
Displacement :
72cc
Bore x Stroke :
47.0 x 41.4 mm
Compression ratio :
7.5 to 1
Compression :
142 - 170 psi
Transmission :
3 Speed, down/4 Speed, up
Clutch Type :
Semi-auto
Oil Capacity :
1 QT
Carburetion :
??mm
Starting system :
Recoil Starter
Fuel capacity :
0.55Gal, 0.11Gal Res.
Wheelbase :
36.2 in.
Overall Length :
51.1 in.
Overall Width :
31.5 in
Ground Clearance :
4.25 in.
Seat Height :
22.4 in.
Front Tires :
16 x 8 x 7
Rear Tires :
16 x 8 x 7
Front Suspension :
none
Rear Suspension :
none
Front Brake :
none
Rear Brake :
Cable operated Drum
Final Drive :
chain
Dry Weight :
163.1 lbs.
MSRP :
$549.00
Model Year Specific Specifications
The first, and second generation ATC70s had some distinctly different characteristics which set them apart from the other years. Common to both years was a significantly different frame. The first 70s where produced much like Honda's older motorcycle models with a large shell like stamped sheet metal frame. The bearing assembly as well as the exhaust was actualy housed within the frame and the cavity was covered with a triangular perforated guard. Unlike the later models, the rear fenders where not much more than small flare like pieces of plastic that where attached to the sides of the sheet metal frame.
The engine changed a bit over the production range. Several different transmission variants where used specific to year.
Transmission Key
1973-1974: 3 speed down 1978-1981: 3 speed down 1982-1984: 4 speed down 1985: 4 speed up
I loved mine as a kid! Maybe ill get another! So... I cant seem to find anything really about my first atc. it was a 70 and it was orange. I think it had flames on it or something. what year is that one does anyone know?
-GothY-
I loved mine as a kid! Maybe ill get another! So... I cant seem to find anything really about my first atc. it was a 70 and it was orange. I think it had flames on it or something. what year is that one does anyone know?
-GothY-
Exactly how rare are these 83 Blue atc70 Christmas specials?? Got one for 150$ and getting tank holes repaired and going over it all to make sure it will fire as it was sitting outside for last 12 years but in decent shape. Just wondering if I should keep it stock and buy another to make tricked out or what
Exactly how rare are these 83 Blue atc70 Christmas specials?? Got one for 150$ and getting tank holes repaired and going over it all to make sure it will fire as it was sitting outside for last 12 years but in decent shape. Just wondering if I should keep it stock and buy another to make tricked out or what
You couldn't buy the specials. They were given to each Honda dealer across the country. You bought a raffle ticket at your local dealer and they called you on Christmas morning to tell you you won the trike. They are pretty rare. People do clone them but the original specials are worth a bit of coin as compared to the others. I myself would keep it all OE and pick up another to build a racer.
11 Comments
Comments
mreedbmwm3 said: 04-02-2010 12:08 PM
titeline22 said: 05-16-2010 04:42 PM
ATC-RYDA said: 07-05-2010 07:21 PM
tommy3wheel said: 07-17-2010 03:22 PM
ridered86 said: 04-21-2011 01:16 PM
GothboY said: 11-18-2011 12:10 PM
Monkey.penllwyn said: 07-08-2013 11:24 AM
hoosierlogger said: 07-08-2013 11:29 AM
greenhuman said: 07-26-2016 07:05 AM
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efhondakid said: 02-15-2017 10:07 PM