Everyone knows that vehicle fun and safety operate on an inverse relationship, and ATVs are firmly on one extreme of that equation.
Especially those three wheel deathtraps of the 1980s.
Why did we think it was a good idea to make those so unstable? But boy were they fun.
Here are 21 ATV riders from the 1980s more concerned with speed than safety.
1
“My Dad in the Late ‘80s”
“Enjoying his first ATV.”
2
Suzuki ATVs
Advertising, 1985.
3
Michael Jackson
Riding his Honda ATC, 1983.
4
Cramped
How many kids can you fit on a three-wheeler?
5
“Ride for 23 Miles”
A promotion at Daytona Beach, 1980s.
6
No Shoes, No Shirt
A rider in the early ‘80s.
7
Andre the Giant
On a three-wheeler during the filming of The Princess Bride. 1986-87.
8
Age is Just a Number
Child pops a wheelie, 1984.
9
Gun It
A gun ad in 1987. Definitely kid-friendly in every way.
10
“My Aunt and I”
“On ATVs at Daytona Beach in 1983.”
11
“My Two Brothers and I”
“Getting ready for our first ever in Honda ATV races. Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Canada, 1986.”
12
The Original Trailblazer
Honda ATC Brochure, 1980.
13
“My Granddad”
“At a shooting event in Nevada.”
14
Frank Frazetta and His Daughter, Heidi
Striking a pose for his feature in Moviegoer Magazine. November, 1983.
15
Siblings on ATVs
Northern California, 1981.
16
Honda ATC250R
Riding in 1983.
17
Play-Mate of the Year, 1987
That’s the kind of play-mate I’m into. (Featuring the Yavin 4 LEGO rebel base.)
18
Kids on the Back?
Still no reason not to pop a wheelie. 1982.
19
Hitting a Jump
Three wheeling in the ‘80s.
20
Honda ATC250R
An ad in 1981.
21
Dave Burgess
Racing in California, 1987.
22
Sean Connery
Popping a wheelie on an ATV while filming Diamonds Are Forever, 1971. (Not the ‘80s, but worth including.)
