He realized that he could build a complete US90 from new parts-not a restoration, but a hand-assembled, brand-new 1970 three-wheeler. Seeing the coming collectability, Palmgren collected as many new old stock parts for the machines as he could. He has restored about 15 of these fun little machines, so when Honda wanted a US90 for its Collection Hall in Japan, it contacted Palmgren.
A significant number of those wanting to relive owning the original three-wheeler contacted Palmgren.
Motorcycles of the era didn’t find the need to label the gas cap, a concession that signaled Honda was marketing the ATC90 to customers unfamiliar with motorsports.Īt this point, the ATC is 47 years old and now a collectible. The concept, like the engine and switch-over low-range transmission were borrowed from the CT90 trail bike. This clever flip lever allowed the handlebar to fold and rotate, then be locked back in position. Honda was careful to keep the power mild. It hides being 47 years old quite well.Įven the 1970 Honda graphics treatments were designed to make the ATC90 look fun and safe. Vintage Motorsports’ Mike Palmgren calls this Parrot Green 1970 US90 restoration, “As perfect as I have ever built.” It is stunning to look at and still fun to ride. It is unlikely that Osamu Takeuchi could have imagined Honda ATCs leaping over 100 feet on motocross tracks or being competitive in the Baja 1000. They admitted that the number of people that embraced it for work was a surprise. Honda could not possibly have known the far-reaching effect that the lowly US90 (later the ATC90 after Honda trademarked the ATC designation) would have on off-roading and the industry. To excite and educate dealers, Honda used production parts to hand-assemble 130 machines for a huge, week-long press introduction at Pismo Beach. Honda insisted that the US90 be kept a simple design with only the tires for suspension and a price under $600. Pismo Beach, now known as Oceano Dunes SVRA, is more than the single spot on the planet that saw the most US90/ATC90 use. He was able to handle the power you get from 89cc and a 15mm Keihin carburetor and still have fun. Tim Pappas is over 6 feet tall, but he was happy to fold onto the 90 for some fun. In fact, Takeuchi wanted less impact on terrain than a man walking! After deciding on the high-flotation tires, he presented six variations for approval. The tires met one design goal-a machine that was very easy on terrain. Recommended air pressure was between 1.5 and 2.0 psi. Unlike current ATV tires, those early tires were complete they didn’t mount on rims. The all-terrain vehicle market barely existed in the 1960s, but one of the available amphibious six-wheelers was featured in Honda ATC development.Īmerican Honda sent some of the six-wheeler’s high-flotation tires to Japan. Honda instructed US90 project leader Osamu Takeuchi to come up with a product that could and would sell in the winter. They were easier to ride with stock tires.Īs successful as Honda was in the late 1960s with motorcycle sales, no amount of quality or performance for the available two-wheeler line-up could get dealers through winters in areas with extended snowy winters. His ATC is powerful with super traction thanks to the paddle tires. Pappas’ ATC250R required considerably more skill and caution to play on than the 90.
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