Honda ATC200

The Honda ATC200 was introduced in 1981, as their top model in the ATC line-up, and remained in the line-up, in various forms, until Honda voluntarily ceased production in 1987. In the six years of production, six variations were made, often sold concurrently. Collectively, Honda produced +530,000 200cc ATC's, becoming the most prolific sellers in the ATC market, and one of the most recognizable ATC's available. [1]

All ATC200 models are equipped with a 192cc 4-Stroke Air-cooled OHV engine. Variations between models involve suspension, transmissions, Electric start options, standard equipment racks and final drive. All machines, with the exception of the sportier kick starting ATC200X, came with Recoil-Pull starters, which remained when Electric start was provided. All models except the ATC200X feature front and rear drum brakes.

ATC200 line-up
Manufactured Purpose Electric Starting Dual-Range Reverse Shaft/Chain Front Suspension Rear Suspension Racks
ATC200 1981-83 Recreation No No No Chain 1983 Only No Optional
ATC200E 1983-84 Utility Yes Yes No Chain Yes No F/R Standard
ATC200ES 1985 Utility Yes No Yes Shaft Yes Yes F/R Standard
ATC200M 1984-85 Recreation Yes No No Chain Yes No Rear Standard
ATC200S 1984-86 Recreation No No No Shaft Yes No Optional
ATC200X 1983-87 Sport No No No Chain Yes Yes N/A
Information provided Via Honda Service Manuals - See references

The ATC200, released in 1981 and sold for three model years, featured a 5-speed Auto-clutch single range transmission and Chain final drive. The ATC received front suspension on 1983, a trait all 200cc models would continue during production. Front and rear racks were dealer option items. Honda produced this ATC after market research determined that their products were being used for commercial and agricultural endeavors, and tailored the machine for those needs.[2]

ATC200E "Big Red" came with a 5-speed Auto-clutch transmission, with secondary dual-range (known as a "Sub-Mission" in Advertising) and chain final drive. It also featured front suspension, but maintained a rigid rear. This was the natural evolution of the prior atcs used for commercial applications, and is designed for utilitarian work. It also introduced Electric starting, and front and rear racks were standard equipment.

ATC200ES "Big Red", produced in 1985, was a further evolution of the ATC200E, adding a reverse gear, rear suspension and shaft final drive. Power output was via a 5-speed Auto-clutch transmission, but was now a single range. It is a utility ATC w/Electric starting, and front and rear racks were again standard equipment.[3]

The ATC200M was released in 1984, providing front suspension, a 5-speed Auto-clutch single range transmission and Chain final drive. Electric Start was also a selling point. This is a mid-range model, intended to appeal to recreational riders, such as campers, hunters and fisherman. It came standard with a rear rack for cargo.[4]

The ATC200S, produced from 1984-1986 was the 200cc line base-model, similar to the ATC200M but traded Electric start for shaft drive, and did not come standard with racks. It did have the same 5-speed Auto-clutch transmission.[5]

The ATC200X, being offered from 1983–1987, is the longest consistently offered model in the 200cc line. It is also the most unique, as it was designed for sport riding. It was used for the 200cc class of ATC racing, arguable the most popular class raced in the United States.[6]

While the engine is the same as the recreation/utiity models, it features subtle tuning changes, kick starting, a unique 5-speed Manual clutch transmission and Chain final drive. It has no contingencies for factory racks, and features a sport tuned full suspension (Telescopic forks front/ Monoshock rear), the only model, besides the utilitarian set-up on the 200ES "Big Red", to do so. It is also the only 200cc model to feature disc brakes, equipped both front and rear.

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References
  1. Neil Jackson. "Honda ATC Production Numbers". pinterst.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  2. Warren Davies. "Honda ATC200 Specs". itstillruns.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  3. Honda. "History of Big Red". Justbigred.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  4. Honda. "Honda ATC200M 1984-85 Service Manual" (PDF). www.Oscarmeyer.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  5. Honda. "Honda ATC200S 1984-86 Service Manual" (PDF). www.Oscarmeyer.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
  6. Honda. "Honda ATC200X 1986-87 Service Manual" (PDF). www.Oscarmeyer.com. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
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