Quad Nation

Quad Nation’s History of Quad Biking

Quad Biking provides nothing but total exhilaration, which makes it one of the most popular adventure activities that’s available today. But, just where did it all begin? Read on, and you’ll find out just that!

Back in 1893, British cycling company Royal Enfield created a four wheeled vehicle that was designed as a replacement for horses, used to pull carriages for many years previously. It was known as a ‘Quadricycle’, and there’s even many of them still around today! In recent years, it has even appeared on TV, including BBC’s Top Gear. However, that was just the start, when mass produced cars were just bursting onto the scene. So, it can be said that off road four wheel vehicles weren’t so advanced until much later.

Royal Enfield Quadricycle – (cc) John Hume Photography

Commonly known as an All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV), the history of the four wheeled monsters dates back to the 1960s. Although back then, ATVs were very different compared to the ones we use today. Previously, ATVs used to refer to amphibious six wheeled vehicles such as the ‘Jiger’. Around 20 years later, more high performance bikes became available on the market. However, the first high performance ATVs didn’t have four wheels. Oh no, they in fact had three!

Further down the line, Suzuki became generally credited with creating Quad Bikes as we know them today, being the manufacturer who advanced the design and production of the four wheeled vehicles. By 1982, they began to sell their first ATV – the Quad Runner LT125. By this point in time, four wheeled vehicles began to surge in popularity, which meant three wheelers slowed down in production. After a while, safety concerns meant that production of three wheeled vehicles came to an end, with focus being placed on the four wheeled variants instead.

Suzuki Quad Runner LT125

By 1998, Quad Bikes legislation was changed, meaning the design of quads needed to add a mandatory feature. All quads manufactured from this point were required to have ‘tail lights’, otherwise known as rear lights. Not only that, legislation was introduced to ensure that Quad Bikes are used correctly in order to reduce the chances of accidents.

Eventually, ATVs became used more heavily as work vehicles after industries such as farming discovered their huge potential. Essentially, Quads allowed them to go about their duties far easier as opposed to other forms of transport which were previously used. So, by the 1990s, Quad Bikes had surged in popularity beyond recreational and competitive use.

As with many other action sports, Quad Biking has also seen many records set over the years. On the 17th of April in the year of 2000, Australian Quad Biker Matt Coulter, otherwise known as ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ was able to write his name in the history books – earning himself a world record when he jumped over 14 Honda CRV vehicles, reaching an incredible distance of 134ft in the process. Quite the achievement if you ask us!

But, American stuntman Jon Guetter was able to go a step further in 2008, earning himself the longest ramp jump on a quad bike with an incredible distance of 176ft 11in! Jon didn’t just become famous for his jumping record though – he was also the first man to successfully perform a backflip on a four wheeled bike too!

Quad Bikes have changed quite considerably over the years, there’s no doubt about that. But, thanks to the advancements the four wheeled beasts have seen over the years, it’s really no surprise that Quad Biking has become a hugely popular activity amongst adventure seekers across the world, and for good reason – it’s truly exhilarating! If you fancy getting your next fix of adventure, then with Quad Nation, you’re guaranteed some muddy good fun!