Only 4 Years?
I originally posted this on everything2stroke.com. The question seems to come up often enough from people curious to know why the legendary bike with such a long history was only made for 4 years. It seems to not make sense and leaves a lot of room for speculation. Here is my (Jason's) stab at explaining the situation from what I've read and probably interpreted to some degree:

Why only 4 years?
I never understood enough to respect why ATV's fell under such scrutiny. I grew up riding motorcycles and ATCs. From my own experience, I think motorcycles are easier to hurt yourself on, but definetely easier than a 4wheeler. My personal theory is it was a litigation gold mine since the product was relatively new and there wasn't enough history to argue against the people seeking restitution for their injuries, so companies attempting to stop the cash hemmoraging shut down related products. You don't hear about massive law suits in the same era for injuries on CR250s, but you certainly do about ATC's. There are an abundance of documents that can be found on litigation surrounding ATC's and then ATV's. What everyone is left with from that legal legacy was the most successful ATV engineering effort to date, lasting 4 measly years. You know tears were shed in Japan. On a broader note, our legal system definitely has its flaws.

(In response to the poster recounting his friends not heeding warning and running their feet over on his ATC):
Haha... that's funny. I know I've run my feet over many times on ATCs. lol I guess though I just think people are too willing to pass the bill onto others for their own decisions. Naturally, it's easier. Honda got in big trouble for advertising ATC70's as a safe bike for kids. I'm guessing that was probably the fatal flaw they made that allowed the sue trend to gain traction. At some point soon, the legal system should have pointed out that you have to be willing to accept the fact that you are reasonably intelligent enough and knew you or your child might get hurt (come on) and so you knowingly made the decision to take that risk. That's just me. I like the freedom taking responsibility for myself gives. To me it feels like living life more fully.

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