There are some specific models that carry the weight of love and expectation well past what their manufacturers set as an expiration date. The infamous Honda ATC 250R is definitely one of them, and whether it's down to the somewhat 'forbidden fruit' nature of this particular banned three-wheeler or not, it's tough to say. Although it seems safe to say that's an important element, it's certainly not the only reason that fans love it to this day.
Sheer contrarianism will, after all, only get you so far. If the ATC 250R didn't have an awful lot of fun and performance to offer, it's unlikely that it would have as many hardcore fans as it does. And yet, you can find clubs dedicated to the ATC on multiple continents, still organizing meetups and swapping parts and decals with giddy delight in the 21st century.
But although it's definitely the most well-known of these three-wheeled monsters, it's not the only one. Although Yamaha's time making its own competing models was much shorter than Honda's, you'll have a great time watching two experienced three-wheeler racers take an ATC 250R and a Yamaha Tri-Z and put them through a set of—what else?—challenges at a dirt course somewhere in the UK.
First up, there's a best-of-three drag race. In the right hands, it's clear to see that the Tri-Z is a definite contender. Sure, it might be a little bit of a chonky boi, but you would be too if you were regularly eating up the competition, right? Right. As you'll see when you watch, the ATC 250R doesn't have its own way the entire time.
Next, there's a time trial around the dirt course for each of the trikes. I won't spoil it by telling you who wins, but I will tell you that it's pretty close. Honestly, it might come down to a question of your personal preference, as the two trikes in experienced hands seem pretty well-matched to one another in terms of performance potential.
For the final event of this triptych of three-wheeled throttle-wringing, there's a head-to-head, all-out race around the course. And here, I will warn you that you'll get to see an infamous ATC high-side. Your stomach might lurch a little bit as you see it, so I will spoil you here to let you know that the rider is OK, and he gets up right away after the trike ends up with all three wheels in the air.
Still, it's quite a sight, and Max from 999 Lazer gives it all due respect and calls it out as such in the video.
Who wins? You'll have to watch to find out, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.
