Power Steering in ATV's

2007 marked the first year that power steering had begun being incorporated into the manufacturing of select ATV's.  Yamaha and Honda were the first to introduce this new technology, followed in later years by Suzuki, Polaris, and other major ATV manufacturers.  This EPS (Electronic Power Steering) technology is a rather complicated array of systems incorporated into one single unit, which is installed directly onto the steering stem of the ATV.  For the sake of safety, this unit has sensors built in which monitor the speed of  the ATV, so that the amount of assist provided is reduced at higher speeds, giving the rider more control over the machine.  According to atvforum.com, Honda claims to have known of this technology for 20 years.  They chose not to utilize this technology when they first discovered it mainly because the market for ATV's wasn't large enough at the time to make it worthwhile, and also because it was too costly.  According to atvforum.com, "...electric power steering adds comfort, control, performance and reduces fatigue. All of these positives also combine to create a more attractive machine with a wider appeal."  This wider appeal has attratced more people to the industry, therefore benefiting the manufacturers through increased sales and revenues.  In a test done by atv-forum.com, the EPS equipped Honda 500 4x4 did nothing less than impress.  Although it is not recommend to try at home, test riders said it was easily possible to maneuver the EPS 500 easily with one hand.  They also thought that this system would allow riders to continue riding longer than with conventional ATV steering.  Let me know what you think about EPS in ATV's.

Reference: atv-forum.com