Honda to exit Australian ATV market in 2021

Honda will stop selling ATV’s in Australia from October 2021, after a new safety standard was passed by the government last October.

Following similar decisions from Polaris and Yamaha, Honda believes the new standard cannot be entirely met by any ATV currently in the market.

The Japanese manufacturer first warned it would exit the ATV market in May 2019. With the new standard passed in October 2019, Honda has now followed through with its threat.

As of October 2021, the new standard for ATV’s (All-Terrain Vehicles) requires mandatory fitment of operator protection devices (OPDs) to all quad bikes sold in Australia. OPD’s act like rollbars and are designed to protect the rider from being crushed in the event of a rollover.

Quad bike manufacturers have pushed back on the new standard, citing a lack of testing and evidence for the new safety devices.

“The new Standard is extremely disappointing for farm safety and the countless farmers who rely on quad bikes every day,” said Robert Toscano, Honda Motorcycles Australia Managing Director. “The safety of our customers is paramount – we will never compromise on this. Now that the rules have changed, it means we have to say goodbye to our ATV line up down under.”

Toscano also said that Honda had provided research to show the negative outcomes of the new safety standard, but it wasn’t considered by the government.

While Honda will exit the ATV market in 2021, the company will continue to advocate proven safety measures including mandatory use of helmets, rider training and prevention of underage persons riding adult-sized quad bikes.

Honda will also continue to support ATV parts and services for the next decade at a minimum, as well as continue to offer purpose-built side-by-side vehicles and agriculture bikes.