Rippin' Thru Time: 10 Instances of ATVs in 1980s Pop Culture

The secret agent himself, James Bond, set the stage for ATV chases in this 1971 classic. In a thrilling desert scene, Bond is pursued by villains on Honda ATC90 three-wheelers, showcasing these machines as perfect for high-stakes action.

In this quirky Irish film, inspired by a true story, two friends attempt to recreate a thrilling Wall of Death motorcycle stunt in a homemade arena. The film captures the spirit of DIY determination and showcases ATVs as part of the thrill-seeking, unconventional lifestyle of the protagonists.

At the end of this beloved adventure film, eagle-eyed viewers can spot a Yamaha trike riding along the beach. This brief appearance added an extra touch of ruggedness to the film’s iconic finale.

While the film is better known for its barroom brawls and Patrick Swayze’s iconic role, Road House also features a Honda trike in a short yet memorable scene, adding to the film’s gritty, tough-guy aesthetic.

In this iconic ’80s music video, three-wheelers are seen cruising along open roads, symbolizing freedom and the thrill of the ride that defined the decade.

The ATC250R pops up in an episode of Dukes of Hazzard, where Boss Hogg and Rosco are seen riding them. This appearance fits perfectly with the show's signature blend of humor and high-octane action.

While more of the episodes are from the 1990s, Baywatch began in 1989 and often featured lifeguards riding ATVs along the beach. The use of ATVs became iconic in the series, with scenes showing them patrolling the sandy shores of California. The beach setting makes it likely that you'll find plenty of stills or promotional images featuring ATVs.

This music video prominently features three-wheelers, capturing the rugged, adventurous spirit of the song and its era.

This comedy features a hilarious chase scene where some of the recruits use ATVs, blending action with humor in a way that only the Police Academy series can. The scene showcases ATVs in a lighthearted, yet adventurous context. 

In this classic 1980s detective series, one memorable episode featured Matt Houston using an ATV in an exciting off-road chase. The inclusion of ATVs in Matt Houston underlines their growing popularity in mainstream media during the 1980s.