Have you ever stumbled upon a bike so unique that you questioned why the manufacturer made it in the first place? Well, that’s exactly what the Honda TR200 FatCat is. The name alone questions the motive behind the build – it’s a bizarre yet lovable cocktail of a dirtbike and ATV that hit the motorbike market between 1986 and 1987.
If you are one of those bike afficinadoes with a soft spot for oddball rides, you’d want to take a deep dive.
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I’ll speak for myself, but I believe many motorheads acquired their thrill for speed first from two wheels, not four. You probably began your journey with a 50cc Honda Monkey before leveling up to a Trail 70. We’ve all been through that journey of learning the hoops – getting on your first quad, two strokes, and learning to get up every time you went flat on the unforgiving off-road terrains – it’s the bike circle of life!
However, throughout my journey with motorbikes, one bike always stood out—the Honda TR200 FatCat.
So, What is a Honda TR200 FatCar
As stated earlier, the Honda FatCar is a dirtbike and ATV lovechild. Simply put, Honda took the ATC200X three-wheeler, yanked out a wheel, and slapped on massive ATV-style tires. The outcome was a funky, beginner-friendly dirtbike with handling capabilities equal to those of an off-road couch.
It ran a 198cc four-stroke single, pushing power through a five-speed gearbox with an automatic clutch. The rider didn’t have to worry about stalling – twist the throttle and bolt.
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The FatCat’s chunky, oversized, pillow-like tires made it a beast in sand and mud. At the front, it featured standard forks, and at the rear, the rider was cushioned with a mono-shock. The braking system featured cable-operated drum brakes.
Honda marketed this bizarre bike as the perfect gateway bike—something between an ATV and a dirt bike. Unfortunately, it never gained a solid following, and by 1988, it was history.
From a Forgotten Gem to a Cult Classic
Fast-forward to today, and the Honda TR200 FatCat is a rare bird. Clean examples fetch up to $8,000, and hardcore enthusiasts build custom versions. The sad story of the FatCat is that it might not have dominated during its heyday, but it aged like fine wine.
Today, the FatCart is a capable, quirky, and undeniably cool piece of off-road nostalgia. If you spot one of these rare gems in your local marketplace, don’t hesitate to grab it!
