Honda Odyssey

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Well, BOTH!  These days, when most people hear the terms "Honda Odyssey" or "Honda Pilot", they think about something very different than thoughts it might have conjured up 10, 20, or 30 years ago.  Now a days, the Honda Odyssey is a popular van produced by Honda automotive. 

Odyssey Van

However, the original Honda Odyssey was NOT a van!  The Odyssey was first released in 1977 as a 250cc off road ATV kart that was different than any other machine at the time.  The Odyssey was initially produced with a 250cc 2 stroke pull start engine and a CVT transmission that helped provide seamless automatic shifting into higher and lower ratios.  This type of transmission is very similar in operation to the CVT's found on snowmobiles.  The 250 model was produced from 1977 to 1984.  Below is a picture of a Honda Odyssey FL250.

Honda FL250

Since it was so popular, Honda made some major revisions and released a newer version of the Odyssey in 1985.  It was the FL350, and it came equipped with a more powerful 350cc 2 stroke engine, electric start, reverse, and a better frame design.  The Honda Odyssey FL350 also came with full suspension front and back.  The FL250 had minimal front suspension and no rear suspension - only a solid mounted rear axle.  Sort of like riding a bucking bronco when driving fast over rough terrain - HANG ON!

Honda Odyssey FL350

There were some problems with the 350 models with the engine overheating, and so Honda made revisions but only ended up selling the FL350 for the 1985 model year.  Then, after years of additional work, Honda released an exciting new model known as the Pilot FL400. 

Honda Pilot FL400

This newer kart came with a larger 400cc 2 stroke engine and many additional features on top of the FL350 improvements.  The 400cc engine was liquid cooled.  The Pilot was re-styled further and had a more refined look to it than either the Honda Odyssey 250 or 350 models.  The Pilot was supposed to be capable of speeds around 60mph!  A more sophisticated suspension helped soak up the bumps. Unfortunately, the Honda Pilot FL400 was not cheap and was only sold for the 1989 and 1990 model years.  After this, Honda dropped these type of vehicles and has not offered them since. 

These buggies still have a strong following of enthusiasts behind them.  They are powerful and fun off road vehicles that provides ATV fun with the safety of a full roll cage and seat belt.  Even though they are now discontinued, they live on for those that still enjoy these fun vehicles.  It is still possible to buy these vehicles used, and you can also buy parts for maintenance and repair to keep these fun machines running for years to come.  So, the next time you hear the term Honda Odyssey, think minivan AND off road machine! 

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