Dirt Bike vs ATV: Which Motorsport is Right For You?

Off-road SUVs and trucks have experienced a recent increase in popularity. It's only natural to want to connect with nature--with some new wheels, of course. Outside of a new vehicle, the hard choice is choosing whether to go dirt bike vs ATV.

You'll probably have plenty of people tell you "Choose whichever one is most fun." For a lot of us out there, that's no help. Kicking up dirt in either vehicle 'sparks joy' and we need help rationalizing our purchase. 

Fear not, for we have the perfect guide to consider all the dirtbike and ATV pros can cons. By the time you're done here, you'll know which one is the best fit.

Dirt Bikes Pro: Safer than ATVs

If you think about it, this first con with riding ATVs may seem obvious. If you're riding a 1,000-pound machine and you get into a wreck, you're more likely to die. ATVs are technically easier to ride and four wheels do offer more stability, but that's not necessarily good.

Especially with new riders, ATVs grant a false sense of safety. They're more likely to push the envelope on where they can ride them and how fast they take corners. This is a recipe for disaster. 

If you plan on buying an ATV, you need to study safe driving habits closely. 

ATV Pro: Annual Riding Season

It's in the name itself: all-terrain vehicle. ATVs are made to handle any weather conditions; snow, light ice, mud, and dry sand. Dirt bikes, on the other hand, really show their limitations in cold weather.

There's no tire that can allow a dirt bike to plow through deep, compact snow. Ice is a death wish for bikers, while ATVs can get studded snow tires to manage it. More surface area means more traction. 

Also, you can effectively transform your ATV into a snowmobile, if it's within your budget. Adding treads to an ATV allows for a wider range of off-road hijinks.

Dirt Bikes Pro: More Access

There are certain offroad tracks that are only accessible to dirt bikes. These single trails cut through forests and mountain ranges that ATVs can only dream about. A dirt bike has access to basically any offroad track.

This is partly due to the fact that offroad paths get displaced whenever ATVs race through them. When dirt bikes take corners, they carve out their turns. When ATVs drive through, they kick up all the dirt and flatten everything.

Usually, track maintenance is performed between dirtbike and ATV runs. So, that's why you'll rarely find both vehicles racing at the same time.

ATV Pro: Low-Impact Experience

Riding on an ATV is like being in an offroad go-cart or high-performance riding mower. Some brands really outdo themselves on rider comfort. Meanwhile, if you're riding a dirtbike, you will have to adjust to the constant groin bruising.

There's really no other way to avoid the early stages of discomfort besides refining your riding technique. This amounts to reduce the amount of time sitting. On an ATV, you have a wider seat, more cushion, better shock absorption, and balanced center of gravity.

Dirt Bike Con: Higher Learning Curve

It takes a little while to learn how to ride your first bike. Riding a dirt bike throws your sense of balance and control out the window. Dirt bikes have incredibly sensitive steering and touchy throttle. 

One of the most common mistakes for new riders is squeezing too hard on the throttle. This can get scary if you're mistaking the throttle for the brake. Throw in the bumps of an offroad course and the likelihood of being thrown off is almost guaranteed.

An ATV eliminates a lot of the unpredictability because it takes more to accelerate an ATV to the point of throwing you off. Beginners need less practice before they can start doing laps on tracks. It's more about self-discipline on an ATV, rather than staying upright like on a bike.

ATV Con: They're Bigger

Traveling with multiple ATVs involves renting a trailer. Heck, even getting one loaded up into a truck takes 3x the effort than a dirtbike. You have to get a ramp to drive it up and use heavy-duty straps to secure it.o

A dirtbike? If it's already beaten up, you can toss it into the flatbed and be on your way. You could also load up a few bikes into a small trailer if you are concerned about frame damage.

Dirt Bike Con: Less Utility

Bikes can take you places that ATVs can't. ATVs are still the superior adventuring vehicle. You can haul stuff on an ATV, like extra fuel. The range of an ATV is much greater for outdoors hunting and camping. 

ATVs will also carry a certain level of security that a dirtbike doesn't have. You're less likely to run into something that can render your ATV inoperable, as with a dirt bike. An ATV running on puncture-proof tires is like an offroad tank. 

Hit some roadkill on a dirtbike and you're going to eat it every time.

Dirt Bikes Vs ATVs: Final Verdict

We made sure that we made this battle of dirt bikes vs ATVs as even as possible. We want you, the driver, to come to your own conclusion of which one meets your needs. Adrenaline junkies may lean more towards dirt bikes, while utilitarian travelers may prefer ATVs.

The pros and cons surrounding safety and rider comfort aren't going to make or break either option, but you'll need to experience it for yourself. Everyone starts their own offroad adventure with different expectations. Straddling these beasts is a whole other story.

We can help you find your dream ride at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports. Schedule a test ride at our Nashville, Illinois location. Our experienced offroad drivers will help you conquer the roads less-traveled, whether it's on an ATV or dirtbike.