-Dirt bikes and ATVs are both reasonably safe vehicles when riders take the right precautions, like
wearing protective gear
and riding safely. However, when it comes to which is safer in an accident, a
Johns Hopkins study
revealed that ATVs were significantly more dangerous in crashes than dirt bikes. ATVs are more likely to flip over and trap riders underneath, and their heavy weight makes them hard to move off an injured person.
None is superior over the other. They are just different. Both vehicles share the same character that makes them so appealing to so many – their power. These are powerful machines capable of speed, versatility, and high-octane fun. However, not all can afford both, and a choice has to be made. Learning the pros and cons of dirt bike vs. ATV will help you decide which is for you and which isn’t – or rather which you need the most.
What is a dirt bike?
A dirt bike is a lightweight motorcycle specifically designed for riding on rough terrain and unsurfaced roads and tracks. They have rugged tyres and suspensions. Their engine can be either two-stroke or four-stroke. There are different types of dirt bikes, and these are Enduro, Motocross, Dual-Sport, Trial Riders, and Trail Riders. They also come as electric dirt bikes and petrol dirt bikes.
What is an ATV?
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also called a quad bike, is a four-wheeled vehicle with low-pressure or non-pneumatic tyres and a seat designed for straddling and handlebars for steering. There are agricultural ATVs and recreational ATVs. These can also be electric or petrol powered.
Dirt bike pros
- Dirt bikes are lighter than ATVs, so maneuvering is easier.
- The average dirt bike weighs less than 100kg. An ATV can weigh 300kg or more.
- There’s more room for riding on tracks than a four-wheeler. Single tracks are more common in mountain and wilderness areas, making it a more versatile off-road vehicle.
- Dirt bikes can reach higher speeds and accelerate faster, making them better racing vehicles. There’s more adrenaline rush associated with them as you continually shift through gears, clutch, brakes, and throttle. You have to maintain your balance while all this is going on and analyze obstacles to make crucial decisions.
- Due to their lighter weight, slimmer shape, and smaller size, their landings are much safer.
- It’s easier to transport dirt bikes. You can fit them in the back of a truck or van. You can even use a trailer or a hitch-mount.
- Dirt bikes are cheaper than ATVs.
- Due to their weaker engines, dirt bikes are more fuel-efficient than ATVs.
Dirt bike cons
- It takes longer to master a dirt bike than an ATV.
- You cannot use them in the winter. Riding on snow and ice is dangerous.
- They are less functional and cannot tow, haul, or carry luggage.
- It’s easier to fall off a dirt bike than off an ATV.
- Dirt bikes are less comfortable to spend a long time on.
ATV pros
- They are easier to learn. You can master an ATV in a shorter time than learning to ride a dirt bike. It is much easier to balance due to its four wheels.
- They are more functional due to luggage capacity and towing and pulling power. Farmers and foresters use ATVs for many agricultural purposes.
- ATVs have a longer season. You can ride an ATV on snow and ice. You can even plough snow with it. Swap the regular tyres for snow tyres, and your winter will be as exciting as the rest of the year.
- The seating position is much more relaxed than a dirt bike. Riding a dirt bike requires more agility and constant body position changes - riders spend more time standing than sitting. Those who are short or very tall and ones with back trouble can comfortably ride an ATV.
- You do not fall off an ATV very easily.
- Some ATVs can carry a passenger.
ATV cons
- ATVs have a lower power to weight ratio than dirt bikes, making their speeds and acceleration slower.
- You cannot ride them on single tracks.
- They are harder to haul around due to their size and weight.
- They cost more
Dirt bike vs. ATV – Which one is better?
It all depends on individual requirements. Although quad racing exists, ATVs are mostly used for leisure riding. Dirt bikes are all about the thrill and power of off-trail riding. If you want more functionality and are not bothered about speed or stunts, an ATV is your machine. If you like flying jumps over obstacles and landing safely, go for a dirt bike.
Both ATVs and quad bikes make adventurous hearts happy. Choose from a range of dirt bikes and ATVs at Mini Bikes Off Road.