Dirt bikes and ATVs share many similarities.
But are dirt bikes actually ATVs?
The answer to this question is often debated, as there is no clear-cut answer.
Because while some point out that dirt bikes should be considered a sub-class of ATVs or “All Terrain Vehicles”, due to the fact that they’re primarily used for off-roading.
Others would say no, that dirt bikes are not ATVs.
As there are too many differences between the two powersport classes, and that dirt bikes are more accurately a sub-class of motorcycles and not ATVs.
If you’re interested in learning more about the difference between dirt bikes and ATVs though, make sure to keep reading.
As we provide a complete breakdown of both powersport classes below as well as their pros and cons.
Differences Between Dirt Bikes and ATVs
Skipping the more obvious differences between dirt bikes and ATVs, like the fact that dirt bikes have two wheels and ATVs have four.
There are several key differences that separate these two powersport classes.
Overall Size
One of the most noticeable differences between dirt bikes and ATVs is their overall size.
As dirt bikes are much smaller in size compared to ATVs, due to two main reasons.
The first of which is that dirt bikes feature an inline two-wheel design, while ATVs feature a quad-four-wheel design.
Which makes dirt bikes much more narrow compared to ATVs.
As the average adult dirt bike is 32 inches wide, while the average ATV is 47 inches wide.
The other reason that ATVs are bigger than dirt bikes is that dirt bikes are designed for a single rider, while ATVs are designed for two or more.
Because of this, ATVs need to be much larger and longer, to accommodate for the extra riders.
Weight
The second difference between the two powersport classes is weight.
As ATVs are much heavier compared to dirt bikes.
With the average ATV weighing around 450 pounds and the average adult dirt bike weighing around 200 pounds.
Average Cost
While pricing can vary significantly for both dirt bikes and ATVs, due to engine size, design features, and more.
As a general rule, ATVs typically cost more than dirt bikes.
As the average new dirt bike will usually cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the bike.
While the average new ATV will cost between $5,000 and $15,000, again based on its size.
Engine Size and Type
Another key difference between dirt bikes and ATVs is their engine size and type.
As dirt bikes typically offer a smaller less powerful engine, due to their smaller size and lighter weight.
While ATVs feature a larger more powerful engine, due to their larger size and heavier weight.
With common adult dirt bike engine displacements ranging from 125cc to 450cc.
And common ATV engine displacements ranging from 300cc to 700cc.
Engine displacement isn’t the only difference between dirt bike and ATV engines though, as the type of engine can also vary.
As dirt bikes will usually either have a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, depending on the size of the bike, with smaller dirt bikes using a two-stroke and larger dirt bikes using a four-stroke.
While ATVs use four-stroke engines almost exclusively.
Fuel Efficiency
Another difference between dirt bikes and ATVs is fuel efficiency.
As dirt bikes are typically much more fuel efficient than ATVs, with the average two-stroke dirt bike getting anywhere from 30 to 50 miles per gallon, while the average ATV only gets between 15 and 20 miles per gallon.
Cargo Carrying Capacity
The final key difference between dirt bikes and ATVs is cargo carrying capacity.
As ATVs can carry a lot more gear compared to dirt bikes, with most dirt bikes only being able to carry a small backpack worth of gear.
While most ATVs can carry multiple bags worth of gear on their storage racks or in their storage compartments.
Dirt Bikes Vs ATVs: Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve covered the major differences between dirt bikes and ATVs, let’s take a look at their pros and cons.
Ease of Riding: Advantage ATVs
While riding a dirt bike offers certain riding advantages, including more precise steering and better maneuverability.
Due to their smaller size, lighter weight, and inline two-wheel design.
ATVs are generally considered easier to ride as well as more beginner-friendly, due to their four-wheel design.
Which eliminates the need for balancing and makes them much more stable on uneven and difficult terrains.
All-Terrain Capability: Advantage ATVs
Both dirt bikes and ATVs have their advantages when it comes to all-terrain capability.
Because while dirt bikes are able to handle narrower and tighter trails and can often go places that ATVs can’t, due to their smaller narrower size.
ATVs are able to handle tougher terrains, such as mud, sand, water, and snow more easily, due to their four-wheel design, which provides more stability and contact with the ground.
Not to mention the fact that many ATVs offer four-wheel drive, which provides even more all-terrain capability.
Speed: Advantage Dirt Bikes
While powerful ATVs can reach top speeds of close to 90 miles per hour, which is on par with powerful dirt bikes.
As a general rule, dirt bikes are much faster than ATVs and offer much better acceleration.
Due to the fact that dirt bikes are built for speed and agility, while ATVs are built for utility and comfort.
Which can clearly be seen by taking a look at the average top speed of each powersport class.
As the average dirt bike can reach top speeds of between 70 and 90 miles per hour, while the average ATV can reach top speeds of between 50 and 90 miles per hour.
Work Capability: Advantage ATVs
While dirt bikes can be used for light-duty work, by allowing small tools and supplies to be carried, they’re not built for work like ATVs are.
As ATVs are designed from the ground up for work and utility.
In fact, many ATVs come standard with features such as storage racks, mounting brackets, and even a winch, to further enhance their utility.
In addition, ATVs can also tow small trailers, which further enhances their work capability.
Riding Comfort: Advantage ATVs
Another area where ATVs have a clear advantage over dirt bikes is riding comfort.
As ATVs offer a stable solid platform for riding, plus feature a more relaxed neutral riding position.
While dirt bikes require more balance and skill to ride and have a more aggressive riding position.
Rider Safety: Advantage Dirt Bikes
While dirt bikes and ATVs can both be dangerous, if they’re ridden in an unsafe manner and proper safety equipment is not worn, such as a helmet.
In general, dirt bike riders are safer in a crash compared to ATV riders.
As ATVs are more likely to flip over and trap riders underneath.
And because of their larger size and heavier weight, they can be much harder to move off an injured person.
What is a Dirt Bike Classified as?
Dirt bikes can be classified as many things, including ATVs, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.
However, most states and municipalities classify dirt bikes as ATVs.
As local and state governments usually classify anything with a motor designed for off-roading and unpaved surfaces as an ATV.
Which can include everything from dirt bikes and ATVs to UTVs and side-by-sides, as well as snowmobiles.
What is Another Word for a Dirt Bike?
Dirt bikes can go by many names, however, we’ve listed some of the most popular names below.
- Trail Bike
- Minibike
- Motorbike
- Two-Wheeler
- Off-Road Bike
- Scrambler
- Dual Sport Bike
Which is Safer a Dirt Bike or an ATV?
Whether a dirt bike or ATV is safer is often debated.
As both dirt bikes and ATVs have built-in inherent risks, due to their design, intended use, and how they’re ridden.
However, as a general rule, dirt bikes are often considered to be safer than ATVs in a crash.
As ATVs can cause secondary injuries to the rider in the event of a crash.
Due to their larger size and heavier weight, which can potentially trap a rider, if the ATV were to flip and pin the rider underneath.
Many dangers of both dirt bikes and ATVs can be mitigated though with the right precautions, such as protective riding gear, proper riding techniques, and safe and responsible riding.
What is Better a Dirt Bike or an ATV?
Whether a dirt bike or an ATV is better is very subjective.
As both dirt bikes and ATVs have their own unique set of pros and cons that can make one more desirable than the other, depending on the intended use and application.
So to make things easier and help you decide which powersport class is a better choice for your specific needs and wants, we’ve listed the advantages of both dirt bikes and ATVs below.
Dirt Bike Pros
- More Affordable
- Faster Acceleration
- Higher Top Speed
- More Nimble and Agile
- Safer in a Crash
- Easier to Transport Due to Smaller Size and Lighter Weight
ATV Pros
- Better Traction and All-Terrain Capability
- Larger Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Can Accommodate More Riders
- More Comfortable and Easier to Ride
- Better Work Capability
What is a Street-Legal Dirt Bike Called?
A street-legal dirt bike is called a dual sport bike, as they’re designed to be ridden both on and off-road.
Dual sport bikes have a number of street-legal features that allow them to be driven on roads, such as turn signals, brake lights, headlights, a license plate holder, and mirrors.
But still offer many off-road features as well, such as a lightweight agile design, knobby tires with aggressive tread patterns, long travel suspensions, and oversized fenders.
Wrap Up
Dirt bikes and ATVs are both a lot of fun, whether you’re riding them on the trails or tracks, or taking them out for a spin around your property.
However, while they share many similarities, such as being designed for off-roading, they’re still two very different powersports, with their own unique sets of pros and cons.
So, whether you’re looking for a toy to take on the trails or just want to get around your property, be sure to do your research to decide which is better for you, a dirt bike or an ATV.
Happy Riding!