The Biggest Differences Between a Dirt Bike and ATV

by John Wren
The Biggest Differences Between a Dirt Bike and ATV

Dirt bikes and ATVs are two popular types of off-road vehicles known for their speed, power, and versatility. Both will handle rugged terrain and provide an adrenaline-fueled experience for riders. However, there are several key differences between these two machines that set them apart from each other. Take a moment to explore the biggest differences between a dirt bike and an ATV so that you can decide which one is best for your off-roading adventures.

Size and Weight

One of the most noticeable differences between each vehicle is their size and weight. Dirt bikes are generally smaller and lighter than ATVs, making them easier to maneuver through tight spaces and obstacles. On the other hand, ATVs are larger and heavier, providing more stability and power.

This size difference also means that dirt bikes are usually best for a single rider, while ATVs can accommodate one or two passengers. Not all ATVs can accommodate two passengers, but many will, so check how many people your ride can fit before purchasing.

Riding Preferences

The riding style of a dirt bike and ATV also differs significantly. Dirt bikes are for off-road racing and require the rider to stand up on the foot pegs for better control and balance. This allows for more aggressive riding, such as jumps and sharp turns. On the other hand, ATVs are for a seated riding position, making them more suitable for longer rides and recreational activities like trail riding or hunting.

Plus, you can upgrade these vehicles to better suit your preferences. For example, one of the best ways to improve a dirt bike’s performance is to buy a new fuel tuner. Find a vehicle that perfectly matches your riding preferences so that you can enjoy your time, no matter which one you choose.

Bestseller No. 1
Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-Road Bike for Age 13+, Up to 30 Minutes Continuous Ride Time, 12" Air-Filled Tires, Hand-Operated Rear Brake, Twist Grip Throttle, Chain-Driven Motor
  • Authentic motocross frame geometry, the MX350 scales down the dirt bike to size for riders ages 13+ and up to 140 lb (64 kg).Fork: Double-crown, Grips: Soft, rubber..Cartoon character : Razor...
  • High-torque, rear-wheel chain-drive delivers increased power and traction
  • Powers riders at speeds of up to 14 mph (22 km/h) with up to 30 minutes of continuous use
  • Features adjustable-angle, riser-style handlebars, spoked wheels with 12” pneumatic, knobby tires, retractable kickstand, and hand-operated rear brake
  • Electrical system certified compliant with UL2272 by ACT Lab LLC, an accredited testing lab
Bestseller No. 2
Razor Dirt Rocket MX400 Electric-Powered Dirt Bike – High-Torque Motor, 14 mph, 30-Min Run Time, 12" Pneumatic Tires, Adjustable Handlebars, White
  • Thrilling Off-Road Fun: The Razor Dirt Rocket MX400 is a scaled-down electric dirt bike designed for kids aged 13 and up, delivering speeds up to 14 mph for exhilarating rides
  • Durable Construction: Built with a steel frame and shatter-resistant plastic fairings, this bike is designed for rugged use, featuring a high-torque, chain-driven motor for reliable performance
  • Smooth and Safe Rides: Equipped with large 12-inch pneumatic knobby tires, adjustable-angle riser handlebars, and soft rubber grips, ensuring a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride on various terrains
  • Perfectly Sized: With dimensions of 44"L x 24.5"W x 31"H, the MX400 supports riders up to 140 lbs, making it the ideal first dirt bike for young adventurers
  • Join the Razor Family: From manual scooters to electric skateboards, from hoverboards to turbo-powered heel wheels; at Razor we believe fun is forever. Step away from screens, embrace fresh air, and...
Bestseller No. 3
Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket High-Torque Electric Motocross Dirt Bike with Speeds up to 17 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions, Black
  • Dirt Bike for Youths: Get your teens the opportunity to feel a need for speed with this outdoor electric dirt bike for the ultimate motocross transportation introduction
  • Vehicle Specifications: Electric motorcycle measures 56” x 24.5” x 36” (L x W x H) with a weight of 106 lbs; Designed and optimized for kids aged 16 and older who weigh up to 220 lbs
  • Inclusions: Electric bike includes adjustable handlebars, front and rear brakes, folding kickstand, metal pegs, and a charger; Electrical system certified compliant with UL 2272 by Guangdong UTL Co.,...
  • Long Lasting: Toy dirt bike is built with a single-speed, chain-driven motor for a quiet power operation and a 36-volt sealed lead acid battery system that provides up to 30 minutes of fun
  • Easy Riding: Can be recharged for 30 minutes of fun and is geared with large 16-inch and 14-inch pneumatic knobby tires for maximum power transfer and smooth rides on the electric bike
Bestseller No. 4
Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket – 14 MPH (22 KMH) Off-Road Electric Dirt Bike, High-Torque Motor, 30 Min Ride Time, Adjustable Handlebars, Ages 13+, Black
  • Thrilling Off-Road Adventures: Unleash off-road excitement with the Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket, featuring a high-torque motor, twist-grip throttle, and speeds up to 14 mph for riders aged 13 and up.
  • Tough Terrain Ready: Features a steel frame with authentic dirt bike geometry and shatter-resistant plastic fairings. Its 12-inch pneumatic knobby tires ensure maximum power transfer and a smooth...
  • Customized Comfort: Enjoy a comfortable ride with adjustable riser handlebars and soft grips, while the hand-operated rear brake and folding foot pegs enhance safety and convenience.
  • Built for Performance: Ideal for young adventurers, the MX400 supports up to 140 lbs and offers 30 minutes of fun with its 24V battery powering a high-torque, chain-driven motor.
  • Join the Razor Family: From manual scooters to electric skateboards, from hoverboards to turbo-powered heel wheels; at Razor we believe fun is forever. Step away from screens, embrace fresh air, and...
Bestseller No. 5
Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket – 14 MPH (22 KMH) Off-Road Electric Dirt Bike, High-Torque Motor, 30 Min Ride Time, Adjustable Handlebars, Ages 13+, Green
  • Thrilling Off-Road Adventures: Unleash off-road excitement with the Razor MX400 Dirt Rocket, featuring a high-torque motor, twist-grip throttle, and speeds up to 14 mph for riders aged 13 and up.
  • Tough Terrain Ready: Features a steel frame with authentic dirt bike geometry and shatter-resistant plastic fairings. Its 12-inch pneumatic knobby tires ensure maximum power transfer and a smooth...
  • Customized Comfort: Enjoy a comfortable ride with adjustable riser handlebars and soft grips, while the hand-operated rear brake and folding foot pegs enhance safety and convenience.
  • Built for Performance: Ideal for young adventurers, the MX400 supports up to 140 lbs and offers 30 minutes of fun with its 24V battery powering a high-torque, chain-driven motor.
  • Join the Razor Family: From manual scooters to electric skateboards, from hoverboards to turbo-powered heel wheels; at Razor we believe fun is forever. Step away from screens, embrace fresh air, and...
Bestseller No. 6
Riding'times GT73 Electric Dirt Bike for Adults | 2000W Electric Dirtbike with 1747Wh Dual Battery, Max 37 MPH & 85 Miles Range, 25" Motorcycle Tires, Dual Hydraulic Brakes & Advanced Suspension
  • 【Unstoppable 2000W Power & 37 MPH Top Speed】Experience adrenaline-fueled performance with a powerful 2000W brushless motor that delivers seamless acceleration, propelling you to speeds of up to 37...
  • 【1747Wh Dual Batteries for Maximum Range】Go the extra mile—literally—with dual 18.2Ah removable batteries offering an impressive up to 155 miles in pedal-assist mode or 85 miles on pure...
  • 【All-Terrain Ready with 25" Motorcycle-Grade Tires】Designed for ultimate off-road performance, this dirt bike features massive 25-inch all-terrain tires that provide unparalleled grip and...
  • 【Ride in Comfort & Style with Full Suspension and Smart Features】 Enjoy a premium riding experience with front and rear hydraulic full suspension that absorbs every bump and jolt. The...
  • 5⭐【Top Quality, Top Service】 90% pre-assembled with clear video, and we offer comprehensive customer support including phone support + 24/7 Email support, 4 US repair centers, and a 2-year...
Bestseller No. 7
36V 350W Electric Dirt Bike - Fast Speed Electric Motorcycle Up to 16 MPH & 10 Miles Long-Range, 3-Speed Modes, Twist Grip Throttle, Dual Suspension & Brakes for Kids Ages 5-8
  • EM-ED01 Kids Electric Dirt Bike has passed UL2849 certification, parents can feel confident choosing this gift for your child.
  • Electric Dirt Bike Specially Designed for Kids aged 5-8 Years Old - The Evmore dirt bike overall size: 43.7*22.4*28.3 inches, weight: 39 pounds, saddle height: 21.2 inches, the maximum load capacity...
  • Large Capacity Battery, Long Battery Life - Evmore EM-ED01Electric Dirt Bike is equipped with a 36V 5.2Ah battery, which can last for 1-2 hours., with a range of up to 10 miles. Fast charged, usually...
  • Powerful Motor Delivers Lightning Speed - This electric off-road vehicle features a powerful 300W motor (peak power 350W) that can reach top speeds of 16 mph (25.7 km/h). And kids can control the...
  • Safe Braking System and Shock Absorber Design - The motorcycle for kids adopts mechanical power-off and drum brake braking. The precise manual brake can stop the vehicle at any speed, which greatly...
Bestseller No. 8
ELEMARA Electric Dirt Bike for Kids,15.5 mph & 150lb Max, 350W Kids Motorcycle with Music & Bluetooth,Chain-Driven Motor, Twist-Grip Throttle & Hand-Operated Rear Brake, 12" Air-Filled Tires-New Red
  • This electric dirt bike packs a punch with its 350W powerful motor, reaching a max speed of 15.5 mph and 10 Miles max range, suitable for kids up to 150 lb. It's the perfect ride for kids who looking...
  • ELEMARA kids electric motorcycle imitates the sound waves of the roar of the real car and come with twist-grip throttle, making driving more realistic and interesting. Pump up the riding fun with the...
  • With its12" Large-Size Wear-Resistant Inflatable Rubber Wheels and comfortable leather soft seat, this motor bikes for kids ensures a smooth and thrilling riding experience. Conquer any terrain with...
  • Equipped with a high-performance suspension system and Rear Drum Brake, offers unparalleled shock absorption, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on the bumpiest terrains. With this electric...
  • Whether it's racing through trails or cruising around the neighborhood, our kid electric bike is the ultimate choice for young thrill-seekers. Give your child the gift of adventure and let them...
Bestseller No. 9
JKING Kids Motorcycle,C6 Kids Electric Dirt Bike,12-inch 300W brushless Motor,3-Speed LCD Display,10 MPH Top Speed,LED Brushless Controller + Moto Sound,8 Miles Range,Yellow
  • 【Powerful Performance】The kids motorcycle adopts a 12-inch 300W brushless motor, equipped with a 25.2V 2600MAH rechargeable battery, with a speed of 8.6 - 10 MPH (13.8-16 KM/H), allowing you to...
  • 【Premium Materials】:Kids Electric Dirt Bike is made of metal frame and PP material,durable and harmless to the human body. ensuring long-lasting performance and supporting up to 110 pounds of...
  • 【Multifunctional Ride on Car】:The electric children's motorcycles use brushless controllers and motorcycle sound effects. Fully charged in 3.5 hours, it can ride continuously for 2 hours, allowing...
  • 【Safe Riding】: Bright LED big lights brighten up the dark surroundings ,3-speed LCD display screen, Includes folding metal footpegs and 12-inch pneumatic knobby tires that help soften out rough...
  • 【PERFECT AND COOL GIFT】:Our kids motorcycle so it's easy for your child to use and ride anywhere. to add more joy to children life! and our product comes with a one-year warranty.It is a perfect...
Bestseller No. 10
Hiboy DK1 36V Electric Dirt Bike,300W Electric Motorcycle - Up to 15.5MPH & 13.7 Miles Long-Range,3-Speed Modes Motorcycle for Kids Ages 3-10
  • EXCELLENT SHROCKPROOF FUNCTION: Front hydraulic shocks. The body is equipped with high-strength shock-absorbing springs, which have super shock-absorbing capacity and make no noise when driving.
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE: Provides you up to 90 minutes (88.2 lbs weight tested) long-range with rechargeable 36V sealed lithium battery system in all scenarios. Up to 800 charge cycles.Takes only 4-5 hours...
  • UNIQUE 3-SPEED MODES: Electric motocross bike has 3-speed modes - Low: 5.0 mph (8 km/h), Medium: 7.5 mph (12 km/h), High: 15.5 mph (25 km/h). you can choose to use any speed to give you the best...
  • DURABLE & STRONG: Electric motorcycle designed for kids aged 3-13 with authentic dirt bike geometry provides for a solid ride off-road with a max rider weight of 140 lbs.
  • EFFICIENT SUPPORT TEAM: Come with detailed instructions for use and after-sales service. You can contact us if you still need help. we will serve you online 24 hours a day.
Bestseller No. 11
EVERCROSS EV12M Electric Dirt Bike,300W Electric Motorcycle,15.5MPH & 9.3 Miles Long-Range,3-Speed Modes Motorcycle
  • 🏍️NOTICE: This Electric Dirt Bike is heavy, so please ensure it is installed by two adults carefully. Verify the vehicle is correctly mounted before riding! The motor produces a sound wave that...
  • 🏍️POWERFUL DIRT BIKE: Designed for kids aged 3-12, this Electric Dirt Bike for Kids comes with a 300W engine that provides constant power, and the maximum load capacity is 143 pounds. (Data may...
  • 🏍️LIGHTNING SPEED & LONG RANGE: The EVERCROSS EV12M Electric Dirt Bike's powerful 36V engine allows it to reach a top speed of 15.5 MPH (25KM/H). The 4AH ultra-long battery life offers fully...
  • 🏍️HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION: Equipped with a high-elastic suspension system, the Motorcycle for kids has super shock absorption abilities that reduce the impact of road bumps on the driver....
  • 🏍️COMFORTABLE DESIGN: The Electric Dirt Bike features 12" large-size wear-resistant rubber wheels that provide a stronger grip. The high-density, non-slip seat conforms to ergonomic design, and...

Overall Cost

Another key difference between dirt bikes and ATVs is their cost. Generally, dirt bikes are less expensive than ATVs, making them a more budget-friendly option. However, the price can vary depending on the brand, model, and features of each vehicle. If the budget is a major concern to you, consider looking at a dirt bike first. Thankfully, cheaper doesn’t always mean lower quality, so you can still find bikes that look and perform excellently.

Don’t forget that inspecting your vehicle is one of the best tips for planning a weekend off-roading trip, and that extends to any vehicles you bring. Use the comparison above to pick the right ride for your next trip so that you can enjoy a satisfying outdoor adventure.

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