What Are Powersports Vehicles?

They’re loud, fast, and throw mud like nothing else. Today, we’re talking about powersports vehicles. You’ve likely seen them carving up dunes, snowbanks, or desert trails. The beauty of these vehicles is that they’re built for off-road performance, allowing you to explore the “untouched.”

I’ve been wrenching on and riding UTVs for over a decade. I’ve seen trends come and go, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s that powersports vehicles are flat-out fun. They blur the line between utility and thrill, and once you get hooked, there’s no going back.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss all you need to know about powersports vehicles, so you can feel like an expert too!

Types of Powersports Vehicles

The powersports vehicle family is pretty diverse. Some of these vehicles are made for work, and some are made for play. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular.

ATVs

ATVs, or “All-Terrain Vehicles,” are dirt carvers. They’re great for solo trail riding and perfect for any kind of off-road terrain, whether sand, snow, or mud. They’re much lighter than their UTV cousins, which makes them more agile, and many people use them for hunting and hauling.

UTVs

Next, we have “Utility Task Vehicles,” which are more of the workhorses of the powersports family. They offer more seating for additional passengers (often bucket seats), roll cages, cargo space, and more. You can think of them as golf carts on steroids.

While some are better suited for around-the-property chores, such as hauling bales of hay or lugging equipment, others are great for high-speed trail riding.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes. From dirt bikes to pocket rockets to cruisers, the options are endless.

Off-road bikes are specially made for trail riding, motocross, and hitting jumps that your mom would definitely not approve of. On-road bikes, on the other hand, are great for long rides through the canyon or looking cool at stoplights.

Snowmobiles

They’re like jet skis for snow! The skis on the bottom make it easy to glide across frozen terrain, perfect for cross-country trekking in the cold or outdoor chores in the winter. If you’ve never ridden one, yes, they’re as much fun as they look!

Personal Watercrafts

This category encompasses a number of different vehicles, including Sea-Doos, jet skis, waverunners, and more. They’re mostly built for fun on the water, whether you’re zipping around in circles, making waves, or pulling your buddy on a wakeboard.

Common Features of Powersports Vehicles

While each of the above vehicles is clearly unique, there are a few characteristics that they share in common.

Power

It’s in the name! Powersports vehicles aren’t shy, by any means. They’re made with high-performance engines to tear up the terrain they’re on. Don’t expect great fuel economy, just great fun!

Made for Off-Road Use

For land vehicles, expect large tires with deep tread, long-travel suspension, and heavy-duty frames. These vehicles are meant for the wild and can take a beating better than your average car.

Compact and Agile

Unlike your buddy’s lifted truck that takes up three parking spaces, most powersports vehicles are relatively compact. This is what makes them just as great for bopping around town as they are for riding windy or narrow trails.

Customizability

We’d be holding back if we didn’t tell you that one of our favorite things about powersports vehicles is the mods. The possibilities are endless, and it’s much easier and more cost-effective to add custom parts to one of these vehicles than to an average car or truck.

Check out our massive inventory of high-quality StarknightMT aftermarket parts.

Uses and Applications

In terms of what powersports vehicles are capable of, the list goes on and on.

Work

Need to haul some firewood or pull a bunch of gear into a remote campsite? UTVs are great for that! That’s why they’re used by just about any experienced rancher, farmer, hunter, or rescue crew. They’re more nimble than trucks, yet have solid pulling power.

Play

Want to take a day off from reality and go mud bogging? Or maybe a trip out to the dunes can cure those Sunday scaries? Whatever the case, powersports vehicles are great for outdoor play, whether you’re racing, ripping, or enjoying the sights.

Water & Snow Sports

Just because you’re taking some time off from the dirt or asphalt doesn’t mean you need to travel on foot. With a PWC or snowmobile, you can skim across a lake, a bay, or a frozen tundra.

Culture

While it may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the applications of these vehicles, the community is worth mentioning. The deeper you get into racing, group riding, or expo events, the more people you meet who have just as much love for powersports vehicles as you.

Riding is an excellent way to meet others and spend time with family and friends.

Choosing the Right Powersports Vehicle

If you’re finally ready to pull the trigger and get a new toy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you have to know what you’re looking for. If you want to race, you might go for a dirt bike or an ATV. However, if you’re a rancher or need to get work done around the property, a UTV might suit you better.

Once you decide on the type of vehicle, think about your budget. Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. While you certainly don’t need to get a top-tier UTV with the latest trim and gadgets, opting for something with decent suspension, safety features, and reliability will do you well in the long run.

Whatever you’re gravitating toward, make sure to test before you invest! There’s no better way to get a feel for your riding style. You wouldn’t buy a car before taking it out on the road, right? The same mindset applies here.

Final Thoughts

If freedom is what you seek, a powersports vehicle can get you one step closer. If you can’t already tell, we’re huge fans. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of flying over unspoiled earth with high-octane horsepower underneath you. Hopefully, this little guide has inspired you to try one out for yourself.

And when you do, make sure to check out our wide array of aftermarket parts!

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between an ATV and a UTV?

A1: ATVs are like motorcycles but with four wheels. They offer single-person seating with handlebar steering. UTVs, on the other hand, have multiple seats and a steering wheel, just like your car or truck. Most even come with additional cargo space for hauling gear.

Q2: Do you need a license to operate a powersports vehicle?

A2: It depends on the vehicle and the state. Most off-road vehicles don’t, though, and if you plan on hitting public streets, you may have to get a license and registration.

Q3: Are powersports vehicles street legal?

A3: Not for the most part. With a few mods, you can certainly make them legal. These typically include lights, mirrors, plates, etc. It completely depends on your local laws, so we recommend checking them first! 

Q4: Can kids ride powersports vehicles?

A4: Absolutely! Many families raise their kids riding together. Of course, it’s important that they have the proper safety equipment and supervision. There are tons of brands and manufacturers that make dirt bikes and ATVs for young riders. Many of them are sized down and come with speed governors. 

Q5: How much do powersports vehicles cost?

A5: The answer depends on a number of factors. You could find a basic ATV for around $1,000. Higher-end vehicles, however, can easily cost $30,000 or more. The Polaris RZR Pro R Factory is one of the most expensive UTVs to date, starting at $139,999.