How To Use Tax Refund Dollars To Pick Great Off Road Powersports
- on March 07, 2023
- Categories: Articles
Today’s culture sees way too many people spending time indoors and glued to a screen or device. Getting outdoors on an off-road adventure is the perfect alternative, but many complain that powersports are inaccessible. With a little bit of planning, some wise shopping and your tax return, you can find the right off road powersports vehicle to drive away boredom and get you out into the sunshine.
What Are Off Road Powersports?
Motorsports are a broad category that usually refers to sporting events that use motorized vehicles such as automobiles or motorcycles. Powersports is a subset of this broad category, with vehicles sharing a few common features. These include:
- Use of an engine
- Use of handlebars
- A rider mounted on the machine and exposed to weather elements
All-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, dirt bikes, street bikes, scooters and utility terrain vehicles are just a few powersport vehicles. When you add the term "off road" to the definition, you are taking these vehicles away from a standard paved, asphalt or concrete surface for a more rugged adventure across a range of terrains.
How Much Do Off Road Powersports Cost?
With any hobby or vehicle purchase, you will need to put some money into it if you are going to get the most from the experience. In addition to buying the powersport vehicle, you may also need to invest in safety gear, insurance, driving lessons or more. While you may not have the entire amount of money needed to purchase your vehicle and accessories at once, you can use your tax refund dollars to get started. Off-road powersport vehicles typically qualify for financing, allowing you to use your refund dollars for a downpayment or other expenses.
The vehicle purchase or lease price will likely be the greatest. Some other common expenses associated with powersports are:
- Maintenance agreement or service plan
- Fuel costs
- Insurance
- Repair or replacement costs for parts and tires
- Protective headgear, clothing or other accessories
You can’t determine the total cost of getting into off road powersports unless you know what type of vehicle you are buying and how you intend to use it. If you can do a lot of the repair or maintenance work yourself, you can save a lot of money over paying a mechanic or shop to work on your vehicle.
What Are the Off Road Powersports Options?
Now that you know about the additional expenses of owning a powersports vehicle, you can make an informed decision on how to spend your tax refund dollars. These are a few exciting ways to spend your money and take your travels off road.
All-Terrain Vehicles
For a vehicle that can go just about anywhere, an ATV is what you need. These are gas-powered vehicles that can start around $2,000 for a small personal-sized option and run into double digits if you are looking for an oversized option with a rack, trailer hitch and other upgrades. ATVs are sometimes referred to as a four-wheeler, but an ATV could include larger items such as an SUV built with off-road capabilities. Trailmaster is a highly-respected off road powersports brand that offers ATVs in children’s sizes in addition to their adult vehicles.
Dirt Bikes and PIT Bikes
A dirt bike combines the thrill of riding a motorcycle with the adventure and challenge of riding across rough terrain. These bikes come with stiff suspension and special tires to provide more stability and traction as you race across dirt mounds or other uneven trails. A PIT bike is a smaller version of a motorcycle, used for racing, stunts or recreation, but keep in mind it performs better on a smooth track. Choose your CC rating according to how much power you want behind your ride. Trailmaster has dirt and PIT bike options in 110cc, 125cc, 150cc, or up to 300cc.
Go-Kart
Driving a go-kart brings thrills and excitement, and these vehicles are easily driven by off-road enthusiasts of any experience level. With four wheels to travel on, there are reduced safety concerns when compared to a bike, but these machines can easily travel over uneven terrain when equipped with the right tires and engine. There are a number of go-kart options for small children, and with one, two or four-seater options, the entire family can get in on your off-roading fun.
UTVs and Side-by-Sides
A utility task vehicle is generally used more for work scenarios, as these are heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles. These are often referred to as side-by-sides because they have two to four-person seating capacity on benches or bucket seats. These run on four or six wheels and include safety features such as seatbelts and roll cages. When you are looking for a family-friendly way to enjoy off road powersports, this vehicle is where you should spend your money.
Scooters and Trikes
If your idea of adventure needs to be street legal, you would want to look into a scooter or a trike. When looking at your options, keep in mind that road rules vary by state. Scooters are built more for comfort and fuel economy and ride much like a motorcycle. Trikes are handled in the same way, but with three wheels, this option provides more stability. Neither of these is built for speed, racing across rugged terrain or working through mud bogs. These are more casual-riding options for gentle off-road excursions.
Kid-Friendly Options
If you want to give your kids a hobby that will encourage adventure and generate enthusiasm, you could use your tax refund dollars for a kid-sized version of an adult powersport vehicle. You could purchase a small ATV, electric bike or single-seater go-kart. Be sure to invest in the proper safety gear, and ensure your child is mature enough to handle the vehicle.
