The goal of this Service & Maintenance Survey is to explore the types of powersports vehicles people own and how they prefer to maintain them—whether through self-service or with the help of professionals. Nearly 650 participants provided insights into the kinds of vehicles they own, how often they ride, the frequency and cost of repairs, and the types of repairs performed. We also examined whether maintenance is done professionally or through self-service, along with the reasons behind their preferred approach.
What Are People Driving?
Motorcycles are by far the most popular powersports vehicle, with 84% of respondents reporting that they ride one. ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides (SxSs) are the next most common, owned by about one-third of survey participants. Snowmobiles, scooters, and boats follow, with between 20% and 25% of respondents owning them. Finally, 11% of respondents reported owning a personal watercraft (PWC).
Riding Frequency
Motorcycle riders tend to use their vehicles consistently, with 70% riding anywhere from once a week to 4–6 times per week. This suggests that motorcycle riding is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle and a regular mode of transportation. Many ride whenever they get the chance.
ATV, UTV, and SxS riders show a similar trend, though slightly less pronounced. About 20% ride daily, while around half ride between several times a month to 2–3 times per week. Like motorcyclists, these riders often view their vehicles as part of their lifestyle, though they tend to ride less frequently.
Snowmobile usage is generally more recreational. About two-thirds of snowmobile riders report riding several times a month to 2–3 times per week in season. We attribute this to the fact that snowmobiling is a seasonal hobby rather than a consistent form of transportation.
Scooter riders, on the other hand, show habits similar to motorcyclists. Nearly 75% ride once a week to 4–6 times per week, suggesting scooters are commonly used for regular commuting or day-to-day travel.
Boat and personal watercraft (PWC) riders use their vehicles less frequently. Just over 65% of boaters and approximately 75% of PWC riders report using them between once a week and once a month. These vehicles are frequently used for recreational purposes and are more popular among hobbyists rather than those seeking a primary mode of transportation.
Frequency & Cost of Repairs
Motorcycle owners tend to service their vehicles regularly, with over half reporting repairs every few months to monthly. Annual repair costs vary: more than a quarter spend between $100–$299, another quarter spend $300–$499, and just under a quarter report costs between $500–$999. This suggests that while most motorcycle repairs are relatively affordable, some can be more costly. Overall, motorcycle riders prioritize consistent maintenance.
ATV, UTV, and SxS owners show a similar pattern, with around two-thirds reporting repairs on a monthly to semi-monthly basis. Repair costs are typically lower, with 41% spending under $300 annually, though about 20% report higher costs in the $500–$999 range. These riders, like motorcyclists, are committed to regular upkeep, but generally face lower repair costs.
Snowmobile owners also maintain their vehicles consistently, with over half reporting repairs monthly to semi-monthly. Annual repair costs vary significantly, ranging from $100 to $999. About two-thirds fall within this range, with the largest group—25%—spending between $100–$299. Snowmobile maintenance habits align closely with those of other powersports owners: regular care, typically affordable, but with occasional higher expenses.
Scooter owners stand out for how frequently they seek repairs—62% report repair frequency ranging from weekly to monthly. However, costs remain relatively low, with around 65% spending less than $500 annually. This indicates that while scooters may require more frequent attention, the financial burden of repairs is generally lighter compared to other vehicles.
Boat owners report a wide range of repair frequencies. Roughly a quarter report repairs monthly, semi-monthly, or annually, respectively. The cost of repairs also varies significantly. About 50% of boat owners spend less than $500 annually, but over 18% face much steeper costs in the $2,000–$4,999 range. While minor repairs may be manageable, larger fixes tend to hit boat owners harder than most other powersports enthusiasts.
Personal watercraft (PWC) owners display similarly varied repair habits. Around one-third report monthly repairs, while slightly less than half report needing repairs semi-monthly to annually. Repair costs skew higher than other categories, with about 25% spending $500–$999 annually, and nearly a third reporting costs between $1,000–$1,999. Though PWC owners may need repairs less often, they typically pay more when they do.
What’s Being Done?
Among the various types of maintenance and repairs, oil and filter changes are the most common, with about 75% of respondents reporting they had this service performed. This is followed by tire pressure adjustments and tread depth checks, completed by just under two-thirds of participants. Approximately half had their batteries inspected or replaced. Additional types of repairs are detailed in the chart below.
DIY or Helping Hands?
Some powersports vehicle owners prefer to handle maintenance themselves, while others rely entirely on professionals. When it comes to routine tasks—such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug swaps—the vast majority feel confident in their abilities, with 81% indicating as much (see the “Confidence in Routine Maintenance” chart).
About one-third of owners perform all their own maintenance, while just over a quarter leave everything to a professional. The remaining 40% take a hybrid approach, choosing between DIY and professional service depending on the task or situation.
Why DIY?
Many powersports owners choose to service their own vehicles, and most feel confident doing so. About 75% report being confident in diagnosing issues, while another 20% are more neutral about their diagnostic abilities.
In terms of mechanical expertise, nearly 85% of self-servicers rate themselves as intermediate to advanced. While most feel capable of diagnosing and fixing common problems, they generally don’t consider themselves professionals or able to tackle every maintenance issue.
The top reasons for choosing DIY repairs are cost savings and convenience. Roughly three-quarters of self-servicing owners enjoy saving money on repairs, and over two-thirds appreciate being able to work at their own pace. More than half also say they simply enjoy the process of doing the work themselves.
Most self-servicing owners learned without outside help. About 77% learned through personal experience and trial and error, 74% used online resources, and 73% referred to the manufacturer’s service manual. Beyond saving money, many DIYers are drawn to the independence and satisfaction that come with doing the work themselves.
When it comes to tools, nearly 90% of self-servicers own basic hand tools. Just under three-quarters own air compressor tools, and about two-thirds own either a hydraulic jack or a vehicle lift. More advanced tools—such as diagnostic devices or specialized equipment—are owned by about half of DIYers.
Despite their confidence, most self-servicers are open to seeking professional help in certain situations. Around 75% would go to a professional if the repair is covered under warranty. Two-thirds would seek help if they lacked the necessary knowledge, and slightly fewer—just under two-thirds—would do so if the job required specialized tools or was too complex or time-consuming.
Why Helping Hands?
Many powersports owners choose professional service over DIY repairs for a variety of reasons. According to the survey, the most common factors include limited access to tools and equipment, trust in professional expertise, warranty coverage, and a lack of mechanical skills. Each of these reasons was cited by just over half of respondents. While saving time and money through warranty coverage plays a role, many simply prefer to leave repairs to the experts when they lack the means or knowledge to do it themselves.
When professional service is chosen, about half of respondents take their vehicles to an authorized dealership, while a quarter use independent shops. Overall, dealerships dominate the powersports maintenance and repair space.
More than half of consumers have been with their current service provider for one to five years. Customer satisfaction appears strong—85% report being satisfied with the quality of work performed. The most common reason for choosing a service provider is location, with just under half selecting a shop based on proximity. However, the primary reason people stay with their provider is prior positive experience, cited by about 50% of respondents.
Communication from service providers is also well-received. Nearly 90% of customers are satisfied with the level of communication, finding it neither excessive nor lacking. About 25% receive monthly updates or reminders, while just under half receive communication every few months, typically regarding maintenance schedules or service promotions.
When it comes to pricing, most customers feel they are getting fair value for their money. While 43% say rates are reasonable and fair, about 50% feel they may be slightly overpaying—but are still satisfied overall.
Although most are happy with their current provider, several factors could prompt a switch. The most common reasons include the desire for a more convenient location or higher quality of work—cited by just under half and around 45% of respondents, respectively. Lower costs and better customer service were also mentioned, though less frequently. All factors influencing the decision to switch providers can be found in the “What Would Cause You to Switch Service Providers?” chart.
Final Thoughts
Engaging customers through regular communication—such as monthly or semi-monthly service reminders—is an effective way to maintain satisfaction and build long-term loyalty. Offering a warranty at the point of sale not only encourages repeat visits for repairs but can also attract customers who might otherwise handle maintenance themselves. A warranty keeps your business top-of-mind when service is needed, giving you an edge over other repair shops.
For customers committed to DIY repairs, offering tool rentals or leasing specialized equipment could be a valuable way to support their needs while still providing a form of service. This approach helps maintain a relationship with self-servicing customers and can open new revenue streams.
