Let’s be real—buying a motorcycle, ATV, or UTV isn’t like grabbing a new phone case off Amazon. These are high-consideration purchases, and customers want to feel confident before they pull the trigger. But thanks to outdated direct-to-consumer (DTC) laws in 18+ states, powersports brands have to rely on dealerships to handle the sales process. That means limited control over the buying experience, inconsistent messaging, and a whole lot of friction between online research and the final purchase.
So, how do we fix this? Enter 3D configurators and augmented reality (AR), game changing tech that lets customers explore and customize their dream vehicle before ever stepping foot in a dealership. And guess what? This isn’t some futuristic concept. It’s happening now.
The Power of 3D & AR in the Buying Journey
We know customers start their shopping journey online. They’re browsing, researching, and trying to visualize what their new ride will look like. But static images and spec sheets don’t cut it anymore. They want to interact, customize, and even place that dream bike in their garage—before ever talking to a sales rep.
That’s where 3D product configurators and AR experiences come in. With the right tools, customers can:
✔ Customize their vehicle online: change colors, trims, and accessories in real time.
✔ See their build in AR: place a life-size 3D model right in their driveway.
✔ Save and share configurations: so when they walk into a dealership, they know exactly what they want.
✔ Cut down on wasted dealership visits: because nobody likes showing up just to hear, “Sorry, we don’t have that model in stock.”
It’s all about giving customers control and confidence while making life easier for dealerships. A true win-win.
The Direct Sales Roadblock (and Why It’s a Problem)
For brands like Scout Motors, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Polaris, the ability to sell directly to customers would be game changing. But many states-like Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina-ban direct sales from manufacturers. Instead, they require buyers to go through a franchised dealership (sometimes having to cross state lines to do so).
What does that mean in practice?
❌ Manufacturers lose control over the sales process: Dealerships dictate the experience, and it’s not always brand-consistent.
❌ Dealers often lack inventory: Customers might have to wait weeks or months to see their preferred model.
❌ The buying process takes longer than it should: Shoppers spend hours calling different dealers just to find a vehicle in stock.
So if direct sales are off the table, how do brands still own the customer experience? By using 3D ecommerce configurators and AR tools to engage customers earlier, setting them (and their dealership partners) up for success.
How 3D & AR Solve the DTC Challenge
Imagine you’re shopping for a new Kawasaki KRX 1000. Instead of visiting multiple dealerships, you head to the manufacturer’s website, build out your perfect ride in a 3D product configurator, and use AR to see how it fits in your garage.
By the time you walk into the dealership, you’ve got your exact configuration saved, and all the dealer has to do is make the sale.
For manufacturers, this means:
✔ Less friction in the buying process: Customers come in pre-qualified and ready to buy.
✔ Stronger dealer relationships: Because sales staff spend less time answering “Do you have this in stock?” and more time closing deals.
✔ Higher conversion rates: Engaged customers = more purchases.
And for brands that want to go fully DTC but can’t, 3D and AR act as the next best thing—bringing the dealership experience directly to the consumer.
What’s Holding the Industry Back?
While 3D visualization services and AR are picking up steam, there are still some hurdles to overcome:
❌ Not enough dealers use 3D configurators: Many still rely on static images or 2D builders.
❌ Tech fragmentation: Some manufacturers have great websites, but web experience might not be much of a priority to their dealer partners.
❌ Lack of education: Customers (and some dealers) don’t yet realize how much better the buying experience could be with these tools. They remain stuck in the if it ain't broke mentality until they have their first immersive buying experience (and then they never want to go back).
Luckily, Dopple is working to change these industry realities by making 3D eCommerce configurators easy to use, scalable, and seamlessly integrated into brand and dealer workflows.
Why Dopple? And Why Now?
At Dopple, we specialize in 3D visualization tools that helps brands create immersive, high-intent shopping experiences.
✔ A best-in-class 3D product configurator: Built with powersports in mind, with deep customization features.
✔ Seamless Augmented Reality: Customers can place their custom-built vehicle in their space before purchase right from their phone (no app required)
✔ Scalable for both DTC and dealer-supported models: Bridging the gap between online research and in-person sales.
We believe powersports brands should have full control over the customer experience, and we're able to make that possible in all 50 states (and beyond).
Let’s Build the Future of Powersports Sales
The industry is evolving, and brands that embrace digital tools will be the ones that thrive. Now is the time to rethink how you engage customers.
Here’s what you can do next:
✔ Evaluate your current digital strategy: Are you giving customers the immersive experience they expect?
✔ Book a demo with Dopple: Let’s walk you through how a 3D configurator can transform your sales funnel.
✔Visit us at AIMExpo 2025 (Booth #7126): See our tech in action and hear how top brands are using it.
The bottom line? Powersports sales don’t have to feel stuck in the past. Let’s bring them into the future-together.
Book a demo today or meet us at AIMExpo Booth #7126!
