Motocross
Quick Link - Good Points - Bad Points - Tips - Costs - Resources
Introduction
Motocross, is a highly competitive sport, with light and powerful off-road motorbikes designed solely for the roughest terrain and to take on super-high jumps and other challenges during races.
Motocross Bikes
The most popular type of engine used in MX is by far two-stroke, which gives lightning quick response and fantastic acceleration. Two-stroke engines are also lighter than four-strokes.
The next consideration is the size of the engine. For a general overview: 50cc to 100cc are usually suitable for younger riders, and 125cc to 500cc more suitable for adults.
Popular classes are 125cc and 250cc.
The attributes of a motocross bike are that it:
Is lightweight
Has long travel suspension front and rear
Has no lights or electronic accessories (alarms etc)
Has knobly off-road tyres
Is only designed for one person
Tracks
Motocross tracks are off-road circuits which have challenging features like jumps, berms (corners with raised edges), whoops (series of mini jump-like undulations in quick succession), tabletops (plateau linked with matching angled take-off and landing ramps), kickers (jumps with sharp lips at take off) and other features.
A track's characteristics change every-time you ride, because of; weather conditions, other bikes tearing up the racing line, quality of surface material and grading. This makes for unpredictable and exciting riding conditions, which keep riders alert and focused.
As a note: Supercross are large indoor events with professional riders, big jumps and lots of razzmatazz. Motocross uses outdoor tracks, and holds races in daylight only.
To find your nearest motocross tracks, see the links in the resources section below.
Riding Style
Given all the jumps, acceleration, and forces involved, motocross demands physical stamina from riders. On top of that, a whole new style of riding is required, if previous experience is from on-road bikes.
Controlling the bike under power, controlling the bike in the air, and riding in the best body positions are crucial skills in motocross, which are best learnt properly from a training school. Try the resources section for suitable centres.
Racing
Motocross has racing classes to suit most ages and abilities.
Check your nearest tracks for events which are held there. Categories are normally broken down in to classes of engine sizes. These classes also imply age groups; for example, a 12-year-old can not handle a 426cc Mx'er, and likewise an adult is underpowered on an 80cc machine.
Some of the largest capacity bikes are known as "thumpers". So-called due to the deep raucous note created by their large (400cc+) four-stroke engine.
Two-stroke 250cc class has demandingly powerful bikes, with silly (i.e. very good) power to weight ratio, and is not advised for beginners.
Perhaps the most popular class is two-stroke 125cc, which sees teenagers and adults race elbow to elbow in competition. Manufacturers compete vigorously to create the best bikes, so with new models every year, the secondhand market is plentiful and good value.
Established for many years, schoolboy motocross has been a popular proving ground for youngsters, running smaller bikes like 80cc & 100cc motocrossers.
For further information about race events, rules, regulations and locations, contact one of the official organisations listed on this pop up mx_info page.
Summary of Motocross
Good points
Exhilarating, fast, competitive sport
Associated interests including; mechanical knowledge, fitness, rider practice & experience.
Established tracks to use, and clubs to race at.
Bad points
Possibility of injury.
Can be very dirty with mud, oil, petrol etc.
Competitive racing requires sustained financing (fuel / spares / race fees / maintenance etc.).
Try a lesson before you buy a bike to see if you can handle the excitement
Try to buy a nearly new bike, that way you will avoid big maintenance jobs like shocks, gearbox and engine for a while.
Never accept a second-hand crash helmet. Always buy new. (Effectiveness in a potential crash is reduced with age / use)
Always keep safety in the front of your mind regarding wearing crash protection and also your riding attitude.
New motocross bikes around the �3,500 mark.
Secondhand bikes vary in price from �500 upwards, some even cost more than new (standard) bikes, if they have had lots of money spent on them and are race prepared.
Set aside �500 or so for all the important protective equipment. If you're buying new, try to time it as one transaction, and barter a deal.
(Click to open in new window)
Tips
Costs
Motocross Resources
Dirtbike Store - Superb online UK based store with huge stock including mechanical spares, tyres, racewear, protection. Site is searchable. Very good.
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Motorbike Bob - Big site with all types of (not just mx) bikes, UK shop as well.
Go MX.co.uk - Very comprehensive information on getting started in motocross in the UK.
Trials & Motocross News - UK magazine with the latest Motocross news and some bike tests.
MX Tracks.co.uk - User updated comprehensive motocross track listing, with UK map showing locations.
MotocrossTracks.co.uk - list of tracks and clubs in the UK (may not be exhaustive).
B.S.M.A - British Schoolboy Motorcycle Association site includes contact details for your area.
Dirtbiking.com - US site with good technical FAQ.
British MX Champs - For results, photos, rider info, and competitions from the Maxxis British Motocross Championship
MX Large.com - Worldwide site focusing on international news and riders.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Minimoto, Mountain Biking, Jet Skiing and BMX.
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