Getting Started Racing Motocross

Finding and Buying a Bike

Whether you already own a bike or plan on buying a new/used bike, it helps to find a dealer for parts and service as well as additional advice on getting started.  Start on Facebook Marketplace.

It’s important to purchase the correct machine for AMA racing class that you plan to participate in. AMA racing classes are specifically designed by the AMA racing congress to match the age of the rider to a particular engine displacement category. Youth classes are designated by age and machine size (measured in cc’s). Adult classes (125cc and up) are either formed by machine size and age, or rider classification/experience. 

If purchasing a bike, use this guide to help pick out the correct machine for AMA Racing.

1. Ages: 4 to 6: 50cc 2-stroke/4-stroke. Max Front Wheel of 10”
2. Ages: 7 to 8: 50cc 2-stroke. Max Front Wheel of 12”
3. Ages: 7 to 11: 65cc 2-stroke
4. Ages: 9 to 15: 85cc 2-stroke
5. Ages: 12 to 16: 112cc 2-stroke or 150cc 4-stroke. Max Front Wheel of 19”
6. Ages: 12 & Above: 125cc 2-stroke
7. Ages: 14 & Above: 201cc 2-stroke – 350cc 2-stroke/4-stroke
8. Ages: 16 & Above: 351cc – Open cc 2-stroke/4-stroke

  There is a simple rule in motorsport racing: don’t dress for the ride, dress for the crash.

Crashes happen, especially in racing and they will happen to you, it is 100% guaranteed. The more and the better the safety gear, the more likely you are not to get hurt, instead of taking an ambulance ride. Motorcycle safety gear technology has expanded by leaps and bounds over the past decade, allowing racers to feel more comfortable, ride faster, and have more fun all while being protected better than ever before. 

Amateur riders — especially young beginning riders — should be more concerned with wearing as much protection as possible than with looking like their favorite pro racer. Buying safety gear is something a good dealer or someone with experience can really help with. It’s extremely important to get sized correctly for motocross safety gear. 

1.   Helmet: This is the single most important piece of protection you will buy. It is mandatory for all participants taking part in practice and competition to wear a full-face protective helmet in AMA-sanctioned events. The helmet must be properly fastened, fit well, and be in good condition. The helmet must have a chin strap retention system, and that chin strap must be fastened snugly so that the helmet will not come off in the event of a crash. The helmet needs to conform to either the recognized standards of Snell M2010 or DOT. A certification sticker should be visible on the back of the helmet. 
2. Goggles: These should always be worn while on a bike. It’s critical to protect your face and eyes from roost and other debris at all times. Make sure the lenses are shatterproof. Try on different brands while wearing your helmet to find the best and most comfortable fit (flush to your face). Using a tear-off system is a great way to clear your vision while on the track during the race. 
3. Body Armor: This is also known as the chest, back, or roost protectors. Body armor can help protect your core from an impact injury by spreading the force of the impact over a wider area. It also protects you from roost (hard clods or small rocks thrown up from tires). There is a huge variety available in different colors in both body armor (front and back) and chest-only protectors. 
4. Clothing: Long-sleeve jerseys and protective pants made from a durable material and are required to race motocross. You are further recommended to buy some sort of knee pad or knee braces. Kneepads or knee braces are designed to fit under your gear. Gloves are also recommended. Elbow pads are optional, but also a good idea especially for beginners.  
5. Boots: To race AMA events, boots with a protective toe shield must be at least 8 inches high, and a combination of buckles and/or laces to provide secure attachment. When you buy motocross boots, take the time to break them in properly until they are comfortable. Racing with boots that are not properly broken in can restrict movement and restrict your ability to use the foot controls. If you are buying for your child, buy them a little big—but not too big—to allow for growth. Motocross boots can take a pounding. Cleaning and maintaining your boots can help them last many seasons. 

  The best way to prepare for racing is by riding — lots of riding.

When you go out to ride, don’t just ride in circles all day. There are different things you can do to improve basic riding skills. Concentrate on using different controls like the clutch and front and rear brakes so you’ll come to know your machine’s limits. Using the clutch will help you attack corners harder; proper use of the brakes will shave seconds off your lap times. While jumping is important in motocross, motocross races are still won and lost in the corners. Practice corners by doing circles or figure eights to improve your riding skills with leaning and bike controls, including clutch, brakes and throttle control. This will make you faster and will also make you a safer rider. 

Much like golf or tennis, learning proper form early will make motocross easier for you in the long run. Keeping your elbows up and learning to ride standing up on the bike is very important. Learning proper body position will help you save energy and make you a safer rider. Having better control of your machine will allow you to respond easier to what the bike does when it hits ruts, bumps, and holes on the track. (Training, at least once with a good trainer is highly recommended.)

Working with an experienced riding coach or attending an advanced racing school is another great way to rapidly advance your riding skills. 

Motocross racing is a great sport for kids. It teaches discipline, maturity, the importance of preparation, goal setting and delivers the satisfaction that can only come from reaching your goals — as well as dealing with the disappointment of working hard but coming up short. Unlike team sports like baseball, football and soccer, motocross is an individual sport. This can be helpful in teaching young people personal responsibility. 

As with any sport that involves young people, there are sometimes parents that push too hard for success — the classic “Little League Parent Syndrome.” Unlike other sports, however, pushing your child too hard in motorsports can result in your child — and possibly other children — getting injured. Motocross is not as easy as the pro riders make it look. There are skills that will develop only with time and practice. Give your children enough time and space to develop their skills at their own speed. If you can afford lessons, it is highly recommended to start with fundamentals training with a reputable trainer or coach.

It is a good idea to step back occasionally and look at racing through your child’s eyes. Remember that the most important thing in racing is to have fun and to spend time with family.