How to start your child in motocross

Motocross is a terrific method for children to learn to ride bikes, but it can also teach them valuable life skills, help them socialize, gain confidence, and stay fit. There is a growing scene in the UK for people of all ages and abilities, and you never know… your child could be the next world champion!

But where do you begin? Martin Varrand is a retired Motocross rider who competed against world-class athletes such as Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Blake Wharton during his youth years. He is a two-time World Junior Motocross Champion. Who better to provide an important FAQ about getting youngsters started in motocross?

My kid’s interested in motocross; what should I do?

It seems apparent, but have they ever gone to a motocross track? Have you done so? Bring everyone to an event and see how they appreciate it. Motocross is a thrilling, fast-paced sport with friendly, welcoming communities all throughout the United Kingdom. Come along and soak in the atmosphere. Join online forums like The Rev Counter’s off-road area and TotalMX, which are fantastic places to share in other people’s experiences… and learn from their mistakes! 

What are the different types of dirt bike riding for children?

Motocross, which takes place on a constructed and controlled track, is the most popular style of riding for children. Each race lasts approximately 30 minutes, and there are many sessions throughout the day to cover all of the classes.

Your child may possibly be interested in enduro, which involves riding through more natural terrain like as woodland or farmland. Enduro races are substantially longer than motocross races (thus the name).

Trail riding, like enduro, is not a competitive sport. Trail riding is about riding in the countryside, sand dunes, or woods, but the trick is finding spots where you may legally ride without issues because, unless you’re on private land with permission from the owner, you must be a licensed rider on an insured and taxed road-legal motorbike.

Trials riding is the final choice for honing precision skills. Riders must navigate obstacles without putting a foot down or putting the wrong foot down! Points are deducted every time a foot contacts the floor. Trials are more on balance and coordination than speed. 

What’s the best bike for my child to start riding on?

Choosing the best motocross bike for your child is more on their degree of strength and talent than their age. The bike you choose will also be determined by whether or not they wish to compete. Some children’s bikes have two-stroke engines, which are lighter and less sophisticated than four-stroke motors but can be just as strong!

Some of the high-quality electric bikes from Oset and Kuberg are a terrific option, however they are sometimes more expensive, especially when purchased used. 

From what age can you race?

The competitive riding age groups are as follows:

• Children aged 4 to 6 might begin with a 50cc Yamaha PW (also known as a PeeWee) cycle or something similar.
• By the age of eight, youngsters can ride a 65/80cc mini motocross machine.
• At the age of 10 or 11, children can ride anything up to a 150cc four-stroke or a 65/80cc two-stroke.

Electric bike constraints are dependent on power measured at the back wheel, as well as minimum and maximum weight requirements:

• Riders aged 4 to 7 (as of January 1) compete in the E4 class, which allows them to ride a bike with a maximum output of 1.5kW and ten-inch front and rear wheels. Weight limitations range from 30 to 40 kg.
• Riders aged 15 and up on January 1 compete in the Adult Solo class on a bike capable of outputting up to 16kW at the rear wheel. They can race alongside two-strokes ranging from 120cc to 650cc and four-strokes ranging from 175cc to 650cc.
• A rider may compete in the automatic class on an electronic bike with no more than 8kW measured at the back wheel, and the motorcycle must weigh between 30kg and 40kg.
  65cc Junior riders can ride an electric bike with a maximum power output of 10kW measured at the rear wheel and weighing between 50 and 60kg.
• MX2 riders may use an electric bike with a maximum power output of 16kW measured at the rear wheel and weighing between 75kg and 120kg.

Aside from the constraints mentioned above, the maximum output of the power packs for electric motorcycles is limited to 500W nominal. The electric motorcycle must be able to freewheel in the event of a power unit failure for safety reasons, and there must be two emergency circuit breakers accessible to both the rider and track marshals.

The ACU (Auto Cycle Union, the regulatory body of UK motorsport) suggests that the rider wear a lanyard device that kills the power if they fall off the bike. When the electricity is turned on, the bike should also have a red warning light that flashes at half-second intervals. This light should be visible from ten meters away to the side and rear of the bike.

Finally, any electric bike must feature a self-closing throttle that shuts down when the rider lets go of the handlebars.   

How do I transport my child’s bike?

If you don’t have a van or a bike trailer, you’ll most likely need to start with a hitch-carrier that can be attached to a tow bar on the back of your car. There are numerous safe and secure choices that are simple to use and inexpensive. You should also be prepared for some rather muddy seats on the way home! 

How much will it cost to start my child in motocross?

You might be able to find a used Yamaha PW for a few hundred pounds, or a tiny motocross bike for roughly £700, but make sure it hasn’t previously been abused to within an inch of its life.

I’d suggest speaking with a Motocross dealer or a family who is already racing and moving to bigger bikes. If you do, you will most likely acquire a bike that has been well-maintained and has quality aftermarket parts; they can also tell you how they got started. It’s always beneficial to have buddies in the pits.

If you prefer, brand new kids’ bikes can cost anywhere from £1,599 for a Yamaha PW50 to £4,099 for a Yamaha YZ65.

Entry-level helmets start at roughly £50.00, while boots typically cost between £70 and £80.00. A good-quality full set of goggles, gloves, and gear should cost less than £100.00, with a secondhand hitch carrier costing around another £100.

Is motocross safe for my child?

Isn’t this the question you actually want answered? Motocross is no more dangerous than many other sports, such as go-karting, horseback riding, and skiing. When approached with the proper attitude, care, and discipline, there is no cause for any parent to be concerned.

Respect for machinery and other people, discipline, balance, and cognitive ability are all aspects of acquiring strong riding skills. They might have a few bumps and bruises along the road, but there’s no guarantee they won’t tumble off a skateboard. Start them early and give them every opportunity to succeed.

Have fun with whatever type of dirt bike your kids prefer! That is the crux of the matter.