5 things to know to start motocross

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE

First, you have to choose the type of motorcycle that suits you. It all depends on you. It must adapt to your needs, your weight, your height and your level of experience. The choice of brand is up  to you. The most popular are still Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and KTM. It’s up to you to choose which one will fill your heart.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Your mother told you to dress warmly! I tell you to make sure you’re well equipped! Safety is the most important. Wear the necessary protections to prevent this wonderful sport from becoming your worst nightmare. The most important protections are: the helmet, the boots and the chest protector which should not be too big or too small, because this will reduce their effectiveness. Each helmet has its advantages but do not be fooled by a crazy price if you are new to the field. Same thing for boots and bib. Shop around and you will find the right shoe for you.

FIND YOURSELF A MENTOR

Learn about how your motorcycle works. If it’s a two-stroke, it doesn’t have the same characteristics as a four-stroke engine. Don’t hesitate to find an experienced mentor who will advise you throughout your learning.

START SLOWLY

Start slowly! Go at your own pace and don’t get discouraged. This sport is difficult, you don’t become Travis Pastrana in three days! Start in wide open spaces without obstacles to familiarize yourself with your bike. It’s very important that you are the one driving the bike and not the other way around. Once you and your bike are one, you can go on the narrower trails that you know. Then, explore other places to develop your ability to anticipate sharper turns, for example.

RESPECT YOUR LIMITS

Don’t try to impress anyone because it’s by playing the big guns that you hurt yourself. Be yourself, keep in mind that it’s a dangerous and especially technical sport. You must always stay focused. The slightest mishandling can cause a fall or a collision and lead to serious injuries.

IN SHORT

A good maintenance makes a good, safe machine and at the top of its performances. Maybe mechanical maintenance will be part of my next article, who knows 😉 .

See you next time.