Starting motocross can feel overwhelming. You need a bike, protective gear, a place to ride and some basic knowledge about maintenance. On top of that, motocross is not a cheap sport, so it is easy to spend money on things you do not really need yet.
The good news is that you do not need the newest motocross bike or the most expensive gear to get started.
I started riding motocross when I was 16. Before that, I had spent about a year riding a moped and practising in a field. My first motocross bike was a 2011 KTM 125 SX that I bought from my cousin. Looking back, starting relatively small instead of immediately moving to a more powerful bike was one of the better decisions I made.
In this guide, I will explain the main things you need to know before starting motocross, based on practical advice and my own experience.
What do you need to start motocross?
At a basic level, you need four things:
- A suitable motocross bike
- Proper protective gear
- A motocross track where you are allowed to ride
- Enough budget for maintenance, fuel and riding costs
If you want a better idea of the budget you need, read my guide on how much motocross costs.
You do not need to buy everything at the highest level immediately. Some items are worth spending more money on, while others can be more basic when you are just starting.
1. Choose a motocross bike that matches your experience
One of the biggest mistakes a beginner can make is choosing a bike that is too powerful.
Before buying my KTM 125 SX, I tried my uncle’s 250cc KTM. I already knew how to shift and brake because I had ridden a moped, but the jump to the 250 was still too big for me. The 125 SX was much easier to learn on.
That does not mean every beginner needs a 125cc bike. Your age, height, weight and previous riding experience all matter. The important thing is that you can control the bike comfortably.
As a beginner, focus on throttle control, clutch control, braking, body position and cornering. A bike that is too powerful can make those basics harder to learn.
2. Buy protective gear that actually fits
Protective gear is one area where I would not simply choose the cheapest option.
Not sure which equipment you actually need? Read my complete guide to motocross gear for beginners.
My first helmet was a relatively inexpensive Just1 helmet. There was nothing wrong with the brand, but it did not fit my head shape properly. After riding for a while, I started getting painful pressure points.
A good motocross helmet is not only about brand or price. It needs to fit your head.
Try different helmets if possible. The same applies to boots and body protection.
The items I would prioritise most are a properly fitting helmet, good motocross boots and knee protection. Goggles, jerseys and some other items do not have to be expensive when you first start. A pair of goggles for €30 to €40 can be perfectly fine. You do not need €150 goggles on day one.
3. How much does it cost to start motocross?
Motocross can get expensive quickly.
In my case, I estimate that getting started cost around €3,500 in total, including the bike and gear. That was relatively affordable because I bought the bike from my cousin and received some equipment from friends and family.
If you have to buy everything yourself, the total can easily be higher. Besides the bike and gear, you also need to think about fuel, track fees, maintenance, tyres, transport and replacement parts.
Make a realistic budget before buying anything. Do not spend your full budget on the bike and then discover that you have no money left for gear or maintenance.
4. Find a motocross track and focus on the basics
Once you have a bike and the right gear, find a proper motocross track where beginners are allowed to practise.
Before going, check the opening hours, costs, rules and whether you need a licence or membership. If possible, choose a quieter practice day for your first session.
My first time on a real motocross track was easier in some ways and harder in others. Because of my moped experience, shifting and braking already felt familiar. Cornering was completely different.
You can understand the theory behind a corner, but riding ruts, controlling the throttle and positioning your body correctly takes practice.
Do not focus too much on speed in the beginning. Focus on control and getting comfortable on the bike. There will always be riders who are much faster than you.
The best way to improve is simple: ride a lot.
Videos and advice can help, but motocross is a sport you mainly learn by doing.
5. Learn basic maintenance
You do not need to become a mechanic before your first ride, but you should learn the basics.
After riding, clean the bike and check the air filter, chain tension, tyre pressure, brakes and visible damage. These simple checks can help you notice problems early.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
Looking back, these are the mistakes I would avoid:
- Buying gear only because it looks good. Fit and protection matter more.
- Starting on a bike that is too powerful.
- Spending too much on less important gear.
- Comparing yourself with experienced riders.
- Researching endlessly instead of actually riding.
If someone told me tomorrow that they wanted to start motocross, my three main tips would be simple: know what you are getting into, research your bike and gear carefully, and enjoy it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you start motocross with no experience?
Yes. Previous experience with a bicycle, moped or motorcycle can help, but it is not required. Start with a bike you can control and learn in a safe environment.
What gear should a beginner buy first?
Start with a properly fitting helmet, motocross boots, knee protection, goggles and body protection. Safety-critical gear deserves more of your budget than jerseys or accessories.
Final thoughts
Starting motocross does not have to be complicated, but it helps to make smart choices at the beginning.
Choose a bike that matches your experience, spend your money on the gear that matters most, find a suitable track and accept that learning takes time.
When I started at 16, I did not know everything about bikes, gear or riding technique. I just started, learned by doing and gradually improved.
Looking back, the main thing I would change is simple: I would have started earlier.
If you prepare properly and focus on enjoying the process, motocross can be one of the most rewarding sports to learn.
About the author
Brent ten Dam started riding motocross at the age of 16 on a 2011 KTM 125 SX. His own experience as a beginner inspired MXRiderHub to provide practical and independent advice for riders who are getting started in motocross.
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