Author: Brent ten Dam

Starting motocross is exciting, but it is not a cheap hobby. Before buying your first bike, it helps to understand not only the purchase price, but also the cost of gear, training, fuel, maintenance and transport.

When I started motocross at 16, I spent roughly €3,500 in total on my first bike and the gear I needed to ride. That was around four years ago, so prices today can be higher. I was also lucky because I received several pieces of equipment from friends and family.

This guide gives you a realistic idea of what motocross can cost and where you can save money without making poor choices.

How much did I spend when I started motocross?

My first motocross bike was a 2011 KTM 125 SX, which I bought from my cousin for around €2,500.

Because the bike came from someone I knew, I was able to buy it for a fair price and already knew some of its history. That helped keep my total starting costs relatively low.

I spent approximately:

• €100 on my first helmet
• €100 on a body protector
• €20 on gloves

I also used an old motocross suit from my father, old boots from my uncle, goggles from my father and knee protection from someone I knew. That saved me a lot of money.

How much should you budget for motocross gear?

Gear costs can vary a lot depending on the brand and quality you choose. As a beginner, you do not need the most expensive version of every product.

Some items are worth investing in, while others can be kept simple when you are just starting.

I would prioritise:

• A properly fitting helmet
• Good motocross boots
• Knee protection or knee braces (I prefer braces)
• Body protection Goggles

Jerseys, pants and some accessories do not need to be expensive. When I started, a lot of my equipment was old or second-hand, and that was fine for getting started.

---

If you are still figuring out what you need before buying anything, read my guide on how to start motocross first.

---

What does one motocross training day cost?

Buying the bike and gear is only the beginning. A normal practice day can cost around €20 to €30 in track fees, depending on the track.

On top of that, you have fuel for the bike, fuel for the car, food and sometimes extra maintenance. When I started riding twice a week, those costs became much more noticeable.

Regular costs can include:

• Track fees
• Petrol
• Oil
• Air filters
• Replacement parts

Individually, these costs may not seem huge, but over several months they can add up quickly.

Do you need an expensive van or trailer?

No. When I started, we transported the bike using a simple trailer. It was not even a special motocross trailer.

You do not need an expensive transport setup immediately. If your bike can be transported safely, a basic trailer can be enough.

Can you start motocross on a smaller budget?

Yes, but you need to be smart about where you save money.

Buying a used bike can reduce the starting cost. Borrowing or using second-hand gear can also help, especially for jerseys, pants and some accessories.

I would be more careful with safety equipment. A helmet needs to fit properly, and boots and knee protection are worth taking seriously.

A realistic beginner budget

Based on my own experience, €3,500 was possible around four years ago, but that was because I got a good deal on the bike and received several pieces of gear for free.

Today, I would expect the same kind of setup to cost more. For readers in the UK, that also means several thousand pounds depending on the bike, gear and whether you buy new or used.

Do not spend your complete budget on the bike. Leave money for gear, fuel, maintenance and unexpected repairs.

Frequently asked questions

Is motocross an expensive sport?

Yes. The bike and gear are expensive at the start, and there are ongoing costs such as fuel, maintenance and track fees.

Can I buy second-hand motocross gear?

Yes, but be careful with safety-critical equipment. Fit and condition matter, especially for helmets, boots and knee protection.

Final thoughts

Motocross costs more than just the price of the bike. My first setup cost around €3,500, but that was four years ago and I saved money by using second-hand and free equipment.

If you are starting today, prepare for higher costs and keep some money available for training and maintenance.

You do not need the most expensive gear to enjoy motocross. Spend your money where safety matters most, keep the rest simple and upgrade your equipment as you gain experience.

Not sure what to buy first? Read the full beginner guide on how to start motocross.

---

About the author

Buying motocross gear as a beginner can get expensive very quickly. Helmets, boots, goggles, knee protection, body protection and clothing are available in almost every price range, which makes it difficult to know what you actually need.

When I started motocross, most of my gear was cheap, old or borrowed from family and friends. Over the years, I tried different products and gradually upgraded almost everything. Today, I use much more expensive gear, but that does not mean a beginner needs to buy the same equipment immediately.

This guide explains which motocross gear I would prioritise as a beginner, where you can save money and which upgrades made the biggest difference for me.
If you are completely new to the sport, start with my guide on how to start motocross.

What motocross gear does a beginner need?

For your first rides, you should at least have the basic protective equipment needed to ride safely and comfortably.

• Motocross helmet
• Goggles
• Motocross boots
• Knee protection
• Body protector
• Gloves
• Motocross jersey
• Motocross pants

You do not need premium versions of every item. I would spend most of the budget on the equipment that protects you and save money on things that mainly affect appearance or comfort.

1. A helmet should be your first priority

A helmet is the item I would take the most time choosing. My first helmet cost around €100, but after riding for a while I discovered that it did not fit my head shape properly. It created pressure points and eventually became painful.

Today, I ride with an Arai MX-V EVO in Frost Black, with custom graphics. It is much more comfortable for me, but that does not mean the same helmet will be perfect for everyone.

The best helmet is not simply the most expensive one. It is the helmet that fits your head properly.

I would personally always buy a helmet new. For other gear, second-hand equipment can sometimes be a good way to save money, but with a helmet I want to know its history and condition.

2. Good boots are worth investing in

When I started, I used an old pair of boots from my uncle. They were good enough to start riding, but later I upgraded to Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots.

The difference in comfort and support was noticeable for me. Boots are something I would spend more money on once you know that you want to continue riding motocross.

3. Knee guards or knee braces?

I started with simple knee guards that I received from someone I knew. Later, I switched to Leatt C-Frame knee braces.

That change felt strange at first. With basic knee guards, you barely notice anything between your legs and the bike. Knee braces wrap much further around your legs, so when I first used them it felt like I could not grip the bike in the same way.

After some time, I got used to them. Now I would not want to go back. For me, the extra protection is worth the initial discomfort.

Some protective gear feels strange at first. Give yourself time to get used to it before deciding that it does not work for you.

4. Body protection, goggles and gloves

I currently use an Alpinestars A-1 body protector and wear body protection every time I ride. The same applies to my knee braces and the rest of my protective equipment.

For goggles, I use several different models. Most of my normal goggles are 100% Armega, while I use 100% Accuri goggles with a roll-off system when conditions require it.

Goggles are also an area where beginners can save money. You do not need the most expensive goggles immediately. As long as they fit your helmet properly and provide clear vision, a simpler model can be enough.

5. Do you need expensive motocross clothing?

No. A jersey and pants are probably the easiest places to save money when you start.

Today, I ride in custom motocross kits from Jopa in Enter, but when I started I simply used an old suit from my father. It did the job.

Expensive or custom clothing can look better and may feel nicer, but it will not suddenly make you a better rider. I would put that money towards your helmet, boots or knee protection first.

Can you buy motocross gear second-hand?

In my experience, a lot of motocross gear can be bought second-hand if it is still in good condition. Boots, clothing, body protection and some knee protection can all be possibilities.

I would personally make an exception for the helmet and buy that new. For everything else, check the condition carefully and make sure it fits correctly.

If you want to know how much a complete setup can cost, read my beginner guide to motocross costs.

My current motocross gear

• Helmet: Arai MX-V EVO
• Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS
• Knee braces: Leatt C-Frame
• Body protector: Alpinestars A-1
• Goggles: 100% Armega and 100% Accuri
• Clothing: Custom Jopa motocross kits

These are products that work well for me after trying different equipment over several years. They are not automatically the best choice for every rider. Fit, comfort, budget and personal preference are different for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

What motocross gear should a beginner buy first?

I would prioritise a helmet, boots, knee protection, body protection and goggles. Clothing and accessories can be upgraded later.

Do beginners need expensive motocross gear?

No. Spend more where protection and fit matter, but start simple with clothing, goggles and accessories if your budget is limited.

Final thoughts

When I started motocross, almost none of my equipment was premium. Some of it was old, some was borrowed and some was simply inexpensive.

Over time, I upgraded almost everything and discovered which products felt best for me. The more gear you try, the better you understand what fits your body and riding style.

You do not need the most expensive gear to start motocross. Start with safe equipment, ride regularly and upgrade when you know what you actually need.

If I started again today, I would spend more money on a good helmet, boots and knee protection and keep the rest simple.

---

About the author

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:

1. A suitable motocross bike
2. Proper protective gear
3. A motocross track where you are allowed to ride
4. 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.

A good motocross helmet is not only about brand or price. It needs to fit your head.

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