Motocross - A Beginner's Guide

Quote Sports Insurance - Motocross Beginners Guide

Maybe you watched the MXGP GB online or regularly drive past your local MX track. Maybe your little one is obsessed with bikes and hitting the age where they can start riding themselves. Whatever the reason, you are interested in motocross and need help getting involved with the local scene and starting your MX journey. So, where to begin?

Fortunately, starting motocross is a lot easier than it initially seems. With a strong club scene and a passionate community, the sport is in good health and there are plenty of opportunities for beginners. In this beginner’s guide, we detail the initial steps, discuss the equipment you will need and explain the importance of riding safely and ensuring you are well-protected in this physically demanding and challenging sport.

How to get started with motocross

Everyone's journey into the world of motocross is unique. And there are multiple ways to get started with the sport. Some riders are fortunate enough to be in the saddle at a very young age. But nothing should stop older riders from trying the sport for the first time. We recommend the following steps if you want to give it a go.

Quote Sports Insurance - Motocross Beginners Guide

1. Attend a motocross event

Attending a motocross event is the best way to get a feel for the sport and better understand what it involves. You can watch the races, talk to riders and other spectators and ensure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

The motocross community is incredibly welcoming and always looking for new recruits, so getting to know people already into the sport, who are part of the local scene, is a big help.

2. Find your local club

Clubs play a significant role in local riding and racing and are essential for new riders. First and foremost, they often organise open days that allow you to try out the bikes before you buy one. This can help you determine whether the sport is right for you without investing considerable sums.

Clubs also provide access to training resources and facilities. Club coaches and more experienced riders are one of the best ways to improve your skills and progress in the sport. Finally, clubs are also a great place to pick up less expensive, second-hand motocross gear. They can drastically reduce the initial expenditure required to get started.

3. Try a riding school

One of the best ways to improve your skills quickly is to attend a motocross riding school. They offer intensive courses that can help ensure you are prepared for the practice tracks where you will hone your technique and begin to develop your racecraft.

They also benefit newer riders in several other ways. For instance, riding schools will typically have a diverse fleet of bikes, enabling you to try out a few different bikes before purchasing your own. The tracks used are also adapted for beginners, ensuring you do not bite off more than you can chew and feel more comfortable riding your MX bike. Finally, high-level coaches and former or current pros usually run the schools, so you learn from the best.

4. Identify practice tracks

While your club will probably provide access to your local practice spot, there may be instances where it is more convenient (or you prefer) to practise elsewhere. To do so, you will need to seek out appropriate practice tracks. A quick internet search will usually suffice. But you can also utilise online databases like MXTracksUK to find suitable locations. As you progress, you may travel further afield to race and train at some of the sport’s most iconic tracks, such as Hawkstone Park and Mildenhall MX.

5. Practise, practise, practise

Having started with rented or borrowed bikes and equipment, it is now time to buy your own and start the real hard graft. We cover the equipment you need below, but we cannot overstate the importance of practising as much as possible if you want to improve. Feeling comfortable on the bike requires a lot of time on the practice track and you will need to work on many techniques over and over again until you have them nailed. But, if you love the time you spend on your bike, the learning experience will be exciting, energising and enjoyable.

What equipment will you need?

Beginning your motocross journey requires several essential pieces of equipment and, eventually, a bike. This equipment includes:

The motocross bike

If purchasing your first motocross bike, we recommend trying several bikes before you commit to a particular model. Getting a feel for how different bikes ride will enable you to make a more informed decision about which suits you best. Adults tend to start with a 125cc two-stroke bike or a 250cc four-stroke bike. They are a more sensible choice for beginners, allowing you to develop your skills on slightly lower-powered machines before moving on to more advanced models.

Generally, two-stroke bikes are more affordable and easier to maintain than four-stroke models. Some people find two-stroke bikes more difficult to ride. But many would argue they are just more fun. These differences in opinion are one of the main reasons it is best to try the bikes for yourself first.

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What is the difference between dirt biking and motocross?

Many people interested in motocross and new to the sport are unsure of the difference between dirt biking and motocross. Essentially, dirt biking is a more general term encompassing motocross and other types of recreational, off-road riding. While motocross typically takes place on a purpose-built track, dirt biking refers to riding in any off-road environment. Many motocross enthusiasts will participate in recreational riding off the track and we riders often use the terms interchangeably.

Why take out specialist motocross insurance?

Quote Sports Insurance - Motocross Beginners Guide

All motocross riders recognise the importance of bike insurance. Motocross bikes and equipment are expensive to replace. Though these bikes are designed to handle most of what you can throw at them, they take a lot of punishment and require regular maintenance and repairs. Insurance protects riders who often push their machines hard and do not want to shoulder the financial burden should things go wrong.

Though many riders don’t appreciate it, the same goes for personal insurance. It is not just the bikes that take a bit of a beating. Riders are exposed to risk, too. Particularly those new to the sport. With this in mind, here are the main reasons you should consider specialist motocross insurance that covers more than your bike and equipment.

Injury and accident

Motocross is fast, physically demanding and extremely challenging. The combination of factors means accidents happen. Even if you avoid accidents, the high-impact nature of riding means injuries are not uncommon. Even slight strains and sprains can affect your performance and impact your enjoyment. So it pays to have specialist insurance that ensures you can access appropriate medical care quickly and easily.

Liability insurance

Motocross riders are not only concerned with their own well-being. There are also the riders around you to consider and accidents can involve several people. In these cases, you will benefit from liability protection. It helps cover you against any legal costs accrued if you are found responsible for causing injury to another rider or damaging property. Many specialist motocross policies will include liability cover, particularly those aimed at riders participating in events and competitions.

Protect your income

Injuries sustained through motocross can impact your ability to work and earn a living. If an accident stops you from working, you may need assistance meeting your financial obligations. From paying your rent or mortgage to ensuring you can settle other bills, income protection ensures you do not fall behind.

Travel cover

Motocross is a global sport and many riders travel to experience MX cultures in other countries. This is especially true in the winter, when the warmer climes of southern France and Spain draw a lot of riders looking to escape the UK’s grey winter. If you compete in international motocross events, you will regularly cross national borders and enter new legal jurisdictions. In all these instances, a specialist motocross policy with a travel component built in is essential. As well as protecting your gear, it will help you receive the best medical care should you have an accident or suffer an injury. It may also include provisions for event cancellation.

Long-term repercussions

You can take out specialist motocross insurance policies that include cover for accidents resulting in long-term injuries or disabilities. This is typically distinct from general medical coverage focusing on immediate treatment and quick access to healthcare services. Instead, these types of policies provide financial support should you suffer a debilitating injury that leaves you unable to support yourself financially for an extended period and potentially the rest of your life.

What can specialist motocross insurance include?

Specialist motocross insurance policies are usually configured around the six main types of insurance riders require.

What qualities should you look for in a specialist sports insurer?

Selecting the right specialist insurer can be a challenge. It is not always immediately apparent whether an insurer is right for you or what factors you should be thinking about. To ensure you find the perfect provider, we recommend keeping the following qualities in mind.

Specialist motocross insurance with Quote Sports Insurance

Quote Sports Insurance offers specialist motocross insurance to riders who want comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. But we go the extra distance, too. We make finding the right cover simple and stress-free, tailoring policies to your precise requirements and drawing on our sports expertise and experience to meet your needs.

Whether you travel the world with your MX bike or are just starting on your local track, we help riders find the right protection without having to worry about complex quotes or unclear policy terms. Find out more »