Maybe you watched the MXGP GB online or regularly drive past your local MX track. Maybe your little one is obsessed with bikes and is 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?
Motocross is an exciting and rewarding sport to get into, but it is also physically demanding and carries a higher level of risk than many other activities. Because of this, it is important to understand not only how to get started but also how to protect yourself financially if something goes wrong.
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.
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 in 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. You can also explore a more detailed list of UK motocross clubs, tracks and locations to help you find suitable places to ride and train, or use online databases like MXTracksUK. 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:
- Helmet - crucial for protecting your head if you come off your bike. Should meet the required standards for motocross.
- Goggles - protect the eyes from dirt and debris. A good fit and effective ventilation are essential.
- Riding suit - a jersey and trousers combo made of durable, fire-retardant material. It should facilitate the freedom of movement you require to ride effectively.
- Gloves and boots - protect your extremities. They should provide support to wrists and ankles, too.
- Chest protector and knee and elbow guards - offer protection to vulnerable areas that are more likely to take knocks.
- Hydration pack - motocross is a physically demanding sport, and staying hydrated is essential. Hydration packs enable you to rehydrate without having to stop to drink from a bottle.
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.
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 riders often use the terms interchangeably.
Why take out specialist motocross insurance?
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, particularly those new to the sport.
If you are new to sports insurance, it can also help to understand the different types of cover available before focusing specifically on motocross. 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. If you want a better understanding of the risks involved, it can help to look at how dangerous motocross is compared to other sports and what that means in real-world terms. Even slight strains and sprains can affect your performance and impact your enjoyment. So it pays to have specialist motocross 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.
Broker insight: where motocross riders often get caught out
One of the most common issues we see with motocross riders is assuming they are covered under standard insurance policies. In reality, many insurers exclude motorsports entirely or apply restrictions depending on whether you are practising, racing or riding recreationally.
Another key detail to check is whether a policy covers racing, practice riding or both. Some insurers will provide cover for practice sessions but exclude competitive racing or organised events. This can catch riders out, particularly as they progress from casual riding into racing without reviewing their cover.
Income protection is another area that is often overlooked. Riders frequently focus on insuring their bike and equipment, but underestimate the financial impact of being unable to work after an injury. This is particularly important for self-employed individuals or those without strong sick pay arrangements.
This is why it is important to check exactly what is covered and ensure your policy reflects how and where you ride.
If you already have a policy in place and are unsure what it covers, you can request a free sports insurance review to check whether your current cover reflects how and where you ride, particularly if you are progressing into racing or higher-risk riding.
What can specialist motocross insurance include?
Specialist motocross insurance policies are usually configured around the six main types of insurance riders require.
• Health insurance – covers access to prompt medical assistance and treatment. It often ensures you can access private treatment when NHS services will not suffice.
• Life insurance – covers you in the event of a fatal accident. It may include a payment to your family or dependents and cover repatriation costs if you are abroad. It ensures you do not leave loved ones in a precarious position should the worst happen as a result of a motocross accident.
• Income protection – helps you pay for life’s essentials if you cannot work due to a motocross incident.
• Equipment insurance – covers your motocross equipment and bike, paying for repairs or replacement should they require them.
• Liability – protects you against financial claims arising from accidents or incidents you are deemed legally responsible for.
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. Speak to a specialist today or explore our motocross insurance options to find cover that matches your level of riding and risk.