How to start your motocross journey?

Motocross requires not only courage, but above all solid preparation. Good physical condition, mastery of basic riding techniques and proper equipment maintenance form the foundation of success. This guide will help with the first steps into the world of off-road riding.

Physical preparation — the foundation of success

Controlling a 100-kilogram machine over rough terrain for 20–30 minutes demands exceptional fitness. The most important muscle groups are the arms, core and legs. Arms absorb vibrations and control the handlebars throughout the entire race — weak forearms make further riding impossible. The core stabilises the body during jumps and protects the spine from overloading. Legs constantly balance weight and absorb impacts, often performing hundreds of small jumps during a single session.

An effective training programme includes weighted squats (building leg power essential for maintaining position), deadlifts (strengthening back and core), pull-ups (developing grip strength) and burpees (engaging the whole body). These are complemented by cardio training — mountain biking, running over uneven terrain and swimming build endurance without excessive joint strain. The minimum is three cardio sessions per week, each lasting 30–45 minutes.

Interval training is particularly effective preparation for the specifics of motocross racing, where alternating phases of maximum effort and brief recovery moments occur. Sprints of 30–60 seconds with equally long rest periods perfectly simulate the demands of riding, teaching the body rapid recovery.

Choosing your first motorcycle and protective gear

Starting with the right machine is half the battle. For adult beginners, 250 cc four-stroke motorcycles are ideal — they have sufficient power but a predictable torque characteristic. When buying used equipment, check the service history, condition of the suspension and drive chain.

Protective gear is an absolute priority. An ECE 22.06 or DOT certified helmet, goggles with a tear-off system, motocross boots protecting the ankles and a CE-certified chest protector (roost deflector) are the absolute minimum. Never buy a used helmet — any fall can invisibly damage its structure.

Riding technique fundamentals

Correct positioning is the foundation of control. Stand on the footpegs with slightly bent knees, elbows spread wide and level with the handlebars, gaze directed far ahead — where you want to go, not where you currently are. This is the most common beginner's mistake: looking at the obstacle directly in front rather than planning the route several seconds ahead.

Body weight transfers dynamically depending on the manoeuvre. Forward when accelerating and climbing — loading the front and giving it traction. Backward when braking and descending — stabilising the rear and preventing the bike from flipping over the handlebars. In corners, the inside knee lightly grips the tank whilst the entire body shifts over the front wheel, helping to lean the motorcycle and shorten the arc.

Braking on dirt requires using both brakes simultaneously, but the proportions change depending on the surface. On hard ground, the front brake provides 70% of braking force — that's where the greatest grip is. On loose sand or mud, the proportions reverse — the rear brake provides stability, whilst the front easily locks the wheel and causes a fall.

Acceleration requires smoothness and feel. Abruptly opening the throttle on loose ground means loss of traction and the rear wheel digging into the sand. Controlled power delivery, synchronised with body weight transfer, is the key to fast and confident corner exits.

Motorcycle maintenance — the basis of reliability

Motocross motorcycles operate in extreme conditions. Mud, sand and water are everyday realities that demand systematic care.

Cleaning after every ride is absolutely fundamental. Mud contains particles that act like sandpaper on seals and bearings. Effective cleaning starts with rinsing off thick layers of mud, then applying a specialist product such as OC1 Offroad Cleaner, which dissolves dirt without aggressive scrubbing and risk of damaging plastics.

Chain care requires particular attention. The sequence is crucial: first clean, then lubricate. Old lubricant residue mixed with sand creates an abrasive compound that destroys the chain. A dedicated product like OC1 Chain Cleaner effectively removes all contamination, preparing the surface for fresh lubricant application. The lubricant itself should be wet lube type — it has high adhesion and doesn't wash off easily.

The air filter is the engine's first line of defence against the destructive effects of dust. In off-road conditions, it clogs rapidly. After every training session, it requires specialist cleaning with a product that dissolves tacky oil (OC1 Air Filter Cleaner), followed by re-oiling with a product that creates a barrier against contaminants (OC1 Air Filter Oil). Without this, it works like a sieve — letting air through, but also dirt straight into the cylinder.

Track selection and training plan

A legitimate motocross track is a venue designed with safety in mind, with properly prepared surfaces and other riders present. Joining a local club provides access to instructor-led training sessions and the opportunity to learn from experienced competitors.

An effective training plan accounts for developing physical fitness and regularity. A beginner's week might look like this: Monday — strength training, Tuesday — cardio, Wednesday — rest, Thursday — gym again, Friday — interval training, Saturday — motorcycle riding, Sunday — recovery. The key is consistency, not intensity.

Your first track session should focus on getting comfortable with the motorcycle. Forget about speed — focus on fluidity. Start with simple sections without jumps, practise braking and accelerating. Only when you confidently control the motorcycle should you think about small jumps and more technical corners.

Summary

Starting in motocross is a fascinating journey that demands commitment on many levels. Physical fitness, technical skills, proper equipment and systematic motorcycle maintenance form the foundation of success. There are no shortcuts — every professional started with the basics, learning motorcycle control on simple track sections.

Remember that this is a team sport — join a club, learn from more experienced competitors and enjoy every moment spent on the track. Motocross is not just about racing, it's above all a passion for two wheels, adrenaline and an incredible community of people who share the same love of off-road riding.