I'm a road bike guy who wants to try motocross - tell me what I need to know!

A friend messaged me the other day a question that I always get:

Hey Derek, I now have the urge to get into off-road / motocross but haven't the first clue where to start!

Big enough lad as you know, so bike size to get?

What's the best option a 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Where to go for a bike or even how to look over an MX bike?

What sort of budget needed for gear to get you going? Where to start on track?

 

So here goes!


So the first question that'll always come to mind is 2 or 4 stroke. First let's take a look at the pros and cons:

Two stroke Pros

  1. they sound and smell great
  2. track credibility level goes sky high - even if you're a goon
  3. power delivery is addictive (this is also a con)
  4. you will get away with poor maintenance
  5. if you buy a good clean one and look after it it's unlikely that you'll lose any value - in fact they are appreciating at the moment due to scarcity
  6. they're cheaper
  7. easier to maintain by yourself
  8. when they blow up (and all bikes do) they won't cost a fortune to fix (top end rebuild estimate 300-400)
  9. if you want to try Enduro and motocross they're a better cross over

Two stroke cons

  1. good clean examples are getting rare
  2. they stopped developing them around 2005 so technology is slightly dated
  3. you won't do the same lap times as a four stroke on most tracks
  4. power delivery is sharp so takes a bit of learning

The one on the right is the 4 stroke - and there's a lot more parts to look after! The one on the right is the 4 stroke - and there's a lot more parts to look after!

Four stroke Pros

  1. lap times will drop immediately as power delivery is so smooth
  2. most people find them easier to jump (engine braking helps air control)
  3. they're using the latest technology and getting developed every year

Four stroke cons

  1. unless you buy a very clean/modern one they are a ticking time-bomb (top end rebuild estimate 500-1200)
  2. maintaining and repairing is a lot more technical
  3. poor maintenance will be punished by financial torture!
  4. they can be a bitch to start - generally down to bad technique or bad maintenance though
  5. they cost more (or decent ones do)

To get a nice 250 two stroke you'll probably need to spend 2-2.5k, to get a similar 4 stroke you'll need to spend 3-3.5k

For more opinions on the topic check out these links:
http://motocrossactionmag.com/bike-tests/you-asked-for-it-motocross-actions-two-stroke-versus-four-stroke-shootout-yamaha-yz250-versus-yamaha-yz250f


 

What first time off-road bike should I buy?

Personally, if I were you, I'd buy a 250 2T (Yamaha YZ250, Honda CR250 or KTM SX250 two stroke). They're timeless classics that are appreciating and have loads of power You'll also be able to use them for all disciplines (motocross, grasstrack, Enduro, Hare+Hound, etc). But, be warned, they can be a hand full for smaller guys.

Alternatively get a 250f (Yamaha YZF250, Honda CRF250, Kawasaki KXF250, KTM SXF250 fourstroke). Avoid Suzuki and TM in my opinion. Look for 2010 onwards in general. The 250f bikes will cost more to buy a decent one. They will require more precise maintenance. On the plus side they're easier to ride fast for a beginner.

Buy a motocross bike rather than an Enduro bike. Another day I'll do up a blog post on the differences and why I suggest that.

450 are fun to ride but not worth buying as a first bike IMO. The power is ridiculous and you'll just end up tip-toeing around on the thing.

Done Deal is the place to go lucking at the time of typing (July 2014)

Expect to look like this after buying a 450 as a first bike! Expect to look like this after buying a 450 as a first bike!


What about a 125 two stroke?

It doesn't matter what size, age or experience you are - you will enjoy a 125. They'll have you riding sharper faster than anything else. But you will not be able to pull the same lap times as a 250 i the long run - but who cares?

Budget 2k for a 125cc. You'll find cheaper but they'll probably cost 2k after you throw the required parts at them.

I've a complete guide of my favourite 125 bikes available here.

Any of these 125s will make you a happy man! Any of these 125s will make you a happy man!


What budget for off-road gear?

It's a lot like the road racing - as much as you like.

But at a minimum budget €500-600 (knees, gloves, pants, jersey, boots, helmet, armour)

mx-gear


Is it worth it?

YES.

Nothing (and I mean nothing) will improve your ability on a road/track bike as some experience on the dirt. So look at it as an investment in avoiding a few highsides or similar!

It's also the cheapest way to get in race conditions (even if it's just local races or with your mates) so that you can get your head right for the circuits.

ronnie mac Some day you could look like Ronnie Mac (just kidding - you never want this look!)