The equipment and gear used in motocross are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
Motocross is an extreme sport that involves racing specially designed off-road motorcycles on rugged, often muddy tracks with steep jumps and sharp turns. Riders need skill, agility, and fearlessness to navigate the challenging terrain and intense competition.
Variations of the sport include Supercross, Freestyle Motocross, SuperMoto, ATV/Quad Motocross, Sidecarcross, and Pit Bikes.
The sport is covered in more detail, with additional resources, in our Sports & Recreation category's corresponding category. Since this is the shopping area, we will primarily focus on the equipment, gear, accessories, and other products associated with the sport.
The origins of motocross are traced to the United Kingdom in the early 20th century, where motorcycle trials and cross-country races began. Over the decades, the sport spread, and variations of the sport came into being, each with its unique requirements.
In the early days of motocross, riders used modified street motorcycles to traverse rugged terrains. These early machines were not built for off-road racing, so frequent mechanical failures occurred. As the sport became more popular, manufacturers began building motorcycles specifically for motocross. These bikes had lightweight frames, long-travel suspension systems, and knobby tires to handle the demands of the sport.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha entered the market, introducing two-stroke engines with a significant power-to-weight ratio advantage and advanced suspension systems. Other manufacturers of motocross bikes include Beta, GasGas, Husqvarna, Kove, KTM, and Triumph.
Motocross gear is designed to protect riders from the risks of high-speed off-road racing. Arai, Bell Helmets, Fox Racing, and Shoei product helmets used in motocross.
Riders may also wear various types of body armor to protect the back, chest, shoulders, and elbows. Usually, the gear is made of high-impact plastic and foam to absorb shocks and prevent injuries. Key brands include Alpinestars, EVS Sports, Leatt, and Thor.
Constructed with reinforced materials, motocross boots protect the feet, ankles, and shins, and offer support to prevent injuries from impacts and twisted ankles. Manufacturers include Alpinestars, Fox Racing, Gaerne, and Sidi.
Gloves protect against blisters, abrasions, and impact. They also provide a better grip. Well-known brands include Alpinestars, Fox Racing, Thor, and Troy Lee Designs.
Motocross jerseys are made from lightweight, breathable materials that wick away moisture and provide freedom of movement. Fox Racing, Shift, Thor, and Troy Lee Designs produce jerseys used in motocross.
Each variation of the sport requires equipment suitable to the unique demands of the sport.
As Supercross races are held on artificial dirt tracks with tight turns and high jumps, bikes used in the sport are lightweight and feature advanced suspension systems.
Freestyle Motocross features aerial stunts and tricks. The equipment used is similar to traditional motocross, but often includes modifications like lighter frames and specialized footpegs to aid in performing tricks.
SuperMoto combines motocross and road racing, requiring bikes that can handle dirt and asphalt. These bikes generally have slick tires and enhanced braking systems for better performance on mixed surfaces.
ATV/Quad Motocross uses quad bikes, which are four-wheeled and designed for stability and power. They feature wide, knobby tires and a robust suspension system.
As the name suggests, Sidecarcross involves motorcycles with an attached sidecar for a passenger. The equipment includes reinforced frames and suspension systems to support the additional weight and maintain balance.
Pit Bikes are smaller motorcycles for casual racing and training. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners and young riders.
These are just a few of the products involved in the various sports derived from motocross, along with some of the manufacturers producing them. There are others, and these, as well as retailers making these products available, are appropriate topics for this category, as are websites publishing product reviews or comparisons.
Recommended Resources
One of the largest MX shops in the United Kingdom, 1st MX has been in operation for more than twenty years. Its shop location and opening times are listed on the site, along with contact information. Shoppers may shop at its store or through its online shopping site. The company stocks products from the largest MX and enduro brands, including 100%, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets, Fly, Fox, Leatt Brace, Oakley, O'Neal, Seven, Thor, Troy Lee Designs, and others. Clearance and outlet sales are included.
https://www.1stmx.co.uk
Beginning as a small motorcycle accessories shop on eBay, MX Kits currently carries a wide range of motocross gear, including gear sets, exhaust systems, parts, helmets, goggles, knee pads, boots, plastics, apparel, and decals for dirt bikes. They carry top brands like Alpinestars, Fox, FXR, and Thor. For each item, photographs, descriptions, and other information is available, including prices. Besides its online shopping area, the site includes reviews, office hours, and contacts.
https://mxkits.net/
Founded in 2007, the US-based online marketplace caters to motocross and other powersports, offering a wide range of new and used dirt bikes, MX bikes, ATVs, UTVs, street bikes, snow bikes, and others. The online platform allows users to buy, sell, and trade their powersports gear, and it also features a community of riders who share advice and insights. Its leadership, seller obligations, buyer and seller protection policies, refund polciies, and product categories are set forth.
https://mxlocker.com/
Sway MX Gear offers a large range of motocross equipment and gear, including jerseys, pants, gloves, and full gear sets. Its apparel are featured on the website, with photos descriptions, and prices in Euros, although online shopping is currently disabled on the website. Other resources include size charts, its returns and privacy policies, a dealer application, partnership inquiries, an email address, and purchase options. Links to its social media are included.
https://www.swaymx.com/
Founded in 2015, Wholesale MX is an online retailer specializing in motocross and dirt bike gear, street and mountain bike parts, and a range of products, including apparel, protective gear, bike parts, and accessories. Other products include riding gear, protective gear, and accessories, as well as several categories of clothing and riding apparel. New products are highlighted, and shoppers may also browse by brand. Free 3-day shipping to the lower 48 states is offered on orders above $75.
https://www.wholesalemx.com/
