You don't have to be so negative Joe. Everyone can't be as smart as you...
Beyond buying your bike and gear and having a way to get to a track, I HIGHLY recommend going to a training class or getting some lessons. I am 100% convinced that the reason I do ok in MX and have not injured myself too badly is because I attended a class before ever trying to so anything but feel my way around a track.
Find a local MX web forum and see if someone gives lessons or holds classes. Go. You won't be disappointed. You need to learn the fundamentals of body positioning, braking, cornering, whoops, jumps, etc in order to be able to tie it all together in a nice on-track package that keeps you healthy and on the bike, not in the hospital.
Also - If you're on a KLX, you're on a good starter bike, but make no mistake - it's not a motocross bike. It's good to learn on because you will be able to dominate the bike, rather than the bike dominating you, but if you get lessons and begin to practice, you will quickly outgrow a KLX. My suggestion is to get some lessons, ride, see if you enjoy it. If you do, prepare for the purchase of a KX, or other actual MX bike, very soon. Opinions vary, but especially if money is an issue, I'd recommend a used 2-stroke 125. Even a late '90s or early 2000s model, if well maintained, will serve you well for a long time, and they're easy and cheap to maintain.
waz up aany body got tips for a 17 year to get started in motocross any thing can help
You really need to add more info. Are you fairly tall/short. Are you looking for 2 stroke or 4 stroke. What's your budget? New or used?
If you are looking for new and aren't too tall, I really liked the Honda CFR 230. Also, if you can afford it get an electric start bike. If you are new it will really add to your riding time and enjoyment. Also, buying too much bike like a 450 or MX style 250 can quickly put you off riding. You should be riding the bike not the other way around.
i am about 190 pounds tall i have a 4 stroke kick start i have rode for about half a year.
I raced some of my friends and other people but never ben to a track ya no any tracks in louisiana or a good track web site
waz up aany body got tips for a 17 year to get started in motocross any thing can help
You really need to add more info. Are you fairly tall/short. Are you looking for 2 stroke or 4 stroke. What's your budget? New or used?
If you are looking for new and aren't too tall, I really liked the Honda CFR 230. Also, if you can afford it get an electric start bike. If you are new it will really add to your riding time and enjoyment. Also, buying too much bike like a 450 or MX style 250 can quickly put you off riding. You should be riding the bike not the other way around.
waz up im from louisiana do ya no any tracks her i can get to texas but not now.
i have a helmet and gloves any othor equepment you think i would need and how much will it cost have you ever gone to a class, and how did you have to pay.
what was your first bike, do you race and what type of bike do you race with.i have raced but never on a track. i am good with cat walks stoppis donuts and borning out. but right now my tube is bust so i have not road in a while.
chrison600 - 24 July 2008 11:50 AM
You don't have to be so negative Joe. Everyone can't be as smart as you...
Beyond buying your bike and gear and having a way to get to a track, I HIGHLY recommend going to a training class or getting some lessons. I am 100% convinced that the reason I do ok in MX and have not injured myself too badly is because I attended a class before ever trying to so anything but feel my way around a track.
Find a local MX web forum and see if someone gives lessons or holds classes. Go. You won't be disappointed. You need to learn the fundamentals of body positioning, braking, cornering, whoops, jumps, etc in order to be able to tie it all together in a nice on-track package that keeps you healthy and on the bike, not in the hospital.
Also - If you're on a KLX, you're on a good starter bike, but make no mistake - it's not a motocross bike. It's good to learn on because you will be able to dominate the bike, rather than the bike dominating you, but if you get lessons and begin to practice, you will quickly outgrow a KLX. My suggestion is to get some lessons, ride, see if you enjoy it. If you do, prepare for the purchase of a KX, or other actual MX bike, very soon. Opinions vary, but especially if money is an issue, I'd recommend a used 2-stroke 125. Even a late '90s or early 2000s model, if well maintained, will serve you well for a long time, and they're easy and cheap to maintain.
Would your local MC dealer have info on local MX events/clubs? All the shops around here have bulletin boards that advertise local events and clubs and I know for a fact that they have new rider programs and are very friendly and approachable.
At 190 pounds I might think twice about a 125, but you might try it out and go to a 250 two-stroke if you prefer. A 250 four-stroke would probably do too, but trusting a used one is more difficult because of the more complex engine.
As far as tracks in Louisiana, do a Google search for Louisiana motocross tracks. There are plenty of lists out there. Another way to find them is by visiting a Louisiana motocross forum. Here's one: http://www.bayoumx.com/forums/
You can also ask a local dealer about tracks, online forums, and training. That might be the most efficient way to get info.
Different tracks and schools have different requirements. Most of the instructors I know will let you in a basics class as long as you have a helmet, but if it's a hardcore MX class, they'll generally require a helmet, gloves, boots, and a chest protector. I have a full protective kit including padded shorts, knee, and elbow guards, as well as the above, and a kidney belt (highly recommended). The main thing to keep in mind is that it's much cheaper to buy protective gear than it is to go to the hospital, AND the more protected you are the less likely it is that you'll get injured and have to stop riding for a while.
I am going to say it because someone has to, if you are 17 and have no racing experience other than stoppies and burn-outs, you will have your butt handed to you on a platter. Motorcross is serious syuff, probably the most physically demanding of all of the motorsports. At 190 I am hoping you are REALLY tall, like 7 feet, otherwise you had better put yourself on a serious traing schedule, now. The stamina needed to last through qualifiers and Motos can not be under estimated.
Equipment is secondary concern. You will not start in the pros. Start small take your lumps and learn.
On the chance that you really can make it, I would recommend that you spend some time learning to speak and write English in a way that people can understand. Sponsors will not want to be represented by a person that can not communicate their product well to others.
They have a MX Racing Forum hosted by Gary Semics(SP) they also have suspension engine and riding techinique forums. There are also tons of training videos on YourTub some of the best are hosted by Andrew Short Covers just about everything you would want to know about MX http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Yh4oM7yIk Just take your time and don't race/ride over your head.
Just because your 190# doesn't mean a 2Stroke 125 or 4stroke 250 is too small. You can only learn corner speed by riding a smaller bike(Hmm Sounds Familar) What you loose in power will be made up by learning to carry corner speed to the face of a jump.
I am going to say it because someone has to, if you are 17 and have no racing experience other than stoppies and burn-outs, you will have your butt handed to you on a platter. Motorcross is serious syuff, probably the most physically demanding of all of the motorsports. At 190 I am hoping you are REALLY tall, like 7 feet, otherwise you had better put yourself on a serious traing schedule, now. The stamina needed to last through qualifiers and Motos can not be under estimated.
Equipment is secondary concern. You will not start in the pros. Start small take your lumps and learn.
On the chance that you really can make it, I would recommend that you spend some time learning to speak and write English in a way that people can understand. Sponsors will not want to be represented by a person that can not communicate their product well to others.
Best of luck to you!
HOLY CARP!!! WTF kinda response it that? Do you even know what you're talking about? First off, on the stamina thing, unless his first race is in the pro ranks(which it wont be), he's not going to have to worry about Qualifying, AMA Amateur racing doesn't work that way. Your entry fee gets you two Motos per class.... which are only 4 or 5 laps depending on the length of the track. My 4y/o son could do 4 laps, so this guy should have no problem. Although at 190, his bike is too small to be competitive, it's big enough to have fun on and good enough to start on.
On making it and his grammar, F Off! You're not the grammar police, especially if you don't call the sport by the right name. It's MOTOCROSS not MotoRcross. He's already to old "to make it" anyway. Starting at his age he'll never go pro... ever. The guy can't even find a local track, and you're worried about sponsors. :rolleyes:
'anybody' and 'anything' are one word. Tell you what, forget about motocross and finish school first.
