Motocross is everywhere these days—even the Olympics. But you’re likely thinking, there’s no way to get involved without spending a ton of money, after all, you’re pretty much riding an off-road motorcycle.
Well, if you know where to cut costs, you won’t have to spend nearly as much as the pros and you can still win some races.
What’s Ahead:
Buying a bike
If you’re a mechanic, know a mechanic willing to volunteer their time, or are willing to teach yourself basic some basic skills, you could save thousands of dollars building or fixing up your own bike.
Craigslist is going to be your best friend when it comes to finding a used bike. Chances are you’ll probably have to pay in the $1,000 range for a bike that’s actually worth fixing up and then you’ll need to spend a couple hundred getting parts. That’s a lot less than it would cost to buy a brand new bike, though!
Here’s the ins and outs of figuring out what used bike to get (dirtbike and motocross bike are not necessarily the same thing).
As time goes on, it’ll help your wallet if you learn how to do basic maintenance yourself. You’ll want to keep up with maintenance as frequently as possible. This will reduce the likelihood that you’ll have to do a costly, major repair.
Entering races
Most of the point of motocross is to compete in races, which comes at a price. Each race has an entry fee that’s used to pay for upkeep and emergency services at the track (both of which are important, so don’t complain too much about the extra fee).
The fee typically ranges from $30-$50, but the price decreases with season passes.
Memberships
Membership fees, which you’ll need to pay to race in any sort of series, tend to hover around the $75-$100 range (at least based off of all the New England members).
What equipment will you need?
Your helmet and boots are going to be the costliest equipment, but they aren’t items you can skimp on. Motocross is a dangerous sport and without the right equipment you’ll be paying more in hospital and doctor bills than you would buying good safety gear.
Boots and helmets together can range from $150-$400 dollars (on the cheap side) so that’s why it’s best to save on the bike itself.
Here’s some of the best boots to buy on a budget. If you’re less of a serious racer, buying boots used could work, but really isn’t the best idea as there may be some damage that isn’t visible. As for helmets, never buy a helmet used! You don’t want to take any chances that it’s too loose or has undergone serious damage.
Sponsors
If you want to be a serious motocross racer look out for sponsors! They pay big money to get their brand name on your bike and equipment.
Your local motorsports shops, as well as larger companies, often offer sponsorships you can apply for. You’ll have to give them your race results and write up a letter. Prepare yourself for rejection, though. Until you get some races under your belt and win a majority of them, don’t expect to immediately find a sponsor.
Summary
If you find you really enjoy motocross and you dedicate a good amount of time learning to do maintenance and finding sponsors, you’ll be amazed how little it may cost you to ride.
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