Dirt bikes & motocross....?

Question

I want to start racing motocross. I have never done it in my life, but it's something I've always wanted to do. I'm 18 and obviously a female. Is it too late in my life to learn to how to ride a dirt bike, much less race them? I don't want to do it for money or anything...just for fun. Who knows I might be good. :P

But my question(s):

What size should I start on?

2-stroke or 4-stroke?

I'm 5'8" and around 160-165 pounds if that helps anything.

And, is it hard to get into MX racing?

any other advice will be helpful

Thanks. =]

Answer 1

Well the first thing you should do is go along to a local motocross and find out what classes that you could ride in and especially what classes they have for women.  

where I live you would not be allowed to race a 85cc at the age you are, but if you are an American that may be different, so do check before buying a bike as there is not point getting a bike and finding there is no class you are allowed to ride it in.

I think you may find the 85cc a little small at 5'8 anyway and would do better with perhaps a 4 stroke 250cc.  The 2 stroke 125cc is slightly lighter but the power is not as even and you may find that a bit more difficult.

When you contact your local club ask about what you need to get a race licence.  The club race secretary should be able to help you with that.  You may also need to do some training to get your licence as where I am you have to, but again that may differ where you live.  Go along and watch some race days and ask the locals advice on what bike would be best.

Read up on all the rules of the club you will be racing at and pay particular attention to what the flags mean as that is a safety issue and when someone is waving a flag at you, you really need to know what to do.  

Before racing make sure you attend practice days so you can get used to being on the track with bikes whizzing past you.  Always try to hold your line and not wander aimlessly over the track as a faster rider knows where they are going to put their bike and don't expect someone to do erratic things.  Just trust that the better riders will pass you cleanly.

Make sure you have all the right safety gear and a good helmet as you get what you pay for.

Answer 2

I think an 80cc might be too small for you, try a 125cc or 250F (four stroke). Four strokes are more expensive (mostly the repairs) but they have a slight advantage when racing. For a beginner like you, look for a used 125cc in the late 90's and early 2000's; they are easy to find: www.craigslist.org/ These bikes should be the main brands like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, and Honda. Also if your not sure on the size, go to a dealership and sit on the different bikes (A 125cc will fit you). My sister is one inch taller than you and the same weight and she races a KX 125.  While your there, it would be a good time to ask where the local motocross tracks are if you don't know yet. Many tracks offer woman only class and that would be the starting point for you. Don't forget to wear all the gear- Helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, knee pads, elbow pads, long pants, long shirt, chest protector; if you want to ensure your safety. Before you race you should be familiar with the controls and have some practice.  Once you are confident and ready, sign up for a race. Good luck!

Answer 3

it is never too late....well maybe 80 would be too old..... you can certainly race and do very well among the amature ranks... I have a preference for the Honda bikes...I would start you out on a CRF150r expert bike ... dont let the expert part scare you... it is the larger of the 2 150R bikes... my daughter was 11 when we put her on the 150R beginner...

is is not hard to get into racing ....but it is expensive... the bike cost is only about 65-75% of the cost... you need a good helmet and riding gear...  a few spare parts...not to mention gate fees... race fees... camping fees  or hotel costs

good luck and most importantly have fun!!!!!

Answer 4

a good bike to start on is an 80cc of any brand (Honda, KTM, Yamaha etc.)  I personally like 2 strokes better just because I love the powerband but these days you will probably have trouble finding a newer 2 stroke because everthing is becoming 4 stroke.  But definatley an 80cc should be good for you and your size, it will go as fast as you need it to and you can always go bigger once you are comfortable with that bike. Hope that helps! Have fun!!