Motocross
The Motocross bikes themselves have come a long way from when the sport first began. Since the bikes would ride over very rugged areas the suspension and frame had to be light. It also had to be able to take a beating from jumps and falls. The BSA Company was the most popular for motorcycles and became the largest production company in the time period after World War II.
In the 1950’s other motorcycle companies, such as Husqvarna from Sweden and Greeves from the United Kingdom started to gain in popularity. This was mostly due to their production of smaller 250cc motocross bikes and motorcycles. The 1960’s saw the Japanese motorcycle companies gaining ground. Soon Japanese bikes were seen all over. Suzuki was one of the first to hit the motocross market. European motorcycle companies were still popular too.
The 1980’s and 1990’s were a time for technical advances in the motorcycle industry. Japan was once again leading the way and had developed water cooled single shock rear suspension bikes. Due to environmental laws in the United States, four stroke technologies were implemented.
As the Motocross sport gained more and more popularity, there was an increased need for tracks, trails, and exhibition venues. This led to the building of indoor arenas and motocross parks. As the sport itself evolved we began to see Supercross, Arenacross, and Free Style Motocross taking hold of the public’s interest. Riders were judged on their skill and technique and also on their acrobatic abilities. The public began to gain interest in extreme sports where there was a hint of danger mixed in with the speed of the bikes.
Today, we have two series of Motocross racing. The first is FIM Motocross is more often than not held in Europe. FIM holds the Grand Prix race each year with three classes of races, these include 450cc, 250cc, and open racing. The second series is AMA Motocross Racing. This series holds 12 racing events across the United States from May through September. They have two classes for racing which includes the 250 Motocross Class and the 450 Motocross Class.
Some of the most popular Motocross riders in history include Les Archer, David Bailey, Mike Bell, and Damon Bradshaw. Cary Hart is well known for Freestyle Motocross. Cary began in racing when he was just four years old. He is also famous for the TV show Inked for being briefly married to the rock star, Pink. The TV networks have been adding more and more Motocross programs over the last few years, so it is easy to find a race or event on television.
Motocross racing is not for everyone. People see it on television and think it looks fun and exciting. The sport is very physically demanding, with a chance of injury that runs quite high. One wrong maneuver and you can end up losing control and in the hospital. If you are considering trying out Motocross your best bet would be to consult with your own doctor to see if he thinks the sport would be a good fit for you. Take it slow and be sure you have all the right safety equipment with you when you try it out.
Motocross can also be quite an expensive sport. Each time you fall, you not only risk injury to yourself but to your Motocross bike as well. Having a good bike mechanic, which you trust, is vital if you are planning to start racing. You might want to consider having a back up Motocross bike ready in case you crash and your primary bike cannot be repaired in time for the next race. This way you can finish the day and race in all the competitions. If you are good enough, you might be able to enlist sponsors to help defray the cost of repairs, injuries, and accessories. You will need a safety rated Motocross helmet and protective clothing such as padded shirts, pants, boots, and gloves. You need to protect as much skin as you can while riding Motocross.