| |
|
|
Here is some helpful information on getting started in Motocross
in South Africa. For any questions you are welcome to e-mail info@mxsa.co.za
STEP 1: CHOOSE A CLASS
Before you look at getting started and buying a bike
suited for motocross, it is best to decide which MX class is for
you. Based on that, you will know which size bike to buy.
|
CLASSES (Subject to change)
|
|
-
|
MX 50cc Junior (4yrs - 7yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 12” front and 10” rear Water
& Air-cooled not exceeding 52cc.
|
|
-
|
MX 50cc (6yrs – 9yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 12” front and 10” rear Water
& Air-cooled not exceeding 52cc.
|
|
-
|
MX 65cc Clutch Lever (7yrs –
11yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 12” rear and 14” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 65cc 2 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX 85cc Junior (8yrs – 13yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 14” rear and 17” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 85cc 2 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX 85cc Pro Mini (10yrs – 15yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 16” rear and 17” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 85cc 2 stroke and 150cc 4 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX 2B (14yrs and older)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 125cc 2 stroke or engine Capacity not
exceeding 250cc 4 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX High School 125cc (13yrs –
17yrs )
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 125cc 2 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX 2 (14yrs and older)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 250cc 4 stroke .
|
|
-
|
MX 1 (15yrs and older)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity not exceeding 250cc 2 stroke and 450cc 4 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX Ladies (11yrs and older)
REGIONAL LEVEL
Competitors of a minimum age of 13 years old can compete on
Motorcycles not exceeding 85cccc or 150cc.
Competitors of a minimum age of 14 years old can compete on
Motorcycles not exceeding 125cc
Competitors of a minimum age of 15 years old can compete on
Motorcycles with a capacity not exceeding a 250cc 4 stroke
Competitors of a minimum age of 16 years old can compete on
Motorcycles with a capacity not exceeding a 250cc 2 stroke.
Competitors of a minimum age of 18 year old can compete on
Motorcycles with a capacity not exceeding 450cc 4 stroke or
300cc 2 stroke.
|
|
-
|
MX Veterans (30yrs - 38yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity unrestricted.
|
|
-
|
MX Masters (38yrs - 45yrs)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity unrestricted.
|
|
-
|
MX Grand Masters (45yrs and older)
Wheel Diameter – 18” rear and 21” front. Engine
Capacity unrestricted.
|
|
-
|
Open Support (13 yrs and older)
REGIONAL LEVEL
Two stroke motorcycles not exceeding 126cm .Minimum wheel
size 18” rear and 21” front - Competitors of 13
years of age and older
Motorcycles not exceeding 250cc four stroke or 150cc 2 stroke
Minimum wheel size 18” rear and 21” front. Competitors
of 14 years of age and older.
Motorcycles not exceeding 300cc 2 stroke and 450cc 4 stroke.
Minimum wheel size 18” rear and 21” front.
Competitors of 15 years of age and older.
|
STEP 2: CHOOSE A BIKE
Once you have chosen a motocross class you can now choose
a bike. Motocross is a demanding sport, not only on the rider but
also on the bike so it is suggested that you stick to bike brands
that can handle the demands of Motocross.
Some obvious big names: Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Suzuki.
STEP 3: BUY GEAR
Protective MX Gear is not only essential but it is compulsory.
If you participate in motocross, the rules and regulations demand
that you wear the correct protective gear. Failure to do so can
result in exclusion from races. Besides that, the gear offers the
obvious protection that is needed when racing motocross.
|
|
MX Helmet
The better the helmet, the better the protection.
|
|
|
MX Goggles
Essential to keep the eyes protected.
|
|
|
Neck Brace (optional)
Essential to protect against neck and back injuries.
|
|
|
Body Armour
You get two types of upper body armour. Full ‘jacket
style’ kits or you can go for the more conventional Chest
Protector with Kidney Belt and elbow guards.
|
|
|
Chest Protector
Worn over or under a jacket, chest protectors can prevent
serious harm in the event of a crash. Constructed from pliable
plastic and foam pads, they provide defense for your chest
and sometimes your shoulders and back.
|
|
|
Kidney Belt
A kidney belt saves your back and kidneys from a lot of the
impact and jarring that you receive when riding around a motocross
track.
|
|
|
Elbow Guards
|
|
|
MX Kit
The ever popular riding pants, shirt and gloves come in a
variety of striking designs.
|
|
|
Knee Guards
A good set of knee guards can help keep those legs and joints
protected.
|
|
|
MX Boots
A vital part of your MX kit, these boots are very hard and
rugged and can withstand just about anything.
|
STEP 4: JOIN A CLUB
In order to get a racing licence you need to join a motocross club.
One of the governing bodies can provide you with a list of their
affiliated clubs.
Joining the club also allows you start racing in club events which
is a much better way to start if you are new to motocross.
Some popular clubs are Dirt Bronco (Jhb), Smoking Pistons (Jhb),
Terra Topia, Cape Town Motocross Club, WRH Teza (KZN) and Rover
MX (EP).
STEP 5: GET A LICENCE
Once you are registered with a club you need to contact one of the
racing governing bodies.
You need to take out a racing licence with them. You will not be
allowed to race without a licence.
Licence options are Club, Regional and National.
In addition to this you are required to provide proof of medical
aid or take out medical aid with the governing body. You are not
allowed to race without medical cover. The organisation can provide
you with details of their prices and requirements.
The licencing process will also help you choose a racing number
which will need to be displayed on your bike. Great companies like
RaceStar
Graffix can assist in getting those numbers on your bike according
to regulations and they can do it in a variety of cool designs.
STEP 6: GET SOME LESSONS
Before you jump into racing it is a very good idea to get some riding
lessons for motocross. If you are a complete beginner facilities
like African Dream
Adventures (Honda Academy) can help you learn the basics in
a very well organised and effective social training camp.
If you already know the basics you can look for a motocross trainer.
These types of trainers will help teach you the specific skills
you will need when taking part in MX. Things like starts, cornering,
braking, jumping, body position and much more. We have a list of
trainers on our MX TRAINERS page.
If you want more information on training, please contact us on info@mxsa.co.za
STEP 7: ENTER A RACE
Once you have everything you need, you have had some lessons and
practice, it’s time to enter your first race. You will be able
to pick races according to the type of licence you registered, so
if you have a Club licence, then you can enter Club races, etc.
Check with your local MX club or on sites like ours for racing dates
(Race Calendar).
Once you have entered a race, make sure you are completely aware
of what the rules and regulations are for it and that you and your
bike comply.
Then it’s just down to the big day. Putting what you have learned
into practice and having fun doing it.
Motocross is one of the biggest sports in the world and it is a
great social and family orientated environment.
If you have any questions regarding any element of getting started
in Motocross, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@mxsa.co.za.
|
