Motocross Bike Reviews

If you want to ride or race motocross, or MX, and are wondering where to start, you want to look at any motocross bike offered by most dirt bike manufacturers. Motocross bikes are designed to have the highest level of performance of any dirt bike. These bikes weigh less than a stock dirt bike and have their suspension stiffened for jumps, whoops, rollers, ruts, and other obstacles commonly found on motocross tracks. 

At Dirt Rider, we focus on reviewing every new motocross bike that comes from any manufacturer. We dive deep into each model and then see how they compare to each other.

If you’re thinking about turning any dirt or enduro bike into a motocross bike, think again. It’s easier to turn a motocross bike into an enduro bike, but harder to turn an enduro bike into a motocross bike. That’s because it’s easier—and often cheaper—to detune a motocross bike than it is to hop up an enduro bike. Popular motocross bike manufacturers that we review are Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

Due to the nature of riding in a controlled environment, motocross gear focuses on keeping the rider flexible in the saddle, while protecting them from flung dirt, also known as roost, and the occasional tip-over, instead of impacts on the road. Motocross helmets are a carryover from regular dirt bike helmets, with distinctive, pointed chin bars and visors.

Dirt bike goggles are designed to keep roost, dirt, dust, rocks, and any other type of debris out of the rider’s eyes. Most motocross goggles have lenses that can hold tear offs (clear pieces of film the rider “tears off”) or roll offs (a film that “rolls” across the lens) when the goggle lens becomes dirty from roost or other debris.

Dirt jerseys and pants offer no armor. Instead, chest protectors are worn by riders looking for torso protection. Motocross riders can opt to wear a neck brace, knee braces, or knee pads in conjunction with this gear, depending on their preference.

Motocross gloves typically feature knuckle and palm protection, as well as some abrasion resistance. Motocross boots come midway up the calf, with the boot acting as a brace for the ankle. There are a lot of gear options available for women and children as well, so the entire family can get involved in riding dirt bikes.

Aftermarket parts and accessories for motocross bikes are primarily made to make the bike lighter and perform better. Other accessories are designed to make maintenance and rebuilds easier as well. When it comes time to service the suspension, lots of tuners are able to not only perform routine maintenance, but can also modify the components to better suit the rider’s weight and riding ability by revalving the fork and shock. 

For riders looking to change the aesthetics of their bike, graphics kits, number plate backgrounds, and stickers are available from a variety of companies. There are even retailers that supply kits to add luggage options to your motocross bike if you ever want to ride it off the track.

Believe or not, but some people don’t know the difference between motocross and Supercross. The difference between the two forms of dirt bike racing are that motocross takes place outside of an arena and the course is built into the natural terrain. The obstacles such as the jumps can be man-made, or part of the naturally occurring environment. Also, at the professional level, the Pro Motocross series takes place later in the year than the Supercross season, usually from May to August with 12 rounds of racing.

In Supercross, the course is contained within an arena or stadium. The entire course is man-made, with the dirt being brought in and shaped before the race. The jumps are closer together, which form “rhythm sections,” and the jump faces are typically steeper too. The AMA Supercross season is typically 17 rounds. Both series have rules for engine sizes with a 250cc class and a 450cc class.

Off-road dirt bike racing, motocross racing, and Supercross racing are the largest national off-road motorcycle racing sports in the United States. Headed by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), these races are held across the country. Driven in part by the popularity of Travis Pastrana and the X Games, dirt bike racing has seen a steady increase in participants over the years. Compared to roadracing, motocross and dirt bike racing is relatively accessible when it comes to monetary restrictions. There are even training camps for motocross racers such as the Ricky Carmichael University, which is run by 15-time AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael.