Motocross Bikes: Supercross, Dirt Bikes, Used And Cheap

As a proud motocross mom once confessed, “there are safer sports, there are saner sports, and there are certainly cheaper sports, but there's not a sport we enjoy more than this one.” Many enthusiasts will agree with this sentiment, as they anxiously funnel their weekends, disposable income, and energy into riding and maintaining their motocross bikes.

Motocross combines a cross country venue with motor cycle racing, hence the name.

Athletes who practice this sport withstand extreme physical demands as they learn to control motocross bikes that weigh at least two hundred pounds, developing the cat-like reflexes necessary to stay astride their machine. These daredevil races are held on courses with complicated terrain—hills, sharp turns and jumps—causing motocross bikes and riders to see their fair share of spills and thrills.

Even more than the average vehicle driving down the highway, motocross bikes are responsible for the life or death of their drivers. Seasoned riders recognize that the safety of their dirt bikes is no casual matter. When considering purchases of used bikes or when getting ready to ride motocross bikes, an informed party should examine several aspects. Check for oil leaks from the kick starter-seal and look underneath prospective motocross bikes. Notice the timing chain and listen for unhealthy noises. Finally, evaluate the brake discs, wheel movement, and compression of motocross bikes before putting trust in their integrity.

Cheap motocross bikes can be found using online vendors, auctions, newspaper classified ads, and word of mouth. CycleTrader.com has over two hundred ads for used bikes costing from less than a thousand to over six grand. It's best to get used bikes checked out by a trusted mechanic before purchase.

The most popular manufacturers of motocross bikes are Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha. Honda offers payment plans for motocross bikes as low as $39 a month for riders who don't want to wait all summer for their savings to be adequate. KTM boast the largest line of dirt bikes out of all the manufacturers, including the 450 EXC—a single cylinder four stroke motocross bike with torque to spare. Suzuki bikes, currently in the spotlight with successful rider Ricky Carmichael, have several new models for 2007. One unique bike is the RM85, smaller and lighter than regular-sized dirt bikes but equipped with the same capabilities. The YZ450F/250F is Yamaha's spotlight motocross bike this year, fully equipped with an improved clutch, exhaust system, and steering head placement. Riders can't go wrong with these front-running manufacturers, and will be in heaven when tearing up the track with such state-of-the-art motocross bikes.

Supercross is well-publicized spin on grassroots motocross competitions. Held in major cities on man-made tracks with stadiums, drivers and supercross bikes plastered with advertisements, these events are nationally televised. Supercross bikes are usually not unique prototypes. Mechanics start out with lightweight motocross bikes and tweak them accordingly.

Enthusiasts interested in the evolution of motocross bikes should visit the Motocross America display at the AMA Hall of Fame Museum. It's a great venue to get kids excited about motocross bikes as well. Parents who can handle their nerves should know there are cheap motocross bikes for little tykes and motocross classes available for thrill-seeking children as young as four years old. It's never to early (or too late) to cut loose and start training to get dirty.


Sources:
A Primer In Supercross and Motocross. Suzuki Media Websites. 1999-2007. 12 June 2007. http://www.media.suzuki.com/mc/mrsupx.htm.
CycleTrader.com. 2007. Dominion Enterprises. 12 June 2007. http://www.cycletrader.com/adsearch/cyclesearchpro cess.html.
Montierth, Marva.” Introducing Motocross Mom!.” Off-Road.com. 1 Nov. 2005. 12 June 2007. http://dirtbike.offroad.com/dirtbike/article/artic leDetail.jsp?id=266028&searchString=motocross% />“Motocross.” Wikipedia. 9 June 2007. 12 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross.
Motocross. Honda. 2007. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. 12 June 2007. http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/motocross /index.asp?bhcp=1.
“Motocross America.” Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows. 14 Aug. 2006. Advanstar Communications, Inc. 2007. 12 June 2007. http://motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/article /articleDetail.jsp?id=365474&searchString=2007 />Shehan, Robert. “Cheap Dirt Bikes—Ultimate Fashion Within Economy.” EzineArticles. 27 Jan. 2007. 12 June 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Cheap-Dirt-Bikes---Ultim ate-Fashion-Within-Economy&id=433730.
Sieman, Rick. “2007 KTM Dirt Bikes: The Biggest Lineup in the Industry”. Off-Road.com. 1 Dec. 2006. Advanstar Communications, Inc.12 June 2007. http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/article/arti cleDetail.jsp?id=387608&searchString=2007%20mo />“Supercross." Wikipedia. 12 June 2007. 12 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercross.
Suzuki Dirt Bikes. Motocross 101. 2004-2005. 12 June 2007. http://www.motocross-racing-tips.com/suzuki_dirt_b ikes.html.
Yamaha Dirt Bikes. Motocross 101. 2004-2005. 12 June 2007. http://www.motocross-racing-tips.com/yamaha_dirt_b ikes.html.