Few sports are more thrilling than motocross. But whether it’s your first time on the track or you’ve been riding for years, it’s important to know how to keep yourself properly equipped to handle the ride.
So it’s always important that you have the proper dirt bike gear. With the proper gear, you’re likely to be more comfortable and confident, and less likely to be overheating and chaffing from uncomfortable equipment and clothing. Plus, according to John Hopkins Medicine, “inappropriate or lack of equipment” is one of the top three causes of sports injuries.
So below, you can check out all the essential gear you need for motocross:
Helmet (full face)
Studies have shown that wearing a helmet prevents brain injuries (and even death), but wearing the right helmet is just as important. You should always wear a helmet designed specifically for the activity that you’re participating in.
Therefore, a helmet specifically designed to combat the dangers of motocross is essential for protecting the body’s most important organ (your brain). Getting a helmet with a full face that fits properly is vital to protecting your brain, your neck, and your jaw (and subsequently, your teeth) should you be in an accident.
Dirt bike boots
Ankle sprains are the most common injury in motocross. Therefore, you need a pair of boots that will protect them. Boots specifically designed for riding dirt bikes offer protection for your feet, ankles, and lower legs. These boots can keep you comfortable while you ride and prevent seriously painful twisting injuries and impact injuries from rocks that could be kicked up.
Dirt bike goggles
When it comes to any dangerous sport, you can’t underplay the importance of seeing and protecting the eyes. Something as small as an eyelash in your eye can be seriously uncomfortable, let alone a piece branch, rough rock, or muddy water.
These tracks are often dusty, and that alone can irritate your eyes if you don’t have the proper gear. Dirt bike specific goggles prevent wrecks by keeping you able to see. And it’s recommended that you keep two pairs in case one gets scratched or muddy on the track.
Dirt bike pants
Dirt bike pants are specifically designed to not tear as easily as jeans will, and they provide more freedom of movement. Since dirt bike pants won’t rip as easily as other pants, they save you money over time and protect your legs better. Plus, dirt bike pants allow for supreme comfort for your boots and provide room to wear knee pads or braces underneath.
Dirt bike jersey
A long-sleeved dirt bike jersey is specifically designed to resist debris that could cause cuts, scrapes, and abrasions across your arms and torso. Plus, they provide sun protection, so you won’t require sunblock. Keep in mind that if you purchase elbow pads, braces, or a chest protector, you need to purchase a jersey with enough room underneath for this equipment.
Gloves
The right dirt bike gloves will not only help with your grip on the bike, but they also prevent blisters and any abrasions from debris. Unlike the other clothing worn during motocross, you want dirt bike gloves to fit snugly while still providing enough movement for supreme grip and control.
Major protectors
Other gear to consider when riding on a particularly challenging course are things like elbow guards, knee guards, back guards, neck braces, chest protectors, and even a mouth guard. On a particularly challenging ride, it’s better to be safe than sorry.