Did you like motor sports when you were a child? If he did, chances are he wants his children to have the same joy he did when he was young. Buying your child a go-kart or dirt bike before he starts kindergarten is more common than you think. Champions like Ricky Carmichael and Travis Pastrana have raised the bar for success in their sport before the age of 18. Travis started riding at age 4, Carmichael at 5.
Many sanctioning bodies and motocross tracks have competition groups that start at age 4! The youth motocross team is getting better along with the adult motocross team. Bringing motorsports into a child’s life at a young age can be a valuable learning experience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Most beginner motocross divisions start at age 4 on 50cc bikes. Experienced and talented 7-year-olds can start racing bikes between 65 and 90cc on some tracks. If your son has limited experience on a dirt bike, let him earn a year or two on the same 50cc bike. Some 50cc bikes are extremely fast and light. Your child can see speeds of 40 mph as he begins to use the bike’s full potential!
Racing safety always has to come first, especially with your kids. If you’re on a budget, don’t skimp on security. Do your homework. Find the best quality motocross helmet and motocross gear. Chest protection, rest protectors and knee protection for children come in a variety of materials and styles. You may need to try a few before making a purchase. A young rider has enough to worry about without having his roost guard smack him on the chin with every hit. If you want to save money, save money when you buy the bike. As mentioned above, it will take a while before a child uses a 50cc to its full potential.
Another reason to save money on the bike is that someone will always spend more than you on your child’s bike. It will be a good strategy to teach your child to challenge his own ability early in his career instead of challenging other riders. Teach the idea of ”running the race track.” Even professionals need to remember this in times of high pressure. Share with your child your improved lap times instead of 3rd or 4th place. Show your son or daughter that the fun of racing is the whole experience, not just the result. From getting up early to load the bike, to a week’s worth of mechanical preparation, it allows your child to be involved in the entire experience. The racing experience can build confidence and many other general skills that stick and ball sports don’t offer.
Do you still want to go to the races? You are in the right place. Research your local track and organizations. Find quality motocross gear at the right price. Finally he opens the newspaper and finds a used bicycle. The memories and experiences that you and your family will have together will be second to none. In what other competitive sport can the whole family be part of the team?