Get your kids into MX

For many riders who have been on or around bikes their entire lives, the chances are they first got their feet up on a dirt bike or a motocross bike. There are numerous reasons for this but the obvious one is as long as the landowner allows it, they can ride from whatever age they are capable of actually controlling the bike.

My son first rode when he was six and the skills he has picked up since will form a solid foundation for his motorcycling future.

While there is a lot to be said for turning them loose on a bike and letting them get on with it, there are also huge benefits for some basic coaching to begin with.

For example, a try-out day will see if they actually like it and let them begin in a controlled environment and not surrounded by crusty demons of dirt who are too intimidating. They can learn the basics, get their feet up and begin to build their confidence and their skills.

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Of course, the danger is that they will fall in love with it and eventually, want to actually compete. In which case, things start to get more involved and more expensive. However, most of the outlay will be for gear to keep them safe in the event of an – inevitable – tumble.

Professional MX riders know they WILL fall off and take the necessary steps to protect themselves when they do – make sure you do the same for your kids.

But first things first; where do you start and what with? Here is out guide to getting them started in MX.

My daughter and son both did the Washbrook Farm try-out, which starts with automatic bikes on a large oval so they can get the basics before progressing to a larger mx-style practice track. If they really take to it, then they can go up to the full-size practice track as they – and their bikes – grow. An invaluable start to the sport and riding in general.

A 49cc two-stroke motor is easy-going and a fully-automatic transmission with bar-mounted brakes like a cycle makes this easy to get used to.

For larger kids from ten onwards, then something like a Honda CRF125F (£2749) is a lot more motorcycle; an electric-start four-stroke with a proper four-speed manual transmission, clutch and brakes will help them to further develop their skills, both off-road and with those necessary for as and when they decide to take to the roads as well.

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It has a plush liner that is removeable for washing, an adjustable peak to keep some muck off the face and a double D-ring fastening to make sure it’s done up properly every time.

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These from off-road brand Wulf are designed for children and come in a variety of colours to suit any mood or temperament. They have triple-layered anti-sweat foam, a strap with silicon backing to stay on the helmet and an anti-scratch and anti-fog lens.

They are designed to allow riders to stand comfortably on the bike’s pegs yet control the bike properly and get the right feel while protecting the feet in case of an impact. They are formed in injection-moulded plastic and synthetic leather and feature three buckle straps for a perfect fit.

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They also feature padding on the palms with additional silicon sections for grip, as well as on the fingers for the bike’s levers. There is padding on the thumb as well as across the back of the knuckles too.

The panels are articulated to allow for movement and this version comes with shoulder and bicep protectors with a mesh liner inside the main panels and an adjustable waist-buckle system.

Both of these are designed to be worn under a jersey or trousers and reduce the effects of an impact should they come off.

This one from O’Neal is one size and can integrate with the company’s chest protectors if you choose one of those. My little one always wore a neck brace and it helped on rough ground enormously.

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