Motocross - Safety First!

SAFETY FIRST!

Safety is the most important part about motocross. It doesn't matter if you're going out racing or just going trail riding, accidents are unavoidable. It's a good idea to try and prevent them, but with how dangerous this sport can become, it must be restated that they are not completely preventable. A good rule of thumb to use before deciding to try motocross is to make sure that you can confidently ride a bicycle and haven't had a bike crash that was your fault for at least a year. Also, be sure to carry a phone or have someone ride with you who has a phone. This is important because if you crash and fall unconscious, help can come quickly. One of the biggest rules of riding as well would be to wear a helmet. There have been too many times where people have suffered brain damage or even death by not wearing a helmet. Also you want to dress for success. This means that you shouldn't go riding in a T-shirt and shorts. This is a horrible idea because A, if you crash you may need a skin graft or two and B, if you crash and your motorcycle falls on top of you, your legs will be burned by the hot engine. Another good tip is to know where your engine-stop or 'kill switch' is. This button or switch is usually on the left side of the handlebars as seen in the picture below. It's usually bright red or orange so it is easy to spot. This switch can easily save your life. For example, I had crashed a cycle and had my lover leg, just above my ankle stuck inside the chain and sprocket of the bike. I had killed the bike's power with this switch before the chain was able to cut all the way through my boot. Going off of this, boots are also very important. They keep your feet and ankles safe. Motocross boots are usually very rigid and stiff to keep the rider from breaking their leg or ankle.

This is not a picture of my motorcycle, but it is the exact same year and model. The kill switch can be seen on the left side of the handlebars as a red, square shaped button.

The novel I am currently reading which is also titled Motocross suggests that if you do decide to try this sport, you should try going slow for the first few rides and then periodically start pushing you and your bike's limits. It is also suggested that you try this sport using a 4-stroke bike. 4-stroke bikes are easier to control and have more bottom-end acceleration than a 2-stroke bike, which is what I usually ride. The only difference between these two bikes is their motor configuration. 4-strokes are meant for casual and trail riding. 2-strokes are for racing, cross country and jumping. 2-strokes are also much louder and more bore out than 4-strokes.

Question To Make You Think: Have you ever had a time where gear or a helmet had saved you from danger, or even your life? Post a story about it in the comments!