Your first motocross track day: the complete preparation guide

Riding motocross or enduro for the first time? Here's everything to prepare so the day is a pleasure, not a nightmare.

01Mandatory kit

Without it, the track will turn you away. And rightly so — you'd hurt yourself.

• Homologated motocross helmet: ECE 22.06 minimum, ideally with MIPS.
• Goggles with a clean foam seal.
• Full motocross boots: Alpinestars, Sidi, Forma — not work boots.
• Motocross trousers + jersey + gloves.
• Chest protector — often mandatory, always advisable.
• Kidney belt — genuinely effective protection.
• Knee guards or braces if you already know your weak points.

Budget for a full set of new kit: €600-900 at entry level. Second hand: €300-500.

02Paperwork to bring

• ID.
• A2 or A licence if the bike is road-legal. Not required for pure motocross on a closed circuit.
• FFM membership (licence): €35-50 for a day, or €100-200 for the annual licence if you plan on 5+ riding sessions.
• Health insurance card or proof of cover — useful in case of a crash.
• Public liability insurance: either your home insurance or a dedicated motorcycle policy.

03Bike checks the night before

You're going motocross riding — the bike is going to take a beating. Check beforehand:

• Tyre pressure: 0.9 front / 0.8 rear bar for standard mixed terrain.
• Chain tension: 25-35 mm of slack at the tightest point.
• Engine oil level (4-stroke) or gearbox oil (2-stroke).
• Coolant level.
• Fasteners: footpegs, levers, handlebars. All tight.
• Air filter: clean and properly oiled.
• Brake pads: thickness > 1.5 mm.
• Full tank of fuel (and premix mixed at the right ratio for a 2-stroke).

It's also worth noting your starting hour-meter reading so you can track your maintenance progress.

04What to pack

Beyond the bike and your kit:

• Bike stand or side stand.
• Fuel can + funnel (for a 2-stroke: premix already made up).
• Basic tool kit: 8-10 mm Allen keys, pliers, tape, cable ties.
• Tyre pressure tools (gauge + small pump or 12 V compressor).
• Water (3-4 litres for the day).
• Energy snacks.
• Sunscreen, especially on a spring weekend.
• Change of clothes + normal shoes.
• Towel + soap: most tracks have showers.

05On the day: how it works

Arrival

• Report to reception with your licence and payment.
• They'll tell you where to park in the paddock.
• Set up your stand and get the bike ready.

Inspections

• At some tracks, a marshal checks your bike's noise level (max 94 dB depending on the spot).
• Checks on your chest protector and helmet.

First sessions

• The day is usually split into 20-30 minute sessions, by skill level (beginner / intermediate / experienced).
• Ride in the beginner group your first time, even if you think you're good. It's safer.
• Learn the track layout in the first session, without pushing.

Tips for your first session

• Drink plenty of water between sessions.
• Check the chain and tyre pressures every 1-2 sessions.
• Skip the last session if you're exhausted. That's when the bad crashes happen.

06After the session

• Wash the bike thoroughly (pressure washer, starting from underneath).
• Check the general condition: fasteners, chain, pads, air filter.
• Note what you did: how many hours, terrain, conditions.

If you have a connected hour meter, the app does all of that for you. Otherwise it's pen and paper — but be rigorous about it, it's the foundation of bike maintenance.