How to Build a Freestyle Motocross Ramp

Freestyle motocross ramps are constructed from metal pipe and wood. The frame is made from square metal tubing and is covered with wood for traction. Freestyle ramps can be built small with a gradual angle, or they can be 8 to 9 feet tall and straight up and down at the lip. The size of the ramp you build should depend on your skill level as a rider.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-2-inch metal tube 1/8 inch thick
  • Tape measure
  • Sharpie marker
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Mig welder
  • Right angle grinder
  • 1-by-1-inch metal tube 1/8 inch thick
  • C clamps
  • 4-by-8-foot 3/4-inch-thick plywood sheets
  • Electric drill
  • 1/4-inch drill bit
  • 1/4-inch nuts and bolts
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay two 20-foot lengths of 2-by-2-inch pipes next to each other on the ground. Place a tape measure on one end of the pipe and pull it the length of the pipe. Leave the tape measure open and on the pipe. Make a mark with a sharpie marker at 26 and 38 inches. Make a mark, starting at the 38-inch mark, every 6 inches until you reach 200 inches. Make the identical marks on the other pipe.

    • 2

      Make level cuts on every mark 1 1/2 inches deep, using a reciprocating saw. Bend the pipes until all the gaps in the cuts are closed. Lay the pipes, which will be the side rails of the ramp, on top of each other to make sure they are at the same exact angle. Make the necessary tweaks to the side rails.

    • 3

      Cut 20 4-foot lengths of 1-by-1-inch metal pipe, using a reciprocating saw. These will act as supports between the side rails.

    • 4

      Raise the two side rails into the air, using 10-foot 2-by-4s to hold them up. When the side rail is at the height and pitch you want it, clamp it to the 2-by-4 to hold it upright. Do the same thing to the other side rail and place them so they are 4 feet apart.

    • 5

      Measure from the bottom of the side rail, where it is touching the ground, to directly underneath the top of the side rail. Cut two pieces of 2-by-2-inch metal pipe to that measurement, which will act as the bottom or the base of the ramp; also cut a 4-foot length of the same pipe. Measure from the top of the side rails, which are at the highest point of the ramp, down to the ground and cut two lengths of 2-by-2-inch pipe to that measurement.

    • 6

      Place the first 4-foot length of 1-by-1 pipe between the side rails at the bottom of the ramp. Make the top of the support flush with the top of the side rail and clamp it in place. Tack it in place with a 1/2-inch weld on both sides, using a mig welder. Place the next support in place at the opposite end of the side rails and tack it in place. Continue clamping the supports in place and tacking them in until they are all on the ramp. Completely weld the seams of the supports, starting at opposite ends and working your way in.

    • 7

      Put the two rails that will be the base of the ramp in place and clamp them. Tack them in place with a 1/2-inch weld. Place the 4-foot length of 2-by-2 pipe between the two base pipes at the end, connecting the two base pipes together. Tack-weld it in place. Put the two remaining pipes that will connect the base of the ramp to the highest point of the ramp in place and tack-weld them. Measure a couple areas in between the front and back of the ramp and cut extra pieces of pipe that will act as cross supports on the frame. Weld them and all the other seams completely.

    • 8

      Grind all the welds smooth, using a right-angle grinder.

    • 9

      Clamp the sheets of 4-by-8 plywood to the face of the side rails. Drill holes every 6 inches up both side rails, using an electric drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit. You may need more than one drill bit to accomplish this. Insert the 1/4-inch bolts and tighten them down with an adjustable wrench.