How to Get Into Freestyle Motocross

Freestyle Motocross (FMX for short) was born out of the dirt track races of Motocross. While going over various jumps on a course, the dirt bike riders would perform tricks while in the air to show off for the crowd. A rider bursting across the finish line with an invert or some other trick quickly began to win over crowds as well as races. As fan demand for the high-flying action increased, special events were designed to get the riders to perform bigger and better stunts. Today, Freestyle Motocross has its own tour and class.

Things You'll Need

  • Motocross bike
  • Foam landing pit
  • Protective gear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Modify a dirt bike. Freestyle Motocross requires a lightweight motorcycle body with a strong engine and a high-performance shock absorption system. Many riders also trim the seat cushions down for more maneuverability in the air.

    • 2

      Build a ramp (or set of ramps) so that you can practice your jumps. Dig into the ground and pile up a mount of dirt as your raw material. Then, build a mini-course where you can practice your tricks.

    • 3

      Build a huge foam pit, over which you can practice performing tricks as you go off jumps. You need a landing place that's as safe as possible, since you'll be wiping out as you try to master new moves. You'll want to avoid hitting the ground chest-first from 30 feet in the air when a jump goes awry.

    • 4

      Start out by landing straight jumps, without trying any tricks involved. You'll need to master ramp launching and landing before you try to add any tricks to the mix.

    • 5

      Find a trick you want to learn, then practice it over and over until you have it down. Nove on to other tricks, until you have 10 or more tricks in your arsenal that you can perform with relative ease. You should wear out the foam pit until you consistently land in the proper position, then move on to landing the tricks on the ground or a landing ramp.

    • 6

      Sign up to get into Freestyle Motocross events in your city or region. Check with Freestyle Motocross Online for further information for riders (see Resources below).

    • 7

      Enter a competitive event. Most of the Motocross Freestyle events allow non-professionals to enter the event, but you will have to qualify by earning high enough marks from the judges in preliminary competition.