Entering a motocross track needs something more than raw courage and will. The difference between finishing third on the podium and being a weekend rider all too often comes down to gear performance and quality. Investing in the right accessories doesn’t simply boost performance, however. In fact, it’s as crucial to rider safety as it is to longevity in the sport. Here are some vital accessories that every motocross enthusiast must have.
Precision-Fit Jerseys and Pants
A rider’s outfit is the starting point for comfort, safety, and aerodynamics on the track. Jerseys and trousers from companies like https://strictlywild.co/ blend state-of-the-art technology with rider-focused design, delivering performance-based moisture-wicking abilities and full-range mobility.
Your riding gear is all about fit when you pick your attire. Poorly fitting trousers will bunch up or change during hard-cornering, while loose jerseys may flap in the breeze, causing drag as well as distraction mid-race. It means that skimping on custom riding gear may shave off a few bucks in the short term, but the price can be steep.
Low-end fabrics don’t breathe very well, causing heat buildup in the sun or chilling when temperatures drop. Low-quality stitching in high-stress areas can tear under the first impact, leaving your skin open to scraping injuries. Make sure to try on jerseys and shorts while wearing your knee bracing or body armor to check for compatibility. Lastly, don’t hesitate to spend money on not on, but two sets of gear: one light-duty setup for race days in hot weather and another heavy-duty rig for sloppy or cold conditions.
High-Performance Handguards
Too many riders undervalue the severity of debris as well as tree branches blowing through a motocross track at racing speed. Handguards, when adequately selected, form a shield between your hands and these obstacles, maintaining the integrity of your brake and clutch levers while protecting sensitive controls from damage.
On tracks laden with roost and whoops, an insufficiently secured lever can bend or break, immediately robbing a rider of critical braking or gear-shifting ability, and turn any racing excursion into a frightening ordeal. You must choose handguards that allow for an adjustable mounting angle to experiment with lever coverage and bar clearance.
Tighten all mounting hardware with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommendations; the bars can loosen up from under-tightening, and you risk stripped threads from over-tightening. Check every ride for cracks or deep gouges in the guard body and change to new mounting clamps if you detect any free play. Remember, a good maintenance practice can prevent disastrous lever damage when you least suspect it.
Modular Hydration Systems
Motocross is just as much about endurance as it’s about technical prowess. Speaking of endurance, hydration levels are vital in regard to reaction time, mental acuity, and muscle power. Handheld bottles or pit workers giving you cups will do in a pinch, but pro riders rave about modular systems that blend perfectly into their body armor.
These systems place a water bladder in the shoulder pack or chest plate, distributing the weight perfectly while also eliminating fumbling during pit stops. Remember, selecting a hydration pack without considering flow rate and ergo fit can ruin your energy reserves.
Low-cost bladders are likely to leak, and poorly designed hose routing will catch on your collar or handlebars, breaking your rhythm on the bar and making you lose valuable seconds. Go with premium modular systems that feature bite valves with one-way flow technology and quick-connect fittings, allowing you to drink naturally under intense race conditions.
Endnote
The thin line between amateur and pro-level performance in motocross is usually dependent on various accessories. Failing to pay attention to any single one of these essentials will leave you feeling uncomfortable and prone to encountering technical breakdowns. Be sure to invest in gear that meets high quality standards to improve your performance as a rider.
