The Evolution of Modern Motocross Gear

With the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship in full swing, it’s time for us to take a look at the history of the sport, current champions and legends of old, as well as studying some of the equipment budding stars and seasoned riders need to keep themselves safe and secure while riding. Let’s rev things up and have a look at the evolution of modern motocross and its gear.

Motocross is a type of off-road motorbiking event held on enclosed, off-road tracks. These tracks feature mud, altitude changes, jumps, and other obstacles, which make the laps more exciting. Equally exciting is the elbow-to-elbow nature of the racing, with many riders navigating the complex circuits vying for victory. You’ll see races with up to forty riders going for broke at once, making it a crowded and often chaotic spectacle, with large crowds cheering on the roaring motorcycles. The sprint to the first corner, known as the ‘holeshot’, is vital; getting there first can alleviate being consumed by the chaos of the scrum. Motocross consists of "motos"—two separate races per class. Each race has a set time (e.g., 30 minutes) plus two laps, and the overall winner is determined by the combined points from both classes.

In the early 1900s in the United Kingdom, motorcycle time trials began gaining traction, soon becoming known as “scrambles.” As bike technology improved, the races evolved into faster, more demanding competitions that steadily drew larger crowds.

Although the sport originated in the UK, it would get into its own once crossing over to the United States. A key figure in this shift was Edison Dye, who helped introduce more powerful machines, improve safety standards, and structure competition formats. By bringing top European riders to compete against emerging American talent, he created a compelling international rivalry.

While European riders initially dominated, the sport quickly captured the American public’s attention. Over time, the United States developed its own generation of stars, and today motocross is as closely associated with American culture as it is with its British origins.

Since its inception and rapid expansion, motocross has produced many iconic riders who helped define the sport. Their influence extends far beyond race results, shaping riding styles, pushing technological advancements, and inspiring new generations of talent.

Like any other form of motorsport, motocross comes with its dangers. Maybe more so, with jumps and obstacles, than flat road racing, as riders have to take into account the perils and pitfalls of the track, and so safety is paramount, and that means having the right protective equipment. There are thousands of products available for pro and wannabe riders, from helmets through to ready-made or custom-designed motocross jerseys for teams or personal sponsorship.

The most important piece of kit in your motorsport bag, a good helmet, is the number one priority before taking to the circuit. It’s important to measure your head properly to find the right helmet for you, and that means going to a store and trying a bunch on. If you are buying online, then ask the sellers for advice before you commit. Most helmets now feature MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) technology that helps to rotate the helmet upon angled impacts and further protects the brain should a crash occur.

Whilst choosing the right helmet depends not only on the right fit and feel, you also need to take into consideration material construction, which can drive prices up significantly. Whilst one can never truly set a price on one’s safety, we can offer one solid piece of advice on the matter: never buy a second-hand helmet. It might appear to be a barely-used example, with an enticing price to boot, but you have no way to tell if that helmet has been compromised. Once you’ve made your helmet choice, you can further insulate and define your style with some hats and headbands that fit snugly underneath, available in breathable fabrics for added comfort.

A good pair of goggles is essential for any type of off-road racing, and they come in all shapes and sizes, with budgets to match. There are entry-level goggles you can find for as little as £30, but for goggles with extra moisture-wicking, nose guards, and anti-fog protection, you can spend up to £200. And you’ll want a cool and memorable design to help define your style further, of course.

There are all kinds of options available when it comes to motocross jerseys and pants, and these can be heavily customised with 3D designs , custom logos, and a whole range of styles to suit any rider or team. Whether you’re looking to incorporate pro sponsorship or simply look great out on track, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your style and budget.

No longer just add-ons, a good pair of gloves can elevate both the look and performance for motocross riders, and you’ll find myriad options available to help you choose the right ones to suit your riding style, as well as your custom motocross jersey. Motocross is a dirty sport, and good gloves can help elevate your on-track performance by providing the necessary grip and control in extreme track conditions.

As with a good helmet, body armour is an essential part of motocross gear, to help protect you from both crashing injuries as well as debris thrown up off track by competitors. How much protection you go for is up to you, and as such, armour ranges from full body overlayers to lightweight jackets and under jersey items.

Braces are available for necks and knees, and while you won’t find all motocross riders using them, they are a sound investment to protect these vulnerable areas as you negotiate the tricky tracks. Neck braces are more commonplace now, as they are in many other areas of motorsport, and can be found reasonably affordably. But for adequate knee protection, you might find yourself shelling out considerably more cash.

You’ll also need a good pair of dedicated motocross boots as you gear up for track action, and, like helmets, it's worth trying on multiple pairs before you decide. Much like an ill-fitting helmet, a badly fitting pair of boots can become a real problem, leading to ankle injuries and general discomfort on the race track.

We’ve talked about jerseys, but there are plenty of other products out there that can help you with insulation and breathability when you’re riding motocross. A good base layer will help with moisture wicking and keep you comfortable on your bike. These layers can be custom-printed if you desire, to fit in with your general on-track aesthetic. You can also find t-shirts and other accessories available on the market.

Explosive and exciting, motocross is full of thrills and spills that attract huge audiences both trackside and on the TV screens around the world. For over 100 years, the sport has evolved through legendary riders and continuous advancements in performance and safety.

If you fancy making your mark, make sure to gear up properly and stay safe, even though the action is high octane and full of excitement. With the right equipment and preparation, you’ll be able to experience the challenges and rewards this unique and demanding sport has to offer.