Just hearing the word “supercross” makes the blood boil in the veins of real motorcycle racers. They are ready to rush forward, to fall, to rise again and move forward to victory.
Cross racing is a unique type of racing, unlike any other. People who come to this sport have long forgotten what fear, pain and disappointment are. They just live it.
The bikes built for this discipline are unlike anything you've ever encountered. They are in many ways similar to enduro, but are designed for a completely different type of load. If an ordinary enduro bike falls apart after the next super-jump, then a cross bike perceives such flights as something ordinary and taken for granted.
The suspension of motocross vehicles is designed for such tests. It has more specific indicators of rigidity and travel. There are a lot of restrictions here, including dimensions, types of materials, and weight. This forces designers to find new means of achieving the goal. In this way, motocross is reminiscent of the most prestigious Formula 1 auto racing, in which the designer looks for loopholes in the regulations and creates another masterpiece on wheels.
The first races in this class took place at the beginning of the 20th century. But then they did not yet have the success that awaited them 50 years later. Now, in the 21st century, they are still as popular as before.
Every self-respecting company produces cross-country motorcycles, starting from Belarusian Minsk and ending with the founders of all motorcycles - the Germans.
Don't forget about companies like Husqvarna. They do not lose ground at all even against the background of modern Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and other top companies.
Several excellent models were released in 2010 – 2013:
- TCR250R;
- TXC250R;
- CR50;
- CR65.
All of the mentioned cross motorcycles have a number of advantages. Firstly, it is a strong frame. There are few who can compete with them. Secondly, a reliable suspension.
However, the price of a decent sneaker is also often far from budget. We do not take Chinese scrap metal into account. A cheap and high-quality sneaker is the same myth as alligators in the city sewer.
There are models that cost a little less, but a motocross bike is not something you can skimp on. In the end, your life largely depends on its quality, and it’s better not to take risks.
On a good motocross bike, one fork stands like half a Chinese motorcycle.
Motocross history
The first cross-country racing on specially prepared motorcycles took place in 1908. This was not a standard sporting event. Motorcyclists took part in the so-called “fox race”, in which their task was to show the advantage of a motorcycle over a horse. The task was never completed, and of the 13 cars that took part in the race, only two successfully reached the finish line. Therefore, for a long time there was no clear advantage of motorcycles.
The first motocross races were held in France, but they were not successful then. Too long distances and too little entertainment value. Therefore, we made a small circle and a mass start. However, in the USA and USSR this trend was not followed due to the large number of participants.
In the Soviet Union in 1928, a sports competition was held, during which a 100-kilometer motocross was held. And in 1936 the first motorcycle championship was held. 1957 was a landmark year, when a traditional 1.3 km motocross was held in Rastorguevo.
The first motorcycles that took part in the races were not traditional motocross bikes. These were serial factory models of road workers, only slightly adjusted to more severe conditions. This is what caused the cars to fail during the races.
This gradually led the developers to the idea of creating special models with a protected exhaust, a more reliable frame, specialized suspension, and wheels that could withstand such loads, falls and other nuances of motocross.
Increasing the travel of the fork and pendulum had a significant effect. The suspension began to react much more adequately to off-road driving, jumping and other moments.
The road workers' engines were replaced with light and powerful two-stroke engines. This engine was always made single-cylinder.
They also created special rubber used exclusively in motocross. The electric starter was replaced with a kickstarter, and the battery was removed altogether.
Major structural changes occurred in the 80s. The seat, tank, suspension have become more comfortable. The drum brake is a thing of the past, replaced by a lightweight and comfortable disc brake. Motocross motorcycles also received water-cooled engines instead of air-cooled ones.
In the 90s, new laws related to environmental standards for cars and motorcycles came into force. That's why 4-stroke engines appeared again. But now they were much smaller, lighter, and reliability increased significantly.
Cross-country motorcycles are considered sports equipment, therefore a license to drive them is not required, they do not have side mirrors, and the equipment itself is prohibited from driving on public roads.
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Types of motocross racing
Over the century of its existence, motocross has managed not only to form into a “classical” discipline, but also to become the basis for the emergence of a whole series of varieties of motocross racing, some of which were even eventually officially recognized as separate sports.
- Supercross (stadium cross) - While "classic" motocross tracks are laid out in open areas, supercross is always held in large stadiums. The first such race was organized in 1972. Due to the smaller scale of the event itself, the length of the route and the number of participants were significantly reduced. The length of the “circle” is at least 400 and 300 m in open and indoor stadiums, respectively. The total number of participants is about 25 versus 40 in motocross; more athletes will be uncomfortable and unsafe on the track. Check-in time is also reduced and depends on the class of participants. On average it is 10-30 minutes with 1 or 2 additional laps.
- Arenacross is a complete analogue of stadium cross, but held in even more compact arenas. Typically, such competitions are organized in small cities where it is not possible to hold a “full” race. The first arenacross competitions were held only in 2006, but now they are quite popular in America and are even used as an opportunity for amateurs to join the ranks of professional athletes.
- Motocross on motorcycles with a sidecar is another analogue of classic motocross, in which teams of 2 people take part - a driver and a sidecar rider. The main function of the latter is to prevent the machine from tipping over when passing obstacles and turns by moving its own weight. The first mention of this sport dates back to the 1930s, but now it is official: the World Championship has been held under the auspices of the FIM since 1980. In Russia, competitions are officially accepted in 2 classes: 500 and 750.
- Motocross on ATVs is a competition on motocross tracks held on ATVs according to the rules of motocross.
- Motocross on snowmobiles is a “winter version” of motocross on ATVs.
- Pit bike (mini-motocross) – motocross races on compact motorcycles (pit bikes) built on the basis of 4-stroke 50 cm3 engines. At the moment, pit bike is not included in the All-Russian Register of Sports (VRVS), that is, it is not officially considered a sports discipline in Russia. At the same time, the American Motorcycle Association has already included mini-motocross in its registry.
Production leaders
Today, the world market has finally decided on the top list of companies producing motocross equipment. Of the five leaders, four are from Japan.
These are Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha. But this does not mean that the rest of the world is standing on the sidelines, just watching the race of leaders. A Honda or Yamaha motocross motorcycle is the dream of any modern racer.
From Europe, it is worth noting such companies as BMW (Husqvarna is now part of the concern), Aprilia (Italy), Ossa (Spain), Praga (Czech Republic).
Unfortunately, the already legendary Zundapp and DKW are not on this list. The first company was abolished in the 80s and went to the Chinese, and the second ceased to exist in 1966.
These motocross motorcycles, photos of which adorn motorsports museums, have now become an example for many manufacturers.
Motocross Championships
A number of prestigious competitions in this discipline are held in various classes around the world.
- The largest of them is the FIM Motocross World Championship, held since 1957 and organized by the motorsports federation. It takes place in 3 classes – MX1, MX2, MX3. The race lasts on average about 40 minutes.
- AMA Motocross Championship is an American motocross championship. Founded in 1972.
- Motocross des Nations – Nations Cup. One of the oldest competitions. It has been taking place since 1947.
- British Motocross Championship is a British national championship.
general information
Motocross is a type of off-road racing. Competitions are held on specially organized closed tracks 1.5-2 km long, which do not include sections of public roads. They have a natural surface and are necessarily equipped with additional obstacles such as uneven terrain or small jumps. Depending on the scale of the competition, the race is held in 2-3 heats, each of which takes an average of 20-40 minutes + 2 additional laps.
Participants use special equipment and special motocross models of motorcycles, depending on the engine size of which the races are divided into classes. At the same time, existing classes and specific equipment requirements within each of them are indicated for each championship separately.
You can learn more about the design features of a cross-country motorcycle from one of the previous materials.
Motocross in the Soviet Union
In the USSR, motocross was one of the most popular sports. Of course, it could not compare with football and hockey, but it remained widespread and successful. The first official championships in the country began to take place back in the 50s. The first international competition took place in 1954. In 1956, the USSR motorcycle club became part of the international federation.
The Union produced good motocross motorcycles, the prices of which suited everyone, but the basis of the sport was Java and CZ. It was this technique that Soviet athletes performed at the international level.
For the first time, Soviet racer Gennady Moiseev won the world championship in 1974. Before this, it was not possible to rise above the 3rd step.
Typically, Soviet riders took part in races only on domestic equipment or motorcycles produced in socialist countries. But incidents also happened, like with Moiseev. The athlete did not have the opportunity to compete on a Czech motorcycle. They just didn’t have time to bring him. As a result, in order not to withdraw from the competition, he agreed to the KTM team’s offer to compete on Austrian equipment. This brought him victory in 1974, 1977 and 1978.
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World motocross stars met at the World Championships in Orlyonok
The World Motocross Championship, which started in Russia, brought together real professionals. For the competition we chose one of the best tracks in our country on the territory of the All-Russian Children's.
The athletes are already at the start. The engines are warming up. There's so much noise here. The ground literally trembles under your feet. Three. Two. One. Go. The Russian stage of the World Motocross Championship has started. In a few seconds, motorcyclists reach speeds of more than 80 kilometers per hour.
Sharp turns, incredible ups. Motocross is one of the most unpredictable sports. The fans' nerves are running high.
The current MXGP motocross world champion Tim Gajser raises his fist - he was the first to finish and scored the most points.
“I like the Russian track, and this place in general, and I like coming here. Today I competed against great opponents. The race turned out to be difficult for me, as it would otherwise be. All athletes were well prepared and strong. This is great"
, Gaiser shared his impressions.
Geoffrey Herlings and Roman Febre took the podium together with Gaiser. Russia is hosting international motocross competitions for the fifth time, but for the first time it is opening a line of stages.
«This first Grand Prix of the season will be one of the best. There is a great organization here. The track is very well prepared. And in general the conditions are almost ideal"
, said the President of the International Motorcycling Federation, Jorge Viegas.
The route is located in a picturesque place, on the territory of a children's park.
The track at Orlyonok is one of the best in Russia. Its length is almost two kilometers. Now it’s very hot here, there’s dirt and dust everywhere. The athletes are flying at a high stage, they literally soar to the height of a nine-story building.
“All countries are always fighting for the first stage. The maximum number of riders arrives at the first stage. There are 72 riders here, which is an incredible number. Almost a complete line in two classes. All top riders
-
multiple world champions.
“Everything is here ,” said Alexander Dzheus, President of the Russian Motorcycle Federation, Director of the Orlyonok All-Russian Children's Center.
The Motocross World Championship is held in two categories: MX2 and MXGP. The pilots came from 18 countries. This is perhaps the most uncompromising race, where every mistake costs too much. Here is the most titled athlete - Antonio Cairoli, number 222. A couple of minutes before the finish line, he loses control and slides into a ditch. Doesn't return to the track.
Most of the athletes missed last year and are now making every effort on the track. Due to Covid restrictions, some traditional events have been cancelled. So taking a photo with an idol like this is rare.
The first game showed which of the athletes in the main race would start from the most advantageous position. Afterwards, the stages will be held in 15 countries around the world - from Argentina to Indonesia. There are races ahead and the fight for the championship title.
Modern motocross motorcycles
Nowadays, there are a huge number of models from leading manufacturers.
Engine capacity varies from 50 cm3 or more. One of the most popular classes in terms of volume is the 250cc motocross motorcycle. 250 cc equipment is produced by everyone, from M1NSK to Kawasaki, or Husquarna (BMW). This volume is also popular among road vehicles, and in motocross it has no equal.
Although, one should not underestimate the merits of the others. There are also many interesting models in the 125cc motocross class.
Unlike Moto Grand Prix, motocross equipment is usually mass-produced, but there are also unique motorcycles for factory teams, produced with certain design changes that distinguish the motorcycle from the standard one.
It is easy to buy a modern motocross motorcycle. You don't need rights to it, it's not registered anywhere. Prices for such equipment vary greatly. Many people prefer to buy equipment with low mileage. But often models from the 80-90s are purchased, which are brought into the desired condition on their own. It costs less than buying a new “Japanese”.
Some take risks by purchasing Chinese equipment. But the quality of many parts in it leaves much to be desired. Even new spare parts for motocross motorcycles from the Middle Kingdom are far from reliable. Therefore, all that remains is to either save up or take a car from 1996-2000.
Some craftsmen assemble them almost piece by piece, paint them, tune them and sell them for good money. Sometimes the tank comes from one end of the country, and the engine comes from the other. This is how some legendary Minsk cars from the plant’s heyday are assembled.
Popularity of motocross
Any motorcycle racing, even the most unusual, finds a response in the world. And motocross is a competition with a rich and very interesting history, it has a huge, multimillion-dollar fan club around the world. Championships attract millions in the stands and in front of silver screens.
Many companies sponsor such competitions. And they are not always associated with motorcycles.
Large manufacturing companies have their own factory teams for motocross and rally racing, like Dakar. Selling motocross motorcycles has always been a profitable business. Every year the series is updated and new ones appear. Companies compete not only on the track, but also in technology. This competition has a great impact on technological progress in the industry.
Cross motorcycles video. Technology from the 70s to the 90s. Living history:
The final of the Russian Motocross Championship was held at Igora Drive
The most daring female motorcycle racers in Russia met on the track near St. Petersburg - a stage of the National Motocross Championship took place at the Igora Drive circuit. What was happening was more reminiscent of action scenes from Hollywood blockbusters. Motorcycles literally took off into the sky. Izvestia correspondent Sergei Khaidarov enjoyed the phenomenal spectacle.
Those who see autocross for the first time may think that they are at a flying motorcycle show. Athletes on bikes fly so high above the ground... It’s immediately obvious that all the stunts were performed by highly qualified professionals.
The bikes, of course, are not afraid of dirt, but after each ride a shower is mandatory. And we were lucky with the weather - the racers are happy.
“Quite an interesting route actually. Cool interesting elements. I know that the ground is very difficult for motorcycles. And that they have a very hard time with this after the rains. But the guys did a great job, and the track today looks very, very decent,” said Vsevolod Brylyakov, a participant in the Russian Motocross Championship and a participant in the MXGP World Championships.
And on the track there are two competitions and more than a hundred athletes at once. The stage of the Russian Championship and the first for the Igora Drive circuit is the final of the Russian Cup among women. The main favorite is 22-year-old St. Petersburg resident Lyubov Leontyeva, she has been in the sport for 18 years.
“Even sometimes after the race I don’t remember what happened, because I get a lot of adrenaline, and I also get a lot of pleasure,” said Lyubov Leontyeva, a participant in the Russian Women’s Motocross Cup.
“Even spectators can feel the drive and adrenaline, albeit on a separate track, and it’s better to start with a minibike like this. The speed here, of course, is not like that of professionals, but there is enough extreme sports...”, Sergei Khaidarov is sure.
While adults compete on big motorcycles, the little ones have their own races. For some, these competitions are an incentive to take up sports themselves.
“My son started doing motocross this year and we came to see it,” said Mikhail Bachinsky.
“I really liked it, especially 50 cubic meters, everything is so fast there...” Bogdan Bachinsky shares his impressions.
After the finish, the riders do not rest, but, on the contrary, still pedal.
“This is a recovery so that we have more strength for the second race,” explained Ilya Khabirov, a participant in the Russian Motocross Championship.
But before leaving, there is a necessary procedure. Athletes literally compact the starting area.
“In motocross, the main thing is the start - it’s 50% success,” said Timur Petrashin, a participant in the Russian Motocross Championship stage.
On the second day of the sports weekend, fog intervened in the race - it worsened visibility and made adjustments to the results. One wrong movement of the steering wheel and the leader could end up in the rear.
“The speed and obstacles make this competition similar to ski jumping. When approaching hills, racers do not slow down, but, on the contrary, accelerate in order to fly higher above the ground,” says Sergei Khaidarov.
And whatever the weather conditions on the track, they are equal for everyone. Vladislav Brylyakov showed an excellent result, who became the best at the Russian Championship stage. And the main prize of the women's tournament, as expected, was won by Lyubov Leontyeva. Therefore, the trophy of the first women's national cup for the Igora Drive circuit will remain in St. Petersburg.
