Complete Motocross Gear Checklist

Whether you are heading to your first practice day or your hundredth race, this checklist covers every piece of gear and equipment you need at the track. It is split into three sections: riding gear you wear, tools and supplies you bring, and race day extras.

Riding Gear (What You Wear)

This is the gear that goes on your body. Every item in this section is a safety necessity, not optional.

Helmet

A DOT certified motocross helmet is legally required at every track. Consider looking for ECE 22.06 or Snell M2020 certification in addition to DOT for more thorough safety testing, and a helmet with MIPS or equivalent rotational protection if your budget allows. See our helmet buying guide for a full breakdown of what to look for, or jump to our top helmet overview.

Goggles

Never ride without goggles. Rocks, dirt, and bugs at speed can cause serious eye injuries. Get a pair with anti-fog treatment and bring a spare clear lens for overcast days. Stock up on tear offs if you race. See our best goggles picks.

Boots

Proper MX boots with ankle protection are non-negotiable. Do not ride in work boots, hiking boots, or sneakers. Ankle injuries are among the most common in motocross, and they are largely preventable with the right boots. See our boot sizing guide and best boots picks.

Gloves

MX gloves provide grip, protect against blisters, and cushion your hands from vibration. Bring a spare pair in case your primary pair gets soaked with sweat or mud. The Fox Racing Dirtpaw is a reliable, affordable option.

Jersey and Pants

MX specific jerseys and pants are designed to be durable in crashes while allowing full range of motion. They fit over body armor and are made of moisture wicking materials. You can spend $50 or $300 on a gear set. The more expensive sets use lighter fabrics and more durable stitching, but even budget sets from Fly Racing or O'Neal get the job done.

Chest Protector or Roost Guard

A hard shell chest protector or soft roost guard protects your chest, ribs, and back from roost (rocks and dirt kicked up by other riders) and from impacts during crashes. Many tracks require chest protection for minors. Even when not required, chest protection is strongly recommended, especially for beginners and riders who race in packs.

Knee Protection

At minimum, wear knee guards with a hard cap and shin plate. For more serious protection, motocross knee braces (like the Leatt C-Frame or Alpinestars Fluid) prevent hyperextension and lateral knee injuries. Full knee braces are a significant investment ($300 to $700 per pair) but they protect the joints that are hardest to repair surgically.

Neck Brace (Recommended)

A neck brace limits excessive neck movement during a crash, reducing the severity of cervical spine injuries in certain impact scenarios. They are not universally adopted in the sport, but the research supports their use. The Leatt GPX series is the most established option.

Socks

MX socks are tall (knee height), thin, and moisture wicking. They prevent bunching inside the boot and reduce hot spots. You do not need expensive branded MX socks, but using a tall, thin sock designed for the purpose makes a noticeable difference in boot comfort.

Tools and Track Supplies

Having the right supplies at the track saves you from borrowing, improvising, or cutting your day short.

Hydration

• At least 1 gallon of water for a full day (more in hot weather)
• Electrolyte mix or sports drink
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before and during riding

Basic Tools

• T-handle set with common MX sizes (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm)
• Allen key set (metric)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Spoke wrench for your wheel size
• Zip ties (always bring zip ties)
• Duct tape
• Bailing wire

Bike Supplies

• Extra fuel in an approved container
• Air filter oil and a spare air filter
• Chain lube
• Contact cleaner or brake cleaner
• Rags and paper towels
• Tie downs for transport (minimum 4)

Personal Supplies

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours)
• First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers
• Snacks with protein and carbs (energy bars, trail mix, fruit)
• Shade structure or ez-up canopy
• Camp chair
• Towel
• Change of clothes for the drive home

Goggle Supplies

• Spare goggle lens (clear for overcast, tinted for bright sun)
• Goggle cleaning solution (not Windex, which destroys anti-fog coatings)
• Tear offs or roll off film (pack extra for muddy days)
• Microfiber cloth for lens cleaning

Race Day Extras

If you are racing rather than practicing, add these items to the checklist.

• Race number plates and numbers. Have your number applied before arriving. Bring spare numbers and double sided tape for field repairs.
• Transponder. Most organized races use transponders for timing. Know if you need to provide your own or if the series provides one.
• Pit board. A simple whiteboard or poster board where your pit crew can display lap counts, positions, and time gaps.
• Start gate practice. If the track offers gate practice before racing, use it. Gate starts are a skill that requires practice.
• Food and hydration plan. Race days are long. Eat a balanced meal 2 to 3 hours before your first moto. Hydrate consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty.
• Rider registration documents. AMA card (if applicable), medical insurance information, and any series specific registration paperwork.
• Cash. Many tracks still charge entry fees and gate fees in cash. Bring enough for entry, gas, and food.

What You Can Skip

Some gear gets marketed as necessary when it really is not. Here is what you can live without, at least when starting out.

• Matching gear sets. Looking good is fun, but mismatched gear works exactly the same.
• Premium handguards for track riding. Handguards are great for offroad and enduro but most MX riders do not use them on the track.
• Elbow guards. Nice to have, but lower priority than knee and chest protection. Add these after you have the basics covered.
• Kidney belt. Useful for long offroad rides but not a priority for track motocross sessions.

For specific product recommendations at every price point, check out our beginner gear guide or best gear under $200 list.