Technological Features Of Motocross Motorcycles

One of the most exciting kinds of motorcycle event is motocross. This is a motorcycle sport racing that is held in enclosed off road circuits. The racetracks feature a variety of rough terrain such as jumps, gravel, mud and sand. The name "motocross" is a shortcut that is acquired from the words "motorcycle" and "cross country."

Motocross racing is very visually appealing. Motocross riders perform a lot of spectacular leaps which seem to defy death. They can also make very sharp turns, churning up death and mud in their wake. Spectators can actually see the physical effort of the riders trying to balance and control their bikes.

Because of the nature of the sport, ordinary motorcycles cannot be used as the vehicles for the race. The sport demands specially designed motorcycles to handle all the abuse. Thus, motocross motorcycles are designed for rough handling.

Motocross motorcycles have engines that range in power from 50 cc to 550 cc. Earlier, the premier division required that motorcycles should be 500 cc. Eventually, the 250 cc bikes became faster and more manageable. Today, most premier class motocross motorcycles are pegged at 250 cc.

Motocross motorcycles have either two stroke or four stroke engines. Before 1965, all motocross bikes feature four stroke engines. As technology progressed, two stroke engines became more popular. Two stroke engines deliver more power than four stroke engines with the same fuel capacity, although the fuel has to be mixed with oil.

In the 1980's, two stroke water cooled engines were fitted into motocross motorcycles. The usual twin shock rear suspension was replaced by a monoshock rear suspension. The combination of a new engine and superb suspension created more powerful motorcycles.

But in the 1990's, four stroke engines came back to the picture. That's because these engines can burn fuel cleaner. As technological development became more advanced, four stroke motocross motorcycles began to supersede two stroke bikes.

Motocross motorcycles also have specially designed suspension systems. This is quite important so that riders can tackle high jumps and high speed over uneven terrain. The advancement of suspension system technology enables the riders to do multiple jumps which were previously impossible to perform in the past.

To lighten down their weight, motocross motorcycles do not have items such as speedometers, lights, kickstands and electric starters. Also their frames are made up of lightweight aluminum and magnesium to bring down the weight.

Truly, motocross motorcycles are a technological wonder brought to the racetrack.