Well, I'm 54 and have made my first visit to the track. Was a short visit as I had some issues with the bike, but it was an amazing revelation none the less. I've rode woods for quite a few years (street all my life), and motocross is the only dirt discipline I haven't attempted.
Observation #1.. Man, do I have a lot to learn!
Gotta get used to the idea of hucking my carcass through the sky and getting it back on the ground in one piece first off. Yeah I got insurance, but that doesn't mean I want to use it. I don't ever plan on racing MX (well, maybe an Arenacross or 2), just looking to try a new challenge, and maybe learn something I can take back to the woods. Wednesday night practice at the local track for now.
I see folks in their early 40's posting on here worrying about "being too old", Lol!
Come on, you only live once. And when you ARE actually old, it'll be too late. My thought.. Go for it! The elderly don't regret what they did, they regret what they didn't do.

I too am an older(42) off-road rider/racer that tried MX this weekend. This was my second time out on a prepped track. The first time out I just rolled the jumps and spent most of my time out there just working on cornering. This weekend I finally sacked up and hit everything. Not necessarily smoothly but at least I hit them successfully. It was all good until I missed a shift, came up short on a double and crushed the family jewels on the tank. All in all it was a great time and I foresee more MX in my future.

I got my 1st motorcycle at 40. 1st time at a track at 43. 1st moto race at 44. been hooked ever since....

but thats nothing. I regularly see a guy at the track who is 79, and he goes very well and jumps most of the big jumps.  and he races with D-37 gp's regularly. kinda puts riding in to a different perspective.

I rode my first MX track earlier this year. It definitely was an eye opener and I had a blast even though my bike was covered in mud! Probably would have even more fun on an actual MX bike but my KDX did just fine! I plan on going back once my 200 is done since it has better suspension for this sort of thing.

+1

i too am older 48 and have only been riding dirt bikes for about 2 yrs started out on a ttr230 i got hooked on the trails, so like a big dummy i went out and bought a 2006 yz 125 and fell in love with that bike . i have been wanting to go to the track  but haven't been brave enough to go yet. i am still learning on the yz but that bike is a blast to ride. my biggest reason for not going is i am not sure what i am doing in that situation . i can handle the bike on the trail but mx is different.  how do you know when you are ready to try going to the track?? i guess my age is not my handicap it is my confidence.

yzyamablaze230, on 29 April 2012 - 06:52 PM, said:

When you feel ready, you're ready. You can putt putt around the track and as long as you hold your line you will be fine. The fast guys will always find a way around you. I have prior road racing experience, but my first time on a dirt bike was at the track. It is an absolute blast! Wait until you are flying high over those jumps. You will be giggling like a little school girl under that helmet.



........You + are = You're

Edited by Tech420, 30 April 2012 - 04:49 AM.

i can only imagine how much i would be giggling on the track, cause i do now on the trails when i catch air.

get that yz125 out there.  I ride a 05 yz125. i'm about 190lbs and it's pletny of power to get me around the track. I have a buddy who's about 230 and he's on a ktm 125. ... and he is pretty fast.

i am still working on corners( i am not that good) but i have a little jump out in the desert that i play on. that bike launches my 123 lbs. in the air with easy, so it will have plenty of power. i still need to work on control and learning about the clutch and brake. i think seat time is going to be my best friend.