How to Collect and Ride Vintage Motocross Bikes

Collecting and riding vintage motocross bikes can seem challenging at first.

Collecting and riding vintage motocross bikes can be a lucrative, enjoyable activity if you have an eye and passion these types of bikes. It can be tricky knowing where to look for these often hard-to-find vehicles if you're new to the world of vintage motocross bikes, but there are a few tips that can save you some time and trouble in this endeavor.

Things You'll Need

• Local newspaper
• Local telephone book

Instructions

1. Look in your local newspaper's auto classifieds section for vintage motocross bikes in your area. You may need to check frequently to find a vintage motocross bike that's worth buying. Always check the different parts of the bike that are commonly damaged before buying: Make sure the shocks, swing arm, fork damping and head bearings are in good shape. If this is your first bike and you're unsure of what to look for, considering taking the bike to a professional mechanic who works on motocross bikes before purchasing it.

2. Check online classifieds websites (e.g., Craigslist) and auction sites (e.g., eBay). Items for sale change quite regularly on these types of websites, so you'll need to be persistent to find a bike that you want to buy. Consider that some items on the auction sites might not be in your area and that you'll either need to pick them up or have them shipped or delivered to you, which can add significantly to your overall cost. Remember that you may not be able to simply drive a motocross bike home because it may not be street legal depending on your particular states regulations.

3. Find local dealers that specialize in new and used motocross bikes. Even if a local dealer doesn't have a vintage motocross bike that you can buy at the time, leave your contact information with the dealer and let him know exactly what you're looking for. Most dealers will be more than happy to contact you when they find a bike they think they can sell to you. Make sure you ask about any warranty information, whether the bike is street legal or not, past damage and replacement parts when you are buying from a dealer. Past damage reports and whether parts have been replaced recently is particularly important with motocross bikes, as they often take quite a beating when used.

4. Look in your local telephone book or online telephone directory for a place to ride motocross bikes under "Racing," "Race Track," "Motorcycle" or "Motorcycle Racing" (though the subheading will vary from phone book to phone book). There are many tracks that are open to licensed drivers with a motorcycle license that will let you ride on a course for a nominal fee. These types of tracks are usually toward the outskirts of a metropolitan city, where the space and land is much cheaper.

5. Join a group such as the American Motorcyclist Association, where you can meet other individuals who share your passion for vintage motocross bikes. Many of these biking associations have message boards that allow members to sell bikes and parts to each other; members also often organize group rides and races.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to fix vintage motocross bikes yourself. Being able to do minor repairs can help you to save quite a bit of money: You can buy a bike that might not be in perfect working condition for a few bucks less (see Resources).

References

• "Pro Motocross & Off-Road Riding Techniques"; Donnie Bales; 2004
• "Motocross Racers: 30 Years of Legendary Dirt Bikes"; Ray Ryan, Bill Forsyth, Jeremy Holland; 2003

Resources

• Craigslist
• eBay
• American Motorcyclist Association
• "How to Repair Your Motorcycle"; Charles Everitt; 2007
• "The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance"; Mark Zimmerman; 2003