Motocross riding – how to get started off road
Motocross riding is pure action and at Honda Motorrad Zurich it is open to everyone – from the complete beginner to the experienced rider. A rental motorbike, complete protective gear and the support of experienced trainers are included, so you need to bring neither your own equipment nor any previous experience.
What is motocross riding?
In motocross riding you ride a light, offroad capable motorcycle away from the road on a prepared natural track with rollers, corners and small jumps. The focus is on riding technique, balance and the safe use of throttle, clutch and brake – not on speed. After a single day most newcomers have the bike safely under control.
The programme: from theory to the track
A motocross day is clearly structured and designed for beginners. After the welcome and a short theory session on the basics, the complete protective gear is fitted – helmet, goggles, chest protector, knee protectors, boots and gloves. You then receive the Honda motorcycle that suits you and practise your first attempts in a separate learning area: pulling away, changing gear, braking and steering at your own pace. Only then do you go out on the motocross track, where the coach rides ahead, shows the lines and corrects your seating position and vision technique.
The right Honda CRF motorcycles
The right Honda CRF model is available for every age and every body height. Children ride the smaller models of the CRF range (CRF50 to CRF150), teenagers and adults the CRF250. From the youngest rider to the adult newcomer, everyone finds the right bike.
Equipment and requirements
You need neither a licence nor your own equipment – the motorcycle and the complete protective clothing are provided. All you have to bring are long trousers and sturdy shoes, everything else is fitted on site. This makes motocross riding ideal as a taster experience, as a gift or as a group event.
Training site in Schlatt TG
Motocross riding takes place at the site in Schlatt TG – around 30 minutes from Zurich and therefore easy to reach from the whole greater Zurich area, Winterthur and eastern Switzerland. The site is listed in the National Sports Facilities Concept NASAK as a motocross training facility of national importance – approved and supported by the Federal Office of Sport FOSPO as well as by Swiss Olympics – and has several tracks plus a separate learning area.
Frequently asked questions about motocross riding
What does motocross riding mean?
In motocross riding you ride a light offroad motorcycle on a prepared natural track with rollers, corners and jumps. The focus is on riding technique, balance and safe control of the bike – not on speed. Motocross riding is well suited to complete beginners too.
What does motocross riding cost in Switzerland?
Getting started in motocross riding begins with the taster course from CHF 165 – including rental motorbike, complete protective gear and coaching. Current dates and prices can be found in the event calendar.
Do I need a licence for motocross riding?
No. Motocross riding takes place on a private, protected site away from the road – you need neither a licence nor previous experience.
What is included in motocross riding?
Motocross riding includes the rental motorbike from the Honda CRF range, the complete protective gear, coaching by experienced trainers, the track fee and a theory introduction. All you have to bring are long trousers and sturdy shoes.
From what age can I ride motocross?
Motocross riding is possible from the age of 4. For young riders there is a separate offer under
kids motocross. Teenagers and adults ride the larger Honda CRF models.
Is motocross riding suitable for women too?
Yes, motocross riding is just as suitable for women – matching bikes and gear in smaller sizes are available. More information can be found under
motorcycle course for women.
Where can I ride motocross in Switzerland?
Motocross riding takes place at the site in Schlatt TG, around 30 minutes from Zurich. The site is listed in the National Sports Facilities Concept NASAK as a motocross training facility of national importance – approved and supported by the Federal Office of Sport FOSPO as well as by Swiss Olympics.
How long does a motocross riding session last?
The motocross taster course offers 1 hour of riding time including breaks, plus registration, theory and putting on the gear. The half day course (Wednesday) and the day course (Saturday) last 6–8 hours in total, including registration, theory and changing; of this, 3.5 hours (Wednesday) or 4 hours (Saturday) are available as riding time, breaks included.
What do I learn in motocross riding?
In motocross riding you learn the basic techniques: correct seating position, vision technique, throttle and brake control, gear changing and cornering technique. This basis is the requirement for all further progress.
Can I book motocross riding as a gift?
Yes, motocross riding is ideal as an experience gift – for example the taster course with 1 hour of riding time, including bike, gear and coaching. Vouchers can be ordered directly online: choose a
motocross gift card and pay with TWINT – the voucher arrives instantly as a PDF by email.
Is motocross riding available for groups or companies?
Yes, motocross riding is also possible as a group or company event and is very well suited to team events.
What happens after your first motocross riding?
Anyone who wants to continue after their first motocross riding can take part in regular training sessions or try the related discipline
enduro training.
What should I wear for motocross riding?
For motocross riding long trousers and sturdy shoes are enough. The complete protective gear – helmet, goggles, chest protector, knee protectors, boots and gloves – is provided on site.
What happens with motocross riding in bad weather?
Motocross riding takes place in almost any weather – many riders find a damp track particularly good fun. Only in extreme conditions are participants informed in good time.
How do I register for motocross riding?
For motocross riding you choose a date in the
motocross event calendar and register online. If you have any questions we are happy to help by phone on 044 908 20 00 or by e-mail.
Motocross riding Zurich – our catchment area
Motocross riding with Honda Motorrad Zürich and the MX-Academy is open to riders of every level from the entire Zurich catchment area: Volketswil, Uster, Dübendorf, Wallisellen, Schwerzenbach, Greifensee, Fehraltorf, Pfäffikon, Wetzikon, Hinwil, Rüti, Gossau, Egg, Maur, Mönchaltorf, Bassersdorf, Nürensdorf, Kloten, Bülach, Effretikon and Winterthur as well as from the city of Zürich and the cantons of Zürich, Thurgau, Aargau, Schwyz, Zug and St. Gallen.
