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One of the questions I am commonly asked is, "When do I move up?" This question can mean one of two different things, either rider classification or bike size. I have my opinions, but I can't say I have all of the answers. This can vary greatly from one rider to the next, but I will discuss some ideas, then you can decide what is best for you or for your kids.
Let's start with bike size. In this generation of "trying to keep up" or "getting ahead of the Jones", people tend to want to get a head start with the next size bike, and really I feel they just complicate their programs. I base my opinions on not only my own personal experiences, but also having seen how successful Ricky Carmichael and Bubba Stewart have been with their programs. You see, these riders have a plan, and they know success is on the way, so they didn't need short cuts, or feel pressured by someone else that made them feel like they had to ride a 125 before they finished on their mini's, or 250's before the 125's etc. They took it one step at a time, and finished each bike size before moving up to the next size. Bubba still hasn't ridden a 250.
Some other things to consider are, do you need the extra expense to have all these different bikes and their parts? Are you trying to find an easier class so you can improve your results? And what about the different braking and acceleration points? Is the bigger bike really helping you, or do you need that 250 because your buddy has one? Almost every kid wants EVERYTHING, right down to the pit bikes and golf carts, bicycles and scooters. I really admire those that are content to do LESS, but do it WELL. And then there are those that go to the races each week, sign up for 4 or 5 classes, spend all of Dad or Mom's money, and don't get the results. Why? Because they have this "throw away" class, and that "throw away" class, and I'm here to tell you that if you are a student of the sport, every moto should count and there should be no throw away moto's. And one more thing if you are a mini rider, don't move up till you age out or really get to big or heavy, true corner speed comes from the mini's.
The other hot topic these days seems to be is riding in the proper classification. Since most promoter groups classify mini riders by age and not talent unless you are a beginner, you kind of get what's being offered. But for the 125cc and up groups, or even vet and senior groups, racing in the wrong classification can mean either real poor results, or constantly being accused of being a
"sandbagger".
From my observations, I see two main areas that seem to be the most problematic, what 125 class to move into from the 85cc class, and when to turn pro from the intermediate class. I would suggest that if you are an advanced 85cc rider (really dominant in that class), and close to 16 years of age, you should move right to the intermediate class. If you are more of a mid-pack 85cc racer, or have outgrown your bike at 12-15 years of age, maybe the 125cc-novice class is for you. I really feel you should win locally, or have top finishes nationally to go intermediate. DO NOT feel pressured by others to make you decide. This is your program, and you need to make decisions based on how YOU feel, especially if you are motocross career oriented. There is no reason not to have a strong novice class, or a strong intermediate class, this makes for better pro classes. If you are an intermediate that has been in the class for a while, but not having results at the nationals, the worst thing you can do is turn pro. There is no turning back, and if local money is your draw, then I feel you have thrown in the towel as far as career. You might instead commit to training, or making some positive changes in your program that will allow you to move to the top of your current class.
Everyone has to realize that part of planning a solid career path, is not being in a hurry. Most of the top motocross racers are in their mid to late 20's, so don't feel pressured by your age, there is something to be said about maturity and experience. There is a saying that goes like this, " Success is a journey, not a destination". So enjoy each day you have on a pee-wee, each day on a 65, each day on an 85, because you only get one go around, and someday when you look back at what you have accomplished, you will clearly see how your decisions made the difference. Besides that, you can move UP anytime you want, milk your current class for all it's worth. So hopefully these ideas will help you really put allot of thought into your programs, and when you do make the move, you can take the responsibility for those decisions.
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