Motocross motorcyles are lightweight, powered by highly tuned two-stroke or four-stroke engines (but usually geared for quick acceleration rather than very high speeds), with highly absorbent suspension designed to cope with the shock of heavy landings, and short gearing designed for swift acceleration rather than the ultimate in top speed. Unusually for racing machines, they can be purchased in a ready-to-race condition from major motorcycle manufacturers, and at affordable prices.
The object of which is to complete the most laps within a defined time limit,usually 10-40 minutes, called a moto. Usually a race consists of two motos with he scores combined for an overall result.
Motocross racing is one of the most visually appealing forms of motorsport, with riders performing seemingly death-defying leaps, turns visibly at the edge of traction (as indicated by a sliding, spinning rear tyre throwing dirt at all behind it), and the effort of riders clearly visible as the move their bodies around their motorcycles to balance the bikes for maximum speed. Capitalising on this appeal, two variants called supercross and arenacross have evolved, held on tighter tracks in sports stadiums (even indoors) with more, even higher jumps.
Freestyle motocross, a relatively new sport, shuns racing and concentrates on performing acrobatic stunts while jumping these motorcycles.