Stomp Bike: Motocross Track Use?

Can I Use My Stomp Bike on a Motocross Track?

So, you've got yourself a Stomp pit bike and you're itching to unleash its potential. The question on many budding riders' lips is: 'Can I take my Stomp to a motocross track?' It's a natural progression for many, seeking more challenging terrain and the thrill of a dedicated racing environment. However, before you load up your bike and head to the nearest dirt oval, it's crucial to understand what your Stomp is designed for and what limitations it might have.

Stomp, as a brand, has carved out a significant niche in the pit bike market. Their bikes are renowned for offering a fun and accessible entry into off-road riding. But, like any specialised piece of machinery, they have a defined purpose. This article will delve into the manufacturer's guidance regarding the use of Stomp bikes on motocross tracks, exploring what's permissible, what's not, and what steps you might need to take if you're serious about hitting the jumps and berms.

Understanding Your Stomp Bike's Purpose

According to the official Stomp owner's manual, a pit bike is generally defined as having an open cradle frame and a horizontal engine, with wheel sizes no greater than 14/12 inches. Originally conceived as compact transport for getting around at race meetings and, let's be honest, for impressing friends, their core design leans towards recreational use. The manual explicitly states: "Unless stated otherwise on the stomp website in writing, your bike is designed for field or trail use (it’s a fun bike, not a competition machine). Your bike is not sold for use on motocross mini bike or bmx tracks or for racing. Your bike has not been designed for jumping."

This is a critical piece of information. Stomp bikes, in their standard configuration, are not built to withstand the rigours of competitive motocross or aggressive track riding, particularly jumping. Attempting to do so without modifications could lead to component failure and, more importantly, potential injury.

What Does This Mean for Motocross Tracks?

The implications of this statement are clear: riding a standard Stomp bike on a motocross track, especially with the intention of jumping or racing, is not recommended by the manufacturer. The stresses and impacts associated with motocross are significantly higher than those encountered in casual trail riding. Standard suspension, frame components, and even the engine mounting might not be robust enough to handle repeated landings from jumps or the constant pounding of a race environment.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines means you are riding at your own risk. If a component fails due to misuse, Stomp would not be liable, and you could be facing costly repairs and the risk of accidents.

Can I Modify My Stomp for Track Use?

The good news is that the Stomp manual also offers a path forward for those who want to take their bikes to the next level. It states: "If you want to use your bike at a track or for jumping, please speak to your Stomp dealer who will recommend the appropriate upgrades (usually simply handlebars & shock upgrades)."

This suggests that with the right modifications, a Stomp bike can indeed be made more suitable for track use. The most common and recommended upgrades typically involve:

• Handlebars: Stronger, more robust handlebars are essential for absorbing impacts and maintaining control during aggressive riding.
• Suspension: This is arguably the most crucial area. Upgrading the rear shock absorber and potentially the front forks with units designed for higher impact loads is vital. This will involve looking at shocks with better damping, potentially adjustable compression and rebound, and stronger spring rates.

These upgrades aim to increase the bike's durability and handling capabilities, making it more resilient to the demands of a motocross track.

Essential Checks and Maintenance Before Riding

Regardless of where you ride your Stomp, regular maintenance is key to both performance and safety. The owner's manual provides a wealth of information, and it's worth highlighting some critical pre-ride checks:

Safety First: Gear Up!

Pit biking, like any form of off-road motorcycling, carries inherent risks. The Stomp manual strongly emphasises the importance of protective gear:

• Helmet: Always wear a Gold ACU approved helmet (UK) or equivalent recognised standard.
• Gloves & Boots: Suitable motocross or minibike protective gloves and boots are essential.
• Body Armour: This includes chest/back protectors, elbow guards, and knee guards.
• Goggles: Protect your eyes from debris.

Never ride beyond your capabilities, and remember that any media featuring Stomp bikes being ridden in extreme ways is performed under controlled conditions by professionals. Do not attempt to replicate stunts without proper training and safety precautions.

Fuel and Fire Safety

A critical safety point mentioned in the manual concerns fire risk, especially after a crash:

• Always switch off the engine before refuelling.
• Do not smoke while refuelling.
• Keep fuel away from ignition sources.
• Crucially: If you crash or lay the bike on its side, always check your air filter before restarting. A poorly adjusted float height or the bike being on its side can cause fuel to leak into the airbox, creating a fire hazard if the engine sparks.
  

  Suspension Adjustments Explained

  The manual also provides guidance on adjusting suspension, which is vital for both comfort and performance, especially if you are considering track use:

  Rear Shock Adjustments:

  • Pre-load: This adjusts the initial sag of the spring based on rider weight. It's adjusted using two castellated nuts at the top of the shock. Tightening the lower nut compresses the spring, making the rear firmer. Loosening it makes it softer. The upper nut is a lock nut.
  • Rebound Damping (DNM Shocks): This controls how quickly the shock extends after being compressed. A small wheel at the bottom of the shock usually adjusts this (Slow/Fast). For off-road, a rebound time of 0.8-1.2 seconds is often advised. Too fast rebound can cause the rear wheel to leave the ground over bumps.
  • Compression Damping (DNM Shocks - Top Models): This controls how quickly the shock compresses under load. It works in conjunction with pre-load to fine-tune the suspension's stiffness. Adjusters may be marked H/S (Hard/Soft) or S/L (Slow/Fast).

  Front Fork Adjustments:

  Higher-end models may feature adjustable forks (e.g., SP or Marzocchi). These often have both compression and rebound damping adjustments, typically on the top (rebound) and bottom (compression) of the fork legs. Clockwise adjustment usually increases damping.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q1: Can I race my Stomp bike on a motocross track?
  Stomp bikes are not sold for racing or use on motocross tracks in their standard form. They are designed for field or trail use. Modifications are recommended for track use.

  Q2: What are the basic upgrades needed for track riding?
  Essential upgrades typically include stronger handlebars and improved suspension (rear shock and potentially front forks) designed for higher impact loads.

  Q3: How often should I check the oil on my Stomp bike?
  You should check your oil level every time you take your bike out. Regular oil changes are also crucial.

  Q4: Is it legal to ride a Stomp bike on public roads?
  No. Unless you have specifically modified your bike for road use with the necessary documentation, tax, and insurance, it is illegal to ride it on public highways, pavements, or even grass verges.

  Q5: What should I do if my Stomp bike falls over?
  If the bike falls, always check the air filter for fuel saturation before restarting to prevent a potential fire hazard.

  Conclusion

  While your Stomp pit bike is a fantastic machine for recreational riding, field use, and trails, it's not inherently designed for the demands of a motocross track. The manufacturer's guidance is clear: for track use and jumping, modifications are necessary. By consulting with your Stomp dealer and investing in appropriate upgrades, particularly to the suspension and handlebars, you can transform your pit bike into a more capable machine for the track. Always prioritise safety, wear the correct gear, and perform regular maintenance to ensure the best and safest riding experience.

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