Are you a fan of riding dirt bikes and are considering making a small track on your property? Then it’s time to learn how to build a dirt bike track in your backyard. It is not as easy as making the lanes and not as difficult as running around to get dozens of permits. Allow me to tell you everything you need to know about making your own dirt bike track.
Can You Build a Dirt Bike Track In Your Backyard?
Technically, you can. However, the situation is a little more complicated than that. Before you start building a dirt bike track in your backyard, you need to do and consider the following.
Permits
Depending on your location, you might require a permit if you make any modifications or build a new structure. Because dirt bike tracks usually attract a lot of noise, you might not be allowed to build one.
Definitely check with your local authorities and see if you need to file any paperwork and be authorized to make a backyard dirt bike track.
Neighbor’s Opinion
Location is critical. While you may have a large enough piece of land to build a good motocross course, there is always the concern of causing disturbance to your neighbors.
They might be a significant issue, particularly if they do not approve and report you to the local authorities. Typically, the primary issue is the noise caused by the bikes. Some individuals despise the exciting sound of a dirt bike race.
Keeping this in mind, you must exercise caution when selecting a location for your track. It will be extremely infuriating and a waste of resources to construct a high-quality motocross track only to have it closed within the first month.
Access & Parking
If you’re a motocross racer, you’re well aware that motocross racers enjoy trailers and other large machines tend to take up a ton of space. Therefore, set aside a part of the land for parking, preferably with a flat surface.
Apart from parking, bear in mind that bulldozers, mini excavators, and water trucks will want access long after the track is built. Allow sufficient room around the track to facilitate passing if the track needs to be renovated.
You should anticipate that your track will continue indefinitely. There will be occasions when you must grade it, which is often accomplished with huge trucks, so your track should be fairly broad to allow them.
What to Consider Before Building a Backyard Dirt Bike Track?
Liability
Insurance is a consideration that most people overlook while building up a motocross course. While you’re constructing a track for yourself or your children, it’ll be more entertaining if you race alongside your pals.
And, as you know, accidents are a given in such competitions. Thus, it is preferable to have adequate insurance coverage to protect you from unexpected liabilities. Consider discussing this with your lawyer, who can explain the ramifications of someone being injured on your track.
The Size and Design
Generally speaking, the larger the space, the better the track. However, this is not to say that you cannot build a motocross track in a tiny area.
Occasionally, even a free spot large enough to ride a bike in your backyard will suffice. While one acre may appear to be a small area, you will be astonished at what it is capable of, especially if you plan to build a track for your children.
Renting the Right Equipment
To build a good track, you must have the necessary equipment. Stakes, a huge measuring tape, a bulldozer, a water truck, and a bucket loader are all items that may be required to construct a motocross circuit. Additionally, an excavator may be necessary. Equipment requirements vary according to the style and size of your track.
If you’re unsure how to operate the equipment, have a rental representative explain the safety requirements to you. Additionally, choose whether you will pay for the machine even when it is not in use. Chances are it might rain, which could prevent you from getting any actual work done.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Backyard Dirt Bike Track?
As you know, the cost of building something, anything, is never really fixed. That’s because a lot of factors influence the end price of the construction.
The average cost of these types of initiatives, on the other hand, is between $6,000 and $10,000. Numerous variables can affect the cost of this project, including the following:
- If you require additional dirt hauled in to finish the design of your track, you will be charged an additional fee.
- Labor costs for longer-duration projects can quickly mount up.
- If you have to rent out the equipment needed for this project, that will also add to the cost, depending on where you live.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Backyard Dirt Bike Track?
This depends on the project’s complexity, the type of soil in question, and the size of the track itself. Another factor that can influence this timeframe is the type of equipment you use. On average, making a dirt bike track in your back yard doesn’t last more than four days.
However, building a professional track can last months. The project is far more complex, requires more people to work in, had to cover a larger surface, and needs quality and expensive equipment to complete.
How to Build a Backyard Dirt Bike Track?
1. Planning Out
The simplest method of constructing a dirt bike track is to ride your bike around the track’s area. You can use ropes to mark the projected racing area from the parking area.
It would be excellent if you could work with natural jumps. Additionally, determine whether you have trees or hedges that can be used to create berms. Essentially, any natural feature should be utilized. Make a note of everything on a piece of paper.
2. Ride and Map Out the Track
Begin by riding a dirt bike around the track. Don’t think about jumps yet; simply shape the track as you go, regardless of whether you have a strategy or not.
This will help you visualize the track’s location and better understand if you intend to construct any jumps, higher tight corners, or other features. If the track’s current state doesn’t allow for dirt bike rides, you might want to consider riding in the tractor first.
Your track design map does not have to be elaborate or drawn to scale, but if you’re stuck, visualizing the track layout on paper may help you identify the trouble spot. Additionally, it enables you to solicit comments from peers who may spot any missed issues.
3. Focus on Drainage
Unless your track is built into the side of a hill, you must undergo proper training. Water will gravitate toward the lowest point, eroding that area. Therefore, it is beneficial to do a study on erosion and drainage control to better understand how to transport water where it is needed without obstructing the track.
The simplest way to maintain the track is to have it slightly elevated, allowing water to run off directly. Allow some room between the lanes for water to flow through. Whenever possible, install culverts to divert water away from the main railway.
4. Bring in the Dirt
If you’re bringing dirt in for jumps, estimate the cost in advance, as it’s very pricey. Inquire about the type of dirt that is available. While clay soil retains its shape better than sandy soil, the latter drains more efficiently.
Additionally, clay soil is quite slippery in rainy weather. The greatest soil for a dirt bike track is loamy, but it is also the most expensive. Because dirt is typically sold by the cubic yard, there is some math required. You can easily get away with an online calculator that helps you do the math.
Make certain that delivery is included in the estimated price, and it’s a good idea to order a little more dirt than you think you’ll need. If you don’t order more, chances are you’re going to pay the delivery charge again if you wind up needing only a few more yards.
The soil on the track is compressed by the bikes and will need to be topped off so that the extra material is eventually utilized. Sediment that has been filtered is preferable.
Because most homeowner tracks are built at the back of the house, ensure that the dump truck can reach as close to the track area as feasible to minimize manual effort.
5. Create the Jumps
In designing the actual jumps, ensure that the take-off is gradual and not abrupt because otherwise, you will be bucked around and have a good possibility of flipping the bike in the air.
Individuals operating a tractor, four-wheeler equipped with attachments, or even just shovels can build a track, even without a skid-loader (which would be ideal).
You must begin small. If you’ve never jumped a dirt bike before, flying through the air will be an entirely new sensation. Because your body will be unsure of what to do immediately, you must begin with a short yet smooth jump.
6. Consider other Additions
Assuming you are not a rookie when it comes to dirt biking, you can add some obstacles to make the track more interesting and challenging. These additions could be anything from tires to logs.
7. Add Track Barriers
You surely know your way around the lanes of the track you just built but not everyone knows the layout. You can take safety measures for others to use the premises while still staying on track.
Your goal here is to create clear signs and markers that indicate the correct path to take. This is another step that allows you to get creative. You can use logs for barriers or flags to mark turns or key locations. Orange tape can help create an outline for the track. Just use anything that stands out and tells people the correct route to take.
Backyard Dirt Bike Track FAQs
Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Dirt Bike Track?
You will if there is a shift in land usage. Metaling an existing farm track, on the other hand, does not require planning clearance if it is required for agricultural purposes.
How to Keep People Off Your Dirt Bike Track?
If you want to keep trespassers off your dirt bike track, you can invest in some fencing, sign forbidding crossing, and even get a dog (barks are often a good deterrent).
How Much Land Do You Need for a Dirt Bike Track?
A backyard dirt bike track is usually around 400 feet. For 6 lanes, you want at least 220 feet in width. Also, consider the space required between the lanes.
Can I Ride My Dirt Bike in My Yard if I Live in the City?
This is a pretty gray area because it depends on how your neighbors feel about it. While you are typically allowed to ride a dirt bike in your yard, the neighbors may be entitled to file a complaint if you’re making too much noise. You can always ask the police about your right in such a situation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding yard layout, type of soil, and the equipment needed are all important elements if you want to know how to build a dirt bike track in your backyard. Careful planning will affect the final track’s outcome. Take your time with this section, and you’ll end up with a track you’re proud of.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.