What are some things I need to know about dirt bikes?

I'm searching for a bike for my son, he is 13 years old and is a little taller than five feet. I have a pretty good idea about what kind of bike to get, but I need to know some specs on dirt bikes. What equipment do I need to buy, how do you get started in motocross. Please Help! Any info you have will help. thanks

You say motocross which means you want to start racing. First, you need lots of money. Next, you need to buy some dirt bikes. You said you had a good idea of what to get, but I'll tell you anyway. For your son, he should ride 85/80cc two stroke or a Honda CRF150F. Buy used bikes and get ones that are green sticker (for my area, CA; might be different for you). You can find them in your local classifieds. I use www.craigslist.org/ to find local used bikes. If you buy a two stroke make sure it has power valves/exhaust valves because it is better for beginners. Once you have a bike, go out to a local off road motorcycle dealership where you can buy safety gear. Helmets are required to ride in a off road park. Racing requires helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt, long pants, and gloves (on average). After you have a bike and all the necessary gear, he needs to get out and ride. He should have someone teach him the correct way to ride. If you know, then great. After he gets plenty of practice, and he feels ready, sign him up for a local race. There are beginner classes that he will do fine in.

Well first off, you need to know about the ccs ( engine size) the cc is the cubic cintemeter of the piston, bigger/more cc means more power. I am assuming that neither you or your son has spent much time around dirtbikes so I am going to suggest the yamaha 230 or honda 230. They are so similar (they are even put together in the same building) that you should just choose your favorite color

Yeah you say motocross, that's strictly racing.

if he's just riding which I think that's what you mean, get a helmet, boots (you don't really need these at all), and some pants that's about it.

if he's racing, he'll need a a lot more than that.

you should've posted what bike he's getting.

Yamaha TTR 125, honda XR or CRF 100 or a Suzuki DRZ 125