Minimoto & Pit Bike Racing Gear for Kids: A Checklist for Parents
Your child has caught the bug, and the first race day is booked. Before you buy anything, here's the kit they'll need for minimoto, pit bike or mini GP racing, and the one thing to check on each piece. Always confirm the details with your club, because rules vary.
The checklist
- Helmet: a full-face helmet with a current safety approval that your club accepts. It should be snug, with no movement when your child shakes their head.
- Leather race suit: usually a one-piece suit for circuit racing. Check that the armour sits on the shoulders, elbows and knees with your child in a riding position.
- Back protector: certified to EN 1621-2 and sized to your child's back. Too long and it pushes into the helmet when they tuck in.
- Race boots: proper motorcycle boots that cover the ankle and lower leg, not trainers or wellies.
- Gloves: leather race gloves with knuckle and palm protection that overlap the suit sleeves.
- Optional extras: a chest protector, a neck sock for cold mornings, and earplugs.
The suit matters most
The leather suit is the biggest single purchase and the one parents most often get wrong, usually by buying a size up. A loose suit lets the armour move off the joints in a slide. A suit that fits now is the safer choice, and made to measure is the easiest way to get that.
We've covered the details in our kids' race suit buying guide: fit, growing room, armour, comfort and price.
Name, number and colours
Most young racers want their own name and race number on their suit, and it makes them easy to spot from the pit wall. If you're having a suit made, decide the number before you order, and tell the maker about any sponsors so they can plan where the logos go.
Before race day
- Have your child wear the full kit at home and sit on the bike in a riding position. Anything that pinches or rides up will bother them all day.
- Check that the suit, gloves and boots overlap, with no skin showing at the wrists or ankles.
- Bring a base layer. It keeps them cooler and makes the suit easier to get on and off.
Common questions
Does my child need a one-piece leather suit for minimoto?
For circuit racing, usually yes. Most minimoto, pit bike and mini GP clubs ask for a one-piece leather suit. For practice days some tracks accept a two-piece suit that zips together all the way round. Check your club's rules.
Can my child use adult-sized armour?
No. Armour has to sit on the joint to work. Adult pads in a child's suit end up above or below the elbow and knee. The suit and its armour should be sized for your child.
How often will we need a new suit?
It depends how fast your child grows. A made-to-measure suit that fits well now is safer than an oversized one that 'lasts longer'. When they outgrow it, you order the next one with new measurements.
Kids' race suits from Leathers First
We make kids' leather race suits to order with CE Level 2 armour, in a standard size or made to your child's measurements, with their name and number. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp.