What to look out for when choosing motocross pants? Practical tips

What to look out for when choosing motocross pants? Practical tips

Jana Wolfschlägerová

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26.02.2026

Flying around the track, trying a few jumps or simply tearing through the forest on an enduro is the best way to relax. But nothing can ruin your day like equipment that doesn't fit. When your pants are choking you with every squat, you're soaking in your own sweat in the heat or they burn through the exhaust the first time you touch them, something is wrong.

Choosing motocross pants is no longer just about which color matches your bike. Today, it's about material engineering that must combine extreme durability with maximum mobility. If you're looking for a new pair, we've prepared a detailed look at what makes good pants really good.

Source: https://marketing.acerbis.it/gallery/10052-offroad/10575-official-racewear-6days-2025/433-pants-6days#galleryD-6

WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD MOTOCROSS PANTS BE MADE OF

The basis of every quality pair of pants is polyester or nylon. In the product description, you will often see a number with the letter D - for example, 600D or 900D (Denier). This number indicates the fiber density. The higher it is, the stronger and more abrasion-resistant the fabric.

Standard MX pants: They usually use 600D polyester. It is light, breathable and perfectly adequate for regular motocross tracks where the impact is on soft ground.
Enduro motorcycle pants: This is where things get tough. In the forest, you will encounter branches, stones and brambles. That is why top models, such as some Acerbis pants, use more durable 900D or Ripstop technology in critical areas (seat, outer thighs). Thanks to the special grid structure, it prevents a small hole from a branch from tearing through the entire leg.

FIT AND ERGONOMICS

When you try on pants in a store and stand as straight as a ruler, they probably won't fit you and you'll see strange pockets of fabric in the crotch. That's okay. Modern mx pants are designed according to the Rider Attack Position (RAP) principle.

This fit takes into account that the rider spends most of his time in a dynamic stance with bent knees and hips. The pants are therefore pre-curved from the factory. Thanks to this, the fabric does not wrinkle in the knee holes, which eliminates pressure points and increases the feeling when in contact with the motorcycle. However, to ensure that the pants do not restrict you, they must have strategically placed stretch panels. Look for them above the knees, in the crotch and in the back under the waist. Thanks to the elastic materials that stretch in all directions, the pants do not restrict you while riding and you are hardly aware of them in the saddle.

THE INNER KNEE AS A CRITICAL POINT

This is where you can tell quality equipment from cheap substitutes. The inner side of the knees is in constant contact with the motorcycle frame and is also only a few centimeters from the hot engine and exhaust. Therefore, you will encounter various material solutions in the knee area, which have their advantages and limitations.

Natural leather: Top models use panels made of full-grain cowhide. Leather has two fundamental advantages: it acts as a perfect heat shield and provides the best grip for holding the motorcycle with your feet.
Synthetics and Kevlar: Cheaper models rely on synthetic substitutes, which often cannot withstand such heat. In more premium models such as Acerbis MX pants, you can find a combination of Kevlar and Armortex, which are extremely resistant to abrasion, even from knee braces.

PANTS FIXATION AT THE WAIST

How to ensure that your pants don't slide down when the saddle with the anti-slip coating pulls you backwards during acceleration?

Ratchet buckle: A classic that you can find on most models. It is robust and reliable even in the mud.
BOA Fit System: A revolutionary innovation in premium lines. Using a rotating wheel and steel cables, you can adjust the waist circumference with millimetre precision. The advantage is that you can tighten it with one hand, even with gloves on.
Silicone print: High-quality pants have a silicone strip inside the waist that "sticks" the jersey to the pants so that it doesn't slip off while riding.

MEFO.cz recommends and advises:

The motocross pants are elasticated at the waist in the back to adapt to the figure as much as possible and fit perfectly to the body protector.

All MX pants in our e-shop have a Velcro fastening on the side.

You can wear functional underwear with protectors under the motocross pants, which you can find in our offer.

When to choose motocross and when enduro pants?

If you are hesitating whether to buy pure motocross or enduro pants for a motorcycle, the environment is decisive.

Motocross (MX): The priority is weight and ventilation. They are light, minimalist and the pants are always tucked into the shoes. Don't expect pockets in them, because they would only get in the way on the track. They are ideal for closed tracks, training and races, where you mainly deal with movement and low weight.

Enduro: They are designed for all-day stress. They often have zip-closable ventilation holes and practical cargo pockets for your phone or keys. They also come in an over-the-boot version, which is ideal for rain and mud, because water does not seep into the boots from above. They are suitable for trips to the forest, technical rides and long days in the field, where you will appreciate greater durability and practicality.

Specifics of children's models

The choice is specific for children. Children's motocross pants should be light so as not to tire the little rider, but at the same time they must offer the same protection as adult models. A common mistake is to buy pants two sizes larger "so that they grow into them". The result is that the knee panels end up on children's shins and do not fulfill their function.

How to try on motocross pants correctl?

Follow these steps when buying:

Always try on the pants with the knee pads or braces that you are carrying.
Do a deep squat. If your pants are pulling you in the crotch or your waist is slipping down to half a squeeze, try a different model or size.
The length of the pants should end just above the ankle. This will prevent the fabric from creasing unnecessarily in motocross boots.

Source: https://marketing.acerbis.it/gallery/10052-offroad/10199-mx-gear/231-mx-j-track-six#galleryD-1

Why bet on Acerbis?

The Acerbis brand is one of the absolute top. Their Acerbis MX Track or K-Flex pants offer technologies that cost twice as much elsewhere. For example, the MX Track K-Windy model is fully ventilated, which you will appreciate more than anything else in the July heat.

The right pants are the ones you don't know you have while riding. They will allow you to fully concentrate on the track, protect you from the heat of the engine and support you when things go wrong and you go to the ground. So good luck with your choice!

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What to look out for when choosing motocross pants? Practical tips

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