Dirt Bike Numbers Meaning | Background Stickers for Motorcross

Number's Letter Meaning (Dirt Bike/Motocross)

In racing, there are specific rules one must follow. Whether you own a dirt bike or a motocross bike, you have to choose an identification number. This is one of the significant rules for most racing clubs in America and beyond; as a biker, you have to own a unique number and show it as a decal on your bike! These numbers do not only serve as a means of identification. They usually hold significant meaning in the lives of bikers and racers. Most times, you will discover that people use their birthday, birth month, marriage or anniversary dates, and many other relevant numbers to complete bike numbers which are a prerequisite for registration in bike clubs and racing associations.  But there's another aspect of these numbers on dirt bikes and motocross bikes; there are letters to them. Some race clubs and associations allow for letters immediately after numbers. For example, you'll find some number's letters in the form of "767A" and many more.

Contrary to popular opinion and knowledge, these number's letters are entirely meaningful. They are essential to the smooth running of a good amount of racing associations. For this reason, we have decided to explore the meaning of these number's letters and why they are essential. As a bonus, we'll reward you with a simple step-by-step guide on how to make the number's letter for your bike. 

number letter's

What do Number's Letter on Dirt Bikes and Motocross Mean?

In a bid to share the significance of the number's letters, we'll discuss its meaning, uses, and essence. 

Age Group

Among the various significance of number plates, we can say that the age group and class are the first we'll discuss. One reason racing clubs and associations use these letters is to distinguish the varying age of their members. One underlying reason this is so is that these clubs want races to be as fair and equal as possible. Most times, arguments may come up regarding the age of a member. Of course, it won't be a fair race if individuals of profound age margin compete on an outing. After all, factors such as experience, physical abilities, and strength may play a considerable role in determining who wins and loses a race. Now, how do these groups differentiate members of different ages with letters?  For example, riders aged 30-35 may be asked to use the letter "C" after their unique numbers. In the same way, the youngest age group will have to use the letter "A" or any other letter that's chosen by the race organizers or the organization as a whole.  So, don't be puzzled when you find letters beside the number plates of your new racemate or your favorite biker.

dirt bike jumping

Gender

We must warn that this letter classification on dirt and motocross bike is usually not compulsory. As a bike owner, you can decide to go for these distinguishing letters or stick to the general ones typically required of you by your race club or association. As a personal preference, bikers and racers sometimes use a letter to showcase their gender. You can determine the gender of your co-race club member even if they are on the bike. Most times, women and girls add the letter "w" or "x" to show that they are of the female gender.

On the other hand, men or boys use the letters "m" or "y" to disclose their gender. As we've mentioned earlier, this is not compulsory; people do so for personal reasons and preferences. If you like the idea, why not go for it?

Similar numbers for dirt bike and Motorcross

Another reason why race clubs hold letters with high regard is that they can come in handy when two or more members or races use the same numbers. It's an easy tie-breaker, especially if these individuals do not want to change their numbers! You don't want to offend race participants and association members. Sometimes, two or more bikers hold the same set of numbers in high regard. It could be that they share the same birthday and have no plans of giving up that number. So, race officials and organizations usually add distinguishing letters at the end of such numbers. For instance, if two bikers want the number "545" and are not ready to give it up, you can add letters to such numbers. Let's say one can keep the number "545" with an "a" at the end, while another with a "b". So, the bikers will use "545a" and "545b." Easy peasy with custom mx graphics.

Class, Level, and Progress

Of course, it won't be surprising to find out that race clubs or associations distinguish club members according to how far they have come throughout their membership. This grouping is not discriminatory at all; in fact, most clubs do this to ensure adequate members' growth. After all, it won't be right if all pros are taking the bulk of the attention and are winning all the races. Associations and organizers even create a tournament for newbies and juniors to monitor their progress; they later promote them when growth is noticed.  How do number letters work in this aspect of classification? Since most bike clubs distinguish members into groups like senior, junior, intermediate, professional, and amateur, it is evident that the number's letter will be in that line.  We are saying that a biker in the senior class will have the letter "s" beside their chosen bike number. So, if Gabe ( a member of the senior team) has a bike number is "34," his result will be "34s" Same goes for Mike, who is a junior with the bike number "22", he'll end up with "22j."

motocross racing

Simple DIY Procedure of Dirt Bike and Motocross Numbers Letters

As an alternative to ordering custom numbers letters (which you should do to meet the minimum level of standards), you can make numbers letters for your bike. You'll need to follow these steps perfectly to use them for races: Things you'll need:

  1. Scissors
  2. Computer/Laptop
  3. Required Software 
  4. Nail polish or epoxy 
  5. Decal paper
  6. Printer
  7. Hobby paintbrush 

Step-by-Step Process

  • Since you have a computer or laptop, the next step is to opt for the best graphics package for your decal or sticker that will carry your numbers and letters. For a simple and effective process, use a graphics program such as Paint. Paint is pre-installed on most computers. This package is your best bet because it is easy to use. 
  • Next is to figure out the type of graphics you want to design on your dirt or motocross bike. Do you want to create a full-frontal design or a sizeable sticker to place in front or at the back of your bike? You have to decide at this point.  Do well to go for a simple and straightforward design. Smaller graphics won't be evident and may defeat the purpose of making eye-catching numbers and letter decals.
  • Ensure that the graphics are not too large or too small. This will ensure that the number or letter or pattern fits well when you want to place it on your bike (see also removable decals). To be sure, print out a sample on paper and see how it fits. Print multiple decals on one sheet. With this, decals will come out small, and you'll have more stickers in hand.
  • Proceed to cut out the decal with an X-Acto knife or scissors. Ensure that you trim as close to the graphics or font as possible. This is a necessary step to allow the decal to fit appropriately. 
  • Take off the backing of the decal and place it on your position. We recommend a visible area in front of your bike. Now, apply a coat of nail polish or epoxy to cover the sticker and overlaps in the right spot. 
  • Allow the place to dry correctly; the nail polish or epoxy has to dry and cure completely before using.  

Now that you've figured out the meaning and uses of the number's letter, you can proceed to get the ones you like. The best part of it is that we've provided easy DIY tips on how to make easy and straightforward ones without lots of complications. Note that before you apply these homemade numbers and letter stickers or decals, you have to keep the proposed area of application clean and dry. Ensure there are no air bubbles, fingerprints, and hair strands. Do well to use less complicated graphics and allow your decal to dry perfectly well. Once all these are in place, you are good to go! However, most custom-made ones won't qualify to be used for races, so we recommend ordering them online at FoamCorePrint.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of the numbers on dirt bikes?

The numbers on dirt bikes are called racing numbers. They identify the rider, their sponsor, class, level, age group, gender, and sometimes the bike number.

2. How do motocross riders get their numbers?

Motocross riders get their numbers by finishing first in a race. Points are usually calculated based on totals. Riders who win national Supercross or motocross championships earn single-digit career numbers, but they can also choose a two-digit number. In addition, riders who finish in the top ten of a combined Supercross/motocross season earn permanent numbers.

3. Where do you put the numbers on a dirt bike?

Numbers are put on the side of a dirt bike to help identify it and tell about its history. Numbers can be found in different places depending on the type of bike, but they will always be at least one inch high and placed in a position that is clearly visible.

4. What does a yellow number plate mean in motocross?

The Intermediate class is designated by the color yellow. There are two color schemes for backgrounds and numbers: C has a black backdrop with white letters, while B has an orange background with black letters. A class has a white background with black numerals.

5. What does DNS mean in motocross?

DNS stands for Did Not Start. This is a scoring penalty given to any rider who is unable to start the race after all riders have started. Motocross is a very physical sport and injuries do happen, so DNS' can be given to riders because of a broken bone, or a rider not being able to start the race for other reasons. For example, the rider's bike might not start or the rider might have been involved in an accident before the start.
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Frequently asked Questions

The numbers on dirt bikes are called racing numbers. They identify the rider, their sponsor, class, level, age group, gender, and sometimes the bike number.
Motocross riders get their numbers by finishing first in a race. Points are usually calculated based on totals. Riders who win national Supercross or motocross championships earn single-digit career numbers, but they can also choose a two-digit number. In addition, riders who finish in the top ten of a combined Supercross/motocross season earn permanent numbers.
Numbers are put on the side of a dirt bike to help identify it and tell about its history. Numbers can be found in different places depending on the type of bike, but they will always be at least one inch high and placed in a position that is clearly visible.
The Intermediate class is designated by the color yellow. There are two color schemes for backgrounds and numbers: C has a black backdrop with white letters, while B has an orange background with black letters. A class has a white background with black numerals.
DNS stands for Did Not Start. This is a scoring penalty given to any rider who is unable to start the race after all riders have started. Motocross is a very physical sport and injuries do happen, so DNS' can be given to riders because of a broken bone, or a rider not being able to start the race for other reasons. For example, the rider's bike might not start or the rider might have been involved in an accident before the start.
1 Comments
  1. Sarah Smith
    Sarah Smith
    REPLY

    Thanks for the information on motocross numbers. My son really likes extreme sports. Maybe I should share this article with him if he wants to learn more about motocross.

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