MotoGymkhana – moto what? Tried it myself in Munich

Full steering lock, scraping footpegs, short bursts of acceleration followed by hard braking, fast slalom around the cones, circles in the tightest of spaces – that is MotoGymkhana. A motorcycle discipline where it is not about top speed, but maximum control.

What MotoGymkhana is

This fast-paced cone game was invented in the 1970s in Japan. It now has a growing fan base in Europe, especially in the Netherlands, Poland and Germany.

The principle is simple: ride through a cone course as quickly as possible. The rules are clear:

• Red cones are passed on the right
• Blue cones on the left
• Yellow-striped cones must be ridden around
• Two yellow cones must be ridden through

What sounds like riding school feels completely different on a motorcycle. Full steering lock at low speed, then lightning-fast acceleration, then hard braking again. The bike does not stand still for a second – and neither does the rider.

Tried it myself in Munich

I rode it myself yesterday evening. On a 40 × 30 metre asphalt area in the north of Munich. I was instructed by Philipp – his idea, his cones.

First we cleared the area of stones, then we got started. I began with a figure of eight, with 12 metres between the cones – the classic standard exercise. Then I went through the slalom. Philipp practised alongside me with a tighter configuration.

After a break, we went through the course together. And that is exactly where the fun begins: dynamically around the cones with only a short distance between them. With every corner, you get to know the motorcycle better. The learning curve rises steeply – large circles at first, then much tighter ones later, and the transitions become smoother.

What does it bring?

I do not have a specific goal (yet). Gaining more control over the motorcycle is one thing. Avoiding crashes and injuries on the road is another. Anyone who takes MotoGymkhana seriously cannot avoid protectors for the handlebars, forks and fairing.

With my Diva, however, I simply cannot imagine fitting crash bars. Some things just do not work.

Conclusion

My impression after the first evening: MotoGymkhana is addictive. It is inexpensive, does not require a track day, and the progress is immediately noticeable. Anyone who really wants to master their bike – rather than just rolling straight ahead – should give it a try. A clear recommendation.

More information on the official website or the German community website – including a club finder, rules and example courses.

Want to join in Munich? Write me a comment or email tobi@nobikenolife.de. Philipp or I will get back to you.