MX Bikes is PiBoSo's motocross simulator, running on a scratch written physics engine with an automotive industry tyre model, chassis flex and terrain that deforms as you ride it. It arrived on Steam Early Access on October 7, 2019 and still ships with no AI opponents and no career mode, which leaves online servers and hotlapping as the whole game. Five MSM bikes and a short official track list come in the box; everything beyond that comes from the modding community.
Picking the right build determines how your experience plays out. These builds are ranked by overall effectiveness, factoring in damage, survivability, gear requirements, and how well they scale into endgame. New to the game? Start with our beginner's guide first.
Quick Rankings
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Core Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motocross | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Supercross | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Supermoto | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Enduro | A | Balanced | Best available |
| Free riding | A | Balanced | Best available |
For detailed meta rankings, see our MX Bikes tier list.
A-Tier: Motocross
Motocross is a top-performing option in MX Bikes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | MSM 250XF | The 250cc four stroke, rated around 31 kW. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Scratch built physics engine | PiBoSo wrote the tyre model, chassis flex and suspension simulation from the ground up rather than licensing an engine. |
How to Play Motocross
Motocross focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: MSM 250XF does the damage and Scratch built physics engine keeps it running, which is why this sits at the top of the list. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Highest overall performance
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Popular pick, resources may be contested
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Supercross
Supercross is a strong option in MX Bikes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | MSM 350XF | A 350cc four stroke at roughly 37 kW sitting between the 250 and the 450. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Bike setup tuning | Suspension, gearing, engine maps, swingarm position and tyres are all adjustable. |
How to Play Supercross
Supercross focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: Pair MSM 350XF with Bike setup tuning and the build stops depending on a good start, so it holds up across most content. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Most versatile option
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Lower peak damage than S-tier
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Supermoto
Supermoto is a strong option in MX Bikes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | MSM 450XF | The 450cc four stroke at about 40 kW and the fastest bike in the default lineup. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Dynamic terrain deformation | Ruts and braking bumps form during a session as bikes cut the same lines. |
How to Play Supermoto
Supermoto focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: Dynamic terrain deformation covers the gap MSM 450XF leaves open, so the build stays usable even when a fight goes badly. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Best survivability
- Straightforward gearing path
- Works in all content types
Cons:
- Slower clear speeds
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
A-Tier: Enduro
Enduro is a specialized option in MX Bikes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | MSM 250X | The 250cc two stroke at around 36 kW, with a narrow powerband that has to be kept on the pipe. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Rider body position | The rider is simulated separately from the bike and you control lean plus fore and aft weight. |
How to Play Enduro
Enduro focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: This one leans on Rider body position rather than raw numbers, and MSM 250X is what makes that trade pay off. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Strong in group/team content
- Straightforward gearing path
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- Weaker solo performance
- Requires deep game knowledge
A-Tier: Free riding
Free riding is a specialized option in MX Bikes.
Core Setup
| Slot | Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Equipment | MSM 450SM | The 450cc supermoto build with tarmac tyres and different geometry. |
| Core Gear | Best available for your level | Maximizes build potential |
| Stat Priority | Balanced offensive and defensive stats | Optimal scaling |
| Key Mechanic | Dedicated server racing | With no AI, all racing happens over LAN or online on dedicated servers. |
How to Play Free riding
Free riding focuses on a balanced approach to content.
Why this build works: MSM 450SM and Dedicated server racing pull in the same direction here, which separates this from the safer picks above. See our weapons guide for detailed equipment breakdowns.
Pros:
- Unique, rewarding playstyle
- Straightforward gearing path
- Excels in its niche
Cons:
- High skill floor, punishing when misplayed
- Requires deep game knowledge
Build Progression Path
- Start with Supercross: the most forgiving option for learning the game
- Transition to Motocross once you understand core mechanics and have access to MSM 250XF
- Keep a Supermoto setup for content that keeps killing you
- Try Free riding for a fresh experience once you've mastered the basics
Follow our walkthrough for the optimal progression path through each area.
Gearing Tips
- Invest in your primary equipment first, since it gives the biggest power spike. See our weapons guide for rankings.
- Body position is the skill that separates riders here, not throttle. Weight forward on corner entry to load the front tyre, weight back on landings and acceleration, and the bike starts doing what you expect instead of tucking or looping.
- Setups save per bike and per track, so build a baseline on Practice Track and adjust from there rather than starting from stock at every venue. Change one parameter at a time or you will never learn what each click does.
- Don't spread upgrade resources across multiple builds until endgame
More MX Bikes Guides
- MX Bikes MX Bikes Overview
- MX Bikes Tier List
- MX Bikes Walkthrough
- MX Bikes Beginner's Guide
- MX Bikes Tips & Tricks
- MX Bikes Weapons Guide
- MX Bikes Combat Guide
- MX Bikes Boss Guide
- MX Bikes Maps & Locations
- MX Bikes Crafting Guide
- MX Bikes Classes & Characters
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