Looking to start MX

At a minimum, go 250 Two Stroke. If not a 250 Two Stroke, buy the best conditioned 450F you can afford.

1. Depends how often you ride, study technique, and practice technique
2. At a minimum: Helmet, goggles, boots. JT Racing is having a killer sale on gear: http://www.jtracingusa.com/shop/sale.html
3. Are you talking motocross or FMX?
4,

Yes you want a motocross bike.

There is no such thing as an "FMX" bike that you can buy. They are simply motocross bikes that are modded for freestyle (airbox cut out, etc).

250 2 stroke is going to be your best bet for your price range. You can certainly look into a 450, but not sure what your going to get for 2k-2.5k

Do yourself a favor and buy a bike that is in the best condition that you can afford. At 2000-2500 that is going to be difficult, but I wish you the best of luck. Bring someone who truly knows a lot about motocross bikes when you go bike shopping...that way you have someone who knows what to look for.

Get yourself some decent riding pants, jersey, boots, helmet, goggles,gloves.

Whipping is not something that can really be taught. You simply learn as you progress and get faster. Most guys don't start whipping until they are pretty fast riders (better than your average Joe)

I see it time and time again...a friend or someone I know goes out and buys a $2000 bike and spends more money than the bike is worth fixing it and repairing it because it was a pile of sh** to begin with. DON"T BE THAT GUY. Spend the money, save up, etc and buy a bike that is in good shape and will be reliable to begin with.

Things to look for when buying a bike:

-VET ridden bikes (older guys who putt around)
-STOCK BIKES - I HIGHLY suggest you stay away from bikes that have tons of aftermarket parts...an exhaust, levers, and minor things such as that are fine.
-STOCK MOTOR - I wouldn't touch a bike that has had motor work done
- Check the sprocket and chain for wear
- Check the engine casings (how scratched are they, etc))
- How many hours on the bike? - in your price range it may be tough to find something with low hours. 40-50 may be a decent range for your budget
- Clutch pull - does it feel sloppy, does the cable seem worn, etc?
- Overall shape...does it look like crap or does it look like it came off the showroom floor?

I could go on and on...but these are a few things that came to mind when looking for a used bike. Granted...in your price range it may be tough to find something that meets all this criteria, but its something. Don't be afraid to look at bikes out of your price range. You can easily talk people down.

Sounds good, good luck!