How to build a kicker ramp for BMX or MTB

Ramps you guys made: / sbhramp
Today, we’ll be building a multipurpose ramp which can be used for a BMX or mountain bike. My friend James is helping out with his truck and workspace
Our ramp will be made from just one piece of 1/2” plywood and some 2x4’s. Including the screws, the materials are only about $50. I’m spending slightly more for pressure treated wood and stainless deck screws, just to make the ramp more resistant to the outdoors. With normal wood it’ll be just as sturdy.
First we’ll draw the profile of the ramp on the plywood. My ramp has some curve to it, so we’re using a PVC pipe to trace a smooth bend. Once we’re done tracing the shape, we’ll cut it out with a jigsaw and use it as a template for cutting another piece. These pieces will become the sides of the ramp.
The rest of this wood will be used for the riding surface, but first we need to cut a bunch of support beams from the 2x4’s. These should be cut to the width you want your ramp to be, but we’ll need to make them slightly shorter to account for the plywood. You’ll see why in a minute.
Next, we’ll use our beams to frame out the ramp. We’ll fasten them in place with two deck screws on each side. Once the ramp is framed out, we’ll cut the faces from the remaining wood. We’re cutting some extra angles and sanding for a tighter fit, but this part won’t make or break anything.
The faces get attached with screws, just like the beams. Since the curvature of the ramp is really mellow, the plywood easily bends into place when you screw it in. We’re also making sure these screws are buried real good so they can’t stick out and become a hazard. I’m going to need to stencil my channel logo on here, but one thing at a time.
As you can see, we measured the beams so that the face would hang over the edge slightly. This ramp should hold up to everything from oversized riders to crashes. Although it’s small, it’s really fun. I can’t ride on it here for long, so let’s pack up and go someplace else.
At just 6 feet long, this kicker ramp could fit in the back of an SUV, although it’s probably a two person job. If you’re just dragging it around it’s not too bad.
For absolute beginners, this ramp provides a few challenges and plenty of room for growth, but the back side makes it possible to roll over without jumping it. Riding the ramp the opposite way is great practice for getting over obstacles and learning to bunny hop. On a BMX, you can get creative with nose bonks, manuals, and all sorts of fun stuff. We could have made this back side go all the way to the ground, but the 4” drop makes it a lot more interesting.
If you want to build this exact ramp, there’s a link in the video description with a materials list and measurements. What I really want you to get from this video though, is a starting point to design your own ramp. Your ramp can be bigger, smaller, wider, or have a totally different shape. You can even add handles, wheels, or a custom paint job. A piece of sheet metal at the bottom can even make it work for skateboards. The best part is that a custom ramp could cost less than one mountain bike tire. Most home improvement stores can even make the big cuts on site, so you can bring the lumber home in your Toyota Corolla.
What do you guys think? How can we improve this ramp without making it bigger or more expensive? Give the newbies some inspiration by sharing your ramp building tips in the comments. Thanks for riding with me today and I’ll see you next time.
Sort of instructions on how to build the ramp: www.sethsbikeha...

[@TrailChasers]

my ramp building tip for beginners, try to have a 1:3 ratio for a beginner jump, if your ramp is 1 foot tall, make it 3 feet long, if the ramp is 2 feet tall, make it 6 feet long, this provides a nice gradual lip to learn on that will get you Airborne but not boot you into the air with a steep harsh lip

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Mega Marsh Mallows In HD That's actually a pretty good tip. The ramp in the video is approximately 1:4 ratio, with 4 feet to 14 inches.

[@TrailChasers]

+Seth's Bike Hacks nice, thatd be even better to start on, I built alot of jumps and plank runs for my backyard dirt jumps so learning this ratio tip was really helpful for me

[@hfkasdjhfkasdfsdjfhkajsd8961]

1) I buried a tire about 1/4 down into dirt and it's a fun obstacle to get over. Make a little dirt kick if you can't get up. 2) If it's too much work to make a wood jump, pile up some logs in the shape of a ramp, and pile some dirt on top of it for an awesome ramp you can make as big or small as you want, and edit it anytime. 3) most people can't do this, but if you have a beaten up car that doesn't work any more, build a ramp up to it/bunny hop up, that's a super fun obstacle 4) Sometimes in the woods there a boulder. Some have a drop off you can get nice air on. 5) if you're feeling lazy, sports stores like dick's and sports authority have little plastic kicker ramps, not the best, but still fun.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Ray Santoro wow, and all cheaper than the ramp in the video somehow

[@hfkasdjhfkasdfsdjfhkajsd8961]

Most of my time is spent building stuff for biking, and not actually biking haha

[@michellemiller6589]

You should try to make a backyard Mountain bike course Nice video thumbs up

[@yanniskrp5782]

Michelle Miller you predicted the future

[@brianlalumandier]

Michelle Miller He totally did a year later!!! Psychic hotline?

[@acr_master5594]

LORD AND BEHOLD BERM CREEK!

[@Gshephrd]

berm peak is coming very soon but you did predict berm creek

[@yewwz5478]

That’s correct! Berm creek and berm peak

[@LMerchant01]

Just a tip if you have more of a curve to your ramp use 1/4 inch for the top and put two to three layers. I generally make the jump 1/2 inch thick and the landing 3/4. Love the vids Seth.

[@mschwartz788]

I made this to your exact spec...I'm not much of a woodworker but borrowed a jig and got it done. Very cool, thanks! Was inexpensive and almost no waste from the ply sheet. Home Depot made one rip cut for me at 16" and that made it a bit easier to bring home + at least one straight cut :) Even w/ slightly lighter ply (I used 7/16") it was still heavy as can be. I put some sturdy handles on it but also considering popping on some wheels so I can just roll it down the driveway. And used some wood epoxy to fill in the gaps - can sand it to a nice finish.

[@drewnic]

Thanks Seth, my son and I built this ramp today and it is the perfect beginners geometry. The run off is essential for beginners confidence. Your channel is fantastic.

[@justporter]

I know this is an old video but thanks for all the info, I just built mine today and can't wait to spend some time with it. I basically used your instructions but I did make it 2" taller to make full use of the plywood width.

[@marcporcalla]

To make this ramp easier to transport, you could drill in a pair of skateboard wheels, including the trucks, into the back end. You would just put it parallel to the ground, on the opposite from the ramp side. That way you could just lift the one end, and just smoothly roll it to wherever! Either way, good job Seth, keep doing what you are doing!

[@denalaterza7703]

I built this and just began to practice jumping (I'm 51). Feels great! Riding in reverse is still intimidating, but nice to have two-for-one. Made it 26" wide to save weight.

[@traxxas271]

how did u not break that rear tail light

[@SubieSage]

breaking a rear taillight's better than breaking a front taillight

[@jakeportz3195]

front tailight????

[@traxxas271]

CannedPakes lmao sped

[@mattpag8252]

Ikr that's what I was thinking

[@trentdrummond3147]

Does the friend need to be James. I only have johns

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Trent Drummond only if John has a big ass truck

[@castnight0299]

ahahahahhahaha

[@jessebittermann5530]

+Seth's Bike Hacks Just wondering, have you ever heard of a Novara Bonanza?

[@justHuu]

Thats what he said

[@toolsonthebrain4786]

lol

[@psyoperator]

One thing that is always fun to do is to take a shit right at the top of the ramp, and then try to avoid riding through it or falling in it. Me and my grandma do this all the time. It is shit loads of fun!

[@klevin5501]

I built this one and I can say I really enjoyed it. Definitely recommend.

[@rigorhead01]

Great ramp! I was huge into skateboarding as a kid and we built so many ramps. Now I'm into MTBing and been thinking about building a ramp. I probably have all the materials in my garage already. Thanks for reinvigorating the idea. I like the design of yours. It looks like it gives you a decent kick also without being too extreme.

[@BiplanePilot229LL]

Followed your plans as closely as I could, built it for my friends son ... he's loving it! Came out great. Sturdy design and super easy to put together. Took me maybe 4 hours? Nice ramp, thank you!!!

[@dandufour116]

+Seth's Bike Hacks I built a 2foot wide and 1 1/2 foot tall Kicker yesterday for under $30. I made it to be a mixture of the two ramps you built. Wide and tall but doesn't have the downslope. It rides great and give me a ton of pop. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@maxstellinga4509]

i love litle things like this

[@johnmay330]

D.I.Y ramp. This is an awesome idea Seth, especially for me because my nearest skatepark is like an hour away from where I live. Definitely gonna build this with my dad haha. I was just watching your other latest video on MTB/Trials/BMX, and then I got notified about this one. Keep up the good work, and nice montage at the end

[@wayneellis7245]

My son and I made something very similar to your kicker today - cheers for the inspiration Seth 🤙🏻

[@jamesd5241]

seth you are so slick on a bike its incredible, i used to downhill mtb and trail bike but now im a full time roadie. Your videos offer no use to me at all but i watch every single one because i love watching you ride !! keep it up man loving the content

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+FreeWheeler glad you still watch! I hope you'll come back and join us again though on the trails. I'll be making some roadie videos later this year for sure.

[@atlasfishing9694]

I built this ramp its super awesome thanks for the tutorial and measurements!

[@garrettleonardson1877]

Seth your blueprints are perfect I made that exact ramp it worked great

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Garrett Leonardson That's awesome! I'm glad I have you as a proof of concept now

[@setwillfree]

Sometimes small ramps are the best! I just uploaded my second ramp build if anyone is interested in seeing a slightly larger one being built.

[@dodgezilla04]

my boys and I just built this ramp for us to enjoy. this will be fun for days we cant make it to the trail. thanks Seth

[@TechJohnson]

Watching this in 2021 makes me realize that this won't be a cheap build. I have some extra lumber sitting around to make it, but it'll be roughly 23 inches in width instead of 32. Still great to learn for me and my son!

[@brodiewhiting9365]

Seth Thank you so much !!!! we just busted out a huge kicker ramp tonight thanks to your video, never stop posting your awesome man !!!

[@jordansumner813]

just built this ramp, must have made my slope much more aggressive because no way 1/2 ply wood was going to bend into place. had to end up using 1/4 ply wood to get it to work. I'm new to mountain biking and this ramp is pretty intimidating at first but i think it'll be great once I get more comfortable.

[@braxtonbenseman6327]

putting two ramps together can be used to make a double that is really easy to learn on and if you don't attach the two they slide away if you case making it a little more forgiving

[@andrewmulvenna]

Top lad. Quick & simple build, and rad tricks. Inspiring for kids and dads all over the world. Great work. 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@YABUNATION]

Gonna make one of these once im back in the states. All of your content is great man keep it up!

[@firebelligerent]

hey Seth thanks for asking these videos dude normally it's some English MAn with an accent showing me how to ride. and I'm glad you and Santos do these and have your channels

[@cooper1041]

I made this for my sons bday! I know he will like it!

[@ChrisChronos]

There's a large open area in a forest near me with lots of ramps, but they all are designed for advanced jumpers. They also are all made from rocks and mud aren't maintained very well. I was thinking to build a ramp like this but I'd have to leave it there. would a wooden ramp like this last if I left it in a forest?

[@4amtommy]

Please,do tutorial how to build some short trails

[@matthew-3r]

Check out global mountain biking networks video on trail making

[@michael7370]

+Tom Marschner Phil Kmetz channel has a really good pump track building series.

[@4amtommy]

Guys thanks

[@PeppercornBingBong]

if you want to add to the ramp, build out a 4 foot long 2×4 perpendicular to the ramps flow, on the spine of the ramp. that way you can practice tire rides and wheelies, as well as bunny hops over it

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+NuclearSkaterz777 that's a quick and cheap add-on actually, I'd ride that for sure

[@jonathanirarrazabal8823]

i rode this the other day , i didn't know you made it. Its pretty sick!

[@sal123ps3]

probably one of the coolest dudes on you tube

[@shutupdog11]

Seth , thanx for the build tips . I'm going to build this ramp for me and my grand kids . Haha

[@JF-cl6cj]

you could add fold out caster wheels so you can roll it but thats SICK

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Paint it or stain it to give it more life, that is a awesome kicker. Next one if any, you should try a 3Wx3Lx3H box with a launch on one side and a quarter on other. If you ever want to build another...👍🏽👍🏽

[@huntermlmfao2778]

+Ryan Marcyes i really like that there's a skate park that has the exact same thing your talking about. here in florida

[@alecbermudez8918]

Thx for the idea Seth

[@Provablenotions]

Cutting some handles into the sides would lighten up the ramp and make it easier to handle.

[@officialmad6227]

FYI layering two sheets of 1/4 in plywood instead of one piece of 1/2 is works way better

[@mattgti86]

Thanks for all your vids!... Just got back from the lumberyard. Building this pronto with just a little more radius for my 29er and 26" mtb's.

[@Nono-hk3is]

don't forget to paint sick flames on the sides.

[@mtb_xc457]

i've made a rmp to and had a lot of fun on it. i'm still practicing on it.

[@uselesstheory]

i learned to jump using plywood and a recycle bin when i was a kid haha. jumped my whole driveway!

[@carldelacruz1988]

seth thank you for some tips....👏👏👏👏

[@BridgetteHarkins]

The instructions link is not working. Can you post it or update the link please. Really excited about this ramp!

[@JuanEnriqueSerra]

Thanks for share man! Awesome

[@gavinmiller5405]

This is the first video I ever watched on your channel ever since I have been subed

[@jshawdubstep1899]

Please do more videos with this ramp seth!!

[@Angel-yf7pp]

I love your videos!

[@sal123ps3]

and little tip if your put this at the top of a box you can make a mini step up cause not everyone loves them so you can still use the box

[@pcasso87]

Thanks Seth, cheers from Mexico

[@howtoeverything1068]

Seth is a legend

[@pixelbob7983]

I remember so clearly when I watched this video like along time ago probs when it was made

[@kiddmtb947]

To make it cheaper, just go to your local industrial area. There will ALWAYS be plywood and pallets. The pallets will be made of 1" by 2" epics of wood usually

[@williamrivet8599]

Use a skill saw with a very low cut depth(as thick as the plywood only), makes way smoother curves than a jigsaw (learned this from 5yrs of building lips for my backyard slope course)

[@dariusortiz3913]

well what me and my friend did was get a metal shelf and screw it on to 2by4 and cut the measurements for a wooden stoper and we made some pilers for extra support

[@josereneducharme142]

I was wondering how you managed to put out so many videos lately but now I get it. You have more product placement than a James Bond movie.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

+Jose Rene Ducharme I'm flattered that you think Dewalt and Toyota have sponsored my videos, but if that were true I would have built a whole skatepark

[@davidsperstad8177]

Hi - I love it. Im going to build a couple of them for the boys in the neighborhood!

[@Boone1981]

Add large removable caster wheels for transporting to jump spots over different terrains.

[@brodyneilson1756]

im just starting in bmx and this ramp helps thx

[@generictoaster5743]

sweet ramp seth

[@omarmartinez7277]

this is going on my build list

[@ehenferio]

Nice portable ramp

[@GMbusa1]

By placing the crossbeams on their side like you did you promote flex in the center. Crossbeams should always be perpendicular to the ramp face for strength.

[@thisismyyoutubename1214]

I wonder where the trade off is between doubling the surface area supporting the ramp vs reducing flex at the center. If the broad side of the 2x4 still provides enough support maybe it's ok they aren't in the most rigid orientation. Not trying to say one way or the other is right. I'm interested in everyone's opinion.,

[@MotoJMoore]

watching every vid and liking

[@stampley5962]

This is sooo Mutch fun on a rocker

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

lmao. surprised you didn't break the tail light . very cool Lil ramp. smaller jumps often have so much to offer.

[@TowMan127]

Seth you're awesome!!! I love your videos brother

[@BrandonJBraun]

Thanks for the vid! Just built this for my kids!

[@jordankeeler7297]

Cool video, I'd like to see more like it. How about things like trails berms and jumps made of dirt on the trails?

[@bansheemopar]

Nice ramp, but should consider integrating an X-brace (or at least a diagonal plank) to the inner structure of the ramp. Tricks and jumps on the ramp will put lateral stress, and general driving over it puts downward force on the constrution. And that at the moment has to be taken by the screws on the side and the thin planks on the side alone. If you look at 1:05 you just have to put a 2x4 borad diagonally under the three boards and one diagonally from the top corner of the top plank to the bottomm of the other sides sideplate (diagonal in the other direction than the first board).

[@gerardcallanan4213]

You could add a couple of steel handles on the two sides at the top

[@v10moped]

Use 2x3s wood for some of the horizontal support beams instead of 2x4s. That will save some money.

[@paulchavannes]

I always cut hand holds in the sides of all my ramps. also sometimes put wheels on them.

[@jordansumner813]

been thinking about doing this, now I have a blueprint, thanks seth. keep up the good work!

[@2006ladylala]

Thanks for the great video , I just built a ramp to, can't wait to try it out

[@RxMTB]

Awesome video! Think I might just go out and build one, I have tons of scrap wood. Thanks

[@cchimozmin]

Hi there. Love your ramp. Sorry to bother you but how many 30" beams are used? Are there any other length beams used? Would really appreciate a quick reply. Thank you. All the best X

[@tomm1413]

I think it's about 12 30" beams but they don't have to be 30", if you want to make it wider you could cut them at 40" but that will just cost you more

[@nsaikrishna]

What are the lengths to cut the plywood? I have to bring the pieces back in an suv and it would help if I could get it cut in the store.

[@seancoffran2391]

Put some caulk on the plywood edges to seal it up so water doesn't destroy it

[@lucasmarik7076]

I'd make the curve a bit steeper just for that little bit more air and flow

[@willmabus8735]

You should go to oak cliff nature preserve in Dallas Tex the have tons of great down in the trail

[@everydaygamer6035]

this video is really helpful, i think im gonna go out and make one, it would be nice practice before i ride trails

[@Jelly1337]

that looks like so much fun!

[@SoifDeGrip]

Super nice Seth, it's clean, light and seems fun! Keep on interesting stuff!

[@frankfraga295]

Great vids! Really enjoy them as they come

[@roycohen6547]

Remember kids always wear a helmet while building a ramp

[@fingerflixguitar]

forreal tho 😂

[@rickyhsu146]

Hello everybody welcome back to my laboratory where safety is number one priority. Puts on aviator glasses*

[@moatazahmed8662]

_|_

[@yousefkammouneh6559]

+LeafyisThere you mean crazy Russian hacker

[@paulblo9078]

yes hahaha

[@philipprollwage4031]

Seth, you could also buy a rocker mini bmx. it would be pretty cool if you die a Video about that bike. you are the best

[@charliebramich2474]

2020 anyone? Probably not it’s 4 years old

[@dangriffy3574]

yep! building today!

[@noahbagel177]

Yep

[@ByeSteveGoodParty]

2021 for me 😄

[@Colesie]

2022

[@fritz6780]

I've built that ramp and I think it works good. The wood costed me 20 USD / 17 €. And then I worked two hours for building

[@jacobmatthews4690]

I made this. It’s great thanks!

[@harrydean1270]

I'm thinking bout making some rollers as well to make a pump line type thing

[@thomasgrimard3000]

thanks seth my friend and i just did this today we followed this same thing

[@danielporter1364]

Use pallets to get wood so it's cheaper

[@noahhp3343]

you're the best seth!

[@shawnbrownwa]

I transported the wool in my 09 Corolla. I had them cut the plywood in half. My ramp will be 24" wide.