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Wheelies!

13K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  NoRegrets78 
#1 ·
What I want you to tell me is what's your opinion on the wheelies?
I can get the front tire off the ground with 1st gear without clutch ofc. I do love the feeling and yes I would love to lift it up with 2nd/3rd gear as well but I am not confident enough with clutch and break and just thinking of the consequences of a wrong move, man it's enough! I am thinking that the best way is to learn wheelies riding some other bike but I want your experience and opinion.
(I am talking about wheelies without danger of hitting cars/pedestrians etc and ofc with riding gear on and in controled areas!)
 
#2 · (Edited)
I do 1st gear power wheelies only. The 2014 I have is part of the newer gearing which is taller. So for me I am riding along at about 30-35 mph with my foot covering the rear brake. Then I like to bring my body down to the tank and as I bring my body up I give the throttle a twist. Bike comes up and at this point I just keep accelerating till I get towards redline(60 mph or so) and then control the front back to the ground. I don't ride the balance point yet. I do usually back off and then back on the throttle while doing my little wheelie but it isn't at that balance point, if it was I could ride the wheelie for as long as the road allowed. But I'm not there yet and have told myself there is no time limit on learning how to wheelie. I do it when I feel like and if I don't feel like it I don't.

I have full race leathers, gloves, boots, helmet etc one. I don't do it with a lot of traffic around.

I love the feeling when a good wheelie happens... the engine sounds great when revved out and its like a small zen moment!!! It does stretch the chain a little and I've given my steering head a little retightenging since it developed a little play.

I didn't really care to do wheelies when I first get back into the hobby. I wanted to be more of a technical track guy. I have done that for a while and now I figure no problem throwing in some hooligan behavior. Controlled, safe hooligan behavior!!

Most people that are great at wheelies seem to come from the dirt bike world. I guess having a torquey bike that is built more rugged is a great way to practice them.
 
#3 ·
I agree a sacrificial beater is the best way to practice wheelies, a bike you can jump off the back of when it gets away from you and don't worry about it. There's a really good you tube video out there a guy on a street triple shows how to clutch up and ride out 2-3rd gear wheelies. He makes wheelies look easy.
 
#4 ·
As tough as it is to get my Street Triple to wheelie more than a few inches at the elevation where I live, I think I'll hold off on learning that particular hooligan skill until I have a more wheelie-prone machine. FZ-09 and literbikes come to mind.
 
#5 ·
As long as you're not in traffic or putting anyone in danger, I think they're rad. I used to wheelie on my dirtbike (and BMX before that), but just don't have the will to do so on my street bike. I definitely recommend learning the basic technique on a beater or a dirtbike. Be safe, and have fun (and post pics).
 
G
#9 ·
In traffic I think it's one of the stupidest things a rider can do. You are purposely removing half of your traction and control to show off to people who really don't care (most), or will most likely become annoyed or frightened at your wanton disregard for safety either yours or theirs. In the event of an actual emergency where you have to make a quick course correction or brake, you're pretty much toast. I find them to be reckless and irresponsible in those situations.

Having said that, it does show a degree of skill, and I'm sure it's a lot of fun when practiced away from traffic or intersections. Back road somewhere? No intersecting streets? No traffic? By all means, enjoy!

The above is just my opinion as requested by the OP.
 
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