Burn out or Wheelie?

[WhiteStripe]

I am a pretty new rider, have been riding my S2R 1000 (arrows, fat duc) for a bit more than year now and have about 3,500 miles on it.

I am inching up the learning curve cautiously, but do find myself riding a bit more aggressively and starting to be able to carry some speed through corners etc, all fun stuff.

I haven't wheelied this bike yet, and frankly am a little worried about doing so (for a bunch of reasons, call me a pussy).  I also have never had the back end get loose i.e. done a burn out (and really have no need too).

In a normal riding situation, on dry pavement, is too much throttle more likely to result in the front end coming up, or the back tire getting loose???

Perhaps a stupid question.  Feel free to flame me.

[stopintime]

The only two times my rear tire has lost traction was too early on the throttle coming out of a turn on the track, while fully leaned over. The second time was on the wet with brand new tires.

I'd say you're going to lift a wheel much sooner than slide it.

Practice short/low wheelies by going WOT in second or first - just for a second, so you'll get back down before things get to exciting.

[Spidey]

Even if you're riding aggressively, you're unlikely to loft a wheel unless you're deliberately aggressive on the throttle.  And even then, the front end might get light and skim the ground.  It's not going to loop.  You have to deliberately crack the throttle hard to wheelie the bike.   

You might soon find that the rear slides occasionally, but that's not going to be because of your throttle use.  You'll be leaned over, catch something slippery and have a bit of throttle and your rear will slide.  You're unlikely to have it break loose just because you jumped on the throttle too early.  But don't use that as a test.  If you're aggressive with the throttle and snap it open, you're going to get launched into the stratosphere.

Edit:  I just went back and looked as exactly what you asked and realized I answered a different question.  You asked if it's more likely to wheelie or burnout.  If you're straight up and down and get wacky with the throttle, the bike is gonna wheelie, not spin the rear.  Make sure you cover the rear brake.   

[scduc]

I'm running an S2R 1K and weight about 240, so for me to get the front front end up is somewhat difficult (only once). That being said, the back end doesn't give out either. I'm not a squid, but I do give her on occasion and for the most part from what I've read, the S2R 1K (unless heavily modded) will only pull the front up in first. If you've got a good rear tire, breaking it loose will also be a challenge. I have not done one yet, but if you have a chance, get to the track. If you push it there, things will be much more forgiving. Dont worry about being a "pussy". Enjoy riding and riding safely. No body's going to be impressed if you wheelie your self into the ER.  

[pennyrobber]

I have only spun the rear wheel up on my S2R1000 coming out of corners and screwing around riding in the rain or down dirt roads. When it happens I am usually doing it purposely so it is never a problem. Now I am not saying to mash the throttle coming out of a corner but, spinning the rear end a bit can be fun. As for wheelies, your bike has plenty of torque so getting the front end up isn't very hard if you are trying. When I am getting on the throttle aggressively The front wheel sometimes comes just of the ground (think a couple of inches) and will more or less float through 1st and sometimes 2nd. Real wheelies though take a bit more of snap of the throttle. If you get the revs around 4000 in first gear and crack the throttle open quickly she comes right up. Second gear takes a bit more technique for me at least. I have to make sure I am slid back in the seat, hugging the tank with my knees then at about 5000 rpm I just slightly let off to compress the forks and then get back on the throttle and she will loft the wheel. I don't do clutch wheelies. I also don't do stand up wheelies mostly because I am too chicken. I think it is fun to do wheelies but it takes time to learn how to do them and of course there is always the chance that you might mess up your bike or yourself.

[WhiteStripe]

Thanks guys, this is exactly the kind of stuff I am looking for.  I kind of intuitively know all this, but i remain uber respectful of this bike (vs a dirt bike etc.).  I *think* the front wheel is starting to come up a little on straight shots, but really don't want to be surprised when powering out of a corner and put myself and the bike in a ditch.

I have a bit of track time in a car - and always thought that would never interest me on bike.  Now the itch is getting a bit stronger...

Thank you for great responses to a pretty stupid question.

[stopintime]

+ 1 for track days

Steep learning curve in safe environments.
Makes you realize what your bike is capable of and removes tons of the usual street fear.
I approach a corner in the twisties, which would normally scare me, and instinctively remember that my bike and I will manage just fine. I don't ride as fast on the street as on the track, but after several track days I ride faster than I used to and it's not scary anymore. (ok, sometimes, but that's usually only if I'm not focused)

[He Man]

ive never spun the rear on the streets unless it was downshifting to hard. but ive done it plenty on the track either down shifting to hard or coming out of the corner with too much throttle. as long as you dont snap the throttle close, you wont get shot up and highside.

i weigh 150 and i can easily loop the bike in 1st, and get it up on 2nd if i preload the suspension with the throttle.

and in first gear you have to be on the throttle fast, or drop the clutch late to get it go up, so it has to be very deliberate.

[ODrides]

I wouldn't be so worried about wheelies out of a corner.  If you get on the gas too hard while leaned you will spin the rear and crash.  That's why we always apply throttle SLOWLY out of a turn.  Throttle can increase as lean angle decreases.

Practice hanging your weight off the inside of the bike in a turn like a racer.  It's good to practice this so it becomes second nature and can be used in an emergency to turn the bike faster and safer without running out of tire.  Set up your body position BEFORE starting the turn, while braking and downshifting. 
- Weight your footpegs, not your seat.
- Slide your butt cheek off the seat and shift your upper body and head to that same side as if you were going to kiss your mirror. (Not a bar-end mirror -- that's too far!)  Your outside knee should be tight against the tank.
- Turn your head and look where you want to go.  If you stare at that ditch you just might end up in it!
- Unless you're wearing a knee puck, keep your inside knee tucked in!
Moving your weight allows the bike to run with less lean angle, which means more tire on the ground and more traction for turning and accelerating.