Power Wheelies

[flanman]

This is a question about... you guessed it wheelies! I know you can use the clutch but the whole concept of using the clutch i'm not sure i'm really ready for. I have a s2r 800 which should have plenty of power to wheelie. I know it's all about the right rpms, i have tried first gear but it only lifts everynow and then and the speed is too slow for riding on the road. Second gear I goose it and it doesn't really do anything either I have stock gearing. Any experienced hooligans with wise advice would be great.

[Ivan]

My S2R1000 will lift the front wheel a couple of inches without using the clutch in second gear.  In first gear it'll flip right over if I'm not carefull.  This, with a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket, and a lot of tuning.  I think that you're expecting too much of an 800 with stock gearing, at least for second gear.

[NuTTs]

Learn from Dave Sonsky..

He is a stunt guru, used to do stunts with "the star boyz". he writes for streetfighter magazine stateside now.

[Ducatiloo]

I have a 800 and a 14T sprocket helped alot.  Still not easy.

[flanman]

I'm realizing its not that easy  Roughly what rpm are you at when the front goes up?

[Ducatiloo]

I haven't done it this year yet.  I think it was 4500 with a good bounce on the forks.  But don't quote me on that.  I will have to research

[NuTTs]

I'm realizing its not that easy  Roughly what rpm are you at when the front goes up?

On a 800cc in first at around 5500rpm i would simply cut the throttle, let the forks compress and then whack the throttle open (ALWAYS COVERING THE REAR BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT). In second gear, same theory but as you´re about to whack the gas to WOT i´d just flick the clutch (as in press in slightly and dump) again with that rear brake covered. It will come up.

If I could wheelie a Kawasaki ZZR250 with 33hp you can wheelie a M600 - M800 easy.

If you make the beast with two backs up and break your bike, get hurt or worse - I don´t condone this sort of behavior and don´t blame it on me. If you can´t do it - seek help from a wheelie school and they will teach you in a safe environment.

MAKE SURE:
Tyres/tires are warm and road surface is dry and not frozen solid and your rear brake works.
You are not practicing on a public road (ahem)
You have full gear one from head to toe - helmet, gloves, boots, leathers

Have fun!

[NAKID]

What NuTTs said. I used to do that all the time when I had my S2R800. Now with the 1K, roll on wheelies are common place...

[He Man]

I have no problem getting up the front wheel on the S2R1k in 2nd  gear. when i try to do them (rarely, the bike is just too snappy to learn on, and im a big wuss) 2nd gear power wheelies gets my bike high enough. 1st gear is just askinig for it to loop and the bike goes wild if u just back of the throttle just a hairline. 3rd gear wheelies are next to impossible with just the throttle. But ive felt it want to jump if you get the suspension preloaded and u let out the clutch to fast.

[spinned]

I think the instruction on youtube above is very good for those wanting to learn.  I found it easier to do a power wheelie starting at only 2,000 rpm and then just a little throttle will easily bring it up 2".  Start with that.  Be ready to back off the throttle or hit the rear break.  Start slow with little flicks of the throttle and build up.  When I tried to do it at 4,000 rpm I had to hit the throttle harder and obviously I was also going faster.  Start slow.  At 2,000 rpm the bike is not going very fast. Just don't wack it wide open... try little flicks first.  Believe me it will come up.

[flanman]

I think the instruction on youtube above is very good for those wanting to learn.  I found it easier to do a power wheelie starting at only 2,000 rpm and then just a little throttle will easily bring it up 2".  Start with that.  Be ready to back off the throttle or hit the rear break.  Start slow with little flicks of the throttle and build up.  When I tried to do it at 4,000 rpm I had to hit the throttle harder and obviously I was also going faster.  Start slow.  At 2,000 rpm the bike is not going very fast. Just don't wack it wide open... try little flicks first.  Believe me it will come up.

Thats really all i am looking for right now. Starting slow with just a few inches and working up from there. Thanks for all the helpful posts

[androgynous]

Thats really all i am looking for right now. Starting slow with just a few inches and working up from there. Thanks for all the helpful posts

I too have an itch for wheelies
it's a good idea too take small steps
dont expext to do 12 O'clock's  in three day's practice
took me a year and six months to get to the point where i'm now comfortable
and i'm only clutching it in 2nd gear and no stand up's (well not yet anyways)
get used to redlining in first gear several times
so you know where all the torque is
keep the rear brake covered/ware proper gear
have fun
 

[johnster]

I find that power wheelies are easier if I unweight my butt from the saddle....Not quite standing up, but sorta like the position you'd be in if you were going over bumps....The bike sorta feels "lighter" in this position for some reason....

The one thing I'm crappy at, though, is attempting to upshift from 1st to 2nd while the front wheel is up....some people are really good at it, but not me....

[CDawg]

Wheelie school (no FHE):
http://www.ononewheel.com/

[tufty]

If it helps, i have the cure for wheelies....

Keep repeating to yourself over and over "the radiator for a S4R is $1600, the tank for a S2R is $1300, my full Arrow exhaust cost $2000...."

It cured me.