wheelie becomes a tank-slapper

[Snips]

Hi,

Someone posted this over in the GMF,

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=22247.0

I'm about to chop in a 696 for a 1100S, so figure the odd wheelie might be inevitable.

So, I'd really appreciate any insights in why a wheelie turned into a tank-slapper.

Nige /suddenly worried he might have bitten off more than he can chew 

[BastrdHK]

Guy was going very fast for that wheelie....80-100mph....don't do that

He was hanging off to the right showing off for buddies......don't do that

Still hanging off when he touched the front down....he loses his balance causing him to grip the bars too tight,  exaggerating the tank slapper, panics.........don't ever do that.

I will give these guys credit for at least choosing a less traveled back road with soft green fields on either side to stunt on.  Wheeling is a skill....returning the front to the earth with control is more important to master than pulling it up.  That important fact is often overshadowed by elation/bravado once a rider figures out how to pop it up.  The goal is to return the front end to the ground as smooth as possible.  This requires more acceleration as your bringing it down.  Very hard to get used to twisting the throttle more as you are coming down.  This technique also requires more tarmac, which few ever factor in before they decide to wheelie.

Slamming the front end down(like this guy) will, inevitably, cause a similar result.

If you are stepping up to the 1100....you will definitely find yourself with the front wheel in the air on occasion.  I recommend practicing in an abandoned parking lot to get comfortable with your limits and your machines capabilities.

My 900 will wheelie, stoppie, and reach lean angles that drag hard parts.  I wanted to confidently gain awareness and a feel for when these things would happen on my bike.  Doing so, makes me a more prepared, aware rider.

Panic has serious consequences on a motorcycle.  Practice regularly, so that you can remain relaxed and react decisively in unexpected situations.   

[Snips]

Thanks BastrdHK, that sounds like very good advice that I shall be heeding.

I had a 620 before the 696, and took time to practice with that as my first proper bike in a parking lot, and that practice definitely paid off. You've reminded me of that, and that I should do the same with the 1100.

Appreciate you taking the time.

[amcloud]

Just so you are prepared, your wheel will come off the ground under acceleration in 1st and 2nd on the 1100.  Although, these wheelies are easier to control since the wheel wont be high off the ground and will return softly if you accelerate through.  I wouldn't recommend chopping the throttle in 1st as is required to wheelie the 696....the bike will stand up before you know what happened.  Also, when you practice wheelies, which you should as BastardHK stated, on the 1100 practice in 2nd gear...just chop the throttle a little.  The wheel comes up much slower and is easier to control.  Also, don't freak out. When you first start out, it is going to feel like your wheel is 3 times higher off the ground than it is in reality.  Your engine braking is plenty to bring the wheel back down if it gets out of your comfort range.  The rear brake will always bring you back down, but it does so in a hurry and getting slammed back down is a good way to shorten the life of your suspension and also a good way to get a nice tank slapper.  power wheelies are fun.

[OT]

FWIW - if the suspension's set up properly this (1100) bike won't wheelie unless you make it so.

[BastrdHK]

That is exactly why the OP is asking for advice.....b/c he WILL experience a wheelie and wants to be prepared/confident in his personal ability.

[red baron]

The 1100 ain't got the hp to wheelie like that anyways.

[Raux]

huh. the 1100 doesn't have enough HP to wheelie?

my 99 900 sen the front north every chance it could even when i didnt want to.

[Statler]

A 620 wheelies fine........just a new rider isn't going to do a 100 yard wheelie on it or an 1100 just by cracking the throttle open.   Landing crossed up at triple digit speeds just doesn't happen unless you are trying very very hard to do it on any bike.    Wouldn't worry about it too much.  go ride.

[sfarchie]

I'm getting a steering damper for my 1100S. Not that I plan or desire to wheelie, but it should help during those accidental ones.

[fasterblkduc]

I'm getting a steering damper for my 1100S. Not that I plan or desire to wheelie, but it should help during those accidental ones.

  Finally someone getting a steering damper for the right reason. It is designed to reduce "tank slappers" in the event that the front wheel gets out of line, either from wheelies or bumps while cornering, or whatever else might cause the front wheel to go sideways.