How to Ride a Wheelie on a Motorcycle

Popping wheelies on motorcycles can be dangerous, and in some cases illegal. On the other hand, it can be a lot of fun, and certainly it's quite impressive. Riding a wheelie on a motorcycle is even more impressive. It should never be done by anyone other than an expert, but follow these guidelines and you'll be riding on your back wheel in no time.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle
• Open roadway
• Helmet/protective gear

Launching

1. Launch your motorcycle into a wheelie. The easiest way to do this is by rolling it on. However, the method won't work on all bikes. Go about 1/3 of your tach range while in first gear. Then, within a second you need to have the throttle at full. You can use your suspension and/or your clutch to help you if you are having trouble getting your motorcycle to perform a ride on wheelie (see tips below).

2. Find the balance point for both your body and the motorcycle, so that you can ride the wheelie without falling backwards.

3. Shift gears on your motorcycle in order to ride the wheelie longer. The easiest way to do this is via a clutch-free shift, which you should first practice on two wheels before trying it on one wheel. While full on the gas, apply upward pressure to the shift lever. Then quickly snap the throttle off, and back on again.

4. Allow the front wheel to come back down. Make sure your wheel is pointed straight ahead, your throttle open wide, and stay on the gas.

5. Ride out of the wheelie by staying calm and steady. At higher speeds you will experience a bit of wobbling, but if you stay straight, and don't overcompensate or panic, you should be fine.

Tips & Warnings

• To use the throttle to help you wheelie, get going a third to a half tach in first gear, shut the throttle off and then whack it back open.
• To use the clutch to help you wheelie, while in first gear get to an RPM of about a third to a half of your max hp, then pull in the clutch while revving the engine once or twice. This allows you to time it so that the throttle is open. As you come up, relax on the throttle and, if needed, cover your rear brake.
• It is easier to wheelie going up a steep hill, as your weight will be shifted back to the rear of the bike, taking weight off the front end.
• Performing wheelies on a motorcycle is a potentially dangerous, even life threatening, activity. Make sure that you are well practiced as a motorcyclist. It is also wise to wear a helmet, and to have someone with you who can assist you in calling for help if you are injured.
• In some jurisdictions it may be illegal to perform a wheelie on a motorcycle, especially on a public street. Check your local laws before attempting.
• Wheelies can do damage to your motorcycle, especially if done frequently. Wheelies can be hard on the back tire, steering head, fork seal, chain, steering stem bearings, and more.