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wheelies - learning clutch vs power

207K views 483 replies 121 participants last post by  Wheelieaddiction 
#1 ·
Sorry if this has been covered a million times.....

Seems most guys say clutch is easier but I've always found clutch wheelies a bit wild so never spent much time with them.

Is the main benefit ability to wheelie at lower speeds? I haven't done wheelies for a long time so considering myself a NOOB again - wondering which method I should go out and practice.

I'm looking at it as an exercise in bike control (and the pure fun factor :D )
 
#408 ·
Always pavement. Gaining traction on anything else is difficult when popping the clutch.
+1..... yeah crashing might hurt less on the dirt but traction is always an issue. If you have a dirtbike or a knobby, practicing on the dirt is much more forgiving!!!
 
#410 ·
I'm getting there on power wheelies... Can generally get it up in second whenever I want, and can ride it a bit. Can even pop up a bit in third as well.

I've been playing with the clutch, learning the friction point and what not... getting ready to clutch it up, but I have no parking lot to practice, clutching on the road makes me nervous!
 
#415 ·
I can pretty much get it up no problem by cutting the throttle and goosing it... but clutching it, nothing!

I think I'm not giving it enough throttle when I try to clutch, since I try at lower speeds (I'm nervous to try clutching it up at speed).

I wish I had a parking lot big enough to practice!!!!
 
#416 ·
Give it more gas or let the clutch out faster. Go behind a walmart, Lowes, or any of the big retailers. There is usually some empty space behind these stores where you can goof off for a while.

You could get the feel of the relationship of throttle to clutch by coasting in first gear and slipping the clutch while giving it throttle. Start slow as this is a good way to end up on your ass if you get overzealous but don't be scared. The bike won't do anything you don't make it do; you just have to learn how to make it do what you want.
 
#432 ·
A stock DRZ yes, requires quite a bit of throttle to clutch up second. But, they are choked down big time from the factory also. Just a jet kit and 3x3 and they'll snap right up.

The DRZ is 320lbs wet and around 35HP depending on altitude, etc stock.
 
#440 ·
means cover the brake and keep getting it higher and higher and eventually you will learn to keep it high enough not to gain speed. quit bein a sissy in other words lol. takes time to get used to but once you do you will be riding wheelies for the rest of your life. its not that hard just takes time, when you get real good you can easily drop 20mph in a wheelie and never touch the brake just by using engine break and keeping it just past bp.
 
#446 ·
first ever

I pulled my first clutch wheelie today. I had no intention of doing it either. Scared the hell outta me, but as soon as the front tire hit the ground I was thinking about how to do it again. So, first thing when i got home i came to trusty ol' supermotojunkie and started reading. There's a lot of good info on here and i can't wait till i get to use it. Thanks.
 
#448 ·
hey guys, im new here. i read the entire thread and sum up my entire experience learning to wheelie:

i manage to pop the front wheel up about as high as 2-3 cans of coke stacked up.
how i did it is that i cruised at first around 12-15km/h, clutch it up, blow/gas the throttle once twice and i slipped the clutch.

the question is, i manage to get to that height (2-3 cans) always. how do i get up higher ? slip the clutch faster ?
 
#461 ·
Boots

is your bike stock? mine with a jet kit, 3x3, slip on, and 44T rear this is what i would do....

SECOND gear at 30kmh. full throttle, pop clutch, not slip, POP, then lift right away again.. works like a charm every time... In first gear like others have said be careful..

I dont know why you are slipping your clutch and only getting a foot... i could loop a power wheelie in first easy....


the big thing to remember is to pop the clutch with the power on, not after you have already let off, which is what most people do. and don't slip your clutch... You may find doing them in second gear to be easier ... its a bit of a trade off, the wheelie will be more stable at speed, but its scary cause you are going faster.... I could wheelie second for a solid block safely under the balance point... no risk of looping.

also pay attention to whats in your view... im pretty tall so I just tride to keep the triples in front of me... i knew i was safe if i could still see over them hahah

What boots are those that you are wearing? I Love how they look in the Gray would you happen to know if tehy come in a black as well and what price range they run in? thanks and great instructions once I get a little more comfortable on my bike I may try but as for now getting back into it :p
Loki87
 
#462 ·
boots

What boots are those that you are wearing? I Love how they look in the Gray would you happen to know if tehy come in a black as well and what price range they run in? thanks and great instructions once I get a little more comfortable on my bike I may try but as for now getting back into it :p
Loki87
Those boots are aplinestar tech 3s
 
#450 ·
i ride an 06 husky smr510 race bike and i'm way to scared to touch the clutch comes up in 3rd gear on power easy as suffering some gravel rash at the moment from doing wheelies to stoppies in my street, powered a 2nd gear wheelie for about 60m put it down a little crooked touched my front brake and the front went:rolleyes2:

really wish i wasn't wearing a singlet and shorts, glad i had my helmet and boots on tho hahaha
 
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