Need some help on wheelies

I'm new to the forum and could use a little help? I've been out of motorcycles for a few years and have been slowely getting back in the grove. I've got no problem get my bike up in 1'st and 2nd (using the clutch in 2nd) but I just can't get that balance point to keep it there very long. Maybe I just need more practice or just more balls ! Also once I get it there should shift with or without the clutch?:rock

no need for clutch shifting when wheeling. just make sure you blip the throttle off (quickly). the balance point on the R1 is very high up. When I wheelie I have a VERY hard time seeing over the windscreen. I've tried looking through the glass, but I got a Smoke windscreen and it's kinda hard seeing through it. Then I atleast know I'm at the balance point. I hate the balance point though.. just because of that.. you can't see anything ahead of you. You have to hang off the bike to the side.. to see anything. This will cause the bike to wobble if you're unlucky.. due to that your head is sticking out and the wind is no longer streamlined.. will make for an unstable wheelie.. sorry if my english fails

I think its really confusing when people say to do it one way or the other. Just practice and do what is best for you. For me, i always clutch them in second around the 35-40 mph range. One finger on the clutch, pull it in a bit very quick rev, release and you'll jump your bike to the balance point. You'll know when your there, trust me. The bike feels very light and you won't be chasing down your wheelie. It actually feels ALLOT more stable in the balance position. And feels like its floating. Practice makes perfect. Be carefull. ;)

Can you guys do wheelies on other bikes, and are jsut trying to get it right on the R1, or are you all learning? My first bike was a Kan-a-tuna, and it could barely move, let alone wheelie, and I jsut can't bring myself to "practive" on an R1... You guys are either braver, or richer, or...

Originally posted by dissident Can you guys do wheelies on other bikes, and are jsut trying to get it right on the R1, or are you all learning? My first bike was a Kan-a-tuna, and it could barely move, let alone wheelie, and I jsut can't bring myself to "practive" on an R1... You guys are either braver, or richer, or... I ride with a guy who has a 600 Kan-a-tuna, he wheelies the balls out of it. It can be done. He rides it through a couple of gears. BTW- It just takes more balls to get to the balance point but take your time, its better to come down early on 2 tires then to come down on your ass. Take it easy, and if you are going to be practicing please do it away from traffic.

I had a friend of mine lose it after coming down from a high 2nd gear wheelie right in front of me. A few bad scratches and scrapes but he was okay. Bike hit guardrail and disintegrated into teenee wheenee pieces. He missed the rail but 2 feet. He also wandered into oncoming traffic causing a lady to swerve and ditch her car before it wobbled out on the descent. Not fun. Screw the wheelies. Practice your concerning instead. Just my 0.02 though. ;)