Tips for Crotch Rocket Wheelies

The power and torque of crotch rockets make them very dangerous but also a great machine for impressive tricks by a rider. Most riders will never try a wheelie and only well-seasoned riders should ever attempt one. After hundreds of miles of regular riding, you will be familiar with the quick power readily available from your bike. With this understanding of your bike's power you can perform spectacular wheelies.

  1. Familiarity

    • Only perform wheelies on a bike that you are familiar with. This should be your daily rider and a bike that you have ridden in many conditions and speeds. Different conditions and speeds require you to use different acceleration and torque. These nuances are critical in performing an impressive and safe wheelie.

    Torque Peak

    • Familiarize yourself with the torque peak of your bike. This is the moment when you bike can provide the most torque at a given time. This depends on the size of your bike. For the average 1000cc, it is about 6000rpms. By knowing your bike's torque peak, you will be able to get into the wheelie position much easier.

    Center of Balance

    • By controlling the throttle (accelerating and decelerating) during a wheelie you can lift and drop your front end. It is dangerous and not professional to have your front end bouncing up and down during a wheelie. To avoid this you must find your center of balance. This is a balance of speed and angle. The steeper the angle of the bike from the ground, the less speed you need.

    Positioning

    • You must be in full control of the bike when performing a wheelie. Keep your arms straight and rigid, holding tightly to the handlebars. This will keep your body weight constant rather than fluctuating during the wheelie. Squeeze your thighs against the gas tank steadying yourself at the center of the bike. A proper position will allow you to focus on finding the center of balance and keep it.