okay I was thinking about this thing I have read about and maybe someone on here can jump in and has used or read about it. It is called wheelieteach or something like that. Being I have really not actually rode wheelies I am trying to learn the basics and believe that this could be my easier and safest route. I do know that my XB fun fun to do short wheelies on about a 100 or so feet. The 1125r is such a powerhouse that getting to the balance point is a lot trickier.
I can ride wheelie for my miles on my YZ250 but the 1125r is a whole different beast. I just cant bring myself to bring her up to the balancing point. The dirtbike advice is good but I dont think it will help much. The 1125r sure likes to lift front end though.
For a middle age non-athlete type I can do fairly good wheelies on most bikes. Been doing it for years and years. The 1125's are a good machine for it IF YOU ARE REALLY EXPERIANCED AT IT. Short wheelbase, unique weight distribution and plenty of snappy power makes it pretty sensitive. I can carry the front on my Ducati 900SS streetfighter type pretty well, the Buell has me tentative and not willing to push it. Second gear medium height is about it. Get that dirt bike.
I stunt on an 04 636, and I can tell you right now that an 1125 is a bad bike to learn wheelies on. Not only is it too torquey for learning, but if you were to find balance point, it likes to cut out at idle....Ive rode idle on mine a few times but was sketched out thinking it was gonna die on me with how inconsistent the cylinders fire.
If you must learn, that wheelietech stuff is garbage. Go drop the clutch at 7k and make sure youre covering your rear brake. Youll get it eventually.
From time to time my 1125r wheelies itself...a little over zealous on the right wrist through the first two gears will cause unintentional levitation...I agree with all above. If you must perfect your wheelie craft, do it on a dirt bike. I can wheelie my kid's xr70 forever...
+3 on the dirtbike. I started when i was 8, and it hurts hitting the ground. Actually unless you can learn your friction zone really well, and the balance point of the individual bike, I really believe the best place for wheelies is in the dirt. It is so much more forgiving than pavement.
I can't attest to how the "R"'s react to a heavy right wrist(or playful left fingers), but my CR pulls 15 degrees or more in levitation up to fourth. I guess its that damn back sprocket.
For me, started wheelies at 8 on a dirt a 90cc dirt bike, the 1125r is easy, the CR is real sweet on wheelies, especially 2nd gear, very smooth, nice flat torq, yummy. My issue is with the lack of bite with the rear brake, covering the rear I'm not as confident with the brake safety as I am with other bikes, so I focus much more on the throttle. i don't know why, but mine & the other 3 1125's (R's & CR) all have a weak bite to the rear brake.
The ideal IMHO would be to practice on a dirt bike in a parking lot, on asphalt. Doing them on asphalt feels different than dirt, preferrably a 4 stroke, it'll have a fatter torq curve than a 2 stroke, so it'll feel more like a street bike on power delivery for control.
while sitting you want to start a slow first gear wheelie by raising the front end and then putting it down. Ok 1st gear 6k just kinda crack it it will come up with ease. Do this a little bit it will get easer. work your way to second gear 7k crack it and will come up the more rev the faster it comes up. A trick to a good wheelie is stand up while in 2nd gear gas to about 5k let of for a brief sec. then gas it again it will come up with ease... balance point is much more predictable and your in control.
What's the infatuation with wheelies? Too much Stupidbike on SpeedTV? Really, you should concentrate on inproving your riding. Personally, I like riding fast and knowing I am in complete control of my bike. To me, that's the sign of an accomplished motorcyclist. The guys who play squid and have that "look at me" attitude are detrimental to themselves (eventually) and for sure the sport in general.
Tim, you have got to be one of the best riders from the flat land I've ever met.
thanks i guess for the most part i hold my own i suppose.
Damn I would like to try that Jennings track. How nice is it with motorcycles only?
it was pretty nice. really good surface. really grippy, a rough spot or 2 but nothing major. i really enjoyed it. does take some getting used to though. there are a couple of funky corners.