Finding the balance point?

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

got no issues with getting the drz400 wheel up with throttle or clutch in any gear under 5th, problem is Im not comfortable with getting the bike to its balancing point. once it gets about 1m in the air I chicken out and roll off the gas which drops the wheel to the ground so cant carry much distance.

can slow wheelie a MTB for a long way on the back brake but what Im worried about is the old habit of dropping the legs off the pedals and landing on the feet when over-rotating the MTB. Over rotated a 125 a couple of times ended up jumping off the back rather than use the back brake when the front got too high.

Im getting more comfortable with the wheel in the air but dont want to flip the bike. what hints are out there to get comfortable with the bike at the balance point? learn to slow wheelie first with the back brake? practice on hills? or just get angry and get it done? how have you guys done it?

cheers

[Taz]

I wouldn't have a clue.

[CookMySock]

Long-tether your boots to the footpeg area, so you can put one down when you stop, but so you CANNOT step off the back. That should sort you out. :yes:

The bit I'm having problems with, is falling to the side and having to put it down.

Steve

[bombsquad]

if your bike still has the passenger footpegs then flip the left one down and put your left foot on this, and keep you right foot on the main peg so you can cover the rear brake. Riding stagged like this makes it alot less scary when you hit bp and as your body is in a more natural vertical position and not leaning off the back like a stander wheelie normally is

[bombsquad]

And to Dangerous Bastard, the likely reason you are leaning to one side will be because you are subconciosly (or conciously) turning your handle bars in that direction. Keep your weight dead centre and your bars straight and you should be sweet

[onearmedbandit]

I found the best tool for improving me wheelies was to get a mate to video me. It showed me how high I was actually getting, and therefore how much further I could go. With that in mind I am now able to confidently hit the balance point.