Wheelies

**Toaster** · 22nd July 2008, 11:55

Not sure how you got a "gutless" bike to wheelie by accident tank.

My GSXR1000 was a fantastic bike for wheelies, it used to pop up so easily and was a blast to ride. The GSXR750 I had prior was more sedate, but still an awesomely well balanced bike.

**Tank** · 22nd July 2008, 12:02

Originally Posted by Devil

Ahhh the asthmatic donkey. That'll be their GS500 loaner.

Just wikipedia'ed it - it was indeed the GS500

Originally Posted by vifferman

Unless it was in real danger of going quickly past the balance point (which is actually quite high - nearly vertical), it will normally just come up a bit then gradually go back down by itself.

It was only a small wheelie - probably felt a lot higher than it was simply because 'it was my first time'

Originally Posted by Mikkel

In that case, make sure you mention your achievement to the guys at Holeshot at next given opportunity. They ought to be mightily impressed

yeah - like that will help me get a speed triple as a loaner next time lol.

**Mikkel** · 22nd July 2008, 12:04

Originally Posted by Tank

It was only a small wheelie - probably felt a lot higher than it was simply because 'it was my first time'

Actually yes, it was probably just that new-fangled suspension travel thing that was talking

**Tank** · 22nd July 2008, 12:04

Originally Posted by Toaster

Not sure how you got a "gutless" bike to wheelie by accident tank.

Sounds like simple poor riding. I just grabbed a handful like I do on the M50.

A lesson was learnt. I must say I have enjoyed trying a couple of different bikes of late and am already thinking of a adventure type bike.

Just got to get rid of the M50 first.

**Toaster** · 22nd July 2008, 12:13

Originally Posted by Tank

Sounds like simple poor riding. I just grabbed a handful like I do on the M50.

A lesson was learnt. I must say I have enjoyed trying a couple of different bikes of late and am already thinking of a adventure type bike.

Just got to get rid of the M50 first.

Adventure bikes would certainly be lots of fun.... the only concern would be tyres. The mix of off and on road use would concern me that the tyres then maybe only do either role resonably well rather than very well.

The great thing about motorbikes is working through the different types, shapes, sizes etc and finding the one that suits you best for the time of life you are at. Good luck with that mate.

Bike shopping is the second best thing to do... riding being the best of course!

**boomer** · 22nd July 2008, 12:42

Originally Posted by nodrog

you have got to be progressive on the throttle, you cant just grab a handful and hope for the best like on a cruiser.

ahahhaha how true.

ps. 2 inches does not a wheelie make.

**xwhatsit** · 22nd July 2008, 13:01

Originally Posted by Mikkel

If it is a sportsbike and pops the front wheel just because you feed it a bit of throttle it wouldn't fit into the gutless category IMHO.

I dunno -- you lot would probably class a TRX850 as being pretty gutless, but I pulled a couple of accidental wheelies off the traffic lights trying to see how fast I could get it to accelerate. Didn't dump the clutch or anything, although I might've slipped it a bit, 250cc-style. Made me feel quite queasy and dizzy, tipping back and zooming off as quick as that

Front wheel probably wasn't up very high, but it felt like metres to my small inexperienced brain.

It's all the weight distribution and gearing, that's my theory anyway. Hell, my little 50cc Super Cub gets the front end up just trying to get away from the lights before the bus behind runs me over.

**Racer X** · 22nd July 2008, 13:05

Originally Posted by Tank

....
So - given that this was inadvertent, and not something I want to do on a regular basis - what is the correct way to get the wheel down?

You got some typo's there bud, did you mean to say:

So - given that this was extremely fun, and ~~not~~ something I want to do on a regular basis - what is the correct way to keep the front wheel up?

**Mikkel** · 22nd July 2008, 13:32

Originally Posted by Toaster

Adventure bikes would certainly be lots of fun.... the only concern would be tyres. The mix of off and on road use would concern me that the tyres then maybe only do either role resonably well rather than very well.

Hmm, depends on how serious you want to be I suppose. Michellin pilot powers are quite ok for muddy gravel roads

Originally Posted by xerxesdaphat

I dunno -- you lot would probably class a TRX850 as being pretty gutless, but I pulled a couple of accidental wheelies off the traffic lights trying to see how fast I could get it to accelerate. Didn't dump the clutch or anything, although I might've slipped it a bit, 250cc-style. Made me feel quite queasy and dizzy, tipping back and zooming off as quick as that

Front wheel probably wasn't up very high, but it felt like metres to my small inexperienced brain.

Well, I automatically think 4-cylinder revvy engines when people say sportsbikes (and yes, I know that is not the only type which is out there). I suspect a wheelie would have a much easier time sneaking up on you if you're riding a twin.