Wheelies

Any dirt bike experience Maanu?
If not get some


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I'll add to this with a twist of the wrist volume 1 & 2 by keith code.

also get on youtube and look for "moto gymkhana"
you'll realize that there are actual skills to be learned which are both satisfying to learn and useful.

 

I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of Code. The material listed covers anything and everything he does, in a better way imo (more science.)

 

I've been meaning to check out total control but haven't yet.

what I like most about code is the "survival reactions" and managing them
it's saved my hide a few times

 

I like the 10 buck trick, comes in handy when introducing new elements to a lesson.

 

So, everyone here is right, and you should have mastered all the basic skills before attempting any stunts on any motorcycle, let alone on a big heavy bike like a VFR.

Having said that, since I have a hunch that you're unlikely to be satisfied with that answer, I'll just mention some concepts I used/learned when I tried to do some wheelies on my VFR (after riding motorcycles for 5 years, and my VFR for 10,000km). Also, a caveat, I'm not sure what people are using for the definition of a wheelie, I've never ridden a hundred meters with my front wheel at a 45' angle to the rear, but I do enjoy popping the front wheel off the ground under hard acceleration for a second or two, so that's my definition and I think it still counts.

Only try them on empty, dry, clean roads. Start small, very small. In fact while you're trying to get a feel for it don't even worry about the front wheel not coming off the ground. It took me days before I got the wheel up for the first time when explicitly trying to. Progressively add power/effort until things start happening. I wasn't a fan of doing clutched wheelies, I realize that it probably offers a lot more control over what speed you wheelie at and how high you lift, but it felt so bad for the clutch the only few times I tried it and I also never had any luck with it, so I stopped trying. When I want to do a little wheelie I simply get the bike moving, rpms just into VTEC, let off the throttle a bit to compress the front forks and then snatch as much throttle as I'm comfortable with. The front lifts up, and unless you go wide open it'll come back down on its own.

That's all I've got.

 

What may be happening here, is you are using the preload adjuster as a ride height adjustment. Preload in itself does not aid in wheelies, but any additional ride height that comes with the preload increase, will. When you add ride height, you are in turn raising the center of gravity and shortening the wheelbase, both of which will cause the bike to rotate under throttle easier.

Typically if you are setting a bike up for drag racing and want to limit wheelie tendencies, you you stiffen up all suspension settings, to limit movement and in turn the bike's tendency to rotate under throttle.

Conversely, if you are traction limited, you will need to soften up the settings (specifically front rebound and rear preload / compression) to allow more movement and weight transfer rearward. Too much weight transfer though and you get wheelies.

 

I took both the California Super Bike School and Total Control classes, both are very good. However, I found that the curriculum that the Total Control classes uses seem better suited for the average street rider. I should add that I did take the CSBS class in the late 90's and the Total Control class a few years ago, regardless, I really liked the Total Control class and felt even after riding all these years, it was good info and really gave me a "refresher" on all of the things I know and forgot. I also have all of the books mentioned as well as a couple from author David Hough. His "proficient Motorcycling" books are a great read for street riders.

As far as wheelies, to each their own but I say keep it off the streets and do it in an area out of the public eye. It does take some skill to do them, particularly to raise and lower the bike smoothly. Not to mention, keeping the bike vertical for any period of time. I think that is the appeal of doing them to most riders. Plus, it easily impresses non riders, except when done on public streets, then you're just another squid and public nuisance!

 

First VFR I dropped was an 14 red vfr800. I was in NJ, sitting on it while it was parked. I was basically on the side of the bike, one foot on the peg one foot on the ground. I lost my balance and the bike tipped, partly because I forgot to lock the steering.


Second one was a 14 red vfr800 deluxe. 29 miles on it and I tried taking it off the center stand. I must've not done it right because it fell.

 

Because I'll actually be sitting on the bike when I try wheelying. Bad things happen when I'm not sitting on the bike.

 

Maybe you should get a white one?

 

I suggest this

 

My opinion is that while you propably shouldn't try to do wheelies when there is traffic around, together with the strees it puts on the bike, they shure are fun to do.
It helps if you have a couple of theeth extra on the rear sprocket (as on my 5th gen) and if you start on a nearly empty tank.
I find it the easiest is from take off, I rev it to around 6000rpm and let out the clutch quickly. As soon as it starts to grab and I'm moving, I let it go.
Front lifts easily, you don't control height or length of lift by the throttle, that shouldn't change, once clutch is engaged you give it all its got, you control it by the rear brake, that's how you end up with a soft landing.
Keep foot on rear brake, as it reaches where you are comfortable, you start applying rear brake while holding throttle.
That is the same method you use when approaching a creast under hard throttle, keep foot on rear brake just in case and use it if it starts to lift, throttle stays on.
It also helps a lot if your brakes are delinked as mine, on an 8th gen that is not a problem.
But I stress caution, you should get to know your bike a bit better before you attempt it.

 

Okay first off, let's use the politically correct term Caucasian.


Secondly they cost a lot more lol

 

Almost any bike can wheelie. Some are much better than others. Linked brake bikes and wheelies can be ugly.

Go to the track and learn to ride, wheelies will soon be far from your mind.

If you must, buy extra rear brake pads and fork seals. And some excellent full leathers.

 

This post is again like someone said "Cheek & Tongue and not meant to offend)

I think that it has been said but... "Why the hell would you want to wheelie on a VFR being a piggy bike?" IMO, Why the hell would you want to wheelie any bike? Unless you are getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do it while being a professional rider for your fans. That way at least you hopefully have cash saved while recovering in the hospital if it goes bad. I have never had the inclination to do a wheelie, I like at least two wheels on the road and sometimes that is to little.;-) I have scared the shit out or myself a few times with speed, cornering and not seeing that little F..king Antelope near Reno. NV.;-) Ok I've also done stupid shit with the lack of gear. So I should go back to my little corner now!;-)

My new line of thought is that from the age of 8-17yrs do stupid shit, at least hopefully your parents can take care of you and their insurance. Then take out the Stupid and add Experience and training to the shit and you will be ok most of the time. That is if the Stupid shit others do does not kill you as well!

I just watched the "Top 50 Superbike crashes" on You tube. if my thinking is correct 15-20% where wheelies, 45% was lane splitting at high speeds, and the rest was wet roads and "Cager error". Post note! Most of these videos are from Russia, Japan, India and Europe. I will never ride in any of these countries (Ok, I'll be honest because I will never get a chance to see or ride in these countries due to finances). WAIT, I ride in Utah! and it is like riding in any of these in the U.S. (shitty roads or construction all the time, people don't look for motorcycles, because you should be driving a SUV, Turn signals are for loser's and a cell phone needs to be looked at while driving!). ;-)

Looking for another riding course right now! And buying new riding gear!

 

Works like a charm, thank you

 

8th gen has combined braking?

 

No

 

Glad I could help, just don't get carried away, we all want to keep as many VFRs on the road as possible!