Wheelie Phobic

[enderw88]

For the last 8 years I have ridden my trusty K75. It wouldn't wheelie without a significant amount of C-4 beneath the front wheel. So now that I am considering moving to a considerably more powerful bike (R1200R, K1200R, R-Sport), I am left to wonder exactly how easy is it to keep the front wheel on the ground. So if I don't want to wheelie, can I still use full throttle in the lower gears? I noted that Gypsy wheelied in second gear, did this require special technique or does it take effort to keep the front wheel down...

[Dauntless]

I've never wheelied mine so you probably have to make an effort to do so. I've done wide open throttle in first and second but didn't take it much past 6k rpm which is where the power kicks in. Apparently, if you keep going past 6k, the front wheel will lift.

[deilenberger]

Ditto.. I did feel the front end getting a bit light once when I red-lined it in 2nd, but it certainly wasn't causing any control problems for me. I have carefully positioned a lot of my personal mass ahead of my hipbones, so that might have something to do with it..

[enderw88]

Thanks. I suspect my 150# may makes this a bit easier than I want. So, in the event I get the front wheel off the ground, are there any specifics about getting it back on the ground without smearing myself across the tarmac? I mean, more than keep the bars straight? They don't exactly teach wheelies at the MSF...

[Phillo]

Thanks. I suspect my 150# may makes this a bit easier than I want. So, in the event I get the front wheel off the ground, are there any specifics about getting it back on the ground without smearing myself across the tarmac? I mean, more than keep the bars straight? They don't exactly teach wheelies at the MSF...

It will not wheelie that easily, I weigh in at 162 and like Don says apart from feeling the front get a little light on ooccasion no problem.

[LumpyCam]

Get the ASC (automatic stability control) option if you're worried about it. Has kept my front end planted.

"Lift-off detection and intervention serves furthermore to prevent the front wheel from moving up when accelerating under full power."*

[celticus]

I have never had a problem with wheelies on my bike. The wheel only comes up when I want it to and then it comes up controlably. It will not be a problem for you.

Mark

[AllanCook]

The early reviews talked about the relative ease of lifting the front tire on the R12R, but I think the reviews were written by young hotdogs who do that sort of thing all the time. I've never experienced or heard of a problem from more typical riders.

[ka5ysy]

MSF does not teach wheelies because..... the appropriate way to avoid this situation is to use a wrist-down position on the throttle so you cannot snap the throttle into wide open position.

The other piece of this equation is to not dump the clutch when you are revving the engine.


So.... Clutch control and Throttle control solves the problem. If you have not been riding for a time, you might consider taking an MSF or RidersEdge course as a review. We get returning riders all the time.

ESC is, to me, an unnecessary doohickie. If you are really concerned about your abilities to control the throttle, it is a good accessory. You will find the RR to be a very calm ride with no bad manners.

[mogu83]

How fast the front wheel comes up is relative to how fast you snap your right wrist back. If you ride in a normal manner and roll the throttle on you can go past 6k without any great drama (except things start going past really fast). If you wind up first gear and hit second and snap the throttle open your going to get air under the front tyre. The machine is extremely stable and you will most likely only experience a light feeling in the front (assuming straight line operation), you will not be looking straight up in the air. Just slowly roll off the throttle, say a quick 'Holy ShXX', and your on your way.
This bike comes up in a very un-Beemer type way, I've never ridden a K bike so I don't know how easy they come up but I was pleasantly surprised at how easily this one comes up, just another surprise that the R had in it.
BTW: Now that I'm on Medicare (over 65 to you non-USA folk) I'm trying to ride in a more mature manner and abandon my young hotdog tendencies , but I'm having a hard time with that.

[enderw88]

So.... Clutch control and Throttle control solves the problem. If you have not been riding for a time, you might consider taking an MSF or RidersEdge course as a review. We get returning riders all the time.

I haven't taken any time off, but the MSF courses are very good refreshers (its been about four years since I took an ERC, I could do with another). The real issue is that my K75 is so underpowered and overweight that this just isn't an issue...I have probably developed bad habits with respect to throttle control because it is so benign. Sort of like how I cannot drive my Super Stalker like I drive my beat up old Mercedes E420...if I floor the Super Stalker I better mean it because all sorts of exciting starts to happen right NOW...

My Super Stalker, 300HP, 240 ftlbs, 1500lbs with me in it...Much faster than my K75...

[deilenberger]

SuperStalker = Sweet! Sort of looks like a Lotus 7..

The last wheelie I did was on my '74 Norton 850 Commando-Mk-III - when it was new.

It's when I found out why one shouldn't use Armorall on a flat-bench-seat. Coming smartly off the line, I found my butt rapidly sliding rearwards on the Armorall'd seat.. and to hang on, I was gripping the grips with the grip of death, which unfortunately also opened the throttle, quickly and fully. So - my weight is now near the rear of the bike, full power is being applied quickly, I'm pulling backwards on the bars - and UP UP UP she went. Damn near vertical. Somehow I managed to twist the throttle OFF and back down it came.

Some kids who happened to be watching went "WOW man! Just WOW.."

After cleaning up my pants - I took some detergent to the seat and never again would I use Armorall on a motorcycle seat.

Clue here is - to end a wheelie - turn the throttle off. Does it with basically no drama at all.. even after going vertical. And don't use Armorall on a flat bench seat.

[enderw88]

SuperStalker = Sweet! Sort of looks like a Lotus 7..

Yep, it is actually titled as a 1962 Lotus Seven, makes emissions test really easy!

[celticus]

" The real issue is that my K75 is so underpowered and overweight that this just isn't an issue..."

That is certainly correct. I have 4 or 5 friends who ride them so I am not able to speak truthfully about them often. We were all out for a ride one day with lots of my friends on old Airheads and as many on K75s. I was riding my 98 K1200RS with the wife on the back heading up a very long uphill grade near the Appalachian Trail around Hot Springs N.C. I gave it the gas and all my friends could do was watch me leave. The throttles on the K75s were sort of like volume knobs on a weak stereo. Turn it all the way and it just gets slightly louder but not much faster. Like on a tractor in low gear. It was fun. Mainly for me.
I will ask if any have problems with unbidden wheelies.

Mark

[GypsyRR]

I noted that Gypsy wheelied in second gear, did this require special technique or does it take effort to keep the front wheel down...

MEN!! do you guys only look at the pictures? I said in the text that the wheelie picture and the speedometer picture were photoshop jobs. If I could ever get Joe to send me the original photo, you will see who the real 'hotdog' is. I'm just clever with photoshop, not dumping the clutch and red lining.

HOWEVER----- the chicken strip pictures were NOT photoshopped. I ride okay, but I don't think of ever attempt a wheelie. Thanks for believing I could though!

[celticus]

I guess men DO tend to just look at the pictures. Some men want you to believe they have subscriptions to Play Boy for the articles.
It seems perfectly clear that you are a woman now.
I need to pay more attention. I remember thinking that you were a pretty nice looking guy.
Anyway I'm glad to find out you are a girl.
Photoshop huh?

Mark

[enderw88]

I noted that Gypsy wheelied in second gear, did this require special technique or does it take effort to keep the front wheel down...

MEN!! do you guys only look at the pictures? I said in the text that the wheelie picture and the speedometer picture were photoshop jobs. If I could ever get Joe to send me the original photo, you will see who the real 'hotdog' is. I'm just clever with photoshop, not dumping the clutch and red lining.

HOWEVER----- the chicken strip pictures were NOT photoshopped. I ride okay, but I don't think of ever attempt a wheelie. Thanks for believing I could though!

Wow, I had to go back and read it again to find where you said that. I caught the bit about 133 the first time, but not the clause about the wheelie. I feel much more comfortable now. have had vision of seeing nothing but sky simply by twitching my wrist!

[Lost Rider]

I would not have posted this, but what the hell.
I wanted a good picture of the skid plate... yeah, that's it...






(this is a private business drive, not a public street so save the safety lectures please)





Yes the R will do wheelies on command in 1st and 2nd.
You have to work for it in second, but I find it to be much smoother and enjoyable because I can ride it for much further...
In 1st if you just lean forward while snapping it to full throttle you can keep the front down. Like other said, rolling on the throttle you don't have any problems keeping the wheel down-if you want it to.
It's actually harder to keep the front down when I'm loaded with camping gear cause of the weight in the back.



Have no worries about controlling your new Roadster, and enjoy the power!

[Dan-A]

I hit it hard in first (without banging the clutch), keeping up with some buddies from a stop light and the front wheel came right up. I don't make a habit of this cause I don't like having to clean my shorts.

This bike can be a hooligan, but feels just as contented riding easy. Riders choice.

[tobes]

Don't fear the wheelie - that's half the fun of riding. Careful when riding with a loaded topcase, that's when it becomes challenging to keep the front down.