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.how to . . .
cliffy's 1999 yzf-r6

i don't claim to be an expert in any way shape or form.  i have only been riding my r6 for about 8 months now.  it is the first sportbike i've owned.  my only other riding experience was some recreational dirt bikes back in highscool.  the fact of the matter is, i am a 21 year old, male, adrenaline junkie.  so when i am not going 170+mph (indicated), dragging my knee through the canyons & mountains, or enjoying the feel of a cute girl's body holding on for dear life (my fav)... i like to do wheelies and endos.

so here is what i have learned and how i've progressed to where i am now.  before you go and try any of these, remember to take it easy!  especially if you have never done them before.  practice in a remote location without traffic.  and until you are proficient, don't be trying to impress the  girls.  as most guys will admit, we do stupid things for girls.  and they won't be impressed if you loop it in front of them.  go to the pics section after this!

i hope this helps.  enjoy!!!
(note: the exact speeds and rpm's here are r6 specific)
(disclaimer: the author of this site will not be held responsible for the actions of those who visit this page)


 
wheelie type one (high speed power only)
this is what i started the learning process with.  this is what i would recommend to others who are new to wheelies.  it allows you to get a feel for having the front wheel off the ground with a minimized chance of looping it.

- bring the bike up to 50-52mph in first (yes , she's screaming),
- roll off the throttle momentarily so the weight transfers forward,
- let the bike slow until the speedo reads about 48-50mph,
- whip the throttle wide open, quick!
- once you reach the balancing point, modulate the throttle to keep it up!  :)

* you really have to snap the throttle open or the impulse of torque will not be large enough to get the wheel off the ground.  sliding way back in the seat helps as well.

there are a few problems with this method.  the first, and most obvious, is the speed necessary to start.  the second is that the wheelie will not last very long due to the closeness of the rev limiter.  third, the power band is a little jagged up here so it is a bit unpredictable.  i do not do these very often anymore but now that i am more experienced, i have found that you can reach the balancing point and keep it under the rev limiter for quite some time.


 
wheelie type two (low speed with clutch)
in my opinion, this is the hardest to learn but best for varied situations.  this method works best when it is performed between 15 and 30mph.  this is the method that most experienced riders use.

- bring the bike up to the desired speed (i like about 24mph) in first,
- pull in the clutch and bring the rpm's up 2-3k over what you are at,
- throw the clutch out about 3/4 through engagement (this is to make the transition smoother),
- the wheel should be come off the ground a little bit,
- let the clutch  out the rest of the way as you roll on the throttle to bring it up,
- once you reach the balancing point, modulate the throttle to keep it up!  :)
- (i haven't tried to shift yet, but after reading not to use the clutch, i think i'll try it.)

* all of this occurs in about a quarter of a second.  in this type, more than the others, it is important that the rear tire is warmed up to prevent slippage.

be real careful and take it easy!  don't rush it!  you really have to practice until it becomes as automatic as shifting.  eventually, you should be able to determine your rpm and speed by how the bike feels.  you'll find that if you spend a few hours practicing on a deserted road you will get really tired and may not make too much progress.  however, if you come back a few days later, you'll find that you are much better!  when you find the balancing point, it is like you are floating and only very light, intermitent engine power is needed to keep you up.

 
wheelie type three (low speed power only)
this one resembles type one but at a lower speed.  i just found out how to do this one and i don't really like it.  it eliminates the chance of wheel slippage.  this method seems to works best when it is performed between 15 and 25mph.  this is the method that most experienced riders use.

- bring the bike up to the desired speed (i like about 24mph) in first,
- roll off the throttle momentarily so the weight transfers forward,
- wait until the bike is as front loaded as it will become (only takes a few milliseconds),
- whip the throttle wide open, quick!
- simultaneously shift your weight back and pull up on the bars to bring it up,
- once you reach the balancing point, modulate the throttle to keep it up!  :)
- shift... if you're into that kind of thing

others i ride with will only do this type because they feel that they have more control.  i agree that it is more consistent, but i feel i have more control with the clutch because you can get it up to the balancing point at a lower rpm that is far away from the point where the power really comes on.  on the other hand, this might be because i have not done it enough to know.  give it a try and you decide!