| Author | Message | ||
     Aatch |
so, i've got about 1,000 miles on my xb9sx with bone stock exhaust system. i'm getting super comfortable on the bike and ride it to work daily and on the weekends. i'm trying to learn how to wheelie, and have been reading the threads on how to "power wheelie" in second gear. basically run it up to around 3500 rpm, lay off the throttle abruptly, and then back on pretty aggressively again - but i can't seem to get that front wheel off the ground. maybe i'm still too timid on "whacking" the throttle back open again, or is it not even possible with the stock exhaust setup? any input from experienced "wheeliers" on how to teach a newb would be greatly appreciated. aatch | ||
| Xb12rdude |
On your stock XB9, In second gear you won't get the front wheel off the ground hight enough to wheelie without either using the "clutch up" or "bounce" method. Don't do either until you know you can cover the rear break incase it comes up to fast. First gear should come up without doing anything other than giving it a lot of gas. for Second or third gear, see below. Clutch method - Get around 4K RPM's and feather the clutch out while giving it gas. With practice it will come right up. Bounce method - get around 4K RPM's, stand up and push down on your front suspension hard and give gas while using the force of your front shocks rebounding. Takes timing, practice and a lot of balls. AGAIN, don't do either unless you know you can cover your rear brake fast enough to save your azz in case of emergency. | ||
| Merlyn |
Semi-Hijack warning! I am having the same problem- Having a real problem with wheelies on an '06 12R. Power wheelies are just not happening in any gear, with one exception- I will sometimes get the front wheel up 3-4 inches on the 1-2 shift if I shift hard just before redline. I can bounce up in 1st most of the time, but it's up and then right back down on the rev limiter, and I've had NO luck trying to shift with the front up, even after switching to GP shift. Tried clutching up in 2nd a couple of days ago- 3500 rpm, hit the clutch and bring it up to 5K and drop the clutch. Bike took off like a raped ape- with both tires firmly on the ground. Trying to bounce it in 2nd doesn't even accomplish that much. Bike has the race kit installed but no other mods, and the suspension is set to the book settings for 240 lbs. That's my biggest problem- I weigh 235 in all my gear. Any suggestions for helping a fat guy wheelie? Merlyn (Message edited by merlyn on September 03, 2006) | ||
| Js_buell |
I'm not really experienced with the buell but I did many demo rides and the only one that did wheelie was a xb9s right when I shifted the second gear, and it felt like it was gone for a good one but since I was on a demo ride and wheelies are not accepted I stopped. I wasn't trying to wheelie either. | ||
| New12r |
The bike will wheelie fine in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Just gotta learn how to work it. And this applies to 9's and 12's. | ||
| Daveinm |
Agreed...roll on's in first are a piece of cake. | ||
| Buelltroll |
Click here to watch how-2-wheelie | ||
| Cochise |
I did many demo rides and the only one that did wheelie was a xb9s right when I shifted the second gear, and it felt like it was gone for a good one but since I was on a demo ride and wheelies are not accepted I stopped. ALWAYS Demo a bike behind Dave Stueve. He'll wheelie it for you. | ||
| Xb12rdude |
Don't expect to do wheelies over night. Just like a sport or anything else, it takes practice and time. 5 years ago I thought I would never be able to wheelie. No matter what I did I couldn't get the dammed wheel to stay in the air. Now I ride them well over a mile long and don't even thinking about it. See my previous post and keep practicing "clutch" or "bounce". Trust me, there is nothing wrong with your bike. I take at least 5 or 6 friends bikes and wheelie them every year just to prove to them it can wheelie and to keep up the practice. Good luck, wear gear and cover the brake (rear one). | ||
| Glitch |
If it were me I'd not learn wheelies on a bike I was worried about damaging. I've seen some wheelies go wrong and really mess up a nice bike. | ||
| Cmm213 |
I feel that your body position has a lot to wheelies on an xb. I just clutch it in second and try to get to the balance point as quick as possible, to get the most length out of the gear. Its going to be hard for you to get it up if you lean forward. lean back and try it again with the brake covered | ||
| Diablobrian |
You should also know the balance point on the Buells is very high. Please be sure to wear your gear when you go out to play! It can make a difference, but only if you wear it. | ||
| Kccyclone |
Balance point is very high!!!! In fact when I finally started hitting it I was pretty uncomfortable with it....Everybody is giving you solid advice...I clutch everything up even in first..I find it way more consistent than pow pow wheelies...Gear is definitely the number 1 rule and covering your brake is also right up there...As far as the rpm's...quit looking and start listening to the bike and practicing...then just keep giving it a little more each time until you get it where you want it...I found bringing it up quick and actually a little past balance point and using my brake to get the bike where I want it works best for me and I don't have to chase out balance point to red line and be done....This way I don't have to speed up to ride it out...Also a good dirt bike or fifty works great for learning throttle and brake control. | ||
| Buellinblack |
this may help too...... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6656191590638402466 | ||
| Rigman |
I have second gear down and now I want to shift to third in the air, do I have to use my clutch to shift? Can I just blip the throttle and shift or can I just hold the throttle and shift with no clutch? | ||
| Mattl |
Ok, I was just about to ask this wheelie question also. But a second question would be, how comfortable should you be on a bike before you try wheelies? I've only had this xb12s for like 2 weeks, but ITCHIN to get that wheel up. I'm comfortable on it at speed, but still a little wobbly at real low speeds, u-turns, etc. I don't mind waiting a little longer to try wheelies, just wondering how comfortable I should be. | ||
| Xb12rdude |
Wait!!!!!! unlike other sports you learn there isn't room for error. Example....learning football you drop half of your first 100 passes. Riding wheelies you flip it once, total your bike and luckey if you can still walk. Crude....yes, but I'm making a very serious point. Take your time. | ||
| Glitch |
 | ||
| Buellinblack |
hey Glitch, thats gonna leave a mark.......captions anyone??? | ||
| New12r |
I know from personal experience that if you loop... it will hurt. Even if you let go. Practice on something you dont love, that way you wont miss the one you do. Most guys who are good have more than one bike, and show some love for the 50's. |
