I wheelie need some practice space.

I have been doing a bit of stunt riding for a few years now. Nothing spectacular just the usual wheelies, stoppies (not rolling), burnouts etc. I used to use the industrial estate on weekends but the space is limited so now need more ground.

I can clutch up in first gear from a rolling start and hold the balance point. I want to learn to change into second and so on. Anyone here interested meeting evenings to practice some one wheel therapy or maybe just to call me an ambulance in case I mess up.

Also are there any airfields locally that we could practice on?

 

Don't clutch in 1st unless you're planning on doing a low speed 12 'o clocks.

Lift in 2nd instead at about 30-35 bring it high to start and you can stay at about 40-60mph (whichever is you preference) indefinitely.
Notching up into 3rd drop the revs but isn't really needed, if you're running out of revs you aren't balanced and going faster and changing gear isn't really the solution.

 

Just to expand a bit (was on the phone), 1st to 2nd is awkward because of moving through neutral and isn't really needed for the most part.
2nd to 3rd is just the same as your usual clutchless up shift but you need to lift your wheel a touch before to allow for the drop while the power is off.

Slow is the way to go though, drag the rear brake when you clutch in first and moderate that rather than the throttle to gradually bring your speed down sub 25mph. Then you only need a car park to practice in

 

Cheers, I'm used to clutching in first and finding the balance point even if it does tend to be higher. 2nd is def easier but you need larger ground and more speed before it will lift. Practice space is a big problem and on the road is too risky for practicing.

 

I never got my head around using the back brake, I rely more on engine braking to bring me down. I've only flipped once!

 

You don't use the rear brake to bring your down in 1st gear lifts, you use it to balance the height.
In 1st the throttle is too aggressive and means you tend to pogo (like a kid on a crosser) unless you get the height right off the bat.
Dragging the brake means that you open the throttle as you normally would to lift and 'catch' it on the brake to control, slow the lift letting your lift/lower the bike with less abruptness.

For 2nd gear, you should be able to lift at about 25-35 and reach balance without gaining any speed, no more that 40. If you're gaining too much speed then you're not balanced = more throttle on the lift to get more wheel height then control with feathering the throttle.

 

My brain is not clever enough to control the throttle and brake at the same time.

 

That's the trick, dude. You don't control both. The lift is a blip of the throttle but once the wheel is up you should be back to about 20%, instead of closing more you keep throttle constant and moderate the rear brake to lift/lower the wheel.

 

I can do all that just can't get my head round the back Brake. I can even go past the balance point and start slowing the bike down. Will see if anyone can suggest suitable practice grounds. Most places down allow it for insurance reasons.

 

Yeah, they're buggers for that always wanting to ruin the fun

If you can balance in 2nd then going up into 3rd is nothing more than a normal upshift without the clutch.
I found it easier learning to use the back brake doing stand up's with my left foot on the rear peg, balances lower (good for confidence) and lets your counter balance with your back foot too.

Good luck.

 

I've heard of that technique before, will give it a try soon. I can balance in second gear too but usually run out of space before I can enjoy it. Thanks for your advice, esp changing from 2nd to 3rd.

 

A really straight long private road is the gypsum mine can't remember where it is but in east Sussex

 

Mountfield?

 

Yeah that's the one Alan, off the a21! Obviously don't go there during working hours but me and some friends have gone down the long straight a few times doing nothing but the speed limit of course on a weekend and never seen anyone

 

You mean the A2100 from John's cross to Battle? Bit dodgy there mate. There's an even straighter B road from Cripps Corner to Hawkhurst, B2244 . A lot quieter and straighter?
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Cripps Corner&daddr=Hawkhurst&hl=en&sll=50.985991,0.535927&sspn=0.050141,0.169086&geocode=FROgCQMd1xAIACk9HrBbDBffRzH8V1xBJh1wZA;FU_pCgMdHsYHACkjSlceUzzfRzEikYsY1cVPQg&oq=Hawkhurst&mra=ls&t=m&z=12

 

Haha yeah that's the one! Intact take no notice of what I said and listen to Alan haha

 

This one sounds like the best one so far. I did actually go hunting for it once but never found it. Can anyone drop me a google map link for it please.

 

The one Jack said isn't a private road mate. The B road I said is usually very quiet?

 

I'll go n check it out soon.