If you can master these skills you’re well on your way to becoming the next Graham Jarvis.
While this trick might look like a way to show off it is, in fact, a simple drill that you can practice over and over again like you would ruts or stationary standing balance. And it’s not just for show-offs, riders of all disciplines benefit from better brake and clutch control.
1 BODY POSITION It’s important that your arse is in a neutral position on the seat. Too far forward will make the wheelie awkward and too far back will see you loop it. Keep your index fingers over the front brake and clutch and your right foot hovering over the brake pedal.
2 GET IT UP Using a little throttle and light squeeze of the clutch lever, lift the front-end up by dropping the clutch.
If you don’t get the front wheel to the balance point, that is fine, remember we’re practicing your throttle and brake control here, not the slow-wheelie technique.
3 SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT Once the front wheel is in the air, release the throttle and stab the rear brake to bring the front wheel down. You don’t want to hold the rear brake on because you will lose momentum to perform the stoppie. Keep your finger over the clutch at all times.
4 LIFT DAT ASS As soon as the front wheel hits the ground, jump on the front brake and shift your weight forward so your chin is over the fuel tank. Let the natural weight transfer lift your arse and unweight the rear-end. Continue to let the rear-end lift in the air and if it’s going too far prepare to get off the front brake.
5 DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT Once your stoppie’s done, release the front brake so the rear-end comes back to the ground.
Keep your clutch in so the bike doesn’t stall when it lands. As soon as you feel the rear-end hit the ground prepare to repeat Step 1.
6 DON’T LOSE BALANCE As you prepare to wheelie again it’s important not to lose balance. Your momentum will be non-existent, so staying upright won’t be that easy. You may find yourself falling to one side, so try and perform this transition as quick as you can.
7 AND REPEAT AFTER ME Once you’ve got the front wheel in the air again, carry the wheelie for a few metres to rebuild your momentum. You can continue to wheelie and stoppie for as long as you want. Try and string more together every time you try it.
SKILL SET
Intermediate – Advanced. This technique should be practiced by riders of all abilities. The only thing that should change is the height of the wheelie and the stoppie.
GENRE
Every code, even motocross – you guys need throttle and brake control too!
PRACTICE
Make sure the ground you are riding on is flat and has heaps of traction for both the stoppie and the wheelie.
STRENGTH & HEIGHT
There is no benefit here
WIDOW POTENTIAL
There is a good chance this could go wrong, and crashing at either end can hurt, so just start small to avoid any embarrassing moments in the car park
BRAGGING RIGHTS
While this may look cool and your peers may approve, it is not a show-off trick. It is one way to improve your brake and throttle control.
