WHEELIE Wheelies aren't about bravery, they're about technique and progression: small lifts first, smooth throttle, your foot always covering the rear brake, and step by step working up to the balance point, where the bike balances on its rear wheel. This guide covers the method for beginners, the two main techniques (power wheelie and clutch up), which gear to use, the most common mistakes and the questions every new rider asks.
Safety first. Wheelies are dangerous and illegal on public roads in most countries. Only practice on private land closed to traffic, with the owner's permission, wearing a full-face helmet, armored jacket and pants, gloves and boots.
Before you start: bike, gear and the right place
- Place: a private, closed lot with clean, dry tarmac and plenty of room ahead and to the sides.
- Gear: full-face helmet, armored jacket and pants, back protector, gloves and boots. Low-speed falls backwards hurt your back and wrists.
- Bike: a strong, well-adjusted rear brake (your lifesaver), correct chain slack, normal tire pressures, a steady idle. Folding the mirrors helps.
- A friend: don't practice alone.
Which bikes are easiest to learn on
Mid-size twin-cylinder nakeds (MT-07, Z650, Duke 390–890) and supermotos are the easiest: low-down torque, upright position, wide bars. Dirt bikes lift easily but are light and twitchy. Sport bikes put you over the front and are the hardest to hold up. 125s and small bikes almost always need the clutch.
The balance point: understand it first
The balance point is the angle where the combined center of gravity of bike and rider sits right above the rear tire's contact patch. There the bike doesn't fall forward or back, and it needs only a little throttle. Below it you need throttle to lift, past it you risk looping out and must use the rear brake.
On a typical naked bike it's around 40–46°, far steeper than it feels from the seat. Estimate yours with our wheelie balance point calculator and read the balance point guide.
Step by step: your first power wheelie
A power wheelie lifts the front with throttle alone. It's the smoothest way to start if your bike has enough torque.
- Get in position: seated, back straight, relaxed arms, knees gripping the tank, right foot covering the rear brake.
- First gear, low speed: roll at 6–12 mph with the engine in the midrange and steady throttle.
- Compress the forks: roll off the throttle for a moment so the front dips.
- Snap the throttle open: open it firmly as the forks rebound. The bounce helps the front come up.
- Lift just a little: 4–8 inches is plenty at first. Keep your arms straight and don't pull on the bars.
- Set it down gently: roll off smoothly with the bars straight and let the front come down.
- Repeat and go higher: only when small lifts feel natural, lift higher, looking for the point where the front feels light.
Clutch up wheelies
If your bike won't lift on throttle alone (125s, 300s, singles, many sport bikes), or you want slow, controlled wheelies, use the clutch: at low speed in first gear, pull the clutch, raise the revs a little and release it quickly while holding the throttle. The burst of torque lifts the front. Start with low revs and build up. Full details: how to clutch up wheelie.
First or second gear?
- First gear: the front lifts easily but throttle response is abrupt and it's hard to hold the balance point. Fine for your first lifts and for smaller bikes.
- Second gear: needs more drive (often a clutch up), but the throttle is smoother and wheelies are longer and more stable. Most riders move to second once they're confident.
- Third and up: powerful bikes and experienced riders only.
The rear brake is your lifesaver
Keep your right foot always covering the rear brake. If you go past the balance point, gentle rear brake pressure brings the front down in a controlled way. Chopping the throttle with the front high slams the wheel down and can cost you control.
Practice using the brake even when you don't need it: small lift, tap the brake, set down. It has to become a reflex.
Body position
- Seated, weight slightly back but not lying back.
- Straight arms: the bars steer, they don't lift.
- Knees gripping the tank for side-to-side stability.
- Eyes up and far ahead, not on the front wheel.
- Stay relaxed: stiff riders over-correct.
How to land without damage
- Roll off the throttle smoothly, never all at once.
- Front wheel straight: landing with the bars turned makes the bike swerve.
- A touch of throttle as the front lands softens the landing.
- Too high? Use the rear brake instead of chopping the throttle.
Common mistakes
- Pulling on the bars instead of using throttle or clutch.
- Chopping the throttle with the front high: fork and rim take the hit.
- Foot off the rear brake: there's no time to find it when you need it.
- Going too high too soon: most loop-outs happen on the first "brave" attempts.
- Looking at the front wheel instead of ahead.
- Bike not ready: loose chain, spongy rear brake, low tire pressure.
Wheelies on popular bikes
- Yamaha MT-07 / MT-09: plenty of low-down torque; power wheelies in first and second are possible once you're comfortable. Start with small lifts, the torque comes in fast.
- Supersports (R6, ZX-6R, S1000RR): high-revving engines and a forward riding position. Clutch ups are the usual technique, and holding the balance point is harder.
- Dirt bikes: light and quick to lift. Throttle control matters even more on loose surfaces, where the rear wheel can spin.
- Small bikes (Grom, 125s): clutch ups in first gear. The short wheelbase makes them quick to rotate.
Check the estimated balance point of your model in the calculator.
Train with Wheelie Trainer
Wheelie Trainer turns the phone on your handlebar into a coach: it measures the angle in real time and plays faster and faster beeps as you approach the balance point, a steady tone when you're balanced and an alarm if you go too far. It computes the balance point for your bike, records video with telemetry overlaid and lets you climb the leaderboard.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wheelie a 125cc motorcycle?
Yes, but you'll almost always need the clutch: a 125 doesn't have the torque to lift on throttle alone. Light 125 nakeds and two-strokes lift well in first gear with a firm clutch release.
How do you wheelie a motorcycle with the clutch?
At low speed in first gear, pull the clutch, raise the revs slightly and release it quickly while holding the throttle. Start with low revs and build up gradually. See our clutch up guide.
Power wheelie or clutch up: which is better for beginners?
A power wheelie is smoother if your bike has the torque. A clutch up works on almost any bike and allows slow, controlled wheelies, but feels more abrupt at first.
How long does it take to learn to wheelie a motorcycle?
Controlled small lifts take a few sessions. Holding a long wheelie at the balance point usually takes weeks or months of regular practice.
Do wheelies damage your motorcycle?
Not with sensible practice, but clutch ups wear the clutch, the chain works harder and hard landings stress the forks and front rim. On some engines, very long wheelies at steep angles can affect lubrication: check your manufacturer's advice.
Is it legal to wheelie on the road?
In most countries, no. Wheelies on public roads are fined and can lead to license points or the bike being impounded. Practice on private land closed to traffic.
Train with Wheelie Trainer
Your phone on the handlebar guides you to the balance point with sound. Free for iOS and Android.