by : Shawn Hensley
The first step is to get your bike up to speed. You can use 1st or 2nd gear, but 2nd gear is usually easier. Once you’re in the appropriate gear, feather the clutch lever until you find the sweet spot—this is where your bike will start to chug and lurch forward. From there, pull up slightly on the bars while simultaneously adding throttle. Keep your weight over the rear of the bike as you slowly release the clutch lever. If done correctly, your front tire will lift off of the ground! Executing a clutch wheelie takes practice and patience, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be impressing your buddies in no time.
Much like with the clutch method, you’ll want to start by getting your bike up to speed—but this time you’ll be in 2nd or 3rd gear. Use less throttle than you would for a clutch wheelie; too much throttle will cause your back tire to come off of the ground instead of just your front tire. Find that sweet spot and then begin to pull up on the bars while adding more throttle—the key here is smooth and gradual acceleration. And as always, keep your weight over the rear of the bike! With some practice, you’ll have no problem nailing power wheelies like a pro.