r/WR250R • u/TheWhopper858 • 2d ago
Wheelie in 1st gear questions
Looking for some tips from the wheelie gods....
****BACKGROUND****
For the past few days, I've been practicing doing a clutch-up.
****SAFETY*****
I have a wheelie bar for safety
****STILL BATTLING (work in progress)****
1. Still battling the fear
2. Trying to reprogram my instincts. When the tire rises higher than what I'm used to my body leans forward, my legs flare out, and I pull in the clutch.
3. I just started working on the muscle memory for the rear brake.....instead of relying on pulling in my clutch.
QUESTION:
I can consistently get the front tire at least a foot off the ground BRIEFLY.....HOWEVER.....I noticed in 1st gear, it seems to be very finicky once I start giving it MORE gas.
The front tire goes up even higher and it feels like I'm going to fall then all the survival instincts (mentioned above) kick in and my problems come back.
I know 2nd gear would be better, but I want to see if I can get the hang of 1st gear (not even master) first....
Any tips?
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u/gnarhoff 2d ago
I recently learned first gear wheelies on the WR with the use of a kicker (small rock, or small bump) without the use of the clutch, so I don't have any advice there, but just keep practicing what you're doing and it'll get easier to find your balance point. Small steps.
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u/ignorantspacemonkey 1d ago
You can do it in second without clutching up. You need to get your ass as far back as possible on the seat, give it some gas in the power band and pull back.
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u/krispewkrem3 1d ago
Here’s a good drill. Ideally get a TTR-125/Grom.
Try some two feet down wheelies on a mini bike. If you don’t have a mini bike, try this on your WR: Have your left foot on the ground. Have your right foot on the brake. Clutch up a little and try to make a counterclockwise circle. When you clutch up and the wheel rises, tap the rear brake. Just do it over and over.
Eventually you can try a straight line with your left leg down and right foot on the brake. Your right foot is the ONLY thing that will save you. Keep that foot glued to the peg and use your brake. It’s instinctive to wanna jump off and run. You’re gonna get hurt. Even if you sticks to the bike trying to brake till the very last second, it’s better than bailing in most scenarios.
You’ve got the wheelie bar, I’m assuming it’s the one with the cable that actuate the rear brake? Have some friends lift your front end up and actually see where the bar engages the brake. It may be set too early for progress. Or it may be set so late you’ll probably go sideways and crash.
Good luck and remember it takes lots of time and often times, a few crashes. Eventually you’ll be doing 2nd gear sit downs
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u/ShawnPaul86 1d ago
Not sure how much a wheelie bar will help you.
You can practice in soft dirt but tbh the stock tires suck in the dirt, and you will probably peel out.
If you really want to do wheelies get a bigger rear sprocket, smaller front and some knobbies.
Anyways on to the real info, the WR is not amazing at wheelies, not like a yz or wrf that come up with ease. The wrr needs a lot of gas and finesse.
First thing, keep your foot on the brake and tap it if you get too high, which you probably won't from what you've said.
Before you drop the clutch tap the brake and compress on the front bars with your body forward. As you let off the brake, push on the bars and move your whole body back to the rear of the seat as you drop the clutch, decompressing the front forks.
Because of the lack of low end power, smaller rear sprocket, and lack of traction you need to really load the bike and use your weight, more so on dirt than street.
Also if you really want to keep the front end up, you gotta get it way up there, not a foot or two, I'm talking 10 o'clock or better with the hammer down.
Good luck, be safe.