Top 10 Wheelie Motorcycles

Power, weight, torque, fuel consumption, seat height, practicality. Today we are not interested in this.

Motorcycles are usually designed in such a way that their wheels always touch the ground at the same time. This is probably why they leave the factory with two wheels installed. However, one day, while standing in one place, the rider released the clutch too quickly, gave the gas too much, and it turned out that the motorcycle was riding vertically. Which is quite interesting. This got us thinking. There are often motorcycle selections that are “top” in some way. The fastest, the strongest, the most beautiful, the ugliest. What about the best wheelie bikes? Jokes aside! This is an important aspect of the buying process. Some devices don't want to rear up, while others do it without the driver's consent, filling his pants with bricks in direct proportion to the distance of the front wheel from the ground.

Kawasaki ZX10R

Let's start off trivially. The top ten debuted in 2004 with Silicon Valley computing power, twelve-speed traction control. And an electronic nanny who makes sure that the driver does not harm himself. She looks like a psychopathic killer who accidentally ends up in Medjugorje. The ZX10R never entertains candlelit dinners or says goodnight. It’s not a matter of numbers, although it’s difficult to call 175 km a linden. Kawasaki is very brutal. Explosions in specific spin ranges are a feature attributed to a lot of green equipment, but it's the ZX10R that stamps the theory. Here you can rear up in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th gear by simply opening the throttle faster, even at 150 km/h.

Sports tourist

Sports-tourist motorcycles are a combination of dynamics and comfort. They have good power, so they demonstrate excellent performance on the track, while comfort is at its best. Their weight is in the region of 210-280 kilograms. The aerodynamic properties are simply excellent. The most typical representative is the Kawasaki ZX-14.

Although the dynamics are not bad, the start is somewhat smoother than in the case of sports motorcycles. The footrests are located at the back, so even during long trips your legs will not become numb. The raised steering wheel makes the vehicle as comfortable as possible to drive.

You can easily ride 1000 kilometers a day on such motorbikes, and the driver will not experience any discomfort.

Their other advantages include relatively low fuel consumption (an order of magnitude less than that of sports bikes), greater endurance and maximum comfort. The tank is spacious enough, so you won’t have to visit the gas station often.

But there are also disadvantages. First of all, this is the high cost of the models, as well as relatively expensive maintenance.

Suzuki TL1000S

The TL1000S was not a fully thought out motorcycle. The very idea of a liter V2 foreshadows the clumsiness of the equipment, but here the V2 is extremely wild. This is not a metaphor, but a fact. The injection system on the TL was very terrible. The injectors were delivering too much fuel, causing the bike to simply fire up at full power even when the rider didn't want it to. It's like someone wants to water potted violets with a fire hose. Do you have a TL1000S? Get ready for a situation where, when exiting a corner with the speedometer needle picking up 140-160 km/h, the front wheel flies into the sky.

Dragster

A dragster is a type of motorcycle (small-scale or custom) for short-distance (usually a quarter mile) speed competition called drag racing. Since the goal of the race is to complete the course in the minimum time, such bikes are equipped with very powerful engines. In some cases they can develop about 1000 hp. and even more.

Dragsters are heavy, so they are equipped with supporting side wheels that prevent them from falling at the start or when tilting. Since the competition is held on a straight road, its controls are extremely simple. Typically, the handlebars of such a bike are straight and narrow, so that while riding the rider’s hands do not create unnecessary air resistance.

The seating position is usually low; for best aerodynamics, the rider rests his chest on the tank. The front fairing also helps improve aerodynamics. For these reasons, the handling of dragsters is at an extremely low level, which is why they are unsuitable for driving on public roads.

For the best grip on the road and a sharp start without slipping, the rear wheel of the bike is made as wide as possible. For road racing, a smooth tread without pronounced spikes is used, and for competitions on dirt, mud tires can be installed. The dragster's suspension is extremely simple; they are often hardtails and lack shock absorbers.

Suzuki Bandit 1200

Someone once said some really smart things about this bike: “Everyone talks about the B12 wanting a flat tire. I always want to check if this is true. And damn it, it is so! "It's not a very complicated motorcycle. Many manual agricultural machines have a more complex and sophisticated design. The capacity doubled from 600 produced impressive results. The gearing is fast and incredibly flexible, but what's most impressive is the ease with which this quarter-ton bike lifts the front end. The power of the oil stove, coupled with the relatively short wheelbase, makes you rear up in the first two gears, and in the next two you just need to release the clutch. You might as well place the donor of the mighty GSX-R1100 stove here,

Tourist

This class is quite blurred by classic motorcycles, sports and cruisers.
It's all about the same mixing of classes. It just turned out to be quite simple to adapt almost any motorcycle for comfortable riding on the highway. A larger tank, a more comfortable seat, a more powerful engine, “boxes for things” at the rear and a slightly larger than average windshield – you have a tourist. You can go wherever you want. Even from off-road small cars - enduro, they managed to make a tourist subclass. However, he does not belong to our class of tourists. The largest class of touring motorcycles consists of models adapted for riding on the highway, which were originally designed for this purpose or were developed on the basis of classic and sports motorcycles. Cruisers have a distinctive feature that is characteristic of them - heavy weight and a large, powerful (especially at the bottom) engine, due to which they stand out as a separate class.

In addition, each person's individual taste, as well as purchasing power, are important options when choosing motorcycles. Custom bikes, because they are lower motorcycles with a center of gravity, wide handlebars, wider tires and longer tarmac suspension, are best suited for short to medium roads with good maintenance.

They are very comfortable, with large luggage capacity, greater autonomy and greater speed. What do I need for a motorcycle trip? Firstly, it is recommended to take some courses in piloting, first aid, and mechanics. Traveling is very different from driving a car, and the first thing that strikes you is that roadside mechanics know how to work well on cars, but they don't have the same knowledge when it comes to motorcycles, especially the big ones. Also important are skill and dominance of the motorcycle, as well as an understanding of how to handle accidents and emergencies.

classic tourists

Typical classics that are convenient to use for long drives on the highway, either classics modified for this purpose by adding a normal windshield, a trunk and some modifications to the chassis system, or models originally positioned for driving on the highway. In general, if you call a classic motorcycle a touring motorcycle, there won’t be a big mistake. Models: BMW F 800 ST, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Honda ST1300A photos of classic tourists:

sports tourists

Here, as is clear, there are transitional models between the classes of sports and classic tourists. A comfortable and easy-to-control sports motorcycle is perhaps the best solution for maximalists. It is much better to buy such motorcycles than regular sports ones, because they are more convenient, more versatile and safer. If the goal of a thoroughbred is to provide the maximum on the race track, then the goal of a sport tourer is to provide the maximum (within reasonable limits) in everyday life. Take a closer look at the models of sports tourists, and you will understand that they should be given preference when purchasing. Models: Kawasaki ZZR 1400, Honda VRF, Yamaha FJR1300A, Kawasaki 1400 GTR, Suzuki GSX1250FA photos of sports tourists:

luxury tourists

This subclass of touring motorcycles are often considered the only true touring motorcycles. Although, when it comes to specific models, they are often classified as cruisers. In general, there are no clear boundaries between cruisers and luxury tourists. The manufacturers themselves, on their official websites, classify these competitive models from this segment into different classes. But this does not change the essence.

So, sports tourists are the flagship models of market leaders. They are a kind of limousine in the world of motorcycles. The suites contain all possible devices and technologies for a comfortable trip over long distances. Everything you can cram into a motorcycle will be here. The cost is appropriate. Models: Honda Gold Wing, BMW K1600, Suzuki GV 1400LX Cavalcade photo suites:

Buell XB12S

What would it be like to combine modern innovative technical solutions with a two-cylinder fork? Erik Buell wanted to check this out and did. He was probably the only one crazy enough to put a Sportster engine into something that not even the great Japanese four think about to this day. The Buell XB series was the icing on a cake that, unfortunately, had already been eaten. The XB12S was less than 7cm long, compact, even compact. Due to the power of the two thundering cylinders generating enormous torque, it was rarely seen with both wheels touching the ground.

Honda CRF450 (...and every big capacity enduro)

Larger capacity hardcore enduros are a bit pointless. Nowadays, the world is moving towards downsizing and manufacturers are making their motorcycles more comfortable and easier to use. Equipment like the Honda CRF450 or KTM EXC530 are Tasmanian devils. Wild and rough machines that intimidate even people who are damn good at riding dirt bikes. There is probably no need to examine the relationship between mass and power here. These devices just want to ride on one wheel. In any case, what to expect from motorcycles weighing 110-120 kg and producing 60 hp?

Do-it-yourself trikes: how to make them from which motorcycles

Homemade tricycles are a common phenomenon in Russia and abroad. Only the base is different. In our latitudes, Java, Izh, Dnieper, and Ural are more often chosen for upgrades. Thanks to the powerful opposition engine, the Dnieper and the Ural often give life to a new miracle of technology. For a less powerful model, a moped engine is suitable. Another reason for this choice is minimal costs. Few people decide to cut an imported bike for the sake of experiment.

To design the axle, you will need a profile pipe and drawings of trikes, which can be found on the Internet. Sometimes the “donors” for the axles are old bicycles, and the engines are Zaporozhets and Zhigulis.

Despite the small costs of hardware, you need to prepare for additional expenses: purchases, installation of seats, lights, if desired - chrome plating, if necessary, drive on the roads - registration with the traffic police.

Ducati Streetfighter

Typically, if a company plans to make a factory street fighter, it will take the top cutter, remove it from the fairings, and neuter the engine so that the Kowalskis don't kill each other. Ducati didn't care. The drive from 1198 was inserted into something similar in size and appearance to a woman's thong. No reduction in strength or performance. In theory, a slightly forward riding position should reduce the bike's desire to wheelie, but in practice it doesn't make much difference.

Cruisers

Such road motorcycles are the complete opposite of sports models. Such bikes are suitable for a calm and measured ride. Often choppers are also included here. A distinctive feature is the low seat height, so that even people with short stature can reach the ground with their feet quite comfortably.

You may also be interested in: High-quality and inexpensive Baltmotors motorcycles

Such bikes lend themselves well to tuning, so they can be modernized and customized to suit you. The models are well suited for both city driving and long trips. Some say that such a motorcycle is quite difficult to control, but the greater mass increases stability. The cost of maintenance can be either low or quite high - it all depends on the specific model. No special equipment is needed; your choice should be made based on your preferences.

KTM 990 Super Duke, 990 SM and 990 SMT

KTM's ghost liter V2 is one of the few topics where Trapper agrees with me. Anyone serious about maintaining their driver's license should give up these motorcycles. Duke is a paradox. In the city, that is, in the environment set by the manufacturer, at first he behaves a little nervously, as if someone woke him up too early, and then he wants to kill you. There is no moment of smooth transition between two states. Supermoto is, in fact, one of the synonyms for “wheelie”. It would be strange if someone didn't manage to get up on their hind legs with this motorcycle. SMT is an interesting thing. Looks like some kind of touring enduro/supermoto that can be placed next to the BMW R1200GS.

Electric bike (electric bike)

An electric bike is a relatively new type of motorcycle that uses an electric motor powered by batteries instead of an internal combustion engine. It can have a power from hundreds of watts to tens of kilowatts. To extend the power reserve, such bikes are made as light as possible; their parts are made of light alloys and polymer composites, such as carbon fiber. For the same purpose, these motorcycles have an aerodynamic body kit designed to reduce air resistance.

The appearance of an electric bike can match almost any type of internal combustion engine motorcycle, but most often they look very similar to road, sport and motocross models. For example, the Alta Redshift SM is very reminiscent of an enduro (but without the “evil” rubber), and the Lightning LS-218 is a typical sports bike.

KTM 690 Duke R

In fact, I did not want to include this bike here, but the people accepting texts for publication strongly demanded it. Okay, the little duke has potential. It is durable enough to earn its place on the list of the best wheelie bikes (which sounds very proud). It's light, short and has something other bikes don't have - the most durable single cylinder engine on the market. A road single with that much power is like a beer drinker downing 5 liters of beer in two seconds. Nobody knows what kind of motorcycle this is, but one thing is known - it has such a beautiful engine bottom for a reason.

Streetfighters

Relatively small group. The technical parameters are reminiscent of sports motorcycles, but all the extra plastic is missing. Very often, street bikes become sports motorbikes that have been involved in a traffic accident. The models are ideal for performing various tricks. Their main differences are a smaller dashboard, a powerful headlight, and the absence of fairings. All mechanisms are as open as possible.

McLean V-8 unicycle

Do you see this genius?
Yes, this thing was made in America. Someone decided it would be a good idea to combine a giant hula hoop with a V8 engine. Americans love everything big and powerful. Toothbrushes, dryers, washing machines. This bike is a little inconsistent with our comparison because it doesn't stand on one wheel. He's on it all the time. I am sure that specialists from Brussels are already working on a law that will allow fines to be imposed on the driver of a unicycle. The project excites our imagination. It's possible to lose your balance and sit on a spinning unicycle with a few moves, but how phenomenal would it be to take a knee or burn some rubber? This very prestigious list could include many more bikes. The first Yamaha R1 with carburetors, the Monstera 1100 EVO, the new Kawasaki Z1000, the XTZ1200 Super Tenere, the Aprilie Dorsoduro 1200 and the Buell 1125 CR. But also Honda Hornet, CBR600RR, Kawasaki ZX6R, Suzuki GSR600, Yamaha TDM900 and even... Fazera FZ6. Everything can be placed on the wheel with more or less effort. We have, however, tried to list the motorcycles for which this comes naturally.

Post Views: 1,238

Custom

Custom is a wide class of motorcycles made individually in single copies. Bikes of this type are very varied, since everything is limited only by the imagination of their creators. Custom motorcycles can be road, sports, motocross motorcycles, choppers, dragsters, tourers, as well as their subtypes.

Typically, custom models differ from production models by the presence of deep tuning. It is produced using forced engines of increased power, reinforced frame elements, modified or custom-made design parts. An example of a factory custom is the Harley-Davidson CVO series.

In exceptional cases, a custom bike can have the most bizarre shapes. For example, to set speed records, dragsters are created equipped with jet engines. Craftsmen also assemble choppers equipped with radial-type (“star”) aviation power plants or multi-cylinder engines from sports cars.