When it comes to mastering the art of wheelies, a lot of people, especially grown-ups, might tell you it’s dangerous, and not worth the risk. But let’s face it, they’re just wrong. There’s something thrilling about pulling off that perfect fly-past down a road or track, testing the limits of your bike.
And, done properly, wheelies are hardly as dangerous as some might think. It’s actually a solid test of a motorcycle’s performance, and can reveal how well a bike handles under pressure. In fact, fuelling, torque, and a smooth curve play a crucial role in making a great bike for wheelies.
Journalists and experts often do in-depth testing of these bikes in various magazines or on websites, putting the best motorcycle for wheelies through their paces to evaluate things like chassis stability and suspension quality. When it comes down to it, only the pick of the crop can truly make those perfect wheelies happen.
Dirt bike – Any Dirt Bike
When it comes to learning wheelies, dirt bikes are often the best place to start, especially for beginners. Their tall statures make them more responsive to pitching, helping with the weight transfer needed to lift the front end of the bike. Plus, the speeds required for wheelies on a dirt bike are much slower than on a street bike, which makes it safer and more forgiving, especially since dirt is softer than asphalt.
As you get more comfortable, you’ll notice how important throttle and clutch control are for executing consistent wheelies. The lighter weight of these dirt machines compared to their street brethren also makes them easier to handle, especially for beginners. And the best part? Dirt bikes are typically less expensive to fix if your attempts don’t go quite as planned, giving you peace of mind while you refine your skills.
Kawasaki Z1000
The Kawi Z1000 is a bit of an underdog in the American streetfighter market, often compared to European models due to its angular Japanese design. While its Transformers-inspired styling doesn’t always appeal to those with more round-eye tastes, it shouldn’t be overlooked by riders who are after a bike that delivers serious performance. Once you get past the design, the Z1000 is one of the best options for wheelie lovers, thanks to its ergos that provide a comfortable, upright riding position, allowing for easy weight transfer during stunts.
Under the hood, the Z1000 is powered by a four-cylinder engine that pumps out over 120 horsepower to the rear wheel. However, what really makes this bike great for wheelies is its wide range of power and an impressive 74 ft-lb torque peak, giving it the ability to loft its anime-styled front end with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting to learn, the Kawi Z1000 offers plenty of thrills and wheelie pleasure.
KTM 1190 Adventure R
The KTM 1190 Adventure R might seem like an unlikely choice for wheelies, but it’s actually a great option. Powered by a V-Twin engine, it delivers impressive torque, enough to lift the front end even when you’re cruising above 50 mph. Unlike some bikes with Ride-by-Wire throttles, the KTM’s tuning is predictable and responds smoothly to the right wrist, making it easier to control. The bike’s tall stature allows plenty of weight transfer, which is perfect for hoisting the front end. Plus, it can handle dirt trails, which is much safer than concrete in case of a spill, making it a versatile pick for any rider.
Suzuki SFV650/Gladius/ SV650
The Suzuki SFV650 (formerly known as the Gladius) shares much of the same charm as the beloved SV650, which remains a top choice for riders who appreciate its playful nature and budget-friendly price tag. Despite having the smallest-displacement engine on this list, the V-Twin powerplant delivers a surprising torque thrust, giving you just enough power for some exhilarating wheelies when you give it a bit of a clutch dump. It’s an affordable and reliable option if you’re looking for a wheelie-capable streetbike that offers fun without breaking the bank.
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BMW S1000RR/HP4
The BMW S1000RR and HP4 are built for serious performance, with a low-slung riding position designed for roadracing but still capable of wheelie-inducing fun. What sets these bikes apart is their incredible power-to-weight ratio, making them one of the best motor vehicles in the world for wheelies. The S1000 motor delivers an impressive 193 crankshaft-rated horsepower, while the HP4 version weighs just 439 pounds with a full tank of fuel, translating to an astounding pounds per pony ratio of only 2.27.
To put that in perspective, even the Bugatti Veyron with its 1200-hp engine and 4400 pounds weighs much more at 3.67 pounds per horse. If you’re looking to wheelie at triple-digit speeds, the S1000RR/HP4 is the ultimate bike of choice for both speed and excitement.
Triumph Street Triple
The Triumph Street Triple is a top choice for wheelie-ability and fun, and it’s easy to see why it was named 2009 Motorcycle of the Year. This bike offers exceptional value, with a 675cc three-cylinder engine that packs a surprising power punch for its engine size. Despite its moderate displacement, the midrange power is generous, providing a wide span of grunt that makes pulling off wheelies a breeze.
The light chassis adds to the appeal, giving the rider complete control and making it one of the most fun motorcycles on the market. Whether you’re a newbie or experienced rider, the Street Triple R is built for two wheels of excitement without the hefty price tags that come with other bikes in its class.
Ducati Monster 1100
The Ducati Monster 1100 is a standout in the world of motorcycles, and it’s one of my favorite bikes. With its iconic Italian style, including a trellis frame and single-sided swingarm, it blends minimalist design with performance. The upright riding position makes it comfortable for long rides while still allowing for exciting wheelies. Powered by a grunty, responsive V-Twin engine, the Monster offers ample power output that’s easily controlled by the right wrist, making it a blast to ride.
Although it’s relatively low-tech, with air cooling and just two valves per cylinder, it still delivers the performance you need for fun stunts like wheelies. The M11 offers a unique riding experience, with a mix of modern and classic Ducati features that are perfect for both casual rides and more exhilarating challenges.
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KTM 690 Duke
The KTM 690 Duke is a game-changer in the world of single-cylinder streetbikes, offering one of the most powerful one-lung engines available. Its 690cc motor delivers nearly 64 horses to the rear tire, almost double the power of a KLR650. But what makes it a true wheelie machine is its 46 ft-lb of torque at just over 5000 rpm, combined with a lightweight 330 pounds of tank-empty weight. With this combination, the Duke effortlessly pulls off wheelies.
In fact, the 690 Duke will happily perform a wheelie in first gear with just full throttle, whether you’re prepared for it or not. While second-gear wheelies are a bit calmer due to a slower rising front end, they still require a clutch dump or a bar tug to really make them happen. Despite having the least power compared to other bikes on this list, the Duke experience offers an amusing and exciting ride that’s perfect for those looking to have fun while mastering wheelies.
Aprilia Tuono V4 R
The Aprilia Tuono V4 R is one of my all-time favorite motorcycles, offering the perfect mix of a retuned repli-racer and a bike that can handle thrilling wheelies with ease. Powered by a V-4 engine, it delivers an impressive 154 horses to the back tire, ensuring you’ll never think about detuned performance. With longer intake tracts, altered valve timing, and shorter gear ratios in the first three cogs, this bike is ultra-responsive, making it easy to loft the front end even at highway velocities. The engine response is ultra-snappy, providing an exhilarating ride that helped the Tuono win the Best Streetfighter/Hooligan award in 2013.
Riding the Tuono is a special experience, with the thrilling engine delivering all the excitement you could want. Its ability to hoik a minger of a wheelie in third gear sets it apart from many other bikes. Just make sure to turn off the wheelie-control electronics before you get too carried away, as this bike is built for serious fun and excitement, making every ride a memorable one.
Triumph Speed Triple
The Triumph Speed Triple is a standout, reviving the company in the 1990s and quickly becoming a favorite among riders. Powered by a soulful three-cylinder engine, it’s not just a powerful bike, but also one of the most tuneful motorcycle engines ever made. With its impressive midrange-power wallop, it easily handles hoiking the front wheel up into mono-wheeling territory. Its predictable throttle response and torque curve ensure a smooth, controlled ride when you’re pulling off wheelies.
The Speed Trip also stands out for its fashionable and stripped-down design, with a sleek single-sided swingarm and dual headlights. Even though I personally prefer the pre-2011 round lamps, the Speed Triple’s clean style has stood the test of time, making it a hooligan’s hooligan. Whether you’re cruising to Wheelieville or showing off some impressive tricks, this bike is sure to deliver. It’s no wonder the Triumph Speed Triple is considered one of the best motorcycles to wheelie on.
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KTM 950 SM Supermoto
The KTM 950 SM Supermoto is a wild machine when it comes to wheelies. Known for its corking performance, this mono machine stands out from the rest, largely thanks to its low-slung seat, soft suspension, and carburetted engine. These features combine to give it a unique feel, making the 950SM a bike that puts the SM in a class of its own. Whether you’re looking to show off some impressive wheelies or just enjoy the ride, this bike is definitely built for mingers.
BMW F800R
The BMW F800R might not seem like an obvious choice for a wheelie bike, but once you get the hang of it, this middleweight twin is capable of delivering a smooth, balanced performance. It does require a bit of clutchy persuasion to get that front wheel up, but the bike’s underseat fuel tank and flat torque delivery help make the ride stable and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting to explore the thrill of wheelies, the F800R provides a unique experience with its precise and responsive handling.
Kawasaki ZX-636R
The Kawasaki ZX-636R made a smart move when it added an extra 37cc to the ZX-6R in the early noughties, and the 2003 B-model quickly became a belter. Some cynics might argue it was just because the original 599cc bike was a bit lame, but optimists like us believe it was all about making wheelies easier. And with the big-bore 600s, it certainly worked! The added torque makes these bikes the kings of the 600 Supersport fours, perfect for hoisting the front wheel without much effort. The extra power makes wheelies a breeze, solidifying its place as one of the best options in its class.
Yamaha Fazer 600
The Yamaha Fazer 600 is all about simplicity and fun. Unlike the later FZ-6, we’re talking about the original Thundercat-powered beastie. Thanks to its detuned motor and carbs, it delivers flexible, clean grunt that makes it an absolute joy for mono machine enthusiasts. The upright riding position ensures you stay comfortable while pulling off wheelies, and it’s probably the cheapest yet most practical bike for anyone looking to have some fun on two wheels.
Suzuki GSX-R1000
The Suzuki GSX-R1000, especially the classic Gixxer ‘thou from the 2005-6 era, is a superbike that knows how to deliver a wheelie with panache. This litre superbike offers a mid-range monster that’s torquey yet not overly revvy, making it easier to hoik the front without much effort. The power delivery is smooth, and once the front end is up, it’s a breeze to keep it there. On later models, the electronic steering damper adds much-needed stability when you’re coming down from a ton-forty, keeping the ride smooth and controlled. Whether you’re a fan of the older version or a newer model, the GSX-R makes pulling off wheelies a thrilling experience every time.
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