ATV Wheelies

When you start riding you think that a wheelie is just a wheelie. But then as you spend more time on your ATV and get more adept at tricks you realize that ATV wheelies are not all created equally.

There are all kinds of tricks you can do with your ATV. Way to many too list! But wheelies are one of the most popular so that's where we going to spend our time. Stick around and learn how to pull the perfect wheelie.

One small reminder. Wheelies are "dangerous" and should only be tried when you are completely comfortable with your ATV and your riding skills. Always wear the proper safety gear at all time.

Okay it's time to get setup. You can perform a wheelie on a stock Quad but a sport quad is preferred.

1. Tire Pressure
Lower tire pressure has several added benefits for doing tricks. Lower tire pressure lets your tires squish when your weight is placed over them. When you lower the tire pressure you need to be sure it is tracking straight, especially for your wheelie stunt. Tracking straight doesn't mean that the tire pressure will be the same in the two tires.

Decreasing your tire pressure will also increase your balance for your wheelie. Lower air pressure means when you do your wheelie the pressure will cause a small flat spot and this will be beneficial to the performance of your wheelie.

2. Sprockets
If you have a sport quad you don't need to worry about messing with the sprockets. This will only become an issue if your machine isn't geared adequately for the stunts you plan to perform.

3. Chain Adjustment
Adjust the chain to factory specs and if it's loose you will have to throttle compensate when doing your wheelie. Better to adjust then have to do this.

4. Throttle
Check to ensure it is not sticking and is smooth. Adjust as needed.
5. Clutch
Each clutch is different and each rider's style is different so adjust it so that you are comfortable. What type of clutch grab you prefer is personal so set it as such. And don't believe what you've heard about wheelies wrecking your clutch. It's not true!

6. Wheelie Bar
The wheelie bar is on the back of your quad. This bar is really important. If you mess up when doing your wheelie it's what will save your butt. There's no adjustments here you just need to give it a quick check and make sure it's not damaged or doesn't have any weak points. Replace if needed.

7. Modifications
There are really no needed modifications other than personal preferences like different handlebars or a pipe.

8. Posture
There are different positions for the body when you are doing a wheelie.

The sit down is the standard form with the rider sitting on the seat, feet on the pegs, and hands on the controls. This is a good position reducing stress on your arms and legs. It can be a difficult position for beginners because you feel like your more of an angle than you are and you tend to let off the throttle.

Standup is just what it says. Your feet are on the pegs and your hands are on the controls. You get an excellent view of what's a head of you with this position but it can make gear shifting and braking a little tricky.

Split is a name used when the two previous methods are combined and used. It gives you the best of both worlds within the two positions.

Now that you've got the basics you can start experimenting and playing. It won't be long before you've got ATV wheelies mastered.