How to Pull 12 O'Clock Wheelies

For motorcycle riders who want to find new ways to ride their two-wheelers, performing stunts can be an entertaining alternative. However, not everybody can perform stunts on a motorcycle due to being extremely unsafe. You must have expert riding skills and full control of your motorcycle to perform stunts safely.

If you are currently learning how to perform stunts, you probably have only heard about the 12 o’clock wheelie or only seen professional stunt riders do it. Read this article to learn how to safely do 12 o’clock wheelies on a motorcycle.

A 12 o'clock wheelie is a motorcycle stunt where the rider lifts the motorcycle’s front wheel off the ground and maintains position while balancing on the rear wheel. This maneuver requires skill and practice to perform safely.

Here’s how you can safely execute a 12 o’clock wheelie:

• Find a safe, open space to exercise, such as a fenced-in area or an empty parking lot.
• To start, ride at a low speed of 16-24 km/h in first gear.
• To adjust the height of the wheelie, use the rear brake while engaging the clutch.
• Engage the clutch and increase the engine speed.
• Quickly release the clutch and rear brake. This will lift the front wheel off the ground.
• Shift your weight back by lifting the front wheel and keep your arms straight for balance.
• Use the throttle to adjust the wheelie height. Applying the rear brake, if it is too high, will cause the front wheel to dive down.
• When ready to descend, slowly press the front brake and close the throttle.
• When pulling a 12 o’clock wheelie, always keep your eyes on the road ahead.

A 12 o’clock or round bar is mounted to the passenger grab rails and extends the rear frame. It is a simple metal bar attached to the rear end of the motorcycle to avoid scraping against the road while performing wheelies.

There are several aftermarket parts you must consider installing on your motorcycle to make it better suited for stunt riding. These parts can reduce the damage sustained due to a motorcycle crash. Besides the 12 o’clock or round bar, you can install frame sliders, crash cages, hand brake, sub cages, and sprocket kits.

On the other hand, If you use your motorcycle for daily commutes and touring, you can improve comfort and performance by installing a fairing, crash bar, sissy bar, backrest, touring handlebars, and comfortable seat.

When learning how to do a 12 o’clock wheelie, use a lightweight motorcycle. A dirt bike is a good option since it will suffer less damage if you make mistakes while trying to perform a wheelie. Even if a part becomes broken, you can replace or repair it easily at a low cost. Use a cheaper, entry-level motorcycle since it is rare to master a 12 o’clock wheelie without slightly damaging the motorcycle.

First, learn how to perform simple wheelies before moving on to doing 12 o’clock wheelies since the latter is a more advanced version of the former.

When attempting any motorcycle stunt, make sure to wear protective riding gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, leather jacket, pants, motorcycle boots, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads to lower the risk of injuries.

To do a 12 o’clock wheelie safely, find an empty, wide, and straight stretch of road where you have room to maneuver your motorcycle.

You will eventually master the 12 o’clock wheelie if you practice consistently. As you practice, you will be able to fix mistakes, improve execution, and hold the wheelie longer.

Your motorcycle must be in good condition to produce smooth and adequate power to do a 12 o’clock wheelie. The engine, clutch, brakes, and suspensions are the major parts involved when performing a 12 o’clock wheelie. The clutch and brake cables must also be in good condition to ensure smooth operation and power transfer to the rear wheel when required. Having a sturdy frame ensures your motorcycle stays stable while performing the 12 o’clock wheelie.

Performing a 12 o'clock wheelie can be a thrilling experience, but safety should always be the top priority. To ensure safety, install a 12 o'clock or round bar and wear motorcycle safety gear. Then, get a lightweight motorcycle and start practicing simple wheelies. Wearing protective gear like a helmet, gloves, and durable clothing can also reduce the risk of injury. It is best to practice on a straight and empty stretch of road with no traffic. Lastly, make sure to only use a well-maintained motorcycle. Never attempt a stunt beyond your skill level or you increase the risk of getting into a dangerous accident.

If you are a responsible rider and prefer going on motorcycle tours rather than doing stunt riding, Viking Bags has a variety of luggage options available, including saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, and trunk bags.