Lifting front wheel, why now?

[stewart]

I have a C14 2010 with the Ghul Flash and I've never been able to lift the front wheel until now. I know there are methods involving popping the clutch but I'm not prepared to try that. I also know a few members can do it in 1st gear simply by rolling off then on the throttle.

So why could I lift it on Saterday when I opened her up on a straight stretch of road after a stop for the first time. I weigh 220lbs and plus gear I must come in at 240+ easily if not more. I think the reason was weight, I was very low on fuel.

Has anyone else experienced this, low fuel, high chance front wheel can come up?

[DGOLD]

Whats the status of the traction control?

[maxtog]

I have a C14 2010 with the Ghul Flash and I've never been able to lift the front wheel until now. I know there are methods involving popping the clutch but I'm not prepared to try that. I also know a few members can do it in 1st gear simply by rolling off then on the throttle.

So why could I lift it on Saterday when I opened her up on a straight stretch of road after a stop for the first time. I weigh 220lbs and plus gear I must come in at 240+ easily if not more. I think the reason was weight, I was very low on fuel.

Has anyone else experienced this, low fuel, high chance front wheel can come up?

I have *ZERO* first-hand experience with such things (and it will likely remain that way).  But scientifically speaking, one of the most important factors (other than power) is weight LOCATION.  Specifically, less weight on front.  If you were low on gas and also shifted further back on the bike and/or had more gear in storage, these could all contribute to the front end wanting to come up.

[maxtog]

Whats the status of the traction control?

Hmm, that is another major factor

[lt1]

Several thoughts:  First, the Guhl reflash will increase low-end torque.
Possible cooler weather, which typically gives a small performance boost.
Differences in the launch or roll-on.  Typically, most of us who don't "like" wheelies subconsiously control the thottle in such a manner as to keep the nose on the ground.  Sort of an unintentional traction control.  We are often not aware of it until something changes, like the reflash.  Or cooler weather.  Or switching bikes.  Or being in a rowdy mood.  Or being startled/goaded into an agressive launch.

[Elfmaze]

I'm guessing the GTR has a timing retard in the first few gears?  But most bikes will flip them selves amazingly easily if from a stop you crack the throttle wide open.  your brain usually does a good job preventing this,  But the change in power curve may have undone some of the wrist programming you have done.  I've had the GTR's front wheel come up cresting the top of a hill already on normal/aggressive riding.  so I'd imagine she would not be hard to get up if i tried.   

[stewart]

Thanks for comments/input.

- I've had the Guhl Flash for 12 months now and I'm pretty comfortable with the bikes changed characteristics.
- Yesterday I wasn't carrying any load, the bags were empty.
- The weather was mild, not cool.
- I accelerated hard into 1st/2nd gear, but didn't launch of the line. I'm cautious when crossing an intersection.
- I don't recall having my weight back, but its a possibility.
- It didn't catch me by surprise, but it was interesting since the road was flat

After pondering it further I do think its just a simple case of low fuel, less weight and a change in weight distribution.

[momo65]

If you have bought the Black one, it would do it everytime,,, fastest color ha ha

[Son of Pappy]

Well, ya was getting her hard, rapid shift and generous application of throttle, front rises.  Try a full tank, WFO till 10k or so, preload shifter, slightly roll off throttle and reapply throttle, bet the front rises again.  My '08 Silverdammit does the same going from 2nd to 3rd, but she does have the ability to pass more gas and air

[OregonLAN]

I've lifted the front end up a couple of times by accident. It usually happens as I shift from 1st to 2nd at around 9K RPM.

[danl]

I pulled the front end of mine just hitting the gas hard in 1st gear. Probably doing 30-40mph and nailed it, the front came up, traction control kicked in and put me back down.

[stewart]

I pulled the front end of mine just hitting the gas hard in 1st gear. Probably doing 30-40mph and nailed it, the front came up, traction control kicked in and put me back down.

How much do people weigh with gear, who suggest the front wheel comes up all the time?

[Son of Pappy]

210 nekid, add 20+ for gear.  Do keep in mind a mod or two.  Full AreaP, flyectomy, PCV w/auto tune, ZX14 TBs, and the vastly quicker '08 Silverdammit.  It really is no trouble lofting the front in first, second takes some work and power shifting 2nd to 3rd gets a really nice long float of the front.  I'm sure if I squided it (left foot on the rear peg, bounce off the limiter in third and dump the clutch) I could get a full blown wheely, but I aint a squid, I'll save that stuff for the dirt, thank you very much!

[maxtog]

After pondering it further I do think its just a simple case of low fuel, less weight and a change in weight distribution.

[Tim]

I'm no light weight, but thought lofting the front tire shifting from 1st into 2nd when bouncing off the red line was pretty normal for a RED 09.

The other thing which has me thinking is my front brake has been pulsing under light breaking. I could not figure out if the front tire was causing this or warping rotors. I don’t use the front hard but yesterday while out with some buddies on a ride, I purposely got on the front harder than normal. After dong this the front brake pulsing went away even with light braking.   

[Jeremy Mitchell]

250 plus gear puts me closer to 270 and I can loft the front end in first gear (in second if I really want to get froggy  ) and the 1-2 shift (never have on the 2-3).  My mods are almost exactly the same at SOP's, minus the ZX TB's. 

[mike-s4]

My 08 goes right up in first gear real fast. I can get it straight up in second or third using the clutch.
Try a zx14. Second and 3rd gear power wheelies are easy. Just sit back a little and twist the throttle.
The old h2's would lift up in just about any gear.
Photo-1973. My 72 H2. No helmet laws back then.
Fun!

[ZG]

Sweet retro pic Mike!