Category: 2 Wheels

May 14

Are Motorcycle Wheelies Illegal?

Performing a wheelie in front of a cop might land you in hot water, even if there isn’t specific verbiage outlawing them.

Not much looks cooler than a seasoned motorcyclist popping their front tire up off the ground as they sail down the boulevard. Well, maybe an effortless stoppie. Either way, motorcycle wheelies are part of our two-wheeled culture. Still, are motorcycle wheelies illegal? Or is it more of a gray area?

A motorcycle wheelie could land you a misdemeanor charge and an impound fee

Motorcycle wheelies aren’t rare. Riders pop their wheels up aboard their taut, lean Suzuki sportbikes and Harley-Davidson cruisers every day. Understandably so, it’s one of the quintessential two-wheeled show-off maneuvers. Riders simply roll onto the throttle deliberately, pulling the front tire off the ground and continuing to ride as power heads to the rear wheel.

Tragically for fans of the daring maneuver, performing a wheelie could land you in hot water with the police. While there aren’t too many laws specifically listing motorcycle wheelies as illegal, doing so in view of a police officer will more than likely result in a traffic stop. Depending on your local law enforcement and their policies, you could receive a reckless driving ticket. However, if an LEO sees you popping a wheelie in a racing context, you could be looking at a Class A misdemeanor charge.

A rider on a highway does a wheelie.
kruwt via iStock

Wheelies aren’t the only single-wheel stunt that will earn you some negative attention from Johnny Law. A stoppie is a move where a rider stops hard using the front brake, forcing the rear tire off the ground. When performed well, it’s quite a sight. However, law enforcement might find a safety issue with the practice. As such, a rider might earn themselves a ticket or a court date for doing a stoppie on public roads.

I have a compatriot, who, after a few weeks of riding thought popping his front wheel off the ground would be a simple undertaking. Fortunate to say, after rebuilding his Yamaha and getting some medical attention, he’s back on two wheels. Emphasis on two. Wheelies and stoppies, then, are best left to closed courses and stunt riders.

That said, there are stunt courses that will teach riders how to perform a textbook wheelie. Better yet, the instructors will teach you in a controlled, closed environment.

May 01

Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Helmet Types and Their Features

Detailed Overview of Motorcycle Helmet Varieties

A Wide Range of Helmet Styles for Different Riders

Motorcycle helmets are designed to meet a variety of rider preferences and safety needs, each style offering distinct features and protections. From helmets with advanced visors and modular capabilities that allow adjustments like raising the chin guard, to simpler designs that prioritize ease of use over comprehensive protection, understanding the diverse options is crucial. Riders can choose helmets based on their specific needs, ensuring both comfort and safety while on the road.

Essential Helmet Types and Their Characteristics

Motorcycle helmets can be categorized into six main types, each designed for specific riding scenarios and offering different levels of safety:

  1. Full-face Helmets: These helmets offer the most extensive protection, covering the entire head and jaw area with a continuous visor. They are highly recommended for maximum safety and are often required to meet rigorous safety standards such as DOT or Snell certifications.
  2. Modular Helmets: Offering a hybrid design, modular helmets combine the full coverage of full-face helmets with the convenience of lifting the chin bar and visor. This design is especially popular among road and touring riders for its versatility and ease of interaction.
  3. Open-face and ¾ Shell Helmets: These helmets provide coverage for the top and back of the head but leave the face exposed. Known for their comfort in warm conditions, they offer less protection than full-face models and are sometimes referred to pejoratively as “brain buckets” due to their minimal coverage.

Specialized Helmets for Unique Riding Needs

  • Off-road Helmets: Specifically crafted for off-road adventures, these helmets feature robust chin bars and are typically used without a traditional visor. They are lighter and provide better ventilation, making them ideal for dynamic off-road environments where riders also wear goggles for eye protection.
  • Dual-sport Helmets: As a fusion of road and off-road helmet designs, dual-sport helmets incorporate features suitable for both environments, such as extended visors and space for goggles. They are versatile and provide substantial protection, making them a great choice for riders who enjoy both street riding and off-road excursions.

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet involves more than picking a style; it’s about understanding the specific features that each type offers and how they can enhance safety and comfort based on your riding habits. With the right helmet, riders can enjoy enhanced protection and a more comfortable ride, whether they’re navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails.