How to launch at a stoplight

[lawdog]

Just curious on how you guys are launching your bikes off the line without either bogging or seeing sky.

I find if I leave too low rpm on my 2009 XB12R I bog. If I leave too high rpm I am pulling big wheelies which scare the crap out of me. I am trying to find a compromise on the fastest way to leave off the line at a stoplight.

Right now I am slipping the clutch till about 30mph to prevent big wheelies. Not to mention hugging the gas tank, leaning forward, and trying not to get ripped off the bike by the G force. How fast are you guys getting the clutch all the way out? I roll on the throttle and modulate the clutch but maybe I am going too throttle heavy???

I have also noticed with a full gas tank I can leave harder and not wheelie so much with the extra weight. But if I am down to about a gallon of gas left I might as well be a NASA astronaut as I am pulling the front wheel off the ground at least a foot or so all through 1st gear. I don't want to show off. I just want a nice 0-60 time and keep that front tire skimming the ground or maybe a couple inches.

 

[strmvt]

lol LEO asking how to leave fast lol. Seriously tho I'm in the same boat on leaving from a stop I'm happy with just lollygaggin away and keeping my skin on lol been down enough already as it is.

 

[dave_xb12r]

I do about 15% throttle and a little clutch slip, once rolling, and the clutch is all the way out, roll on progressively harder and faster. The wheel stays down and no tire spin, and best of all, you're not slipping the clutch a lot.

I've seen some guys on here do REALLY BAD clutch slips in their videos. These things have tons of torque. You don't have to slip like a 600 gsxr.

 

[GW 04 XB12R]

I do about the same as dave. Like he said, you don't need to get into higher RPM to make power like on a GSXR. I'd say I'm fully out of the clutch in about 1-1.5 seconds, no idea how fast. Once your out of the clutch (probably 2.5 - 3k RPM) just roll-on the throttle. That's what you'll have to play with.

These things will wheelie easy if you open it right up at 3k in 1st. Just keep rolling-on harder each time until you're happy with the results. This way saves your clutch too; use the torque instead.

 

[bajabomber87]

Its called learning to ride, keep trying.

 

[lawdog]

Thanks. I am not much of a go fast kind of guy but I do like to get to the speed limit in a hurry. The raw torque and acceleration of thses bikes just make it so fun to ride. Who cares about going a 100mph. I just like to rip the throttle open and rocket up to 60 mph. Make driving back and forth to work fun again!

Bajabomber I agree. Perfect practice makes perfect results. I think I am going to leave at a lower rpm so I slip the clutch less. I think I am giving it too much throttle off the bat which is pulling my front end up. This thing is a beast and just wants to rip my arms off!

 

[upthemaiden]

I find if I leave too low rpm on my 2009 XB12R I bog. If I leave too high rpm I am pulling big wheelies

Have you ever heard the story of goldilocks and the 3 bears?

 

[lawdog]

Have you ever heard the story of goldilocks and the 3 bears?

I should not commit burglary, trespassing, vandalism, and eat other people's food?

 

[delta one]

I should not commit burglary, trespassing, vandalism, and eat other people's food?

don't forget breaking and entering

ok I have a 9 so results may vary

get the revs around 3.5k
slip till you get BOTH feet on the pegs
get up on the tank and bars
[simultaneously] slight throttle lift and pull slightly on the clutch before you dump it (double clutching* optional)
full grip on both grips (you wont need the clutch again anyway but cover the rear brake with your toe just in case)
grab a fist full of gas as soon as it engages
full throttle off as the red line approaches and tag the shifter up a tick
repeat last two steps as necessary or until you have done it 3 more times (4 if you have an 1125)

works well enough for me
YMMV

*this is not what double clutching was once referring to (syncing engine and tranny speed before shifting and full engagement of clutch that became almost useless entirely as modern cars became equipped with modern syncros) but it is the most common description I have heard in the past few years because the rider/driver utilizes the clutch twice in one gear.

(oh yea I never do it on public roads

lol )

 

[bardo688]

Do you leave 1 under neutral or 1 above
1N234

 

[ophawk]

Its called learning to ride, keep trying.

I second that

Later

 

[delta one]

Do you leave 1 under neutral or 1 above
1N234

on my bike my understanding is that you have a 1:1 in fourth and a 1:1 in fifth on an 1125
so best power down in 4th and under. 5th (6th on an 1125) is for top speed only.

but after topping out third on an XB you are most likely exceeding all speed limits in the country, not sure what that is on an 1125

so here it is


start in one and shift THROUGH N (might need a clutch for this one)

first gear (shift once) second gear (shift twice) third gear (shift a third time) fourth gear (shift a fourth time) fifth gear

I would say that after second definitely third you are no longer launching so it isn't necessary to elaborate on them based off of the original question posted

but thanks for busting my chops any way

 

[GSXdoubleR88ciNINJA]

tach about 2 grand
slip clutch and you start rollin
pick up your feet, lean on tank
dump clutch
pin it
deal with little wheelies

2500 is too much for me to launch

I believe empty tank wheelies ARE easier...

 

[kajer]

I do dave_xb12r's method, great thing is, I can launch and my front tire will be a few inches off the ground all through first, and is very very light in second; telling me I can't accelerate my fatass any more without turning myself over backwards

 

[lawdog]

2500-3k launch and pinning it puts my front wheel couple feet off the ground. I am going to try and get the clutch out sooner around 2k then ease in the throttle. More throttle control less ridin the clutch. If I pin the throttle below 25mph I see sky. I need to work on smooth roll on. Usually most of 2nd gear the front tire skims along and 3rd tops out way above the speed limit. Usually I run it up hard through 3rd then jump to 5th to cruise skipping 4th.

 

[tuneport67ss]

WOW!!! Gotta love wide open and stop I guess. Yes these bikes are fun to accelerate, but rolling the throttle not only gives you more control, but it also is easier on the equipment. Clutches, chains, and belts do not like to be snatched on. I do roll on the throttle hard to speed sometimes, (making the front light in 1st and 2nd) but I also do not find it difficult at all to ease around. Learning to roll the throttle and using slight clutch slip off the line is the key. When you figure it out, you'll know it.

 

[Fock347]

Its called learning to ride, keep trying.

agreed way too much elaboration on launching lol

 

[kalifornia]

Can anyone deny drag racing ricers is fun? I say Represent Buell and pratice those launches

 

[Nuage420b]

lol, the first drag race I had was against a 750 at a light. I got antsy, dumped the clutch and ripped the throttle. front end went to the sky my feet never found the pegs but luckily caught on my rear axle sliders, I peed and pooped my pants simultaneously and beat the hell out of that 750 to the next light on one wheel!!

 

[RH12s]

as already stated:learn to ride the bike.....these things have a ton of power but i find it pretty manageable. if you're going to keep riding the clutch, it wont be long til you're replacing it