How To Do A Stoppie The Right Way

Tip #152 from the pages of The Total Motorcycling Manual

This is the wheelie’s evil twin, sometimes called a nose wheelie. The first two steps (what bike to learn on, what to wear) are the same as for a wheelie, although a streetbike with a powerful front disc brake and a sticky front tire will work better.

Approach a flat, smooth area (parking lot, runway) and ride in at 30–45 mph (48–72 kph). Lean forward 
and get your weight over the handlebar. A sportbike with a low bar is the best choice.

As you reach the area you've targeted, smoothly and quickly squeeze the front-brake lever until the fork is compressed. Then squeeze harder while tranferring your weight forward until the rear wheel begins to rise off the pavement.

Remember: You’re not trying to stop the bike, just get the rear wheel to come up. Once you can do that, increase your pressure and weight transfer until you can bring the rear wheel higher and higher.

Start out small. If a stoppie goes bad, all you can do is release the front brake, but there's a good chance it’s all over. On the other hand, if it does go bad, you’ve mastered the endo.