How to Slow Wheelie: A Step-by-Step Skill Guide for Dirt Bike Riders
Learning how to slow wheelie is one of the most valuable skills you can develop during dirt bike lessons or while training for off-road motorbike tours. A controlled slow wheelie helps with balance, clutch control, and confidence on technical terrain.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to perform a slow, controlled wheelie and explain the common mistakes riders make — all based on what I teach in my riding sessions.
Why Slow Wheelies Matter
A slow wheelie isn’t about showing off.
It builds the same skills used in:
tight single-track riding
lifting your front wheel over logs, rocks, and steps
maintaining balance at low speed
developing smooth throttle and clutch control
Whether you're joining an off-road motorbike tour in Vietnam or taking your first dirt bike lesson, mastering this skill will improve your riding everywhere.
Step 1: Use Suspension Compression, Not Just Power
Most riders can pop up a power wheelie.
But a slow wheelie is about timing, technique, and suspension.
The most important part is compressing the front suspension before lifting the wheel. You can use either brake to compress it, but the rear brake tends to work best.
Here’s the sequence:
Compress the suspension using the rear brake.
As the suspension loads, drop the clutch.
At the same time, lean back.
The front wheel rises smoothly under control.
If you time this correctly, the wheelie won’t shoot up too fast — it will float up in a way you can manage.
Step 2: Maintain the Wheelie With Clutch & Throttle Control
Getting the wheel off the ground is just the beginning.
Keeping it there requires two skills:
steady throttle
quick, smooth clutch adjustments
If you don’t have good clutch or throttle control yet, go back to the basics. Slow balance drills and clutch-feathering exercises will make wheelies much easier and safer.
Step 3: Correct Body Position — Head Back, Arms Straight
One of the most common mistakes riders make is leaning forward while the wheel is up. Many do this because it feels safer — but it makes a controlled wheelie almost impossible.
To reach balance point, you must:
keep your arms straight
drop your head and shoulders back
let the bike come up to a steep angle
This allows the bike to balance underneath you, instead of you pulling it back down with your upper body.
Step 4: Start With One Foot Down
If you're new to slow wheelies, begin with one foot on the ground. This makes everything easier and helps you find balance without committing fully.
A great progression is:
One foot down, wheelie in a small circle
One foot down, wheelie in a straight line
Both feet on the pegs (advanced)
Controlled straight-line slow wheelie
Few riders reach step four quickly — it takes time, trust, and technique.
Step 5: Use the Rear Brake to Control Height
The rear brake is your safety net.
If the wheel rises too high, gently tap the rear brake.
The brake will drop the front smoothly once you develop control.
In the beginning, most riders slam the rear brake too hard and drop the wheel suddenly. That’s normal. With practice, you'll learn to feather it.
If the wheel drops too low afterward, slip the clutch to bring it back up.
A smooth wheelie is always a balance of:
a little rear brake
a little clutch
a consistent throttle
This balance point is the heart of slow-wheelie technique.
Improve Your Riding With Professional Dirt Bike Lessons
If you want to build skills like slow wheelies, clutch control, hill climbs, balance techniques, and technical terrain riding, our dirt bike lessons in Hanoi are built exactly for that.
We also offer off-road motorbike tours where you can apply these techniques on real single-track, rocky climbs, and enduro obstacles.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, personalised coaching will make a huge difference. Book a lesson in Hanoi here: DBA STORE
