Decoding Motorcycle Performance Terminology

The concept of stunt

Stuntriding is an exhilarating sport that involves performing impressive motorcycle tricks and showcasing challenging motorcycle poses. Some of the most popular stunt maneuvers include the wheelie, stoppie, and burnout. In order to execute these gravity-defying stunts, a high-performance sports motorcycle is absolutely essential. The individuals who dare to participate in these heart-pounding performances are aptly named “stunters.”

Most stunters cherish their motorcycles and take great care to protect them. In order to safeguard their bikes, they equip them with various protective tools. These tools include crash knobs, crash protection frames, and tail crash frames, which serve to shield the fenders and exhausts from making contact with the ground during wheelies. Furthermore, a handbrake for the rear wheel is an indispensable accessory for stunting, as it enables stunters to manipulate the rear brake effortlessly while performing their jaw-dropping stunts.

Wheelie

At the heart of stunt riding lies the wheelie, the art of lifting the front wheel of the motorcycle using the engine’s torque or the clutch. The wheelie offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression, resulting in various thrilling variations of this basic maneuver.

Circle: This wheelie is performed in a circular motion on the rear wheel, and it presents a considerable challenge for even the most experienced stunters. However, there is an even more demanding variation known as the “Ralph Loui,” in which the rider’s right foot is placed on the left foot-peg.

High chair: In this eye-catching wheelie, the rider elevates the front wheel while placing their feet over the handlebars, assuming a “high chair” position.

Tank wheelie: In this daring wheelie, the rider sits on the gas tank with their legs fully extended, creating a dramatic visual effect.

Frog wheelie: In this attention-grabbing wheelie, the rider places their feet on the gas tank while standing or sitting, resembling a frog perched on a lily pad.

Seat stander wheelie: This wheelie involves the rider standing on the seat of the motorcycle, defying gravity in an awe-inspiring manner.

The crown jewel of wheelie stunts is undoubtedly the watchtower, in which the bike is brought to an almost vertical position, with the rider boldly standing on the windshield of the bike. This visually stunning maneuver demonstrates the immense skill and fearlessness of the stunters.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the 12 o’clock wheelie, a true test of audacity and control, as the bike teeters on the brink of standing up straight. A clever variation of this wheelie is the coaster, in which the rider maintains balance without relying on engine power. The rider deliberately lifts the front of the bike beyond the balance point, and then skillfully uses the rear brake to recalibrate the balance, preventing the bike from toppling backwards. Some stunters choose to employ both the clutch and throttle simultaneously to achieve maximum engine speed, effectively restoring the bike’s equilibrium.

The nose wheelie serves as a thrilling inversion of the 12 o’clock wheelie. In this daring maneuver, the rider cleverly leans forward, leveraging the bike’s forward momentum to raise the rear, all while hurtling forward at high speeds.

When two or more stunters come together to perform a wheelie, it is aptly referred to as a man-dom, a testament to the camaraderie and teamwork that characterizes the stunt riding community.

In addition to the wheelie, stunters have a plethora of other jaw-dropping tricks up their sleeves, including:

Ape Hanger: This audacious maneuver involves gripping the handlebars with one hand while executing a 12 o’clock wheelie.

Cliff Hanger: In this bold feat, the rider places one foot on the handlebars while performing a 12 o’clock wheelie.

Stoppie/Endo: This maneuver entails lifting the rear of the bike using a combination of the bike’s momentum and the skillful application of braking force.

Biscuit Eater: This impressive trick involves placing both feet on the handlebars while performing a stoppie, pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible.

Burnout

Burnout is a crowd-pleasing spectacle with various mesmerizing styles, such as the basic burnout, “suicide burnout,” “chainsaw burnout,” and “merry-go-round.” In the “suicide” variation, the stunter stands in front of the bike and skillfully executes a burnout. The “chainsaw” style involves the stunter standing beside the bike, causing it to rotate while performing a burnout. The “merry-go-round” style is characterized by a tilted bike and a stylish circular motion while maintaining dynamic equilibrium at one point.

Other Concepts

Acrobatic: Stunters push the boundaries of creativity by executing various mind-bending poses while riding their bikes.

Hyperspin: This visually captivating stunt bears resemblance to the merry-go-round, but with the stunter kneeling instead of sitting on the bike.

Switchback: In this daring maneuver, the stunter deliberately faces backward while performing mind-boggling stunts.

Christ/Jesus Christ/ Cross: In a stunning display of balance and courage, the stunter assumes an upright position on the seat or gas tank, extending their arms or legs. This breathtaking stunt can also be combined with the switchback maneuver, further accentuating the stunter’s skill and showmanship.

Deactivator: This astonishing stunt involves the stunter unexpectedly leaping off the bike mid-wheelie, taking daring to new heights.

These are just a few examples of the incredible stunts that stuntriders perform with finesse and precision. Stunt riding has transcended its roots to become a legitimate sport, complete with professional competitions that showcase the immense talent and dedication of these adrenaline junkies.

In Vietnam, this captivating extreme sport is rapidly gaining popularity, with numerous stunt groups emerging across the country. The electrifying performances of these talented stunters can often be witnessed at various events, including the Vietnam Motorbike Festival, Motul Bike Fest, and BMW World, leaving spectators in awe of their extraordinary skills.

Anh Duc (TTTD/Source: Testxe)