Launch At The Dragstrip Like A Pro

The standing quarter-mile (400 m) is the measure by which all serious streetbike engines are judged. A great time depends on a great launch. How to pull it off?

First, set your tire pressure right. Warm up your rear tire with a burnout: Hold the front brake tight, slip the clutch and spin the rear wheel. You'll usually want to start out in first gear. Bring the engine up to peak torque—usually between 4500 and 9000 rpm.

Let the clutch out quickly while increasing engine speed. Rev up fast enough and the bike will start to wheelie; shift your weight over the front end to help keep the front wheel down. A bit of of wheelie is fine, and better than not giving the bike enough gas. But if the bike jumps up, you get wheel loft, not distance.

Another technique is to hold the engine rpm just below redline. Control your traction and speed with the clutch until the first upshift. The clutch will hate you, but the stopwatch will love it.