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5 Best Moped For Wheelies (Guide)

If you’re an adventurous moped rider, you may have tried to pull off a wheelie once in a while. Wheelies aren’t specific to those cool-looking sporty motorbikes on YouTube.

But you may wonder what mopeds are suitable for wheelies.

Read on for more details about these mopeds that give you a nice and smooth wheelies experience. We’ll also elaborate on the features you should consider when buying a moped for wheelies.

What is Wheelie Control?

You may have experienced unwanted wheelies on an unfamiliar motorbike or a steep ramp, feeling your front wheel is getting off the ground. 

Although it may look cool, it can cause trouble for you. So, a motorbike equipped with wheelie control can give you an added level of security to avoid unwanted wheelies.

The wheelie control’s job is to keep your wheels on the ground regardless of the throttle’s position. It does its job with the help of the ABS and sensors that show each wheel’s speed. 

If they’re traveling at different speeds, the sensors send the information to the motorbike’s computer. So, depending on which wheel is off the ground, it adjusts the engine’s power or activates the ABS to slam the affected wheel back to the ground.

If your motorbike has a suspension, it can predict that the system is about to experience a wheelie. These motorbikes have sensors and electronics that sense the suspension’s load constantly.

Although wheelie control is crucial in giving you a smooth ride, it can stop you from practicing wheelies. 

So, if you like to do wheelies intentionally, you may want to turn the wheelie control off and practice in a controlled space or a zero-traffic place. 

However, it’s highly recommended that you activate these controls for general use and riding in high-traffic areas.

Can You Do Wheelies on a Moped?

You can do wheelies on a moped although it may be more difficult than other motorbikes. Even if your moped doesn’t have the required torque, you can do wheelies on it. It may take a little more effort and skill, but you can perform wheelies just like any other motorcycle.

Lightweight riders can perform wheelies even on a 50cc moped. But if you’re heavier, you need a more powerful moped to do a wheelie.

Read Is Honda Ruckus A Moped Or Motorcycle?

Even if your moped doesn’t have enough torque, you can prepare for a wheelie by achieving the right speed and clutch. Check out this video to see how to pull off a wheelie on a moped.

What to Look for When Buying a Moped for Wheelies?

Although you can do wheelies on any moped if you have the necessary skills, some features can help you perform these maneuvers more effortlessly.

Torque

The most important feature to consider while shopping for a wheelie moped is the engine’s torque. That’s because your motorcycle pulls off a wheelie by applying more torque to the rear wheel. 

A wheelie involves removing the first wheel off the ground by accelerating the moped, increasing the torque around the rear axle, and reducing the load on the front axle. 

As mentioned, you can pull off wheelies on any motorcycle as long as you have skills. So, if you’re a beginner, look for a high-torque moped to do some part of the job for you and help you learn the ropes.

Horsepower

Many pro bikers believe that horsepower doesn’t affect your ability to pull off wheelies as any motorbike with a clutch can do them. But the wheelie’s quality, smoothness, and safety are also important, greatly affected by the horsepower. 

The more powerful the moped, the faster you can reach the desired speed to start the wheelie. 

But that’s not all. If you have a high power at the beginning, you’ll have enough power to softly bring down the front wheel. This way, you’ll have smoother handling of the maneuver and landing the front wheel.

Weight

It’s common sense that the lighter an object is, the easier you can lift it off the ground. The same rule applies to a moped as wheelies are nothing except removing the wheel off the ground.

So, if your moped is lightweight, you can do it much more easily. But you should consider your own weight, too. The heavier you are, the heavier the moped needs to be.

Rear Brakes

Rear brakes won’t help you pull off wheelies, but they’re vital in slowing them down. You can bring the front wheel down by hitting the rear brake, making them a vital component of the moped for controlling the vehicle and avoiding looping the moped.

That’s especially important if you don’t have enough skills to reduce your RPMs and use engine braking.

Also read What Is Similar To Honda Ruckus?

Best Mopeds for Wheelies

Now, let’s take a look at the best mopeds you can do wheelies on.

Piaggio Zip 50 4T

Features

  • Engine: i-get, single-cylinder, four-stroke.
  • Starter: Electric.
  • Torque: 3.
  • Horsepower: 4.
  • Top speed: 60 mph.
  • Clutch: Automatic centrifugal dry clutch.

The Piaggio Zip 50 2T is one of the most practical and efficient mopeds on the market designed for comfort and power. It’s a compact moped, only measuring 1700 mm long and 680 mm wide, with a comfortable and adjustable seat.

It’s lightweight and easy to ride, making it a great moped for wheelies. It also has enough torque and horsepower to help you handle your wheelies and land smoothly.

With the height-adjustable seat, you can be sure to have the most comfortable seat height, enabling you to exert enough power when starting your wheelies.

Pros

  • Reliable.
  • Light.
  • Economical and environment-friendly.
  • Comfortable seat.
  • Affordable.

Cons

  • Kick start has problems.
  • Weak at idling.

Yamaha Jog CE50

Features

  • Torque: 5.
  • Horsepower: 3.
  • Weight: 49 kg.
  • Engine: 2-stroke, single-cylinder, 49cm³.
  • Speed: 40 mph.
  • Cooling System: Air.

Although Yamaha has ended the production of the Jog series, it remains one of the best mopeds for wheelies.

In addition, the aftermarket parts are widely available on the market, so you don’t need to worry about spare parts.

The models produced between 1986 and 1991 feature a vertical version of Yamaha’s 50cc Minarelli engine, which has always been widely popular.

It also features CVT transmission drum brakes that have replaced disc brakes. The last generation also featured a storage space under the seat, made possible with its horizontal motor.

Pros

  • Powerful engine.
  • Reliable.
  • Aftermarket available parts.
  • Fully automatic transmission.

Cons

  • Weak brakes.
  • Little storage.

Yamaha Aerox 50cc

Features

  • Power: 3 bhp.
  • Weight: 97 kg (214 pounds).
  • Engine: single-cylinder, carbureted two-stroke.
  • Cooling System: Liquid.
  • Top Speed: 30 mph.
  • Torque: 2.7 ft-lb.
  • Start: electric.

The most important feature that makes the Aerox a good moped for wheelies is that it’s lightweight and nimble. Its disc brakes and 13″ tires make it highly reliable and powerful.

Since it’s a sports moped designed for constant abuse and predictable wheelies, it’s highly durable and well-finished.

However, it can be a little overpriced for a moped, and you can find a better deal at this price. That said, the cool sporty body with disc brakes and upside-down forks may justify the cost.

Pros

  • Cool design.
  • Lightweight.
  • Low fuel consumption.

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Low speed
  1. Honda Elite SA50

Features

  • Engine: AF16E 2 stroke.
  • Fuel Capacity: 7.19 L.
  • Fuel System: Carburetor.
  • Starter: Kick.
  • Cooling system: Air.

Honda has made various Elite models with different names, which may be confusing. The Honda SA50 was made in 1988-2001 as a replacement for Elite S. It has a top speed of 40-43 mph, although the restricted models have a lower speed.

It also has a widely available selection of spare parts, so you don’t need to worry about it. However, different models have different parts, so be careful when shopping for spare parts.

For example, the mopeds produced from 1994 to 1998 had 15mm axles while later models had 16mm axles.

Pros

  • Fast and reliable.
  • Lots of aftermarket parts.
  • Reasonable price.

Cons

  • Drum brakes.
  • Not so attractive.

Yamaha Zuma 125

Features

  • Engine: 125cc 4-stroke SOHC single.
  • Weight 282 pounds.
  • Fuel delivery: fuel injection.
  • Ignition: TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition).

And finally, the latest model, with many features and great looks, is Yamaha Zuma 125. The 2022 model has cool features such as a USB charging port, adjustable headlights, and a locking ignition switch cover.

With a horsepower of 8, 125 ccs, 4-stroke engine, and automatic transmission, this moped guarantees superb performance and an excellent wheelie experience.

Although it may be more expensive than the other items on this list, it’s still approachable if you want to have a modern, rugged-looking moped for different purposes, including wheelies.

Pros

  • Powerful disc brakes.
  • Fuel efficient.
  • Modern and cool look.
  • Adjustable headlights.

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • Heavy

Final Thoughts

Doing wheelies on a moped is quite possible if you choose the right moped and have enough skills and technique.

Horsepower, weight, torque, and powerful rear brakes are the most important features you should consider when shopping for a moped for wheelies.

The mopeds mentioned in this article are all reliable and give you smooth wheelies in addition to comfortable city commutes.

Remember to practice in zero-traffic areas and take safety precautions while working on your wheelies skills.