Stoppie
A stoppie (also called an endo or front wheelie) is when a rider applies enough front brake force to lift the rear wheel off the ground, with the motorcycle pivoting around the front wheel's contact patch. The bike momentarily balances on just the front tire while decelerating. Stoppies are the braking equivalent of a wheelie.
Stoppies occur because aggressive front braking transfers the motorcycle's weight dramatically forward. Once enough weight transfers past the front axle, the rear wheel lifts. The height and duration of the stoppie depend on how much brake force is applied and the rider's speed. Modern ABS systems are specifically designed to prevent unintentional stoppies by limiting front brake force.
Like wheelies, stoppies are an advanced stunt skill that should only be practiced in controlled environments. The primary risk is going "over the bars" — applying too much brake and flipping the motorcycle forward end-over-end. A stoppie gone wrong can result in the rider being thrown head-first over the handlebars. For everyday riding, the takeaway is simpler: always apply front brake progressively, not grabbing a fistful all at once.
The physics of stoppies reveal why they're significantly more dangerous than wheelies. When you wheelie, the worst case is looping backward onto a crash cage. With stoppies, going over the handlebars means landing on your head and shoulders at whatever speed you were traveling. This is why ABS systems are specifically programmed to prevent the rear wheel from lifting. Even experienced stunt riders who intentionally do rolling stoppies keep their foot covering the rear brake to bring the tail down instantly if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do a stoppie on a motorcycle without flipping?
Start at 20-30 mph in a straight line, gradually squeeze the front brake while shifting your weight back and down. As the rear lifts, modulate brake pressure to hold the position — too much flips you, too little drops the rear. Keep your body low and back. Practice lifting the rear just an inch before attempting higher stoppies. Use a bike without ABS, as ABS prevents stoppies entirely.
Why can't I do a stoppie on my motorcycle?
If your rear wheel won't lift, you likely have ABS (which prevents it for safety), need to brake harder and more progressively, or aren't shifting your weight back enough. Heavier bikes, cruisers, and bikes with longer wheelbases are also much harder to stoppie. Make sure your front tire and brake pads are in good condition — worn brakes can't generate enough force.