1st gear is a bit violent for my liking, throttle response is too sensitive and you hit the limiter to fast to ride it out properly. But in a tight space where you have to show-off is ok for the fans.
The throttle on-off-on method isn't very good for chains, and looks shit, so I never use it.
Powering up in second takes too long to get the front right up too so sometime you can run out of revs again.
The two options I prefer the most are clutching it up in 2nd, and bouncing it up.
Bouncing gets you to balance point much faster than powering up and you're already in a stand-up position most of the time. I like bouncing up with my left foot on the pillion peg, cos you fatigue less during a long wheelie. I frequently bounce up 3rd gear as well...
Clutching up is a bit of an art to learn but once you get it, you're set. A quick flick of the clutch as you go from stable revs to powering up and you'll be almost at balance point predictably every time. Do not do it in first though on an SD, only 2nd. Best method I find for nice long, tall sit down wheelies... and best method for thrilling pillions... (Warn them though)
Okay, so I'll try and articulate some actual methodology. Only try this in a safe location - safe for you and the rest of the public.
Clutching 2nd works best from about 5000rpm to 6500rpm or so. Best way to describe it is like a drag racing start, where you feel the transmission load up as you feather the clutch just a bit. So you want to be riding along with revs at about 5000. Get used to the feel of slipping the clutch at this speed and what happens when you release it while holding constant throttle or ever so slight acceleration. To do a wheelie, you want to quickly open the throttle to about 80% (don't need 100%) and as you start to do it, flick the clutch. If you do it right you'll probably wheelie. If you release the clutch to slow you'll just sorta bog down. It's a rhythm you have to learn.
Bouncing is dead simple. If you can raise your ass off the seat while riding along, to stand on the pegs you can do this. Raise your ass off the seat while riding along, and stand on the pegs with revs at about 5000. Now bounce down on the pegs with all your weight and then return to the standing position. As you bounce downwards wind on the throttle, as the suspension rebounds the front will bounce off the ground and continue upwards as you keep the throttle pinned. Just a timing thing to get right. If you want you can seat yourself as you bounce downwards but I like to stay standing.
Try not to chop the throttle to put it down, just roll off slightly for all wheelies so you don't damage headstem bearings and forks and come down gently, Another method is to change to the next gear and usually that'll bring it down gentle too...
