I can Wheelie out of second with the Gen 1, but again we're not talking about an ES.
So I have to ask, what's a wheelie? I used to ride behind good ES riders like Bodie, and on a curvy switchback road, he would totally kill it. Learn the strengths of your bike, and quit having regrets. Like anything else, there are pros and cons to the tool you're using. Know where it is superior, and use it, and offer a consolation beer when you aren't raising the front-end off the light. Besides, you have a dirt bike. I am a bit reluctant to bounce off dirt shoulders, and can't match the wheelie of a good dirt bike; on the other hand, it's great to see the guy with painful ass try to roll on the miles and speed I can on the road.