about blipping throttle on downshift

[duckmanco]

before anyone says, I did do a search. I was wondering about this "blipping" of the throttle on downshifting the R6. I have never done this before on my XS650 twin cruiser, but from what I gather after closing the throttle and pulling in the clutch you then hit the throttle quickly to bring up the rpm AS you downshift and let the clutch out. Is this correct, or could someone lay it out for me as what you are supposed to do in numerical order, like 1. Close throttle 2. Pull in clutch, and so on. I want to try doing this to see if it makes a difference. Sorry if this has been answered, but I couldnt find it.

[riggz]

You pretty much got it.
The following is a summary from Nick Ienatsch's Sport Riding Techniques:

A properly executed downshift is often necessary while braking, so we must learn to "blip" (rev) the throttle as the clutch is disengaged and the lower gear selected, while slowing the bike with the brakes. The blip matches the engine speed to the new gear, making for a seamless downshift without the jerkiness of a "blipless" downshift. The steps are physically easy, but realtively tough to coordinate at first.


1. Close the throttle and squeeze on the front brake.
2. Pull the clutch in.
3. Downshift with ease (not forcefully).
4. Blip throttle (short rev) while continuing to brake and clutch still in.
5. Let clutch out in a controlled manner in case you didn't match the rpm correctly.

These should all happen almost simultaneously when done correctly.

[fjman]

For practice, hold a perfectly steady speed, and without moving the throttle, grab the clutch, kick down a gear, and dump the clutch. You'll notice that the motor revs up to almost exactly where it should be, and the downshift is ultra-smooth.

Blipping, done well, will give you that smoothness. The difference is that you'll start on trailing throttle instead of holding it steady.

The hard bit to work on it making sure that you do it smoothly. It's hard to hold the brake steady while doing it.

[duckmanco]

THANKS GUYS, thats exactly what I thought it was, and I cant seem to do it right yet, but with time and practice I am sure it will get there...... thanks again

[Thefasterblueone]

duckmanco these guys have given excellent advice. Down shifting this way will make you very smooth and in control while you setup for a corner.

[Boourns]

If you drive a car with a manual, you probably already do this and don't even realize it. Apply the same technique.

[DevildogR6]

I can downshift with blipping the throttle no problem without using the front brakes. Smooth as could be. I run into a little difficulty when I try this while braking. Does it just take some practice? Any tips?

[NemesisR6]

Originally Posted by DevildogR6

I can downshift with blipping the throttle no problem without using the front brakes. Smooth as could be. I run into a little difficulty when I try this while braking. Does it just take some practice? Any tips?

Yes, it just takes practice.

I don't have any real tips other than to practice, but you also may want to fiddle with your brake-lever settings to see what makes you the most comfortable. If it is set too far away and you really have to reach for it, you may have more problems with rev-matching on downshifts while braking.

[EliR6]

I see this topic come up all the time. I could never get smooth at it, myself. So I use a different technique (as taught by Jason Pridmore in his STAR school). I let the clutch out just slightly slower, which brings the engine RPM's up and provides for a smooth downshift. If you're using this technique, DON'T dump the clutch or your back tire will hop around and slide. You'd be surprised how smooth you can be using this technique, but it also takes practice.

Eli

[Cever]

And watch when you are on the front brakes and bliping the throttle. You'll find yourself accidently applying extra pressure to the brakes when you are rolling back for the blip.

FYI, I worked on this for about 4 solid months before I finally got the rhythm to do it at a lesser skill lvl.