Blipping, tell me why I am wrong

[p.dath]

I've spoken to many experienced riders of late about the subject of blipping (talking about on-road use). My guestimate is about 80% of them say they do it. There are also some notable experienced riders who don't do it, and some go so far as to recommend not doing it (once again, only talking about on-road riding here).

My experience on bikes is very narrow. I've only ridden low to mid-power sports bikes. I do blip. I've been trying not blipping on some downward gear changes the last couple of days, and have decided blipping is the right thing to do, and here is why.

What's better, a smooth gear change, or a rough gear change? If you think a smooth gear change is better, then do you think you are more likely to achieve this when the engine RPM matches the requirements of the gear you are changing into, or when the RPM is different forcing the motor to have to quickly adapt to the new gear?

And [assuming] you believe a gear change will be smoother if the RPM is correct, I only see two ways of achieving this. First you brake and reduce your speed down far enough so that difference in RPM between the current gear and the new one is small. The "smoothness" of this change is purely related to the difference in RPM required for the new gear compared to the old gear.

If you acknowledge that you want the difference in RPM to be minimal, then why not simply blip when changing down to make that difference zero (or as close to zero as your skills will allow)? This is guaranteed to produce the smoothest down changes.


Please explain to me why I am wrong.

[Badjelly]

Please explain to me why I am wrong.

You aren't wrong. Duh!

[blackdog]

well, im' a blipper too.......

[slofox]

Try not matching revs when changing down on a wet road...so much easier to lock up the back wheel...:whistle:

I never change down without trying to match the revs...

[Number One]

Blippity blip blip and go the VTwin :2thumbsup: specially nice through tunnels. AND What slofox said!

[Coldrider]

I can not join the Blipper group.

[MaxCannon]

Always done it - from the GN250 up to the R1200S
I do it in the car too - heel and toe.

Main reason on the bike is that engine braking effect can (and does) lock the back wheel.
When I first started riding the GN250 would do this and a couple of times (especially in the wet) it caused some rather hair raising moments.
The big twin is much the same- mismatched engine speed when changing down will lock up the back.

It also makes the ride smoother. If you ever carry a pillion you'll have their head hitting you in the back of your head if your changes aren't smooth.

[Number One]

I can not join the Blipper group.

Bugger ya! We don't want YOU anyway nyah nyah nyah nyah nyaaaaaaa

[avgas]

I do both and have basically concluded that I do not think much when I ride. I pretty much act naturally.
If it were to think about it, if I know what gear I want to take a corner in, I approach the corner fast and then dump it down the gears, to the gear I want. I never skip any gears, and throttle is completely closed while I do this. I guess this is just because I know the limits on this section of road, and I am more concerned with powering out of the corner than maintaining engine revs.
But like I said before, its what ever comes natural at the time.

[Genie]

I was introduced to blipping recently, well the term for it, I do it without realising, I thought it was kinder on the motor. I also tried not blipping but tend to use brake more....interesting. Nice to experiment and see what pans out, have yet to experience this back wheel lock, or maybe not.

[merv]

Yeah blip - just do it!

[Coldrider]

Bugger ya! We don't want YOU anyway nyah nyah nyah nyah nyaaaaaaaYes now I have confessed I feel much better, too much time lost with the gas on the back wheel.

[riffer]

Yeah, I'm a blipper. Been doing it so long it's natural. Makes for MUCH smoother gearchanges. But you need the revs up slightly before you change down, otherwise it's a really rough change.

[slofox]

I do not think much when I ride. I pretty much act naturally.
.


I do it without realising,

Interesting.

In fact, most of the aspects of riding, I do without thinking. I read posts about countersteering, shifting body weight, doing this that and the other. All deliberately.

I don't think I do anything "deliberately"...well, of course I suppose I do, but nearly all of it just "happens" - it's pretty much at the unconscious level. If someone asked me how I get the bike around a corner f'rinstance, I would have to think hard about what exactly it is that I do to get the bike to steer. On the surface, it just happens - I see the corner and the bike goes through. It's all pretty subtle. Probably as a result of years of doing it.

If I want to go harder than usual, things change. I will deliberately move the weight off centre to get the best angles etc. But overall, I find the bike does best when I minimise my own input. Soft hands, grip with the thighs and it's all good...

[kwaka_crasher]

I thought it was kinder on the motor.

And also kinder on the clutch.

[vifferman]

The only exception now would be newer bikes with slipper clutches, otherwise blipping is almost mandatory, innit?

[slofox]

with slipper clutches...

Those are those little strap thingies that stop your slippers falling off aren't they...? Like on jandals?

[p.dath]

The only exception now would be newer bikes with slipper clutches, otherwise blipping is almost mandatory, innit?

I thought a slipper clutch saved you when you changed down and the rev difference was so great that the rear wheel was going to lock up. If that was the case, wouldn't you still be wanting to blip, rather than relying on being "saved"?

[Ender EnZed]

There are also some notable experienced riders who don't do it, and some go so far as to recommend not doing it (once again, only talking about on-road riding here).

I could be wrong in this instance but it seems to me there is at the very least potential for confusion over the terminology. Are these people reccommending against matching the revs on a downshift or lust being a loud wanker unnecessarily? There are those that exaggerate the "blip" to the extent that they're just cranking the throttle with the clutch in for no reason other than they think it sounds cool.

[Cayman911]

Haha i dont blip on down shifts. i just slow down enough so that im not tossed from a untamed stallion. but yeah its smooth for me without doing it.

ive tried doing it, feels weird to me. almost as if the gears havnt changed. that smooth. and to be honest i find that odd. so i stuck with not doing it often.

i only do it when the change in RPM is higher than it should be. or in higher gears sometimes.

[kwaka_crasher]

Let's put it this way. If you don't blip you'll have to either change down at lower rpm or slip the clutch for longer during the change to give the back torque more time to accelerate the engine to a synchronised rotational velocity to prevent rear wheel chatter.

[hayd3n]

I could be wrong in this instance but it seems to me there is at the very least potential for confusion over the terminology. Are these people reccommending against matching the revs on a downshift or lust being a loud wanker unnecessarily? There are those that exaggerate the "blip" to the extent that they're just cranking the throttle with the clutch in for no reason other than they think it sounds cool.

harley riders??

[avgas]

I could be wrong in this instance but it seems to me there is at the very least potential for confusion over the terminology. Are these people reccommending against matching the revs on a downshift or lust being a loud wanker unnecessarily? There are those that exaggerate the "blip" to the extent that they're just cranking the throttle with the clutch in for no reason other than they think it sounds cool.
There are also those that think "engine revs increased as I changed down......they blipped". Another misguided disillusion.
Note : Blipping does not mean the revs went up.......engine will do that when you change down regardless. That is the glory of a gear box......

[avgas]

harley riders??
Nah all sorts. Seen a few 2-smoke riders do it too.

[ckai]

Always done it - from the GN250 up to the R1200S
I do it in the car too - heel and toe.



Do you double "de-clutch" or blip during the heel-toe? It's interesting because on a bike I merely blip but in a car I double de-clutch (I think that's the term for it). Meaning during downshifts the car goes into neutral, clutch out, rev match, clutch in to finish the shift. Done that for 10+ years now all because I had a car that was an asshole to down shift.

Blipping in a car seems like it's not achieving anything.

But blipping on the bike in mandatory if you have a boom-boom pipe :D

[Toaster]

Drop the clutch as you blip.... saves on front tyre wear and tear.

[YellowDog]

Let's put it this way. If you don't blip you'll have to either change down at lower rpm or slip the clutch for longer during the change to give the back torque more time to accelerate the engine to a synchronised rotational velocity to prevent rear wheel chatter.

Well you could just let the clutch out slowly to use the engine as a brake so that it is all nice and smooth.

If you don't mind replacing your clutch before you should then go for it!

The only people I know who do not increase the engine speed to match the bike speed when changing down are those who are new to riding and have yet to master the basics.

[sugilite]

Picture this, your racing on a fully worked superbike at one of the actrix rounds, looks like it might rain, you punt on it staying dry, then it starts to rain on lap one! Your on slicks and your motor has sky high compression (read lots of engine braking) your bike was made just before slipper clutches were common place. You come screaming into the corners at the end of 3 very fast straights lap after lap, it would be suicide not to blip in these circumstances, I mean it is not possible to be smooth enough to haul the bike down from well over 200 kph with slicks in the rain without blipping, right? WRONG! Oh, and I won the race. Yep, I use my clutch hand as my slipper clutch, match revs, change down multi gears at a time, and NEVER lose traction and no, I don't fry clutches or blow gearboxes apart. OK, it 'may' be a little harder to learn matching revs that way, but really, truly, blipping is not mandatory to smooth down changes by any stretch of the imagination. Most riders are told to do it from the get go, and then keep believing the myth.

[p.dath]

Picture this, your racing on a fully worked superbike at one of the actrix rounds, looks like it might rain, you punt on it staying dry, then it starts to rain on lap one! Your on slicks and your motor has sky high compression (read lots of engine braking) your bike was made just before slipper clutches were common place. You come screaming into the corners at the end of 3 very fast straights lap after lap, it would be suicide not to blip in these circumstances, I mean it is not possible to be smooth enough to haul the bike down from well over 200 kph with slicks in the rain without blipping, right? WRONG! Oh, and I won the race. Yep, I use my clutch hand as my slipper clutch, match revs, change down multi gears at a time, and NEVER lose traction and no, I don't fry clutches or blow gearboxes apart. OK, it 'may' be a little harder to learn matching revs that way, but really, truly, blipping is not mandatory to smooth down changes by any stretch of the imagination. Most riders are told to do it from the get go, and then keep believing the myth.

You say it is possible not to blip, but don't say why it is wrong to blip, or why you don't do it. Any chance you have exceptional bike handling skills that my be mitigating whatever the reason is why you have chosen not to blip?

Your the first post in 27 replies not pro-blipping, so your way out in the minority ...

Pretty much the vast majority of riders are pro blipping. It is confirming my original beliefs (that blipping down is the right thing to be doing).

[kwaka_crasher]

Well you could just let the clutch out slowly to use the engine as a brake so that it is all nice and smooth.

If you don't mind replacing your clutch before you should then go for it!

Exactly my point. Longer slip duration + greater rotational velocity difference = shorter clutch life. A blip minimises both factors.

[jellywrestler]

blip I do blip. I've been trying not blip blip blip Please explain to me why I am wrong.

cool some friday night entertainment before my drug dealer gets here!!!

[kwaka_crasher]

You say it is possible not to blip, but don't say why it is wrong to blip, or why you don't do it. Any chance you have exceptional bike handling skills that my be mitigating whatever the reason is why you have chosen not to blip?

He's simply using the clutch lever as a defacto slipper type clutch with variable rates (controlled by lever pressure).


I don't fry clutches...

Nor would they actually even be left until they're slipping from excessive wear so your theory on clutch life supported by your anecdotal evidence doesn't hold true.

If you're riding the clutch under any circumstances it's going to wear faster. There is no two ways about it.

[Ocean1]

Your the first post in 27 replies not pro-blipping, so your way out in the minority ...

Well I'll just fuck your day completely then. I do both. I always blip on downshifts, I also feather the clutch. In the higher revs I do it a lot.

Buells have huge engine braking, so having braked to somewhere close to the right speed for a corner and shifted down as you’re dropping into it the last thing you want to do is just dump the clutch, revs nicely matched or not. Typically the clutch isn't fully out until I'm rolling on the gas again.

Not sure where I learned it, (probably in the mud hereabouts) but I did the slippy clutch thing going into corners well before I owned a Buell. Once you’ve sussed it I think it’s a useful trick for any bike in some situations.

[Smifffy]

At seems to me that you have now changed definitions of blipping. For any meaningful discussion it is of course necessary to define one's terms. The blipping you seem to be talking about now, is, as you suggest, increasing the engine revs sufficiently to prevent rear wheel lock up. If I remember the other blipping thread correctly, you were all about mashing the gears down as far as possible in order to take a corner at elevated revs (I wanted to say maximum revs, but I don't want to confuse us all with discussions about redline). IIRC your reason for doing this was to be able to exit the corner under maximum power delivery.

[sugilite]

You say it is possible not to blip, but don't say why it is wrong to blip, or why you don't do it. Any chance you have exceptional bike handling skills that my be mitigating whatever the reason is why you have chosen not to blip?

Your the first post in 27 replies not pro-blipping, so your way out in the minority ...

Pretty much the vast majority of riders are pro blipping. It is confirming my original beliefs (that blipping down is the right thing to be doing).

I do not view blipping as being 'wrong', I just view it as technically unnecessary. I do get the aural pleasures some riders derive from blipping, so power to the blippers, I'm just not one of them.

I do not believe bike handling skills come into it that much, it is practiced behavior in mechanical operation. (the clutch) Though doing it all while cranked over and being hard on the brakes ala racetrack conditions is something else again.

On the road, I attempt to ride as smooth and economically as possible, that's what I enjoy, so thats my personal reason for not blipping. In addition, for me.. any small increase in clutch life is not good enough a reason to convert me to a blipper :lol:


He's simply using the clutch lever as a defacto slipper type clutch with variable rates (controlled by lever pressure).



Nor would they actually even be left until they're slipping from excessive wear so your theory on clutch life supported by your anecdotal evidence doesn't hold true.

If you're riding the clutch under any circumstances it's going to wear faster. There is no two ways about it.

Wow, I just thought I said I did not fry clutches, I did not realize I'd presented a theory on clutch life complete with evidence. :mellow:

[crazyhorse]

Blip is it. I was taught to do it - you get a different result depending on the bike you ride. My V-twin loved it. I still blip on the GSXR, so yip! I blip! Bring on the blips :yes:

[scumdog]

Blipping in a car seems like it's not achieving anything.

Some wankers in cars do it changing UP through the gear, WTF??:blink::scratch::tugger:

[dipshit]

Got into the habit of blipping from very early on. I couldn't imagine riding without doing it.

Watching vids of riders that don't blip makes me cringe...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyjJ6RCy_CU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO8TuakquPQ

:eek5:

[CHOPPA]

blip and play with the clutch, you can feel how fast to let the clutch out and control it if it starts to slide. If im going real fast into a real slow corner ill just stomp through the gearbox then ezzz the clutch out if it starts to slide too much i squeeze the clutch a bit more bla bla

Its really handy to have a gear indicator so you dont accidentally change down to many gears.

Prob shouldnt have to ride like that on the road though

[CHOPPA]

Ever tried blipping without the clutch and changing down? Not really practical but if your board and riding with one hand and slowing down just as you touch the shifter give it a little blip in that neutral zone and the gear changes real smooth, if you miss you look like a dick cause the bike jumps haha

[sinfull]

Got into the habit of blipping from very early on. I couldn't imagine riding without doing it.

Watching vids of riders that don't blip gives me the cringe...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyjJ6RCy_CU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO8TuakquPQ

:eek5: I wonder why he did a little cross country in that first vid lol

[sinfull]

Ever tried blipping without the clutch and changing down? Not really practical but if your board and riding with one hand and slowing down just as you touch the shifter give it a little blip in that neutral zone and the gear changes real smooth, if you miss you look like a dick cause the bike jumps haha
Just as your going into the right in that last set of corners before pit str8 at taupo, never seem to have time to reach for the clutch there lol

[dipshit]

I wonder why he did a little cross country in that first vid lol

The rider looks very awkward entering corners when he has had to make a down change.

[Woodman]

Not sure if I blip or not? Will go for a ride and get back to yous.

[SPP]

Smooth is better, no need to over think that one. Why, because it feels right.

Ever watch good riders when they demonstrate technique? Notice how fluid their actions are? They squeeze not grab and twist not pull. Smooth.

Some people get smooth down shifts by feathering the clutch. Others “blip”. Some use either in different situations, and some do both at the same time!. I think that good clutch control would be a good skill to hone for many other reasons than being smooth on the gear change.

On a big twin with lots of engine compression I think I’d be more inclined to feather than blip but I’ll probably only know for sure when I get one.

I am a blipper… if my definitions of blipping are the same as everybody else. I blip two ways, but don’t think about which way to do it when I’m riding. It kind of just happens.

If blipping means...

pulling in the clutch
quickly blipping the throttle when the clutch is in
drop a gear
then release the clutch

Then I do that. Usually when I’m slowing down and am already off the throttle.


If blipping means...

slightly engaging the clutch but not releasing the throttle (so that the engine revs jump up to the rpm your want due to less load)
drop a gear
then as you release the clutch apply slightly more throttle so that when the clutch is fully disengaged the engine revs stay matched for the lower gear and the bike is still moving at the same speed

Then I do that too. From there I either get into the throttle to accelerate or back off the throttle to slow down. You need to be quick and smooth but the change down feels like how an automatic gearbox changes.

Not sure if these are good or bad. Do whatever feels right I guess.

[rwh]

I mostly just slip the clutch, because I'm invariably braking at the time, and I haven't practised blipping enough to be able to do both with good control - ie if I try and blip, I'm likely to vary my brake pressure. I will sometimes blip if I'm changing down without braking, like often on an uphill motorway offramp.

Richard

[kwaka_crasher]

Wow, I just thought I said I did not fry clutches, I did not realize I'd presented a theory on clutch life complete with evidence. :mellow:

So then exactly what was the point of mentioning it in the context of a discussion that to a large degree involves clutches especially with you having mentioned you use yours a great deal but don't fry them in the same post?

[YellowDog]

I mostly just slip the clutch, because I'm invariably braking at the time, and I haven't practised blipping enough to be able to do both with good control - ie if I try and blip, I'm likely to vary my brake pressure. I will sometimes blip if I'm changing down without braking, like often on an uphill motorway offramp.

Richard

If you are going to blip, you need to do it nice and early to set yourself up for the manoeuvre.

Doing it mid manoeuvre can be dangerous.

[Smifffy]

If you are going to blip, you need to do it nice and early to set yourself up for the manoeuvre.

Doing it mid manoeuvre can be dangerous.

This Exactly

[CookMySock]

You can still match rpm and change down without doing an obvious blip.

Ride along and throttle off onto your pilots, but no so much that you go into overrun. Very quickly, clutch and downchange without moving your wrist whatsoever.

You get the gearchange smooth by knowing (guessing?) how much throttle to pre-set, and how quickly you do the actual gearchange. When you get good at it, you don't need to throttle off much at all.

edit: It doesn't matter a shit either way, and pretty much you should just go ride it.

Steve

[MotoKuzzi]

I do both, depends on the situation and it's nearly always subconscious. In fact after I have made a choice either way I sometimes think back and question what made me automatically do it.

[sinfull]

I have a very loud exhaust ! I blop rather than blip !
Oh and my shit does stink yes !

[ckai]

Some wankers in cars do it changing UP through the gear, WTF??:blink::scratch::tugger:

We have to do that in the wifes' mini cause of the square gearbox. Gotta get things spinning otherwise it ain't going it. But people that do it in modern cars are kidding themselves. Unless it's old, brittish or a truck, you're a dick :)

[sugilite]

So then exactly what was the point of mentioning it in the context of a discussion that to a large degree involves clutches especially with you having mentioned you use yours a great deal but don't fry them in the same post?

I got my ZXR750 in early 2006 and I replaced the fiber clutch plates immediately as they were well shagged and slipping. Since then I've raced an entire actrix series (won championship) raced many other events such as Wanganui and various rounds of other race series setting fastest laps, pole positions and race wins along the way. In addition I've also completed MANY road kilometers and I'm still on the same clutch plates now in 2010 4 years later, so yes I feel I have earned the right to say can say I don't fry clutches. The term frying the clutch insinuates excessive and rapid clutch wear rates over a short space of time. Would you agree on those points professor wordy?

[p.dath]

If blipping means...

slightly engaging the clutch but not releasing the throttle (so that the engine revs jump up to the rpm your want due to less load)
drop a gear
then as you release the clutch apply slightly more throttle so that when the clutch is fully disengaged the engine revs stay matched for the lower gear and the bike is still moving at the same speed

Then I do that too. From there I either get into the throttle to accelerate or back off the throttle to slow down. You need to be quick and smooth but the change down feels like how an automatic gearbox changes.


I've been wondering how people do clutchless downshifts and blipping. This is too advanced for where I am at, but I can understand how it is done now.

[rwh]

If you are going to blip, you need to do it nice and early to set yourself up for the manoeuvre.

Doing it mid manoeuvre can be dangerous.

If by 'manoeuvre' you include the whole of braking for a corner - then if I'm going to need to change down 2 or more gears, I'm still going way too fast for the lowest one before I've started braking. At the very least, it'll make a hell of a din for a suburban street.

Not saying you're wrong, but interested in clarification.

Richard

[p.dath]

At seems to me that you have now changed definitions of blipping. For any meaningful discussion it is of course necessary to define one's terms. The blipping you seem to be talking about now, is, as you suggest, increasing the engine revs sufficiently to prevent rear wheel lock up. If I remember the other blipping thread correctly, you were all about mashing the gears down as far as possible in order to take a corner at elevated revs (I wanted to say maximum revs, but I don't want to confuse us all with discussions about redline). IIRC your reason for doing this was to be able to exit the corner under maximum power delivery.

This thread of mine has been the result of a lot of contemplation since I low sided my bike several months ago. I've re-considered the use of blipping, and started this thread to test my understanding. I think my understanding is correct.

I think a lot of either unbalanced advice or pure bad advice was given in my original thread.

I'm firmly of the opinion that blipping down is the right thing to do, but with regard to my low side - should I have been changing down so low - probably not. Was the tyre lock up a result of a a bad blip, yes (or possibly a compression lock up through letting out the clutch to quickly, but I think probably a blip done wrongly). Should I have simply re-engaged the clutch to let the wheel spin again, yes. Was I revving too high the issue, not directly, I was at 66% of red-line revs.
But I don't want to distract this thread with the one that has already been discussed.

Overwhelming people are confirming my understanding of the use of blipping and why it is done in this thread. So I think I have done my learning.

[Leviticus]

Anyone ever driven an Alfa Romeo or Fiat with a Selespeed Gearbox? When changing down gears, the Engine control unit blips the throttle for the same reason. Cambio Corsa Maseratis and Ferraris also.

[Okey Dokey]

edit: It doesn't matter a shit either way, and pretty much you should just go ride it.

Steve

I think that would sum it up for me, too. But it is fun to sometimes debate these things in a forum. :)

[blackdog]

Anyone ever driven an Alfa Romeo or Fiat with a Selespeed Gearbox? When changing down gears, the Engine control unit blips the throttle for the same reason. Cambio Corsa Maseratis and Ferraris also.

iv'e driven a selespeed 156. when just ambling about it was positively the worst ever transmission i've ever used. when fangin' the crap out of it tho' boy did it sound sweet. (stil a pointless load of crap idea though)

much better at the same thing is the electronic clutch can-am spyder. actually better than the traditional manual ver imo

[SPP]

I've been wondering how people do clutchless downshifts and blipping. This is too advanced for where I am at, but I can understand how it is done now.

I’m hardly advanced either dude. It’s something I was taught when I first jumped on a bike. I’m not even sure if it’s the right thing to do, just something I kept doing.

In the words of Bruce Lee "don't think... feeeeeel". I think you know what feels right, so just do that.

Bugger it, now that you've got me concentrating on what I'm doing I'll probably start stuffing my changes :pinch:

[pritch]

I've just read this thread and find some of the replies rather worrying. In old cars (and trucks) that didn't have synchromesh you had to double de-clutch going up and down the gears.

As a rule I try not to be too dogmatic, however much that appears to be a KB thing. To those who don't blip though, may I respectfully suggest you learn to ride your bike properly. Or buy an automatic?

[kwaka_crasher]

I got my ZXR750 in early 2006 and I replaced the fiber clutch plates immediately as they were well shagged and slipping. Since then I've raced an entire actrix series (won championship) raced many other events such as Wanganui and various rounds of other race series setting fastest laps, pole positions and race wins along the way. In addition I've also completed MANY road kilometers and I'm still on the same clutch plates now in 2010 4 years later, so yes I feel I have earned the right to say can say I don't fry clutches. The term frying the clutch insinuates excessive and rapid clutch wear rates over a short space of time. Would you agree on those points professor wordy?

So now you're reversing the position of your last post and saying you were tendering evidence with your statement "I don't fry clutches" within the context of this discussion and you believe that your anecotal evidence suggests that not blipping is no worse for the clutch than blipping?

I just wish you'd make up your mind!

Here's my position: Not blipping on down changes will wear the clutch more. FACT.

[PrincessBandit]

Always had to do it on the ginny; never have to do it on the bandit.

[YellowDog]

If by 'manoeuvre' you include the whole of braking for a corner - then if I'm going to need to change down 2 or more gears, I'm still going way too fast for the lowest one before I've started braking. At the very least, it'll make a hell of a din for a suburban street.

Not saying you're wrong, but interested in clarification.

Richard

Your manoeuvre is your turn for a bend or pull out to accelerate or slow down. You need to be ready for it in good time.

I know my engine really well so i can change up or down without a clutch without any fear of screwing the gearbox. I know I never want to have leess than 5000rpm when I am riding so my brain deals with this by changing gear (usually with the aid of the clutch). I don't need to think about what i am doing because I just do what's needed.

Everyone does this when they drive their cars and I can't understand why you don't expect to ride your bike in the same way.

As has already been said: "Just get on and do it".

[rwh]

Your manoeuvre is your turn for a bend or pull out to accelerate or slow down. You need to be ready for it in good time.

I know my engine really well so i can change up or down without a clutch without any fear of screwing the gearbox. I know I never want to have leess than 5000rpm when I am riding so my brain deals with this by changing gear (usually with the aid of the clutch). I don't need to think about what i am doing because I just do what's needed.

Everyone does this when they drive their cars and I can't understand why you don't expect to ride your bike in the same way.

As has already been said: "Just get on and do it".

Sure, that's pretty much what I do. But if I haven't started braking yet, then it follows that I'm still going reasonably fast. Faster than I'd like for the gear I want to be in when I leave the corner. So I change down while I'm braking. Coordinating my right hand to both brake smoothly and blip the throttle is tricky, so I normally don't bother with the blip, and slip the clutch a bit instead. If I'm slowing down early enough that I don't need to brake, then blipping isn't a problem.

Richard

[sugilite]

So now you're reversing the position of your last post and saying you were tendering evidence with your statement "I don't fry clutches" within the context of this discussion and you believe that your anecotal evidence suggests that not blipping is no worse for the clutch than blipping?

I just wish you'd make up your mind!

Here's my position: Not blipping on down changes will wear the clutch more. FACT.

No where do I say that not blipping does not wear your clutch out, I'm only saying I don't consider I fry clutches and gave an real world practical example to back that FACT up....you seem so intent on putting words in my mouth. Yes, clutches are designed to wear, using them more will wear them faster, i do not dispute that or claim to offer evidence to the contrary. All I'm trying to say, is my not blipping is not frying my clutch!!!! Is that OK with you?

Here's my position: Not blipping on down changes will wear the clutch more, but will hardly fry it. FACT.

[CookMySock]

Not blipping on down changes will wear the clutch more, but will hardly fry it. FACT.I'll add my support to that opinion, I but I do not think the extra wear will be appreciable.

One thing worries me about clutches, and that is the amount of time and brain power consumed during a long clutch slip. I don't think people should be doing this. There is little or nothing to be gained with a long clutch slip, except to smooth out a badly executed gearchange, and there is lots to be lost. All that time the brain is processing slipping the clutch out gently (can be some 1-3 seconds) is largely unavailable to doing more critical things, such as evaluating stopping distances, re-evaluating braking effort, and checking for other vehicles and hazards around them.

Also, clutch pack rebuilds are one of the easiest things to do on a motorcycle, so undue amounts of effort to preserve them aren't rational.

Steve

[oldguy]

Well I'll just fuck your day completely then. I do both. I always blip on downshifts, I also feather the clutch. In the higher revs I do it a lot.

Buells have huge engine braking, so having braked to somewhere close to the right speed for a corner and shifted down as you’re dropping into it the last thing you want to do is just dump the clutch, revs nicely matched or not. Typically the clutch isn't fully out until I'm rolling on the gas again.

Not sure where I learned it, (probably in the mud hereabouts) but I did the slippy clutch thing going into corners well before I owned a Buell. Once you’ve sussed it I think it’s a useful trick for any bike in some situations.

+1, one finger on the front brake, clutch in, blip and tap the shifter down, it all happens so quickly it feels like its all happening at the same time, still light pressure on the front brake till clutch is fully release. this is under hard braking.

[FROSTY]

OP what I'd like to see is you on a 80/85cc two stroke trailee or a 125cc road race bike. You will then learn something not really talked about much on KB Its called clutch control. I feel that is a heck of a lot more important skill to learn than this whole blipping thing.
Feeling through the fingers of your left hand what the clutch is doing.
I guess I'm from a world where there was a real possibility of a chernoble at any time so learning clutch control was essential. Saved me a truck load of lost skin thats certain

[Coldrider]

I've been wondering how people do clutchless downshifts and blipping. This is too advanced for where I am at, but I can understand how it is done now.If you started a thread asking how many KBers do clutchless shifts the same respondants would be on it claiming that is all that they do, such is life at KB, pass me the salt.

[AllanB]

To those who don't blip though, may I respectfully suggest you learn to ride your bike properly. Or buy an automatic?

That's the funniest post I have read in a long time!!!!!!!!! Surprising really as I tend to find your posts informative.

Either you lot are riding a hell of a lot quicker than me on public roads or all riding Suzukis with really shit gearboxs!!!

To Blip - hardly under normal riding conditions. I may subconsciously do it every now and then, but to say it is mandatory and part of correct riding procedures is pretty far fetched. If honest I probably only do it occasionally consciously and then do it because it sounds good!

On my list of really annoying things - some arse with loud pipes farting around town blipping on each downshift like some old time race track hero.

And I think that is really where blipping comes from - 50 years ago with shitty old british gearboxes.

Maybe you blippers should respectfully learn to use your clutches properly ...........

And to do it in a modern car - sheezzzzz, a waste of time, energy and fuel.

[Headbanger]

To those who don't blip though, may I respectfully suggest you learn to ride your bike properly. Or buy an automatic?

Pffft, The gear change goes through silky smooth with no input from the throttle, drive to the rear wheel is regulated with the clucth,what the fuck would blips in the middle of that do?

Sound wanky?

How many blips should I do when I drop her two down two gears before re-engaging drive to the rear wheel via manipulation of the clutch lever?

[Kendog]

I don't blip, never have.

[Harvd]

I read this earlier then went out for a ride just before with blipping on my mind, i found out that i do blip, only to the extent that it partially matches the revs and the (sort of) slipper clutch takes the rest of it up. Interestingly i never do this on my rg150 racebike. just bang it down the gears, rear lock ups are pretty rare on it.

I think if you have to change from doing most things like changing down, applying the brakes,etc subconciously to activly having to think about doing things like blipping then its probably not worth doing it. As was said erlier this attention should be better used dealing with the conditions around you. A rear lock up is usually a LOT better than a front...

[pritch]

If you started a thread asking how many KBers do clutchless shifts the same respondants would be on it claiming that is all that they do, such is life at KB, pass me the salt.

Probably true. Clutchless up, blipping down. No problem.

[Coldrider]

Probably true. Clutchless up, blipping down. No problem.and I am not a blipper.

[Movistar]

OP what I'd like to see is you on a 80/85cc two stroke trailee or a 125cc road race bike. You will then learn something not really talked about much on KB Its called clutch control. I feel that is a heck of a lot more important skill to learn than this whole blipping thing.
Feeling through the fingers of your left hand what the clutch is doing.
I guess I'm from a world where there was a real possibility of a chernoble at any time so learning clutch control was essential. Saved me a truck load of lost skin thats certain


I'm with you Frosty.

Although I do tend to blip, (wouldn't it be interesting to substitute 'blip' for another word in this thread; f*%k maybe...) sometimes it's not ncessary.
Why is it not necessary sometimes?
Because you can 'feel' it's not needed.
How do you feel it?
Through feedback from your clutch lever.

Hard to really explain. You just know when it's required, and I guess how much.
Sometimes I double blip (f&%k) and I don't know why, I just do.

[Headbanger]

On my H-D it was mandatory, Not to avoid rear lock up but to ensure it went into gear, Selecting one of its 32 neutrals while bearing down on a corner was always a heart-pumping maneuver.

[Coldrider]

Never used a gearbox for an anchor (braking), I believe the three rotors it has were designed for that, never changed down causing the engine to rev up or back wheel to skip or lock up, being an ex enduro rider it was all about being at the correct gear at the exact time.

[Headbanger]

You have never used engine braking?

Wow, Just wow.

[blackdog]

double wow

(finding it hard to comprehend actually)

bet you chew brake pads

[steve_t]

(finding it hard to comprehend actually)


Me too:blink:

[pritch]

Every text I have ever read that covered changing down mentions the importance of matching the engine revs to your speed. The method of doing this is to "blip" the throttle as you change down.

I have here Sport Riding Techniques by Ienatch, Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way, and Performance Riding Techniques by Ibbott, among others, all those mentioned cover the importance of smooth down changes, and all describe the correct technique as requiring a blip of the throttle.

Sitting at the end of the main straight at Phillip Island you still hear Rossi and Co going blip blip too, slipper clutches and all.

OK, so a few guys on KB say they're all wrong? I don't think so Tim. :whistle:

[Headbanger]

Just goes to show, There is more to life then just whats in books.

After 30 years on bikes and knowing my bike as well as I do, why would it matter if I don't need to follow the method laid down by the experts in the field? That's not saying they are wrong, In fact from their position of technical writing they are probably right as far as writing books is concerned.

The fact that it works beautifully for the situation is more then good enough for me, and of far more worth then whats in a book. I do exactly what the situation requires (to the best of my ability),But what I do is based on feedback at the time and on my current bike its simply not needed.

Perhaps if I was pushing her to the limit into corners.....

[Headbanger]

Just meditated on the concept...:blink:

Rather then just take the opposing position I'll elaborate.

Having not actively monitored my blipping I'd say that sometimes I do, Sometimes I don't, and sometimes I'd be making all sorts of micro adjustments to revs, travel speed,and clutch as I change gears.

But there are definity many situations/instances where its not required and no blipping takes place.

[oldguy]

Can you tell if these guys are? listening to them Haga did a couple of times. if its good enough for him its good enough for me

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[avgas]

Every text I have ever read that covered changing down mentions the importance of matching the engine revs to your speed. The method of doing this is to "blip" the throttle as you change down.
I have here Sport Riding Techniques by Ienatch, Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way, and Performance Riding Techniques by Ibbott, among others, all those mentioned cover the importance of smooth down changes, and all describe the correct technique as requiring a blip of the throttle.
Sitting at the end of the main straight at Phillip Island you still hear Rossi and Co going blip blip too, slipper clutches and all.
OK, so a few guys on KB say they're all wrong? I don't think so Tim. :whistle:
Haha the "I read it in a book so it must be right approach".......doesn't really fly with riding I have found (case and point counter steering).
As for matching engine revs.......well that is great if your not trying to un-match the engine revs - this technique is what the common folk call "Engine Braking".
Not trying to mock you or anything. Just stating that sometimes it is not all what is seems.
Ride your own ride and all will work out fine. As for me - I wont think about blipping or not blipping. I will do what is natural at the time.

[Deano]

Sitting at the end of the main straight at Phillip Island you still hear Rossi and Co going blip blip too, slipper clutches and all.



This is interesting because when I watch the MotoGP and from the bike cam, it doesn't sound like they are 'blipping' the throttle on downchanges. If anything, it sounds more like they 'hold' the throttle at high revs to match engine and wheel speed. Watching the rev counter seems to confirm this.

I've noticed with my racing that as I got faster and brake later, I don't have time to blip the throttle between downshifts (I don't seem to need to because they are very fast downchanges and the revs don't have time to drop), and also, when blipping the throttle, I found that my fingers were releasing the front brake a little each time.

So now it is all a lot more rapid. Brake hard and downchange quick with no blipping. I do use clutch control and slip it a little if in a slightly lower gear to avoid lock up at a couple of corners.

I always blip on the road.

[p.dath]

This is interesting because when I watch the MotoGP and from the bike cam, it doesn't sound like they are 'blipping' the throttle on downchanges. If anything, it sounds more like they 'hold' the throttle at high revs to match engine and wheel speed. Watching the rev counter seems to confirm this.

I've noticed with my racing that as I got faster and brake later, I don't have time to blip the throttle between downshifts (I don't seem to need to because they are very fast downchanges and the revs don't have time to drop), and also, when blipping the throttle, I found that my fingers were releasing the front brake a little each time.

So now it is all a lot more rapid. Brake hard and downchange quick with no blipping. I do use clutch control and slip it a little if in a slightly lower gear to avoid lock up at a couple of corners.

I always blip on the road.

My originl post was purely about the use of blipping while on the road. I don't understand the track technique enough to know how you achieve faster stopping there, but I still find it interesting that you blip on the road. I could reasonably believe that while on the track you would need a different technique to the road.
The vast majority of people on this thread say they do blip, a small minority say they use clutch slip, and a couple say they do neither.

[CookMySock]

You don't really have time to blip on the track. You are much too busy mentally calculating if it's worth pushing this braking marker just another metre so your opponent can't get past you, to spend time thinking about how long your clutch will last if you blip or not - let the clutch adjustment handle the over-rev. When it's time to change down you want it done ASAP so you can get back to the task at hand, and this is the magic of the slipper clutch - get the downchanges sorted as soon as you are on the brakes so you can concentrate on the corner.

Blipping is purely cosmetic in my opinion, unless you have unresolved mechanical issues, and probably you should resolve them. Hey but its fun! Try the short blap for a quick downchange, or the double blap-blap, or the longer blarrrrp-vroooomcracklepop for the drawn-out downchange! All essential biker skills really.

Steve

[Fatjim]

This is interesting because when I watch the MotoGP and from the bike cam, it doesn't sound like they are 'blipping' the throttle on downchanges. If anything, it sounds more like they 'hold' the throttle at high revs to match engine and wheel speed. Watching the rev counter seems to confirm this.

I've noticed with my racing that as I got faster and brake later, I don't have time to blip the throttle between downshifts (I don't seem to need to because they are very fast downchanges and the revs don't have time to drop), and also, when blipping the throttle, I found that my fingers were releasing the front brake a little each time.

So now it is all a lot more rapid. Brake hard and downchange quick with no blipping. I do use clutch control and slip it a little if in a slightly lower gear to avoid lock up at a couple of corners.

I always blip on the road.

I gotta be with you on this. Although I don't go track riding.

Racing, you let the slipper do most the work. But on the road, blipping is smoother. The Ape slipper is a bit harsh, and I still get lookups, especially downhill, so I tend to blip.

[CookMySock]

Racing, you let the slipper do most the work. But on the road, blipping is smoother. The Ape slipper is a bit harsh, and I still get lookups, especially downhill, so I tend to blip.Not adjustable?

Steve

[Ocean1]

Can you tell if these guys are?

Inneresting, Haga did a few times, mostly not. More confusing is that he seemed to do it significantly differently on subsequent passes through the same corner. Probably "decisions" driven by things going on there he can feel and we can't see...

Both maintained what I'd say sounded like a fairly constant engine braking through the braking and tip-in bits. Doubt that was all down to the slippers, I'd say there'd be some good clutch work in there too.

Also inneresting is how late they are on the gas comming out, well past the apex. That's definitely a sub-optimal technique on the Buell.

[cowboyz]

As a rule I try not to be too dogmatic, however much that appears to be a KB thing. To those who don't blip though, may I respectfully suggest you learn to ride your bike properly. Or buy an automatic?


I dont blip. Im thinking of heading down to AA to resit my licence. Maybe I should just ride faster ..............





Either you lot are riding a hell of a lot quicker than me on public roads or all riding Suzukis with really shit gearboxs!!!



Im thinking its the latter.


Every text I have ever read that covered changing down mentions the importance of matching the engine revs to your speed. The method of doing this is to "blip" the throttle as you change down.

I have here Sport Riding Techniques by Ienatch, Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way, and Performance Riding Techniques by Ibbott, among others, all those mentioned cover the importance of smooth down changes, and all describe the correct technique as requiring a blip of the throttle.

Sitting at the end of the main straight at Phillip Island you still hear Rossi and Co going blip blip too, slipper clutches and all.

OK, so a few guys on KB say they're all wrong? I don't think so Tim. :whistle:

Interesting to note that the discussion is road riding and all the examples come from track riding.

I ride on the gearbox ALOT.. (Helps having a quality Kawasaki gearbox... obviously not recommended if you own a suzuki) but I use it to accelerate/brake/corner and clutch control is WAY more important than revving the crapout of your bike to get attention (oops... I mean .'blipping')

What I use in excess clutch wear ill save in the big end rebuild I wont have to do.

[Nutter34]

I do both... On a more mellow ride, or with a passenger, I blip. When the ride gets a bit quicker, I may or may not blip. It depends on the situation. Neither really takes more or less attention when you are used to it.

As for slipper clutches, they are just a gizmo doing exactly what your left hand could be doing. The only difference is with one, you can pretty much dump the lever and let the gizmo keep the wheel turning for you.

As for some of the other points made regarding racers... If memory serves, Troy Bayliss never used the clutch for shifting down. Also, don't the GP guys have auto blip features linked to the gear shifter, along with decompression systems? A development which came about from 2-stroke guys converting to 4-strokes, trying to reduce compression etc. Maybe not quite on topic but related somewhat to the discussion.

[Headbanger]

Just meditated on the concept...:blink:

Rather then just take the opposing position I'll elaborate.

Having not actively monitored my blipping I'd say that sometimes I do, Sometimes I don't, and sometimes I'd be making all sorts of micro adjustments to revs, travel speed,and clutch as I change gears.

But there are definitely many situations/instances where its not required and no blipping takes place.

Meh, Just done a few hundred clicks, Main roads, back roads and some horrible shit that barely qualifies as a road, Didn't blip a single time, Just numerous beautiful gear changes and a silky smooth transference of power to the road.

Muhahahahahaha

[sinned]

Meh, Just done a few hundred clicks, Main roads, back roads and some horrible shit that barely qualifies as a road, Didn't blip a single time, Just numerous beautiful gear changes and a silky smooth transference of power to the road.

Muhahahahahaha
"-- numerous beautiful gear changes and a silky smooth transference of power --" and because it is a beautiful motorcycle.

[Coldrider]

You have never used engine braking?

Wow, Just wow.I use engine braking by throttling on and off in any given gear, but do not actively change down a gear and use rear wheel speed to drive against engine compression to achieve rear wheel braking. All gear changes up and down are done on accelerating (open) throttle so need to blip.

I had to complete 3 laps of non brake use laps on a trackday where gear down changing was used to decelarate only.

[Coldrider]

I dont blip. Im thinking of heading down to AA to resit my licence. Maybe I should just ride faster ..............





Im thinking its the latter.
Yes definately ZX9 advantage.

[Coldrider]

double wow

(finding it hard to comprehend actually)

bet you chew brake padsOne front set at 35,000 kms, rear brake never touched except in WOF times.
What do you slow down for?

[AllanB]

Watching the NZ GP on TV. Some are blipping some are not.

And some that have been are not .........

[Mom]

Watching the NZ GP on TV. Some are blipping some are not.

And some that have been are not .........

So what are you trying to say here? You do when you need to, you dont when you dont, sometimes you do when you dont need to, sometimes you dont when you do need to, ocasionally you do it all the time, then you might not do it at all one day, or some people do it when others do and some do it when others dont, or sometimes you do it without even realising you have done it...

I am going for a lay down :D

[Headbanger]

And some that have been are not .........

They must have read this thread between races......

[Corse1]

Blip is it. I was taught to do it - you get a different result depending on the bike you ride. My V-twin loved it. I still blip on the GSXR, so yip! I blip! Bring on the blips :yes:

Yep the speed triple gearbox does not need a blipped throttle unless changing down from high rev's .....needing to slow down in a hurry.
But the Ducati (big vee twin) loves it and is clunky without the blipping.

I have always been a blipper but I been feeling like a bit of a dork doing on the triple when it seems unecessary:blink:

[willytheekid]

95 Guzzi Gear Box! :dodge:
So not only do i Blip..I also have to jump violently on the gear lever!....then pray I don't find one of the MANY false neutrals lol (Guzzi does it on purpose!...keeps ya on your toes...litterally!)
Besides that, my gear box sounds like Im dropping a bucket of bolts on every gear change...and thats AFTER I re-shimmed and alligned it lol
Blipping sounds great on a Big V-twin, and it stops my fat bitch from lockin the arse up and havin a "moment".

Blip, Blip :chase:

[Pixie]

well, im' a blipper too.......

They call him Blipper, Blipper, faster than lightning, :scooter:
No-one you see, is smarter than he, :hitcher:
And we know Blipper, lives in a world full of wonder, :wacko:
Flying there-under, under the sea! :Oops:
Everyone loves the king of the sea, :buggerd::hug::heart::kick::grouphug::love:
Ever so kind and gentle is he, :Pokey:
Tricks he will do when children appear, :blip:
And how they laugh when he's near! :killingme:rofl::laugh:
They call him Blipper, Blipper, faster than lightning, :chase:
No-one you see, is smarter than he,:crazy:
And we know Blipper, lives in a world full of wonder, :doobey:
Flying there-under, under the sea!:cry:

[R-Soul]

This is interesting because when I watch the MotoGP and from the bike cam, it doesn't sound like they are 'blipping' the throttle on downchanges. If anything, it sounds more like they 'hold' the throttle at high revs to match engine and wheel speed. Watching the rev counter seems to confirm this.

I've noticed with my racing that as I got faster and brake later, I don't have time to blip the throttle between downshifts (I don't seem to need to because they are very fast downchanges and the revs don't have time to drop), and also, when blipping the throttle, I found that my fingers were releasing the front brake a little each time.

So now it is all a lot more rapid. Brake hard and downchange quick with no blipping. I do use clutch control and slip it a little if in a slightly lower gear to avoid lock up at a couple of corners.

I always blip on the road.

GP rideers probably all have slipper clutches and dont need to blip. But what they do need to do is ensure that their bike is at the optimum revs for maximum power output coming out of corner (i.e. at or just below the power peak). So (I imagine) they are keeping revs as high as possible and as close to the revs for power peak to be able to get the gront coming out of corner.

[schrodingers cat]

Bugger the technical stuff - it sounds cool.

You are now equipped to make your own decision

[Insanity_rules]

I only blip on the change the day after a a big curry.

[sugilite]

I felt a bit frustrated last time I posted here that I could not show a video showing down changing with out blipping can be done smoothly, and I just now found a wee you tube video I forgot about made back in 2007 when I reviewed a GSR600. Now before the PC brigade set their keyboards to "destroy" My awesome farming neighbors that live either side of me (on the very few occasions I've requested) move large mobs of sheep simultaneously effectively giving me the road to myself (seeing three cars in an hour on this road is considered rush hour anyways lol). Anyways, I change down two gears, though it kinda sounds like only one. I change down at about 3.5 seconds in the video, then again at 5 seconds. so with out further ado, smooth (imho) blipless down changes bought to you by Sugilite :lol:
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[phiretrojan]

Popping the clutch when shifting to a lower gear doesn't "lock up" the rear tire unless you've managed to kill the engine in the processes. It may cause the rear tire to temporarily slide, since it could be spinning slower than the road speed, but that is different than being locked. And it's not the sort of thing that is likely to cause a high-side like locking the rear tire with the brake and then releasing it. Still, it will cause the rear to slide around for a second or two, which can cause a bit of nervousness in an inexperienced rider and could cause you to go down if done while in a turn.

let's say that in 3rd gear at a given speed your engine is running at 3000 rpms and in 2nd gear it's running at 4000 rpms at the same speed. If you quickly downshift and let the clutch out without attempting to match engine speed, your engine is still at 3000 rpms but the rear tire wants it to be at 4000. The rear tire can slide until it speeds the engine up to 4000 rpms to match the road speed.

However, if you blip the throttle to get the engine up to 4000 rpms before letting the clutch back out, you're now at the right speed and all will be smooth when you complete the shift.

You don't have to hit 4000 rpms exactly, either. If you're close when you let the clutch back out the rear tire only needs to make the engine change speed by a tiny bit, which shouldn't upset your traction.

The alternative is to let the clutch out slowly, which will also get the engine up to speed without upsetting the rear tire, but that causes more wear on your clutch. Still, it's probably the best choice for a new rider until you get the hang of matching engine speed during downshifts.

It should also be noted, that a downshift that makes your engine go from 1500 rpms to 2000 rpms is much less upsetting to the rear tire than a downshift that makes your engine go from 6000 rpms to 8000 rpms. In other words, if you downshift at low engine speeds, you're pretty safe. If you do it at high engine speeds, you need to match speeds for smooth downshifts.

[R-Soul]

Popping the clutch when shifting to a lower gear doesn't "lock up" the rear tire unless you've managed to kill the engine in the processes. It may cause the rear tire to temporarily slide, since it could be spinning slower than the road speed, but that is different than being locked.
...

let's say that in 3rd gear at a given speed your engine is running at 3000 rpms and in 2nd gear it's running at 4000 rpms at the same speed. If you quickly downshift and let the clutch out without attempting to match engine speed, your engine is still at 3000 rpms but the rear tire wants it to be at 4000. The rear tire can slide until it speeds the engine up to 4000 rpms to match the road speed.

Remember that in the time that it has taken to pull in clutch and change gear, the revs have probably dropped to 2500rpm (because teh throttle is off, and clutch is in), and now have to go back to 4000rpm.

My rear locked up pretty badly going into a corner at Puke because I did not blip. Not sure if I dropped two gears at a time though...

[SpankMe]

I blip and pop. :) MAKE SOME NOISE!! :Punk:

[NighthawkNZ]

I blip, fart, cough and sputter... and this is all before I get on the bike...

[avgas]

But on the road, blipping is smoother.
So is riding a scooter

[Banditbandit]

I blip. I don't know how necessary it is on modern bikes - it's a habit from riding older British machinery ... brake, clutch, flick the gear lever, blip, release the clutch ...

My understanding is that it it helps the change - means the gears and dogs and all slip into place as the engine spins without pressure - makes it a smoother change ... when you release the clutch everything is where it should be ...

[cowboyz]

bleh.. i just bang it through the gears and hope for the best.......

[p.dath]

bleh.. i just bang it through the gears and hope for the best.......

I'm pretty sure your bike has a slipper clutch in it ... so it will compensate to a large degree if you just "bang it through the gears". You'll need more than hope if you shift to a bike without a slipper clutch.

[wanpo]

I had to learn to blip to change down when I broke my clutch lever and it would only engage like 25%. Also taught me how to clutchless shift up.

[wysper]

Seems to me the type of bike you are riding makes a difference too.

I 'blipped' the SV - sounded cool

I can't recall 'blipping' the DR. 650 Single doesn't seem to need it. Just use the clutch and change the bastard down LOL

Changing gear by feel rather than by some racers idea of what is right.

[R-Soul]

Seems to me the type of bike you are riding makes a difference too.

I 'blipped' the SV - sounded cool

I can't recall 'blipping' the DR. 650 Single doesn't seem to need it. Just use the clutch and change the bastard down LOL

Changing gear by feel rather than by some racers idea of what is right.

Thats true- blipping a V-twin is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. :yes:

[O2R]

My experience is that some bikes it works, others no difference, but its more fun to do :-)

[dilligaf_nz]

Thats true- blipping a V-twin is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. :yes:
:yes::yes::yes::yes:

[schrodingers cat]

Thats true- blipping a V-twin is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. :yes:

You boys need to get out more...:blink:

[dilligaf_nz]

You boys need to get out more...:blink:
:yes::yes::yes::yes:

[R-Soul]

Hey simple things amuse simple minds OK?

[hellokitty]

Hey simple things amuse simple minds OK?

Easily pleased sounds nicer :woohoo:

[Banditbandit]

Popping the clutch when shifting to a lower gear doesn't "lock up" the rear tire unless you've managed to kill the engine in the processes. It may cause the rear tire to temporarily slide, since it could be spinning slower than the road speed, but that is different than being locked. And it's not the sort of thing that is likely to cause a high-side like locking the rear tire with the brake and then releasing it. Still, it will cause the rear to slide around for a second or two, which can cause a bit of nervousness in an inexperienced rider and could cause you to go down if done while in a turn.

let's say that in 3rd gear at a given speed your engine is running at 3000 rpms and in 2nd gear it's running at 4000 rpms at the same speed. If you quickly downshift and let the clutch out without attempting to match engine speed, your engine is still at 3000 rpms but the rear tire wants it to be at 4000. The rear tire can slide until it speeds the engine up to 4000 rpms to match the road speed.

However, if you blip the throttle to get the engine up to 4000 rpms before letting the clutch back out, you're now at the right speed and all will be smooth when you complete the shift.

You don't have to hit 4000 rpms exactly, either. If you're close when you let the clutch back out the rear tire only needs to make the engine change speed by a tiny bit, which shouldn't upset your traction.

The alternative is to let the clutch out slowly, which will also get the engine up to speed without upsetting the rear tire, but that causes more wear on your clutch. Still, it's probably the best choice for a new rider until you get the hang of matching engine speed during downshifts.

It should also be noted, that a downshift that makes your engine go from 1500 rpms to 2000 rpms is much less upsetting to the rear tire than a downshift that makes your engine go from 6000 rpms to 8000 rpms. In other words, if you downshift at low engine speeds, you're pretty safe. If you do it at high engine speeds, you need to match speeds for smooth downshifts.

Jeez .. that's too much to think about on the road ... I don't watch the rev counter to match engine speeds ... just let the engine braking help slow down ...

Yous guys need to ride more ... do what comes naturally ... it flows better that way ...

[R-Soul]

Easily pleased sounds nicer :woohoo:

Yup easily pleased by ear candy... :wings:

[The Skin]

makes for a nice smooth gear change, and sounds good on the Harley too!

[chasio]

I've been converted to blipping and that's on a 650 single based on the mighty DR.

I found it even more useful after I changed the rear from a Tourance to a Mitas E-07 (more akin to an off-road tyre) as it skips across tarmac much more than the Tourance used to, unless I blip.