Special Thanks to BazGrendalR1 from TSB for this info!


1. Downshifting smoothly on a sportbike, especially while braking hard from high speed, requires a definite measure of skill and dexterity. In order to avoid upsetting the bike, the engine rpm must be matched to road speed when the clutch is fully disengaged, otherwise the rear tire will momentarily "chatter" and upset the bike as the engine is forced to match road speed involuntarily. This means that the rider must "blip" the throttle to raise the engine rpm during downshifts-but he must do this while simultaneously pulling on the front brake lever to slow down. While this riding skill is obviously necessary on the racetrack, it can also pay big dividends in street-riding situations where riding smoothly is a must; for instance, any situation where you are cornering and braking at the same time.

2. The idea of blipping the throttle between downshifts can be intimidating for the uninitiated, but with a little practice, the technique can soon become second nature. First, make sure that your levers are adjusted so that they are comfortably in reach of your fingers when sitting in a normal riding position, and that your throttle is adjusted for minimal play in the cable. The front brake lever should be angled downward enough to be easily gripped with your hand in the closed throttle position. With the engine running in neutral, try blipping the throttle slightly while pulling firmly on the brake lever-note that it doesn't take much throttle movement to get the revs up. Then practice simultaneously pulling and releasing the clutch quickly when you blip the throttle (remembering to continue pulling on the brake lever as if you were slowing for a corner).

3. The next step is to practice this technique while riding in a safe area with no traffic. As you brake and begin your downshift, simply perform the same practice drill as before, but add the act of downshifting. The action of blipping the throttle and the downshift should be simultaneous and quick, and it doesn't take a whole lot of revs to match the engine to road speed; unless you're riding at racetrack aggression levels, all it will require is a slight throttle blip. With practice, you'll know just how much is necessary at various speeds. Note that mostly the palm of your hand handles the act of moving the throttle because your upper body weight is centered on your palms under braking anyway, and your fingers are busy actuating the brake and holding the bar. All it takes is a slight wrist movement to blip the throttle. You'll find this will help avoid affecting your braking action due to influencing your fingers' grip on the brake lever.

4. If you find that you still have problems with this technique, try adjusting your brake lever in so that it's easier to reach (without hindering your ability to pull the lever in for maximum braking, of course). If you still have trouble, you will have to employ the "non-blip" method many racers (such as AMA perennial front-runner Eric Bostrom) still use. This simply means the clutch is released gradually after the downshift so that the engine rpms can progressively match road speed without the rear wheel chattering. The downside is that the rider loses the added engine braking while the clutch is disengaged and the bike "freewheels," and he must compensate with the additional use of the brakes during this time. Also, it requires even more skill at manipulating and controlling the bike while simultaneously releasing the clutch lever slowly and gradually.

 

I didn't know you needed that info

 

I actually just started doing this about 3 months ago... Let's just say I'm no Valentino Rossi

 

I'm just surprised because its not like you don't ride good. What in the hell were you doing before when you entered a corner???? Shouldn't you be working????

 

Braking, down shifting...not blipping I just finished a big project so this is my reward

 

good post but letting go of the clutch slowly is a lot more natural for me. is this also necessary w/ bikes that have slip clutches?

 

ok i considered my self a good rider but reading this makes me feel like superman cause i've been doing it for years. not trying to toot my own horn but i just thought thats how everyone rode?

 

hmmm didn't know anyone rode without doing that... and no if your bike has a slipper clutch it does it for you...

but i still do it a little just so i don't lose the feel of it for when i jump on the older bike.



you do the samn in cars if anyone cares... there its called heal toeing... because your toe's on the brake and heal is on the gas.

 

+1 I thought i was the only person that did it naturally. Well not really naturally i still have nightmares of my father screaming to match the rpm's

 

i understand heal and toe very well, but still trying to put this together, i guess i usually do the last thing mention, letting out the clutch gradually