What is the purpose of blipping the throttle when downshifting on a motorcycle?
4 Answers
Blipping the throttle when downshifting aims to reduce the jerking caused by downshifting and improve gearshift smoothness. This is because at the same speed, different gears correspond to different engine RPMs. When shifting from a higher gear to a lower one, the gear ratio causes the engine RPM to suddenly increase, leading to reduced vehicle stability. Steps for blipping the throttle when downshifting: First, close the throttle and apply the brakes; then downshift (pull the clutch lever and press the gear pedal); apply the rear brake; finally, enter the corner and smoothly and continuously apply throttle to navigate through the turn. Advantages of blipping the throttle when downshifting: Smoother cornering as the engine RPM remains higher. Without blipping the throttle, the engine braking effect would be too strong, making the bike very unstable. Easier downshifting reduces transmission wear, and maintaining higher engine RPM after exiting the corner helps increase speed.
As someone who has been riding motorcycles for over a decade, I must say that throttle blipping during downshifting is primarily for smoother gear changes. When decelerating and downshifting, if you don't give it some throttle, the engine RPM won't match the wheel speed, causing a sudden jerk that's bad for the bike. Especially when cornering or approaching traffic lights in urban areas, this technique helps maintain the engine in a comfortable RPM range, preventing jerks that could harm the engine. It also prevents sudden rear wheel lock-up, enhancing riding safety. Since adopting this method, my rides have become more stable, and fuel consumption has become more reasonable. I truly believe every rider should master this skill—don't always rely on electronic aids; doing it yourself is more reliable, and your bike will last longer.
I ride my motorcycle to and from work every day, and throttle blipping is my little trick. The purpose is simple: to make downshifting smoother and safer. When encountering sudden braking in the city, I downshift but remember to add a bit of throttle, so the engine and transmission speeds match up, avoiding any jerky sounds or body wobbles. I've tried a few times without blipping, and the bike would lurch, not only affecting control but also making the rear wheel prone to skidding. Now that I'm used to it, the ride feels much smoother, and over time, it can reduce part wear. I recommend practicing a few times before hitting the road to develop the habit—it's much safer and more worry-free.
I prioritize safety when riding, and the core of rev-matching downshifts is to prevent accidents. When downshifting, the engine RPM is low. If you don't give it a little throttle, the RPM won't catch up, which can cause the rear wheel to suddenly stop or even lock up—especially dangerous on slippery roads. This technique helps maintain stability and reduces accident risks. For the bike itself, it also protects the engine from shock.
