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Downshifiting, we all do it and will continue to do it. But how do you do it? For fast riding there are two main schools of thought, blipping and slipping. Blipping is far easier execution wise, while slipping does require a touch more finesse but is much easier once you get the hands for it.
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For fast riding our real goal during downshifts (aside from rev matching and scrubbing speed) is maximizing speed (time), you're trying to minimize the amount of time the gearbox and engine are disengaged from one another.
So whats what?
Blipping is common, a short twist of the throttle after clutching. Clutch, blip, shift, release. You're only looking for a couple grand at most on the tach so no need to be ham fisted. You don't want over revs as once you release the clutch you may find yourself in a surge of forward momentum, not exactly ideal when preparing for the bendy bits.
Slipping removes the blip from the mathematics. Clutch, downshift, ease clutch out. Basically you want to just barely disengage the engine from the gearbox, so the lower gear can "slip" in, then you easily release the clutch back to where it bites and away we go. You will need to be careful you dont dump the clutch, which means dont rush or you run the risk of missing gears or having the tail wag the dog
The other option is to go for a slipper clutch, which filters out most of the negative effects of slipping. A dedicated slipper reduces the amount of engine braking transferred gear to gear.
Realistically its a question of personal preference, which one is easier for you to execute consistently?
For fast riding our real goal during downshifts (aside from rev matching and scrubbing speed) is maximizing speed (time), you're trying to minimize the amount of time the gearbox and engine are disengaged from one another.
So whats what?
Blipping is common, a short twist of the throttle after clutching. Clutch, blip, shift, release. You're only looking for a couple grand at most on the tach so no need to be ham fisted. You don't want over revs as once you release the clutch you may find yourself in a surge of forward momentum, not exactly ideal when preparing for the bendy bits.
Slipping removes the blip from the mathematics. Clutch, downshift, ease clutch out. Basically you want to just barely disengage the engine from the gearbox, so the lower gear can "slip" in, then you easily release the clutch back to where it bites and away we go. You will need to be careful you dont dump the clutch, which means dont rush or you run the risk of missing gears or having the tail wag the dog
The other option is to go for a slipper clutch, which filters out most of the negative effects of slipping. A dedicated slipper reduces the amount of engine braking transferred gear to gear.
Realistically its a question of personal preference, which one is easier for you to execute consistently?
