[sportrider - riding] - Riding Skills Series: Downshifting & "Blipping" The Throttle

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Riding Skills Series: Downshifting & "Blipping" The Throttle

Downshifting and "Blipping" the throttle are crucial techniques for smooth riding. We give you the 4 tips you need to know.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.


Photo Gallery: Riding Skills Series: Downshifting & "Blipping" The Throttle - Sport Rider Magazine


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