Shifting

[Decreasing_Dave]

I am yet to see/hear any pro roadracers upshift by fanning the clutch lever.
 

No, you probably haven't.  But for whatever reason I would sometimes miss the shifts if I did it without the clutch.  The fastest and most assured alternative was fanning.

I have a new oil sponsor this year.  Maybe the R6 will shift a little better. ;D

[Nate R]

This is interesting to me. I've always seen blipping as the "right" way to do it. Well, it's easier on the bike, anyway.

Either way, is there anything wrong with blipping? I can see personal reasons for not doing so, but I personally like to blip. I mean, of course there can be bucking if it's not done smoothly, but other than that, is there any problems with it?

[h00ktern]

Bayliss doesn't use the clutch on downshifts either. I guess when you are at that level, engine rebuilds measured in kilometers, what's it matter. I heard Ducati wasn't keen on the idea, but with the results he gets - what are you going to do?

I think the general explanation was something to the effect of... slightly loading the shifter till it disingaged (I.E. false neutral) blip the throttle and finish the downshift.

I wouldn't try it...

Safe trips,
Dave

[sdiver68]

Maybe I'm confused on the term blipping???

My definition of blipping is ....Brake, pull the clutch, downshift, rev match with the throttle (this in my head is the "blip"), and then feed the clutch.

Yes, A pro can do this whole sequence consistently smoother, faster, and more accurate than I, but I think the technique and intent is the same as what Tim described as the "trendy" method.  Obviously pitching movements can be imparted to the chasis if this sequence is not done well...This is why I still adhere to the school of thought that teaches to get all of the downshifting done in a straight line and as early as possible so as not to upset the chasis during the critical parts of the turn.

Thanks for the thoughts, everyone, and keep them coming.

[tcchin]

The distinction I was trying to make is that blipping is a rapid open-close throttle sequence, as opposed to just leaving the throttle slightly open to prevent the engine from losing revs too quickly. Perhaps 'matching engine speed' is overstated for this case. Also, blipping and releasing the clutch tends to involve a fairly aggressive cadence, whereas the other method I described tends to be a little more measured and deliberate.

[MELK-MAN]

as most of you, i dont use a clutch going up.. i also dont use a clutch going down on a couple turns at Jennings gp (only track ive been on). 20,000 miles on the f4, no probs. There is a fast switch back, turn 4, where im rolling off the throttle having already downshifed once off the fast back section... making a hard downshift the thing slides right in. as a result im able to countersteer much harder to get from turning left to turning right faster. I also like blipping the throttle and just pulling the clutch in ever so little, just enough to disengage, then letting it out. If i get some wheel hop from not revving enough, i can work the clutch a bit to stop that...
im no pro but moving along pretty good at that track.
later...
greg

[TZ_Boy]

UP = no clutch
down = no clutch except with multiple shifts i.e. at the end of a straight.

no fanning of the clutch just pull and shift down as many as 4 with no blipping and let go.

Of course this is a 2-stroke. ;D

[TZDeSioux]

UP=no clutch
Down=clutch

I also blip the throttle when downshifting. I downshift 1 gear at a time. I suppose I don't really need to do that since I ride a twostroke but it's out of habit and it seems to make things alot smoother for me.

[Super Dave]

There are those that use the no blip thing for downshifts, others blip.  With a slipper clutch, blow off the blip and concentrate on the braking.

As for no clutch down shifts, it can be done.  My left hand has had some abuse.  In 1993, we were racing a lot at Heartland Park Topeka.  There was a carousel left that was follwed by a right.  You were throwing the bike around, you needed to go from fourth to third, just a whole lot happening.  Eventually, I found that I could downshift without the clutch.  You need to blip it to do this, but eventually, that year, I stopped using the clutch altogether except for the start.  

The transmissions were always soft on the F2's.  Mine lasted about as long as everyone elses that was racing as much as I.  I think the thing that we did eventually replace that some didn't was the shift drum.  Even then, in 1994, the shift drum was one of the things that received a major upgrade in the new F2.

[BC61]

Eventually, I found that I could downshift without the clutch.  You need to blip it to do this,

How are you blipping without the clutch? You don't pass through nuetral on a sequential gearbox so when do you blip?

[Thingy]

How are you blipping without the clutch? You don't pass through nuetral on a sequential gearbox so when do you blip?

That does not really have anything to do with it.  In order to shift up or down, you simply need to have no load on the transmission.  When slowing down for the corner and downshifting, there is a 'deceleration load' on the transmission.  Blipping the throttle reduces that load and allows you to shift.

It is easier to imagine when accelerating.  When accelerating down the straight, if you just try to toe the shifter into the next gear, you can't do it beacuse the transmission is under that 'acceleration load'.  If you get of the throtle real quick (un-blip), taking away that 'acceleration load', the shifter will slip easily into the next gear. :)

[BC61]

That does not really have anything to do with it.
How do you figure? Your theory below is flawed.

In order to shift up or down, you simply need to have no load on the transmission.
Prefered by most mechanics but not true.
  
When slowing down for the corner and downshifting, there is a 'deceleration load' on the transmission.  Blipping the throttle reduces that load and allows you to shift.
Without using the clutch or passing through neutral how are you blipping the throttle with out putting an 'acceleration load' on the tranny?

It is easier to imagine when accelerating.  When accelerating down the straight, if you just try to toe the shifter into the next gear, you can't do it beacuse the transmission is under that 'acceleration load'.
I know plenty of drag racers that upshift full throttle, no clutch.

If you get of the throtle real quick (un-blip), taking away that 'acceleration load', the shifter will slip easily into the next gear.
Again preferred method but not necessary.