Did you know that Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man TT comeback and Valentino Rossi’s dominance, highlight the importance of blipping in achieving racing success? And Can make you faster on the track as well?
Blipping the throttle is a crucial technique for not just pro racers but beginner track riders and is even a skill you can use on your everyday motorcycle! In this article, you will learn what throttle blipping i and how to do it correctly in 4 simple steps and we've got a special section just for experienced and pro racers to take their blipping to the next level as well, So Lets get right in!
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What is Blipping?
Blipping, also known as throttle blipping or rev-matching, is increasing the engine RPM( revolutions per minute) by quickly twisting the throttle while downshifting ( switching to a lower gear). This helps to match the engine speed with the wheel speed, resulting in smoother gear transitions.
How do you Blip the Throttle?
Blipping the throttle is one of those skills that can make you feel like a true pro on the track, you feel as if you were gliding due to how smoothly you downshift, however, I was none of that initially.
When I first tried it out I revved the throttle too much and I did that a few more times simply because I was incorrectly blipping the throttle. So, let’s break it down in a simple step-by-step format to make sure you get it right without the embarrassing moments I had.
Step 1: Preparing Your Bike and Gear
Before you even think about blipping, make sure your bike is in top shape. Check your clutch and throttle cables for any slack. A well-maintained bike responds better to your inputs, making the whole process smoother. Also, wear proper gear. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on this. A good pair of racing gloves can make a world of difference in how you handle the throttle and riding comfort overall.
Step 2: Clutch Control
Clutch control is the foundation of blipping. Start by practicing your clutch release. You want it to be smooth and gradual. Imagine you’re slowly squeezing a sponge, not flicking a switch. This helps in maintaining the balance of your bike. When you’re comfortable with this, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Throttle Manipulation
Now, this is where you start gliding like butter on a pan but on the track. As you pull in the clutch, give the throttle a quick twist. The goal is to match the engine speed which is the RPM which you can see on your motorcycle's dashboard with the wheel speed.
Start by doing this at low speeds. Get a feel for how much throttle you need to blip. Too little, and you won’t feel the effect; too much, and you’ll over-rev the engine which is clear through a loud noise.
Step 4: Timing and Coordination
Timing is everything in blipping. You need to coordinate the clutch release with the throttle blip perfectly. Your left hand (clutch) and right hand (throttle) need to move in harmony. Practice this in a controlled environment before hitting the track or practice at relatively easier corners of the track such as medium speed corners. A parking lot or a quiet road works just as well to get the hang of it.
Why Should You Blip the Throttle?
Both casual riders and pro racers blip the throttle and ever since I got the intuitive movement for it I have never stopped using it, here are the many benefits of blipping the throttle:
Smooth downshifts: Blipping allows for smoother downshifts, which can significantly improve your control over the bike. This is especially crucial when entering corners at high speeds, as it helps maintain stability and balance.
Impact on bike stability and control: By matching the engine speed with the wheel speed, blipping reduces the chances of rear-wheel lockup and skidding ( Don't skid like I did!). This not only enhances safety but also allows for more aggressive and confident riding.
Comparison with other downshifting techniques: While there are other methods like engine braking and clutchless downshifting, blipping stands out for its ability to provide a seamless transition between gears allowing you to carry as much speed into a corner. It’s a technique that, once mastered, can give you a competitive edge on the track.
Faster lap times: By preventing rear wheel lockup and ensuring a smooth transition between gears, blipping can help improve your lap times.
Reduced tire wear: Blipping helps prevent excessive tire wear by reducing the amount of wheelspin and skidding.
Enhanced safety: Blipping can help prevent accidents by reducing the risk of losing control due to rear wheel lockup.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Properly executed blipping can reduce the strain on your clutch and transmission components, potentially extending their lifespan. This means you can use blipping even on your everyday motorcycle!
One thing that often stops riders from mastering blipping into their system is the frustration of getting especially proper timing, which is the most annoying part initially.
Even after learning the correct blipping technique from racing school, I struggled because my timing was just off always coming so close to the perfect split second but I kept trying and trying and now I don't even need to think to execute the perfect blip it's automatic!
So know that it's absolutely fine to fail many times in fact that means you are on the right path!
What are the Common mistakes in Blipping?
Over-blipping: Blipping too much can cause the engine to rev too high and potentially damage the engine or transmission.
Under-blipping: Blipping too little can still cause rear wheel lockup and loss of control.
Incorrect timing: The timing of the blip is critical. If it's too early or too late, it may not be effective.
Using too much throttle: Blipping requires a quick and precise twist of the throttle. Using too much throttle can cause the engine to rev excessively.
To avoid these, practice is key, and don't get frustrated if you fail initially. Spend time getting to know your bike and how it responds to your inputs. Also, don’t rush the process. Mastery takes time.
Advanced Throttle Blipping Skills
Combining Blipping with Braking
One of the most challenging yet rewarding skills is combining blipping with braking. This technique requires precise coordination between your throttle hand and braking fingers. Professional racers often use their index and middle fingers for braking while using their thumb and remaining fingers to blip the throttle. This method helps maintain consistent brake pressure while executing a smooth blip. Practice this on easier corners of the track such as medium speed corners.
Techniques for Different Track Conditions
Experienced racers know that track conditions can vary significantly. Blipping techniques can be adjusted based on whether the track is wet, dry, or has varying grip levels. For instance, in wet conditions, a more gentle blip can help maintain traction and prevent wheel lock-up. However, before you try to practice in wet weather conditions I highly recommend this guide on wet weather racing first since wet conditions are vastly different.
How to Practice Throttle Blipping?
Start at comfortable speeds
Gradually increase difficulty which is either harder corners, greater entry speed or both
Find a safe practice area: an empty parking area or best case easy corners of the track
Start with low speeds: Begin practicing blipping at lower speeds to get a feel for the technique before attempting it at higher speeds.
At the Racing Academy they taught me to: try the blipping perfectly on one particular corner at least 4 times and after that it means you're ready for harder corners or greater speeds, from this base of mastering 1 corner, you will be able to learn all the other corners of the track in a shorter time than you took to master the first one! This is exactly what I did which got me from amongst the back of the group initially to fighting for the top 4 consistently later on.
Conclusion
Blipping is a vital skill for any motorcycle road racer looking to improve their performance on the track. By mastering blipping, you’ll enjoy smoother downshifts, better control, and ultimately, faster lap times.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner, so don’t get discouraged if it takes time to get it right. Practice consistently, pay attention to your bike’s feedback, and keep refining your technique.
Whether you’re an amateur racer or a seasoned pro, blipping can make a significant difference in your racing experience. So, gear up, hit the track, and start practicing your blipping today!
Let me know if you have anything about racing anything and I'll respond immediately or if you would like us to cover any topic on your mind let us know in the comment down below and I'll see you guys next Monday!
Faster. Better. Safer.
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