Rev matching, also known as throttle blipping, is a technique used by motorcyclists to downshift smoothly and match the engine speed (revs) to the wheel speed while shifting to a lower gear. It involves momentarily "blipping" or quickly opening the throttle to raise the engine RPM before releasing the clutch lever.
When you downshift on a motorcycle, especially at higher speeds, the engine's RPM is typically higher than what is required for the lower gear. Without rev matching, simply releasing the clutch lever can result in a sudden jolt or jerk as the engine's RPM drops to match the wheel speed. This can cause instability in the rear tire and make the motorcycle feel unbalanced.
By employing rev matching, the rider uses the throttle to raise the engine RPM momentarily to match the wheel speed of the lower gear. This ensures a smoother transition and minimizes the jolt or jerk during downshifting. The blip of the throttle closes the RPM gap between the engine and the wheels, allowing the clutch engagement to be smoother when releasing the clutch lever.
To execute rev matching, as you downshift, you perform the following steps:
- While keeping the clutch pulled in, use your hand to apply pressure to the brake lever to slow down the motorcycle.
- As you approach the desired lower gear, roll off the throttle to close it completely.
- Quickly "blip" the throttle by twisting it open and then closing it again, matching the engine speed to the wheel speed for the lower gear.
- While holding the throttle in the blipped position, smoothly release the clutch lever to engage the lower gear.
- Once the clutch is fully engaged, you can roll on the throttle again and continue accelerating.
Rev matching requires practice and coordination to master, but it can enhance the overall smoothness of your downshifts, reduce wear on the transmission, and contribute to a more controlled riding experience. It is commonly used in sport riding, track riding, and advanced motorcycle techniques.