When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
That's called double clutching\\\\\\; I used to do it with older model cars without synchro rings. \\;\\\\\\; One had to do that not to grind the gears.
 \\;
That's not "double clutching". Double clutching is when you momentarily let out the clutch in neutral between shifts in order to match up the gear speed and avoid the gear crunch with non-syncro transmission. What he is describing is actually the way you are supposed to downshift to avoid jerking the bike around (or a car, for that matter)
There's nothing wrong with blipping the throttle during a downshift. There's a whole bunch of parts on your bike saying "thank you", and are looking to last a lot longer because of it.
Besides, it sounds cool, and thats reason enough.
You are not causing any harm but it is not necessary with modern transmissions. That was the way it worked in the old, old days before synchronized gears. [8D]
Rev matching:
Clutch disengaged
Downshift
blip throttle (to match engine speed to road speed at new gear ratio)
clutch engaged
 \\; Double clutching:
Clutch disengaged
shift to neutral
throttle to match revs
briefly engage clutch in neutral
shift to lower gear
still on throttle
engage clutch
 \\;
Double clutching is completely unnecasary in a car, modern transmissions have great syncro's. \\; Its impossible on a bike. \\;
 \\;
Rev matching is the only correct way to do things. \\; If you do NOT give a little throttle, you'll have to slip the clutch and let the rear wheel(s) spin the motor up to speed. \\; If you snap the clutch out it will jerk the vehicle around. \\; In any case, it is the drivers responsibility to keep the engine and road speed well matched during shifts. \\;
 \\;
Naturally, you can go too far, and rev the crap outta the engine during a downshift which is as bad (or worse, if you have any power at all) as giving no throttle. \\; On my bike if I'm downshifting normally I BARELY give it any gas, a good healthy audible blip is only neccasary if I'm dropping gears way early 'cause I'm feeling a little frisky. \\;
used to have to drive '60s deuce and a halfs that way. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; LOL.
Ever turn the ignitions off on these thing going down the road for 15-20 seconds and then turn it back on? Big loud bang sent more than more than one person into a duck walk. Lucky I didn't get shot at.
 \\;\\\\\\;
Been blipping for a long time now no problems noted..
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.