Don't paint us all with the same brush...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Holy Cow, blip blap or whatever when shifting but cracking the throttle enough to make a big dog dog being walked jump and yank the handler around is just a phuctard A hole move. What if that woman and her dog got yanked in front of a car ?? Would it be her fault because she could not control her dog ?? Acting like this is great PR for us motorcycle enthusiasts, we are not the majority and it is not our right to have loud pipes. Sooner than you think the FEDERAL laws will be enforced and all of us with louder than stock exhaust will be screwed THANKS to the minority of obnoxious dipshats out there, thank you very much. I love my on EPA compliant Mufflers and especially like the way they sound when I rip it but I try to make my noise where it does not offend and certainly not scare bystanders, under bridges and tunnels is my favorite !!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
I really don't understand the need to come on here and voice an opinion about something that's totally normal. If your not "Blipping your throttle" when your downshifting then your hammering your transmission.
Some people have nothing better to do than bitch about someone elses pipes or riding behavior.. Buy a Honda, you will fit in great with guys.
Some people have nothing better to do than bitch about someone elses pipes or riding behavior.. Buy a Honda, you will fit in great with guys.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
When downshifting, it's common practice to momentarily increase RPM's just before letting out the clutch in order to get the engine speed close to the RPM needed in the new gear.
If you've ever downshifted and felt the bike lurch as the engine speeds up to compensate for the new gear -- "blipping" the throttle before letting out the clutch alleviates/lessens the lurching as the clutch pack/transmission and engine get back in sync.
If you've ever done this regularly and become good at it, the bike will hardly lurch at all when downshifting.
Doing this is not required, but it's understood to cause less wear and tear on the expensive metal stuff between your legs.
If you've ever downshifted and felt the bike lurch as the engine speeds up to compensate for the new gear -- "blipping" the throttle before letting out the clutch alleviates/lessens the lurching as the clutch pack/transmission and engine get back in sync.
If you've ever done this regularly and become good at it, the bike will hardly lurch at all when downshifting.
Doing this is not required, but it's understood to cause less wear and tear on the expensive metal stuff between your legs.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 56
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Thank you for hitting the nail on the head. THANK YOU
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Enid, OK
Okay, I'll bite on this one.
Mechanical theories/facts/myths aside, I like hearing my pipes as much as anyone. Lets face it, the rumble of these beautiful machines is awesome. My old sporty had the best chugs that I've heard on any bike, just did. And it was very loud. The new beast is too but a very low rumble vice a pop.
"Easy as it goes" down the neighborhoods, not just mine. When it comes to places that would otherwise be better left "un-rapped", I just rumble right on by. That said, a good rap every now and then sure sounds good.
But truth be told, we like folks noticing our bikes and some make sure they're noticed with the noise. Kinda like kids and their loud stereos. Full disclosure: I play loud music in the car but the windows are up, it's for me, not the world.
I don't think we have an image problem. Folks hopefully look at the person as being "that guy" and sometimes "that guy" is happy being him. To each their own.
Okay, I'll shut up.
Mechanical theories/facts/myths aside, I like hearing my pipes as much as anyone. Lets face it, the rumble of these beautiful machines is awesome. My old sporty had the best chugs that I've heard on any bike, just did. And it was very loud. The new beast is too but a very low rumble vice a pop.
"Easy as it goes" down the neighborhoods, not just mine. When it comes to places that would otherwise be better left "un-rapped", I just rumble right on by. That said, a good rap every now and then sure sounds good.
But truth be told, we like folks noticing our bikes and some make sure they're noticed with the noise. Kinda like kids and their loud stereos. Full disclosure: I play loud music in the car but the windows are up, it's for me, not the world.
I don't think we have an image problem. Folks hopefully look at the person as being "that guy" and sometimes "that guy" is happy being him. To each their own.
Okay, I'll shut up.
Last edited by Ride Ultra; Aug 5, 2013 at 11:28 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 10
From: Monrovia, Ca
Yeah I blip, not a handful of throttle but a light blip to match engine speed. I do it to be smooth and not to overload the front end. Just like when entering a corner at a good clip. A handle full of brake, blip throttle, down shift, get on throttle just as soon as you leave the apex to unload the front end ( more traction ) The goal, being smooth. Yes I definitely I'm aware of my surroundings and if I'm on a quite area, then no blip and easy take offs.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
While harley may have a "constant mesh transmission" (no sliding gears) it is not a "synchromesh transmission". Matching engine and transmission speeds (does not have to be in netural) does indeed provide smoother/easier shifting and less wear on the dogs. But you keep spreading misinfomation...
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
It's always good to be sensitive/respectful of the rights of others, especially when you are in or close to being in their space. Creeping out of the neighborhood, resisting the urge to blip at the traffic light, turning down the stereo, etc., all good public perception builders. How can we ever expect to have their respect ( and yes, we do need it, especially from the politicians) if we can't (or won't) put ourselves in their position?
But we too have rights and if a guy wants to blip, I say blip away. Doesn't mean we all gotta do it. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing either. It's just a thing. A blip thing. Whatever the reason.
But we too have rights and if a guy wants to blip, I say blip away. Doesn't mean we all gotta do it. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing either. It's just a thing. A blip thing. Whatever the reason.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 9
From: Greensboro, NC
Most people that blip for the down shift, are not rev matching, they are just making noise. Unless you are rev matching for each and every shift, you are not doing anything to make the shift easier on transmission. If you rev to high or to low, it does nothing...
The only time you need to blip the throttle is downshifting without the clutch. The transmission in the H-D have synchronizers.
So, the question to all the blippers is, What is the rpm range between each gear?
The only time you need to blip the throttle is downshifting without the clutch. The transmission in the H-D have synchronizers.
So, the question to all the blippers is, What is the rpm range between each gear?
Last edited by Markk9; Aug 6, 2013 at 03:20 AM.