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Should you rev match while downshifting?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 17, 2026

When you downshift on a motorcycle, the engine RPMs increase. If you do it without rev-matching, the engine will feel bogged down and the motorcycle will also lurch forward. This can be avoided by simply rev-matching while downshifting.

Should I rev match when downshifting?

Downshifting without rev matching puts undue strain on the engine and the transmission, resulting in lurching and bogging down of the engine. Over time this strain can be harmful to your vehicle's drivetrain and can lead to costly repairs.

Is downshift rev matching bad for your car?

Generally though, no, it isn't bad to rev match as it helps to reduce clutch and engine wear, but only a small percentage of motorists will actually drive this way and their car will still last for a similar amount of time.

How do you rev match while downshifting?

If you want to start rev-matching when you downshift, you just need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. As you approach a corner, slow down to a lower speed in order to safely make the turn.
  2. Press the clutch in. ...
  3. Press on the gas pedal and “blip” the throttle, or bring the engine rpm up back up to increase the engine speed.

Does rev matching damage clutch?

Rev matching does not burn out your clutch. However, rev matching needs to be executed properly in order for it to work! If the technique is not done well, then you could damage or burn your clutch. Rev matching is actually a technique designed to reduce wear on your clutch during downshifts.

25 related questions found

Can I skip gears while downshifting?

Engineering Explained tackled the common practice in its latest episode and the short answer is yes, it's perfectly OK to skip gears when upshifting or downshifting.

How do you smooth downshift?

To downshift, you should be using the clutch and the brake while you shift gears, rather than the clutch and the gas pedal.

  1. Push in the clutch and shift down one gear while pressing on the brake.
  2. Let off the clutch slowing to avoid high revs.
  3. Repeat this process until you can reach a stop.

At what rpm should you downshift?

Make sure you only downshift if your rpm's are 5,500 or below that way you can get in the power band range. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 3: Shifting Shift to the gear before the one you are on. For our example we are shifting from 3rd gear to 2nd.

How do you accelerate downshifting?

-When braking and downshifting is done and you are in the corner, roll your right foot off the brake pedal and onto the gas pedal to accelerate away from the corner when desired. Accelerate away, you are done!

Do you need to rev match while downshifting motorcycle?

When you don't rev-match before downshifting, you must be slipping clutch after downshifting. This wears out the clutch faster as it's friction it used to smoothen the downshift. If you do rev-matching properly, you can release the clutch almost instantly after the lower gear is engaged.

What is a granny shift?

Simply put, granny shifting is when you upshift or downshift through the gears of a manual transmission normally. This means that there's not rev-matching or double clutching happening through your shifts, which also means that the car will likely bog when you downshift.

Is double clutching bad?

A: If you drive a modern manual car, you do not need to double clutch. It is no longer inherently good nor bad, though some people would say it makes shifting more deliberate, which extends life.

Is blipping the throttle bad?

Blipping the throttle during downshifts minimizes engine braking compared to simply easing out the clutch. A little bit of engine braking still happens, it's just not as much.

When should you Revmatch?

Rev matching is used when down-shifting to smooth the transition between gears and prevent shock loads through the transmission. It's a useful skill for the road and track for both cars and motorcycles.

How high should you rev before shifting?

Generally, you should shift gears up when the tachometer is around “3” or 3,000 RPMs; shift down when the tachometer is around “1” or 1,000 RPMs. After some experience with driving a stick shift, you'll be able to figure out when to shift by the way your engine sounds and “feels.” More on that below.

Is Downshifting necessary?

Downshifting is necessary in order to put the car in the optimal gear to maximize acceleration when the time comes to squeeze on the throttle after we have exited a corner. Contrary to popular belief, downshifting shouldn't be used to slow the car down. That's what the brakes are for.

Do you go faster when you downshift?

like someone else said on here, when you downshift, it puts your rpm into a range where you will have more torque (power) to effectively pass someone without running out of space. generally, you should be in a gear that gives you enough power for the situation, but not more rpm (throttle) then you need.

At what rpm should you shift gears?

Generally, you want to shift gears when your car reaches 2,500-3,000 RPM. Eventually, you will know when to shift by sound and feel.

Is it better to downshift or brake?

In normal driving conditions, engine braking is better for slowing down your car. This way, you won't have to worry about harming the engine, which is way more expensive than replacing the brakes. If you're driving down hills, braking is certainly impractical. In this case, downshifting is the better option.

Should you downshift or put it in neutral?

The car should be slowing down and you should slowly get on the brakes to shift down to neutral and stop the car. When slowing down from a highway speed, a little more work is needed. It will require you to watch the speedometer and tachometer to measure your downshifts.

What should your RPM be at 70 mph?

Make sure your OD is on, 3000 seems fine for 70. The motor needs to work harder if you go fast.

Is it bad to downshift a manual car?

Downshifting can be bad for your car, but not if you do it wisely. Don't downshift without first slowing down to a proper speed for that lower gear. It's best to use a combination of your regular brakes and downshifting, when necessary. Just remember not to ride the brakes too heavily or downshift at too high a speed.

Can you downshift from 5th to 1st?

Can I go from 5th to 2nd/1st? Yes it is recommended that in a modern manual transmission you can skip gears when going up or down.

Can you go from 4th gear to 1st?

Gears can be changed up or down. This has nothing to do with the direction you move the gear lever, it simply means that you change to a higher gear (4 or 5) or a lower gear (1 or 2).