Blipping is a very important skill, even if you have a slipper clutch. Having your weight forward isn't a problem, as long as your weight is low (on the tank with your stomach, rather than on the clipons).
I use 1 finger on the brake (my middle finger), and then use my thumb and index finger to blip. I have short fingers, and this is the only way I have managed to get comfortable with all of the small actions and brake lever control necessary to brake and downshift. I know people who do 2 or 3 finger braking and can blip with just the thumb/palm. Pick 1 day, and try 1 approach all day. If it ends up working, great! If not, pick a different day and try a different approach all day. Give it an honest try, at first it will definitely feel awkward. Hopefully by the end of the day, you will find that it becomes second nature.
Get comfortable with blipping BEFORE you move your brake markers! Master the technique, then use it to go faster.
As for breaking down the sequence, here is what I do:
- Apply a little bit of pressure on the shifter with my foot
- Pull in the clutch; this allows the shifter to move and select the next gear
- Blip the throttle
- Release the clutch just until it gets to the friction zone (not all the way out)
- Repeat for the next gear
Note that the above sequence of actions is separated by about 1/4 of a second. Each shift takes less than 1 second to complete.
I only let the clutch all the way out after the last downshift. The goal for me is to minimize the motion of my left fingers, which helps minimize arm pump.
Other guys certainly have different ways of achieving the same goal, I'm sure they will chime in with ideas. Again, try different ways (on different days) and see what works for you!
- Dave