Stopping
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Where would you go?
Rear end the guy in front of you?
Seems to me the only place to go most of the time is into traffic, I will take my chances with a rear ender first....
I usually always downshift and release the clutch at a light, especially if someone is already behind me.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I know there have been 3 or 4 times that I have had to pull up beside the car in front of me, or pull just over the line and in front of the stopped car next to me in order to avoid being hit by the ocassional driver who is arguing on a cell phone or applying makeup in the vanity mirror. It has "always" been during commuter traffic. I always keep mine in first when I'm stopped and stay to the left or right side of the lane whichever seems to provide the most room to duck and run if someone isn't paying attention.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
From: Irving-Texas
Yep, I think everyone pretty much hit the nail on the head. Use your motor/gears and brake to stay in the right window to handle any issues. I also always plan ahead looking for an escape route while Im stopping, dont have to think about it survival just comes natural to me. 
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: San Jose Ca
I always down shift I would hate to be in 5th or 6th if some a$$wipe decieded the try to mow me down
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Anyone who has taken a basic and/or advanced Motorcycle Safety Foundation course - or any other advanced motorcycle training - knows that you should shift down to first gear when coming to a stop. If you have to hit the throttle from a dead stop to get out of the way of something, being in fourth or fifth gear isn't going to do you much good.
