thanks for the input everyone...

 

do what you will for every situation.... sometimes pull and coast while dropping through the gears with clutch in and sometimes I downshift using engine brake..

 

Curious how that thought process started.....This has been a question for me, just where are you going to go in a hurry while sitting at a light when there is cross traffic?
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.

 

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.

 

I downshift and watch my mirror in case I need to get the hell out of someones way.

 

Same here...

 

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.

 

I always down shift I would hate to be in 5th or 6th if some a$$wipe decieded the try to mow me down

 

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.

 

I always downshift to make sure I am in a getaway gear if needed. I do tap the brake to let anyone behind me know I am slowing down.