Stoplight/Traffic Question - N00B
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
I'm in the 'put it in neutral for long lights' camp, but otherwise leave it in gear.
As to the other question; in general, stop and go traffic is usually harder on the engine than highway riding, but that's assuming you run reasonable speeds on the highway.
As to the other question; in general, stop and go traffic is usually harder on the engine than highway riding, but that's assuming you run reasonable speeds on the highway.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
Not only leave it in gear at a red light, but also pick a spot that allows you to use your exit plan if someone from behind appears not to be stopping. Just like a small plane pilot continuously looks for a landing opportunity should it be required.
I did not learn this from any rider training class. I learned it from riding since 1956 that you need to watch out for what others are doing. It becomes even more essential in today's super distracted drivers.
I did not learn this from any rider training class. I learned it from riding since 1956 that you need to watch out for what others are doing. It becomes even more essential in today's super distracted drivers.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Not only leave it in gear at a red light, but also pick a spot that allows you to use your exit plan if someone from behind appears not to be stopping. Just like a small plane pilot continuously looks for a landing opportunity should it be required.
I did not learn this from any rider training class. I learned it from riding since 1956 that you need to watch out for what others are doing. It becomes even more essential in today's super distracted drivers.
I did not learn this from any rider training class. I learned it from riding since 1956 that you need to watch out for what others are doing. It becomes even more essential in today's super distracted drivers.
This is what I do....Good advice!
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: tennessee
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Upstate South Carolina
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i didn't read the entire thread, so if this has been posted, well then it's posted again 
when you stop at an intersection, if you are not the first in line, do not put yourself in the position where if the person behind you does not stop, or can't stop in time, he sandwiches you between him and the car in front. always leave yourself enough room and an escape route. your family will thank you for it.
when you stop at an intersection, if you are not the first in line, do not put yourself in the position where if the person behind you does not stop, or can't stop in time, he sandwiches you between him and the car in front. always leave yourself enough room and an escape route. your family will thank you for it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: PA
I always stop with the clutch in, in first gear. One because of the safety factor, and two because I can just begin to move once the light turns green. I F#$%ING HATE people who sit at a green light for 5 seconds before they finally take their foot off the brake, and then another 2 seconds before they start to move.
If I pop it in neutral, I watch the opposing traffics light and I shift back in to first when their light turns yellow. I have friends who drive manual transmission cars, and they shift in to neutral and lights. They'll be BSing, and once they notice the light turned green (usually 2 seconds after it actually turned green), they have to take the time to shift back in to first and then start moving. It irritates the crap out of me when people don't pay attention to driving and pay more attention to their friends in the car or their damned electronics.
If I pop it in neutral, I watch the opposing traffics light and I shift back in to first when their light turns yellow. I have friends who drive manual transmission cars, and they shift in to neutral and lights. They'll be BSing, and once they notice the light turned green (usually 2 seconds after it actually turned green), they have to take the time to shift back in to first and then start moving. It irritates the crap out of me when people don't pay attention to driving and pay more attention to their friends in the car or their damned electronics.
Last edited by Vitric; Aug 28, 2011 at 02:19 PM.
