Question for the Riders: When sitting at stop lights, how do you set up the bike? Do you: Keep Engine On, Bike in 1st Keep Engine On, Bike in Neutral Engine Off, Bike in 1st Engine Off, Bike in Neutral I'm asking b/c my clutch hand gets really tired at long lights, but I want to be able to launch quickly until following cars stop. I am not experienced enough to feel comfortable FASing yet. Thanks.
This all depends on the specific situation. Assuming that you know that you have arrived early at a light you expect will take a long time before turning green, then I would definitely consider clicking into neutral and resting your clutch hand. If you can watch the signal pattern so you know when your light is about to turn green, you can then click back to 1st and be ready to go. As far as whether you also stop the engine, I would not generally be in a rush to do this unless you think the motor may overheat (air-cooled). Electric start is mandatory too. I know you may be wasting a bit of fuel by idling, but since the headlight stays on and frequent use of the starter may also tax the battery, you may wish to accept the situation. However, make sure the idle speed, when warm, is no more than the recommended rpm. This is usually an easy adjustment. I find I can slow mine down as the weather gets warmer and the oil thins. My bike is a Suzuki GS500F which is a twin cylinder air-cooled model. It can get 60-70 mpg in typical riding conditions. Cheers, Roger
I assume you are referring to the situation where you are the first to stop at the intersection and following traffic is some ways back and you fear being rear-ended by someone not paying attention. Once the first car behind me has come to a stop, I assume they are giving me a bit of a shield. I try to anticipate the stop as I approach the light and ease off my speed in advance avoiding a hard stop, much like I do when in my car. If I see someone coming up fast in my mirror I pump the brakes to flash the brakelights. (I find that highway traffic lights where the speed limit is 50+ mph are my biggest concern for this danger.) Keep an "escape route" open if you're worried and always give drivers lots of time to react to your movements. Hi-visibility clothing is important too. Be safe and have fun, Roger
Honestly? I often turn off the engine way before I reach the stop light. Especially if it's just turning red. Teresa has a fresh, strong battery and I never had any problem with it - so I mostly wait in neutral, with lights on and engine off. Ciliegia's battery, on the other hand, is pretty worn (~5 years old, it depletes after a few weeks standing in the garage) so if I FAS her, I do it with he ignition key - so I don't do it that frequently and never in twilight/darkness, of course... so my preferred method of waiting is neutral, engine on, lights on. warthog1984 - if you frequently depress and hold the clutch your grip may get stronger :Banane01: Now I can easily pulse&glide a hundred or more kms at once Not that I do it that much lately, it pretty much spoils the joy of riding and watching the beautiful countryside...
Hi WH: You know me, its shut down but I leave it battery powered up so I can flash the rear brake lights for anybody that approaches. Once I am boxed in, then I shut down the bike until I see the yellow for the cross streets. We had a similar discussion a few months back and I think I am going to begin moving off the road for these stops as there are just to many people that do not care to pay attention. Even if you are, you will get run over by them as was the case in IL last year and of course the jack @$$ in Phoenix that killed 3 or 4 bikers with his empty dump truck. I remember that discussion brought out that Lane splitting is a pretty darn safe place to be wheat intersections as you are protected by the 4-wheel cages along each side instead of your light weight bike hanging out there ready to get clipped. Good Luck Wayne
