Should Motorcycles Be Turned Off at Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
Motorcycles are advised not to be turned off while waiting at traffic lights. Generally, traffic light durations are not particularly long, and turning off the engine can lead to significant fuel consumption during the restart process. Frequent ignition is also detrimental to the vehicle. Moreover, idling is more fuel-efficient than turning off the engine. Below is an extended explanation: Traffic light duration: Depending on the length of the red light, it's best to turn off the engine if the wait exceeds thirty seconds. Starting the engine with the clutch engaged just before the light turns green has the same effect. For waits of just a few to a dozen seconds, it's preferable not to turn off the engine, as the difference in fuel consumption is negligible. Motorcycle introduction: A motorcycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle powered by a gasoline engine and steered manually, known for its lightweight, agility, and speed. It is widely used for patrol, passenger and cargo transport, and also serves as sports equipment. Generally, motorcycles can be categorized into street bikes, road racing motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, cruisers, touring bikes, and more.
As a regular motorcycle rider, I think it depends on the situation. For short red lights, I usually don't turn off the engine because restarting is too troublesome. If an emergency occurs, the slow startup might cause problems. Having ridden for over a decade, I only turn off the engine at long lights lasting one or two minutes to save on fuel costs—gas is expensive in the city. However, frequent starts wear out the battery and starter, and replacing parts costs more in the long run, which isn't worth it. Safety comes first—don't turn off the engine in chaotic traffic areas; staying alert is key. I advise beginners not to try this until they're more experienced. Overall, be flexible based on waiting times, balancing convenience and safety.
