Which gear should a motorcycle use when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
When waiting at a red light, a motorcycle should be in neutral gear to reduce friction on the clutch plates. In neutral, the engine idles, which is more fuel-efficient. Understanding of motorcycle neutral gear in traffic: In the neutral position, the gear lever can swing left and right. When the transmission is not engaged, the gear lever automatically stays in the neutral position. It generally refers to the state where the gear lever of a motor vehicle is not placed in any forward or reverse gear, completely separating the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, the neutral gear is in the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". Introduction to motorcycle coasting in neutral: Coasting in neutral is an operation method where, while the vehicle is moving, the driver places the gear lever in the neutral position, separating the engine from the drive wheels' clutch, and uses the vehicle's inertia to move. Coasting in neutral must be done under conditions that ensure safety and normal vehicle technical conditions. It is not allowed to coast with the engine off, especially when going down steep or long slopes—coasting with the engine off or in neutral is prohibited.
In my years of riding motorcycles, safety has always been the top priority. When waiting at a red light, I never hesitate to keep the bike in first gear. This way, when the light turns green, I can quickly release the clutch to start, saving the trouble of shifting gears. If left in neutral, I would have to shift into gear before starting, which can be flustering, especially at busy intersections or in emergencies, like when a vehicle behind is approaching too fast and I might not react in time. I believe this habit helps avoid accidents, particularly when stopping on a slope, as keeping it in first gear also prevents the bike from rolling backward. New riders are advised to start practicing this early—it will become second nature with time. After all, motorcycle control requires full attention; don’t prioritize momentary convenience over safety, as safety is always the most important.
