Which gear should a motorcycle use when waiting at a red light?
3 Answers
When a motorcycle stops to wait at a red light, it should be shifted into neutral gear, and then shifted into first gear to start when the light turns green. If the waiting time at the red light is very short, it can also be left in first gear, and when the light turns green, simply release the clutch and apply the throttle to start. It is not advisable to use a high gear when starting. There is a special situation here that some riders might adopt: downshifting to second gear while holding the clutch and continuing to coast. This operation can cause some damage to the vehicle, but as long as you don't rev the throttle recklessly, this damage can be ignored. In unavoidable situations where you have to stop in gear, you can completely choose first or second gear, close the throttle, or turn off the engine to stop.
As a rider, I always shift to neutral at red lights, and the reason is simple: safety first. In neutral, the bike won't move, reducing the risk of accidents. For example, if the clutch fails or there's a misoperation, the bike won't lurch forward, especially on steep slopes or when vehicles are nearby. Additionally, staying in neutral allows my left foot to rest, preventing fatigue during long red lights. When the light turns green, it only takes a second to shift into first gear to start—it becomes second nature with practice. Developing this habit enhances the overall riding experience and avoids the dangers of rushed operations. In practice, I've noticed many riders lazily stay in first gear, but occasional stalls or foot slips make it not worth the risk. In short, neutral is the safest option—I recommend giving it a try.
When stopping at a red light, I always keep the bike in first gear so I can quickly start and catch up with the car in front as soon as the light turns green. On city roads where traffic conditions change rapidly, staying in a lower gear allows for much faster reactions, saving the time needed to shift gears. Especially during rush hour, being half a second slower might result in getting honked at or squeezed out. Although shifting to neutral is more comfortable, suddenly panicking to find the right gear when the light changes can lead to mistakes. As for staying in a higher gear? Definitely don't—I once tried waiting at a light in second gear, only for the RPMs to drop too low and stall the bike, which was pretty embarrassing. I recommend new riders practice this too: use first gear for short red lights, and consider shifting to neutral for longer stops to rest your feet. The joy of riding lies in adapting flexibly—just find the right balance.
