If I stop on the red light for a minute, is it better to turn off the scooter?

Koperation Drill · 06-02-2008

I drive a gasoline powered 125cc scooter. If I stop on the red light with a counter so I know the time untill it turns green again. I will idle for approximately one minute plus, waiting for the light to turn and with this question: should I turn off the scooter while waiting? What is better for the environment? Others don't seem to do it, is it because it is bad for the scooter.
Can you tell me please: turn off or leave on?

galeo7171 · 06-02-2008

Leave it on. You'll burn out your starter.

bottle_o_scotch · 06-02-2008

its best to keep it running.
when you stop the motor the oil goes to bottom of oil sump, when you re start there is parts of the motor not getting full benefit of the oil, and if it is electric start, you are giving the battery a shorter life, when you start an engine it takes a small burst of fuel on the first turnover.
but yes if you are in traffic jam for 3 minutes or more you can turn off motor, IF THAT IS LEGAL WHERE YOU LIVE