[Rich Mintz]

I spend a lot (A LOT) of time sitting stopped in heavy traffic -- both at long traffic lights, and in very slow stop-and-go rush-hour traffic.

Assuming a bike in good order, charged battery with a battery tender, etc. -- is there any reason I shouldn't kill the engine anytime I expect to be sitting still at idle for 60 seconds or longer?

[Vince]

     It takes about 1/2 hour for your charging system to recharge a good battery from one normal starting attempt. You may run out of battery power. Also, while the starter clutch system is now comparable to Japanese standards, it will suffer premature wear and failure if used to that extent. Then there is the safety issue. With the engine off you have ZERO maneuverability. Not a good idea at any time, particularly in heavy traffic. What if Zombies attack? Or your ex-wife?

[singhg5]

I spend a lot (A LOT) of time sitting stopped in heavy traffic -- both at long traffic lights, and in very slow stop-and-go rush-hour traffic.

Assuming a bike in good order, charged battery with a battery tender, etc. -- is there any reason I shouldn't kill the engine anytime I expect to be sitting still at idle for 60 seconds or longer?

Stop and go traffic or lot of sitting in traffic in idle will drain the battery faster than normal.  Also turning bike OFF and ON numerous times will certainly weaken the battery.

I do a couple of things - TURN OFF the headlight because it takes significant amount of current while sitting in traffic. I leave smaller tiger lights with LED bulbs on. Later I turn headlight on as traffic moves.

Secondly, I keep the transmission in neutral to prevent unnecessary wearing out clutch plates - if I am at a long red traffic light. 

[mattsz]

Rich didn't mention it in his post, but I'm curious, too... about overheating.  How long can we sit and idle in that traffic jam before we should expect trouble?  And what are the signs to look for?

[barenekd]

I don't think the bike will overheat sitting in traffic unless maybe its 110 out there. These bikes run very cool, and, in fact, too cool in cold weather.
As for killing and restarting the enine, I do it just to save gas at really long lights, or passing trains. Not that the Enfield uses any, but a trick I picked up with my gas guzzling truck. Also turning off the headlight is a good suggestion. 
As for batteries, if you stick a good AGV battery in the bike, you shouldn't have a problem. Those things will work an amazingly long time starting and restarting the bike
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

Rich didn't mention it in his post, but I'm curious, too... about overheating.  How long can we sit and idle in that traffic jam before we should expect trouble?  And what are the signs to look for?

+1 to above.  Keep it running, don't leave yourself vulnerable if you need to move and don't beat up your starter or battery.   These bikes are made to run in India in the summer in city traffic.  I really doubt you're going to overheat it just sitting there for a bit.  I will kill the engine if I'm waiting for a train, but that's mostly because I 'll get off the bike so I can stretch and don't have to sit there soaking up the heat that's coming off the engine.

Scott

[gremlin]

     It takes about 1/2 hour for your charging system to recharge a good battery from one normal starting attempt.......... What if Zombies attack? Or your ex-wife?

+3

[gremlin]

Rich didn't mention it in his post, but I'm curious, too... about overheating.  How long can we sit and idle in that traffic jam before we should expect trouble?  And what are the signs to look for?

In North America, with these engines,  indefinitely.