Almost non-existent turn signal

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havegunjoe · #1 Post by **havegunjoe** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:44 am

The other day I was riding home from work on my V Star when a young fellow on some kind of crotch rocket passed me. He wasn’t flying by like a lot of rocket guys, just going faster than me. He then pulled into my lane and used his right leg to signal his intention. I had never seen this maneuver before and thought his turn signals must be out. A little way up the road he was in the far left lane sitting to make a turn when I noticed that half his taillight was blinking. You could hardly see the darn thing. No wonder he was using his leg to signal a turn. I have to wonder about a manufacturer that would put such a crappy turn signal on their bikes, or maybe it is aftermarket. It is truly unsafe!

#2 Post by **Wrider** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:35 am

Yeah it's aftermarket. Depending on the aftermarket one they can be really good or really crappy. My friend has an aftermarket one on his busa that splits the taillight into two lights, and one blinks when turning that way. There are also nice ones that are all in one and make a difference,

PacificShot327 · #3 Post by **PacificShot327** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 3:42 pm

Hm... makes me rethink getting one of those.

Which brands are most reputable? The only that I really know of is Clear Alternatives, and I like the way their stuff looks, but have never seen it in person, so I can't account for the brightness or effectiveness.

jstark47 · #4 Post by **jstark47** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:46 am

I've seen aftermarket signals on sportbikes, not integrated with the tail light, but extreme wedge shape and tiny. Invisible until you're right on top of them. It seems like an invitation to get rear ended - why would anyone rely on those?

Mean KaNean · #5 Post by **Mean KaNean** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:57 am

Clear Alternatives usually has a pretty good product. But I have seen some where they've been homemade, those suck. Chances are the dude tried to make it himself of bought one that someone had made.

zeligman · #6 Post by **zeligman** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:09 am

I live in Massachusetts - not born or raised, but it's fairly clear that with cars here, turn signals are optional equipment. I'm not sure that everyone has them hooked up, because if they did, why wouldn't they ever use them?

then again, it's fun and\ play 'hmm wonder what they're gonna do'

PacificShot327 · #7 Post by **PacificShot327** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 3:31 am

Same here in TX, Zelig. Motorcycles are not required to have turn signals. Mine didn't when I bought it, so I was hunting around for some (I was in the middle of replacing a lot of stuff on the bike at one time). However, if you have 'em, they HAVE to function properly.

Dragon on Wheels · #8 Post by **Dragon on Wheels** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 5:21 pm

I think turn signals are required in NJ.

Ninja Geoff · #9 Post by **Ninja Geoff** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:47 pm

PacificShot327 wrote:Hm... makes me rethink getting one of those.

Which brands are most reputable? The only that I really know of is Clear Alternatives, and I like the way their stuff looks, but have never seen it in person, so I can't account for the brightness or effectiveness.

Clear Alternatives is the only one I can think of that makes those pos intergrated signals. It's just an invitation for trouble. A cager only half seeing you and half paying attention isn't going to be able to tell which way you're turning, just that your tail light is blinking. The best option I think is either flushmounts or a fender kit/eliminator, depending on where/how the blinkers are mounted. The fender eliminator on the Ninja brings the blinkers in about an inch on either side. Easy to tell from a distance which side is blinking, yet helps reduce the clutter feel the bike had stock.

zeligman wrote:I live in Massachusetts - not born or raised, but it's fairly clear that with cars here, turn signals are optional equipment. I'm not sure that everyone has them hooked up, because if they did, why wouldn't they ever use them?

then again, it's fun and\ play 'hmm wonder what they're gonna do'

There's a reason we're called Massholes

. Our license plates strike fear into the hearts of people living in other states. Where in MA are you?

#10 Post by **fireguzzi** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 2:38 am

Ninja Geoff wrote: Our license plates strike fear into the hearts of people living in other states.

That's because drunk Irish men in cars are a little scary.

"Oh no, it's Geoff O'Grady coming from the pub, look out!"