Author Topic: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?  (Read 1068 times)

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Offline L.A. Nomad........

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What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« on: February 28, 2008, 11:20:03 AM »
On Cb550, I'm thinking about losing my front turn signals, for aesthetic purposes only. I'm still undecided about the rear ones.

I shouldn't have a problem getting the rear turn signals to work, right?

I know legally it's not correct.

L.A. Nomad......
« Last Edit: February 28, 2008, 11:22:53 AM by L.A. Nomad........ »
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Offline Cvillechopper

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2008, 11:25:06 AM »
3 things to consider.

1. Looks - you already have

2. Legality - some states require signals, some don't

3. Safety - A bike is hard enough to see for most cagers.  Taking any lights off increases the risk.

Prioritize and go from there.  Personally, if you take either set off you reduce visibility from that direction.  It's less likely that a car is going to run you over from behind than pull out in front of you so the rear signals have less impact on safety in my book. 

Make sure you check the motorcycle laws of your state.

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.  Aristotle

Offline hymodyne

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2008, 11:35:28 AM »
I agree on all three points, especially the safety one.

My friend always says, "Loud bikes save lives," to which i'd add seen bikes save lives.

there are many types of micro signals that use LED technology to reduce the size and obtrusion of these indicators...

I'd go that way before getting rid of front or rear.

JMHO,

hym

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Offline merc2dogs

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2008, 12:20:48 PM »
Here in michigan they don't realy require turn signals.
 
I prefer having rears if I only run one set, reason being that I can see whats in front of me a lot easier, cars behind are naturally looking at the rear end, so advertising your intentions works best from the rear.

 I currently have all four signals, they are small aftermarket types so don't effect looks, but nice and bright for safety.

Offline andy750

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2008, 12:29:10 PM »

I ran without the front ones on a CB750 for about a week (yes it works with just the rear), but I didnt feel safe knowing that people in front of me couldnt see where I was going - think junctions and 4-way stop signs....accident waiting to happen  :P


cheers
Andy
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legendary

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2008, 12:41:10 PM »
Man you would be literally risking your life for aesthetic reasons.

If drivers there- are anything like here- I hope you decide to keep both.

Don't know how useful that was but I meant well.....

Offline JLeather

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2008, 12:47:24 PM »
I rode my bike without anything on it last year.  No speedo, no tach, no turn signals, no mirrors, no tag light.  Mostly it was cause I was too lazy to wire it and I wanted to ride it instead.  Did I die?  No.  But I'll admit I felt pretty unsafe a few instances.  That bike is undergoing a major overhaul this winter and I'm compromising on it somewhat.  Rear turn signals are important, as is atleast one mirror.  If you've got no turns or mirrors you're asking to get hit changing lanes.  Fronts are less important, IMO.  At  4-way stop they matter, but that's the only place.  At an intersection you either have the right-of-way or not.  If you've got a lot of 4-way stops instead of lights around your place you prolly oughta have front turns.  There are some that clamp onto the fork tubes that are pretty decent looking and hidden.  You can also get mirrors that have turn lights in them. 

Offline Klark Kent

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2008, 01:45:12 PM »
personal decision time- but think about signaling your intentions and when that is most important to your survival. 

my bike came without signals.  i definately thought the rears where more important, and have yet to put fronts on.  i put rears on it because when i am going to make a left turn and need to stop i want the driver behind me to know this ahead of time.  if i want to be nice to the oncoming traffic who would turn across my lane if they knew i wasnt going to keep straight at the intersection, or at a four way stop to clarify my intentions i use hand signals.  I don't feel unsafe.  The one thing that worries me is the left turner- but the signals would be only a small help to those 'inattentional blindness' afflicted murderers.  that said every little bit COULD save your life. 
-KK
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Offline merc2dogs

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2008, 02:58:51 PM »
That's why I prefer rears if only running one set.

 As for the safety aspect, Forgotten turn signals cause a lot more problems then not having turn signals at all. I know a lot of riders who've left a signal on for twenty miles or so, then come up to an isolated intersection and someone pulls out in front of them because the driver saw the signal and asssumed that a turn signal meant the rider was planning to turn. Without a signal, most drivers wait because they assume you're going straight.

Ken

Offline heffay

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2008, 04:25:30 PM »


1. Looks - you already have




are you hitting on nomad?   :-*
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline Johnie

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2008, 04:30:24 PM »
Keep them on front and back.  We want to keep you on this board.  Seriously, the number 1 reason a car driver gives the cop when he kills a cyclist is "I never saw him."  Why risk it for the sake of looks.  And even if you survive, your bike will be toast.  Plus, your personal liability increases by taking those lights off.  But in the end it is your decision to make and to live, or die with...
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline heffay

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2008, 04:55:54 PM »
put blinkers on yo hands!   :P
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline ralt12

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Re: What do you think is better? Rear or front turn signals?
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2008, 05:41:48 PM »
I didn't like the looks of the stock turn signals, either, so I went with a pair of generic, carbon fiber copy LEDs, that are a LOT smaller, but reasonably bright.
http://nelson-motorsports.com/IMG_2158.JPG