Topic: Turn signals or not?

[70CB750]

My CB came sans turn signals,  winker relay  missing,  wiring and switch intact.

I am not adding them right away, just making plans for the frame-up, but the question is:

Do I want turn signals?  Frankly, I don't know. 

What would you do?  What would Jimmy Buffet do?  Is yeti real?  How about Santa?

Questions, questions, questions!

[brooze72]

Well I think Jimmy Buffet would just sing about it & not do anything with the turn signals.  Haven't seen the local Yeti in years & Santa doesn't stop by for a beer for a few months, so can't ask until then.

Seriously (if necessary) I seem to remember that the turn signals were a dealer option for some bikes back in the day, might want to check with your local authorities if they are required on the old machine.  If not, consider what style it is (stocker, cafe, rat) & check a few pics to see what look you like.

[70CB750]

Virginia says only if you got them, they better work.  People's Republic of Maryland requires them and I can go either way, the only good thing about them is/can be visibility.  I use my hands on a bicycle, CB is just bigger and faster:)

[brooze72]

Yea, personally, I'm for the visibility thing. I often use the lights & hand signals to make sure the f....rs know I'm coming over in the lane. No reason you can't mount non stock lights for a different look tho, what style of build are you going to do?

[Gordon]

Definitely turn signals.  If you're big on using hand signals, there's nothing stopping you from doing both.  But there are times when your left hand isn't free to indicate, like when you're downshifting for a turn or waiting to turn at an unregulated intersection with the bike in gear and your hand on the clutch.  Also, at night a bright flashing light is going to get the attention of the driver behind you better than holding your hand up.

[TwoTired]

To O.P.
You forgot to state how strong your death wish is.
... or your desire to collect on disability insurance.

Look in the faces of the local drivers in your area.  Do you think they would recognize a hand turn signal?   They barely notice a bright flashing turn signal, but that is far more within their realm of attention/understanding.

Do any of the driver's tests require the use of hand turn signals?  Or, the applicant to demonstrate their use?

I had my signals fail a few weeks ago and used hand signals instead for the day.  The looks on other drivers faces can only be described one of being dumbfounded.  ...except the big rig truckers.  They knew.  But their look was one of surprise, maybe even awe?

Cheers,

[dave500]

get the turn signals going,its up to you what you use but i see no point in the tiny smoke coloured indescreet type.

[DJ_AX]

To O.P.
You forgot to state how strong your death wish is.
... or your desire to collect on disability insurance.

Look in the faces of the local drivers in your area.  Do you think they would recognize a hand turn signal?   They barely notice a bright flashing turn signal, but that is far more within their realm of attention/understanding.

Do any of the driver's tests require the use of hand turn signals?  Or, the applicant to demonstrate their use?

I had my signals fail a few weeks ago and used hand signals instead for the day.  The looks on other drivers faces can only be described one of being dumbfounded.  ...except the big rig truckers.  They knew.  But their look was one of surprise, maybe even awe?

Cheers,

+1
And I always see drivers using false hand signals without knowing it.

A couple of years ago in my car the blinker went out.
A cop behind me, so I rolled down my window to use a hand signal to make my turn..
He pulled me over because it was suspicious to him... asked me if I was smokin' dope.

Oh yeah .. I like the big blinkers on my bike!

[brooze72]

TwoTired & DJ-AX,  funny stories about the hand signals, but kind of sad, in that I guess it shows the sorry state of driver training these days if only truckers & bikers know what they are.  Or is it just our age, do they teach new riders & truckers the hand signals anymore?

[Gordon]

TwoTired & DJ-AX,  funny stories about the hand signals, but kind of sad, in that I guess it shows the sorry state of driver training these days if only truckers & bikers know what they are.  Or is it just our age, do they teach new riders & truckers the hand signals anymore?

I think they still teach them in driver's ed, but I'll have to ask my 16 year old niece to be sure.  Even 20 years ago when I was taking classes they spent a total of about two minutes on hand signals, probably only because it was part of the written test. 

Everything I know about hand signals I learned from elementary school when they taught us about bicycle safety.  They spent a lot more time getting the students involved and really teaching us the ins-and-outs and how to stay safe.  Many of the things I know today about staying safe on a motorcycle (and even in a car) I learned from those teachers.  At that time in the city I grew up in, most of the kids either walked to school or rode their bikes.  The teachers really cared about making sure we got there safely. 

[smashedmelon]

Definitely turn signals.  If you're big on using hand signals, there's nothing stopping you from doing both.  But there are times when your left hand isn't free to indicate, like when you're downshifting for a turn or waiting to turn at an unregulated intersection with the bike in gear and your hand on the clutch.  Also, at night a bright flashing light is going to get the attention of the driver behind you better than holding your hand up.

+1
Riding at night without turn signals is NOT a good idea. Although my turn signals are small they have not been an issue at night. There are many options and finding the ones to fit your build isn't too difficult.

 A couple of years ago I stopped riding at night when my signals crapped out. While they were out of order I found it a huge hassle and unsafe signalling with my left arm at any "unregulated intersection". Proper lane change indication is also plainly common courtesy. (and we all know there's a lack of that)

[chopped550]

To O.P.
You forgot to state how strong your death wish is.
... or your desire to collect on disability insurance.

Look in the faces of the local drivers in your area.  Do you think they would recognize a hand turn signal?   They barely notice a bright flashing turn signal, but that is far more within their realm of attention/understanding.

Do any of the driver's tests require the use of hand turn signals?  Or, the applicant to demonstrate their use?

I had my signals fail a few weeks ago and used hand signals instead for the day.  The looks on other drivers faces can only be described one of being dumbfounded.  ...except the big rig truckers.  They knew.  But their look was one of surprise, maybe even awe?

Cheers,

Yes, but regardless of weather or not they actually knew what you were doing, you still got their attention. And correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that the point of what you were trying to do?

[TwoTired]

To O.P.
You forgot to state how strong your death wish is.
... or your desire to collect on disability insurance.

Look in the faces of the local drivers in your area.  Do you think they would recognize a hand turn signal?   They barely notice a bright flashing turn signal, but that is far more within their realm of attention/understanding.

Do any of the driver's tests require the use of hand turn signals?  Or, the applicant to demonstrate their use?

I had my signals fail a few weeks ago and used hand signals instead for the day.  The looks on other drivers faces can only be described one of being dumbfounded.  ...except the big rig truckers.  They knew.  But their look was one of surprise, maybe even awe?

Cheers,

Yes, but regardless of weather or not they actually knew what you were doing, you still got their attention. And correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that the point of what you were trying to do?

The only ones who were actually attentive were the big truck drivers.  The others who had a response were dumbfounded or glazed.  The rest, and most, were self engaged in their own reverie to notice any hand signal that wasn't directly in the face. 

Anyway one of the purposes of flashing lights is to garner/gain attention.  A hand signal isn't exactly like waving your hand in their face.  The other drivers have to actually be looking at something other than the lines at roadway edge.

I don't rely on other drivers to see me, or give way.  But, I feel I should give them every chance to do so if they give half a sh!t.

[chopped550]

To O.P.
You forgot to state how strong your death wish is.
... or your desire to collect on disability insurance.

Look in the faces of the local drivers in your area.  Do you think they would recognize a hand turn signal?   They barely notice a bright flashing turn signal, but that is far more within their realm of attention/understanding.

Do any of the driver's tests require the use of hand turn signals?  Or, the applicant to demonstrate their use?

I had my signals fail a few weeks ago and used hand signals instead for the day.  The looks on other drivers faces can only be described one of being dumbfounded.  ...except the big rig truckers.  They knew.  But their look was one of surprise, maybe even awe?

Cheers,

Yes, but regardless of weather or not they actually knew what you were doing, you still got their attention. And correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that the point of what you were trying to do?

The only ones who were actually attentive were the big truck drivers.  The others who had a response were dumbfounded or glazed.  The rest, and most, were self engaged in their own reverie to notice any hand signal that wasn't directly in the face. 

Anyway one of the purposes of flashing lights is to garner/gain attention.  A hand signal isn't exactly like waving your hand in their face.  The other drivers have to actually be looking at something other than the lines at roadway edge.

I don't rely on other drivers to see me, or give way.  But, I feel I should give them every chance to do so if they give half a sh!t.

I guess I see what you're saying, I'm just in the mindset that turnsignals or not, some 17 year old girl texting while putting on makeup while surfing facebook while exchanging CD's and driving isn't going to see you either way.

[Gordon]

I guess I see what you're saying, I'm just in the mindset that turnsignals or not, some 17 year old girl texting while putting on makeup while surfing facebook while exchanging CD's and driving isn't going to see you either way.

Yes, but increasing your chances of being seen overall is best for you in the long-run.  Turn signals or not, it doesn't mean you shouldn't also be looking in your mirror to see if the person behind you is slowing down.  Ride like everyone else is out to kill you, and make it easier to see you and your intentions for those few who aren't.

[ekpent]

Maybe I am getting old but I make it a point to make sure the turn signals all function well on my bikes and throw a hand signal out also when I have someone on my ass,maybe a one finger salute    You have to increase your odds and visibility.It also is nice when we are riding in a pack and the leader at the time can indicate his intentions well ahead of time for the rest of the group to see.A good horn is also nice to give a fellow rider next to me a little short beep to get their attention to aid communication rather than having to give a yell. Maybe not 'totally cool' but safer with signals.

[Strictlycustom]

I was hoping someone made an integrated taillight

[TwoTired]

I guess I see what you're saying, I'm just in the mindset that turnsignals or not, some 17 year old girl texting while putting on makeup while surfing facebook while exchanging CD's and driving isn't going to see you either way.

Senario:
You notice a sky full of spears hurling in your general direction.
Do you:
- Stand your ground because you believe none will hit you?
- Ignore them and accept that maybe some will maim you?
- Try to dodge them as they get closer?
- Dive into the steel protective enclosure you prepared for such an occasion?

Just because things can happen beyond your control, is not a good reason to do nothing toward besting your chances of avoidance. IMO

Cheers,

[domer]

I guess I see what you're saying, I'm just in the mindset that turnsignals or not, some 17 year old girl texting while putting on makeup while surfing facebook while exchanging CD's and driving isn't going to see you either way.

Senario:
You notice a sky full of spears hurling in your general direction.
Do you:
- Stand your ground because you believe none will hit you?
- Ignore them and accept that maybe some will maim you?
- Try to dodge them as they get closer?
- Dive into the steel protective enclosure you prepared for such an occasion?

HAHAHAHAHA...

by the way, not that most people will remember, but in CA any behind the wheel driving test (M included) requires that you demonstrate hand signals before you can take the test... useless knowledge 

[Don R]

I vote yes. I put one of those stick -on 12 LED strips on the rear of the scoop on my dragster and it lights up Great! It came with 2 and I just used the one. I'm thinking of MC applications, It could be almost hidden until it lights up. rear of the seat red, signals left and right rear of the bike  yellow.

[Bluegreen]

Signals good idea.

[Danno]

In michigan you do not have to have signals during the day but you are not allowed not to have them at night and I personally would rather have the signals we need all the visibility these bikes can get If you want the originals I can get them for you or one of the other members might have some

[KingCustomCycles.com]

It sure would help in court if you had signals.  Hey, eventually we will all be hit anyway, why not give your surviving family the best case possible to cash in?  I have been rearended doing 57 mph down a state highway.  Middle of the day, bright and sunny.  I wasn't turning or slowing. just a drunk in a pick-up doing 80+.  Hit and run, my uninsured motorsist coverage didn't pay because I couldn't prove he was uninsured, smashed my station wagon to the rear tires, I thought it blew up when the rear glass hit the inside of the windshield and my seat collapsed backward.  Car was obviously totaled............be careful out there.

[70CB750]

Convincing, thanks everybody 

[chopped550]

I guess I see what you're saying, I'm just in the mindset that turnsignals or not, some 17 year old girl texting while putting on makeup while surfing facebook while exchanging CD's and driving isn't going to see you either way.

Senario:
You notice a sky full of spears hurling in your general direction.
Do you:
- Stand your ground because you believe none will hit you?
- Ignore them and accept that maybe some will maim you?
- Try to dodge them as they get closer?
- Dive into the steel protective enclosure you prepared for such an occasion?

Just because things can happen beyond your control, is not a good reason to do nothing toward besting your chances of avoidance. IMO

Cheers,

you're right, we should all just sell our bikes and drive cars.