So I bought a 2014 TE 449. After inspection of the turn signals I wonder how many trees or branches these things can bounce off of before hanging by wires or gone all together. So what are woods riders and SuperMoto riders replacing the stock signals with. I have looked at the Sicass flush mount, Tusk flush mount, and am quite impressed with the tuff lites. Any suggestions, style and function.
http://www.clicknride.com.au Unplug them when you go offroad put them back on when you hit the streets.
This is what I did back in 2009 and it still works for me today, all with LED strips from CustomDynamics.com View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilQ2_ThM7KA I used LED Stingerz (9 bulb) in amber for the front, integrated LED light bar-dual function (run light+brake light+turn signals in one strip)for the back and LED tag bolts for the license plate relocation That was about 5 pounds of DOT stuff off of my bike and it tucked everything inside to where it will never fall or scrape off the bike .....but it's not legal in some states so you better check that before you do it
Amber LEDs, $19.99 at Cycle Gear: Mine original signals came off, along with the fender monstrosity, in a million pieces when I looped the bike out. The wires were already broken so soldering these in was not a thought. The OEM connectors are still there so I can pull the upper fender and disconnect the wires. Several crashes and they are still there. I also have a pair of these LED License Plate Lights (integrated in to a bolt) in the garage: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RIEQXY/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Have yet to mount them, but they will replace the bare bulb you can see behind the brake light (they will be in the upper corners of the plate).
What timing! That is what I have decided to go with. Got some safety yellow Mechanics Wear Impact gloves so people should be able to see my hand signals.
This is a lost art. You might know what these mean but 90% of the cagers out there don't. I highly recommend against promoting these unless used in conjunction with turn signals and a brake light.
I would put it more in the 99% who don't knows what it all means, hell, I didn't know what they ment (I thought the right turn is actually stop) I only see very small percentage of Harley folks use this old school method here on bike week and since all of them always also have turn singles on their bikes I assume they have faulty electrical system I find it much easier to just slide my left thumb ...plus, sometimes I forget to cancel the turn single.......might be dangerous to keep on going with the arm on "left turn"
Man I don't know - these are pretty well drilled into folks of all genres. I just polled my 16 year old son, 11 year old daughter and 4X year old wife - none of whom ride motorcycles and they all knew. I see these almost every single day...I would be hard pressed to believe that people dont recall. I get that people may forget what distance to turn off their signal or high beams - but these are universals in every driver test. I would argue that the hand signals generate attention more than a 4mm blinking bulb does. How many times have you follwed a Harley down the highway for 30 mins watching his signal pulsate down the road. I did a little Googling to see if there were any statistics and all I could find was use of traditional signals which is LOW depending on the age group. The 18 - 24 group was the lowest with only 29% using signals on a regular basis - WTH! The number one excuse when asked about their lack of signals was "I am just too busy". Yeah - busy texting, taking selfies in the mirror and letting the world know what a tool you are on My Face. So...I dont think it really matters...
I use hand signals as well as signals, revving engine and a good dose of screaming and evasive maneuvering. Only you can prevent being a statistic. In many towns you don't even need to parallel park to get a drivers license. Diagonal was all my sister had to do in CT. Kids cross intersections against the light staring at their phone w/headphones oblivious. They and old folks alike seem clueless. I blame Apple and the auto and motorcycle industries alike for pushing entertainment technology for cars and bikes counter to common sense and safety. I purchased my Husky to get off the street. I was hit by an attorney in a Porsche, while riding in a bike lane. Broke my back. Time to make illegal entertainment devices in vehicles, ban friends and children and talking while driving. Bottom line use any and all options and have an escape plan. While texting is supposed to be illegal I see 99% of drivers with a phone in the hand. People always had "one for the road" and were spilling coffee, sodas and food, but now we have business profiting off crap to make you distracted.
Not to make a joke of it - but did the lawyer sue you for screwing up his Porsche with your back??? In all honesty, how many more people have to die over cell phones before class action shuts them down when they are in motion over say 20 mph? The technology is clearly there. I ride my BMW to work quite a bit and from that vantage point I see DOZENS of texters...and the worst is the people on Facebook cruising down the Interstate at 75 mph. i cannot tell you how many times people surfing through Facebook have drifted over into my lane. At some point a whole family, bus of kids, or something that crosses the "American conscious" and a mega lawsuit will yield still or motion-free touch screens. Until then, keep your 360 open and be prepared to leave your lane (and the whole highway) when required. It is THE reason I commute on and adventure bike as opposed to something built for the street. At any time I can quickly leave the comfort of pavement for the dirt/grass...curbs dont hold me in.
