Indicator Lights vs Hand Signals

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May 7, 2010 | 06:46 PM

QehQeh

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Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: So Cal

Indicator Lights vs Hand Signals

I was just reading some posts in the thread "turn signal wiring question" and I thought I'd open another can of worms... I mean thread. Who out there use hand signals only? Turn indicator lights only? Both? If you don't run indicator lights, what about clutch operation when you've got your left arm out? If we can rely on hand signals, do we really need any lights except for a headlight?

May 7, 2010 | 07:04 PM

gregski

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 532

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From: Shelton, WA

I use a mix of both. At dusk/night I always use signals. Turns at intersections/streets or from a stop I always use signals. Changing lanes on the highway/freeway, I usually just give em an arm.

May 7, 2010 | 07:11 PM

wcsj55@yahoo.com

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 11,020

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From: Calumet City,Illinois

I use both when changing lanes to the left,only turn signals when turning left or right !!!

May 7, 2010 | 08:07 PM

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,208

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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

A little of both (especially in traffic), sometimes none (racoons and skunks don't care)
but usually signals only.

May 8, 2010 | 07:43 AM

wiseguy2day

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 845

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From: Just south of Chicago, Illinois

I haven't had front or rear turn signals in 5 years, always used hand signals. I got pulled over by a state trooper in heavy traffic once (expired tag) and he complimented me on my hand signals. I decided to reinstall the rear signals cause it seems like more and more people are getting run down on their bikes. I bought a set of alloy art lo profile signals thru Dr. V twin. I'll post pics when I get them installed.

May 8, 2010 | 07:47 AM

StreetGlider57

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 960

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From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Both in traffic. I look, turn on the turn signal, point, look again, then go. So far its been working.

May 8, 2010 | 07:51 AM

dog155

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 13,389

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From: Windham,Maine

Used hand signals for so many years it's a hard habit for the wife and I to break.We both know most people who are not bikers might not know what the signals mean,they certainly should.Always do use bike signals when needed.