I tried the search function but didn’t find exactly what I was looking for so hopefully I’m in the right forum.

I ride an XL1200 Sportster Custom and I’m very happy with the bike with one exception; I hate the self-canceling turn signals. They seem to stay on just long enough so that they turn off just as I’m about to enter an intersection so I’m constantly worried about making sure they’re still on. Needless to say this is a great way to get in wreck, especially for a novice rider like me.

I’ve read the owners manual and understand that if I hold the button down the signals will not start the self- canceling timer until I release the button. However, this still bugs the crap out of me and is distracting.

Is there a way to either:

1) adjust the self canceling timer so that the signals stay on longer or,
2) remove the self-canceling feature altogether and just operate the signals manually?

I’m hoping for an inexpensive fix but the problem is annoying enough that I’ll spend some money if that’s the only option. The bike has stock handle bars and turn signals.
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

welcome to HDF
are you sure their working incorrect or is it the Rider ??
Mine will turn off after I'm through the turn.
If you are sure bring the bike back to the dealer and make them fix it.
You paid good $$ for a GOOD Machine I'm sure they'll fix it ...........Enjoy

 

Thanks for the welcome and reply. I should have specified that it's a 1999 Sportster so there is no warranty. I called the local dealer to ask if there was a way to change the signals or the signal timing and the answer I got was, “No.”

The lights turn off with no problem after the bike turns. The problem is that as I’m approaching an intersection and hit the signal button the blinkers come on, but the turn signal “times-out” and turns the blinker off before I actually get to the intersection and make the turn.So, as I'm approaching an intersection I'm constantly wondering, "Is the signal still on?"

It’s possible it is the rider but if it is I’m not sure what I'mdoing wrong. I read in the owner’s manual that the lights are supposed to time-out after 6-10 seconds if you’re still slowing down after you turn them on. So it seems to me they’re working as Harley intended it’s just a poor design (in my opinion) because I hit the turn signal at the same spot in the road I would signal a turn If I was driving my truck so it’s not like I’m signally the turn too early.

I believe I read on here that on newer bikes the blinkers don’t time out as fast so this isn’t an issue.

Am I the only one who has experienced this problem?

 

I had a 97 Sporty with the same problem. My friend had an 02 Sporty with this problem. It seems confined to Sportsters. I don't have a solution, just letting you know you're not alone on this. I agree that it is dangerous.

 

Thanks for the info dynageezer. I'll see if anyone in the Sportster forum has addressed the problem.

 

Just do like the girls tell you...
Use your hand!

 

lol