Question about Turn Signal operation
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 15
From: Blacksburg, SC
Question about Turn Signal operation
New to me '89 softail.
Previous bike was a honda shadow.
Regarding the turn signal operation I am a bit confused, or possibly have a problem.
pressing the left or right turn signal buttons will flash the appropriate turn signals both front and back.
when I release the button it no longer flashes.
I thought it should have a turn signal canceling module, but when I look in the parts catalog, there isn't one listed.
Is this the way they operate normally?
Perhaps someone can explain, would be a big help.
Thanks,
Seadog
Previous bike was a honda shadow.
Regarding the turn signal operation I am a bit confused, or possibly have a problem.
pressing the left or right turn signal buttons will flash the appropriate turn signals both front and back.
when I release the button it no longer flashes.
I thought it should have a turn signal canceling module, but when I look in the parts catalog, there isn't one listed.
Is this the way they operate normally?
Perhaps someone can explain, would be a big help.
Thanks,
Seadog
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
The '89 Softails did not come with self-cancelling turn signals. That is the normal the operation of the turn signals. In other words, the turn signals will only operate as long as you hold the button down. My '88 Heritage is the same way.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 15
From: Blacksburg, SC
I seen some aftermarket turn signal canceler modules on line. will these work?
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
No, the turn signals would have to stay on without you holding the button for that to work
In other words, press to turn in press again to turn off
In other words, press to turn in press again to turn off
Last edited by RANGER73; Jul 28, 2018 at 03:46 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
^^^ I agree. I'd find it hard to understand why you would have to continue to hold the switch in while completing the turn. That would be unsafe to say the least.
Press it, let it go, make the turn, press it again to cancel. I believe that is how it should work.
Press it, let it go, make the turn, press it again to cancel. I believe that is how it should work.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 15
From: Blacksburg, SC
I agree.
Sometimes faced with the decision of turn signals or no turn signals. I try to use them all the time, but sometimes it's just not possible.... Clutch, front brake, throttle and a damn turn signal that wont stay on through a turn.
who thought this engineering catastrophe up?
I am an electrical engineer, and I could have done better. But so far this has been mu only major complaint.
Maybe its time to design my own.
Sometimes faced with the decision of turn signals or no turn signals. I try to use them all the time, but sometimes it's just not possible.... Clutch, front brake, throttle and a damn turn signal that wont stay on through a turn.
who thought this engineering catastrophe up?
I am an electrical engineer, and I could have done better. But so far this has been mu only major complaint.
Maybe its time to design my own.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 232
From: Batcave
New to me '89 softail.
Previous bike was a honda shadow.
Regarding the turn signal operation I am a bit confused, or possibly have a problem.
pressing the left or right turn signal buttons will flash the appropriate turn signals both front and back.
when I release the button it no longer flashes.
I thought it should have a turn signal canceling module, but when I look in the parts catalog, there isn't one listed.
Is this the way they operate normally?
Perhaps someone can explain, would be a big help.
Thanks,
Seadog
Previous bike was a honda shadow.
Regarding the turn signal operation I am a bit confused, or possibly have a problem.
pressing the left or right turn signal buttons will flash the appropriate turn signals both front and back.
when I release the button it no longer flashes.
I thought it should have a turn signal canceling module, but when I look in the parts catalog, there isn't one listed.
Is this the way they operate normally?
Perhaps someone can explain, would be a big help.
Thanks,
Seadog
Frustrating and unsafe.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
My 1990 Sportster is the same way. $100 or so to get rhe self canceling kit that has to be wired in.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
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From: Beyond Fucital
You can add a turn signal module, and change your speedometer to make it do what you want. If you've got the time and money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
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From: SW Ohio
A little tongue in cheek humor and not meant to be mean or condescending but there's a truth to it. Harley tried to solve a problem simply by having the rider hold the button when they wanted to indicate a turn. This was, in my opinion, the lesser of two evils when it comes to unskilled riders going down the road with their blinker on. Many of which, had cars pull in front of them because the driver believed the rider was turning. To be sure, the car drivers were at fault legally but that doesn't change the fact that an avoidable crash happened at the rider's expense.