I came across this device to signal traffic lights to change on ebay a while back. I always thought I was getting stuck at traffic lights due to the weight of the bike. This advertisement indicates it's a magnetic operation. Anybody have any experience with these things?? You can buy the thing on ebay for just a little less than $20 (including shipping)

If it will work, I'd pay $50 for it.

I found the website that has all the 411. (Warning, there is an annoying bitch that will start talking to you when you click this link).

It's called the Signal Sorcerer.

http://www.signalsorcerer.com/motorcycles_mopeds.html

What do Ya'll think???

 

I have no first-hand knowledge of how well they work but I've heard from others that they do work. Around here the traffic is non-stop so I usually have a cager behind me at lights. If I do find I'm stuck though, I just make a right turn, go 50 yards and make a "U" turn, and it's just like the light changed for me...

 

My only thought is this.. if it is magnetic.. Wont it attract metal particles in your oil to the bottom of the engine pan? Simular to the way the magnetic oil filters do? And if this is the case.... wouldn't that pool the shavings in your engine and cause potential damage after a while? Just a thought..cuz I have no idea. Just being devils advocate here.

 

In Wisconsin there is a law that went into effect in oct of 06,that states any motorcycle waiting more than 45 sec at a vehicle activated signal,can go through the red light if it is safe.
Joe

 

The thing works. My old man had one on his bike. It won't change the light for you, bike you will be recognized at signal changes.

 

Personally I think they are not needed on HDs. The signals are triggered by a loop of wire in the asphalt, a metal object passing over generates a current in the wire. Both my Sporty and my RKC have no problem getting the lights to trip, plenty of steel slung low enough. Some other bikes with more plastic and aluminium may need the help.

 

Exactly. Its more gimmick than problem solver - particularly for Harleys. Our bikes are made out of heavy metal. The plastic and aluminum bikes have more issues with this phenomenon. You can achieve comparable results with a couple heavy duty magnets from Lowe's if you really want to add something. Spend the other $40 on some chrome. To be fair though, I have heard people say it works. Although its difficult to gauge that.

I have nothing on my bikes. Some lights I frequently get stopped at will trip 7/10 times and leave me hanging the other 3. Same bike, same light, same stopping location, etc. But sometimes it just doesn't "see" me.

Also consider that lights are more sophisticated than they used to be. Along with the loop sensor in the street is some pretty robust software that adjusts light cycles and stop triggers based on traffic patterns. And the really wizz-bang intersections that have cameras run feeds to DOT operations centers with humans that can adjust things as well. So even if you have a tank sitting over the sensor, there's a possibility you'll not trip the light.

 

Interesting question. I'm not sure if HD's have this feature but the cars I've owned have all had a magnet inside the bottom of the pan specifically for the purpose you elude to - catching the shavings and particles. The idea being they collect on the magnet and save you from damage.

In the context of our bikes, there are only so many places you could install something for it to be any benefit to you. That said, I'd have to assume that any magnet or device you put on the bike would be too small and weak to attract anything inside the engine; especially tiny particulate suspended in the oil. If a device or magnet were strong enough to do that, it'd probably start to create issues with the electrical system too.

 

I'm sure it's nothing other than a magnet. Whether using a magnet works or not, I don't know. However if it did, I'd just get a magnet out of an old speaker to use and save my 50 bucks to waste somewhere else.

 

it does work, and yes harleys do need it also, at least in NY. I can wait at most of these lights all day unless a car is behind me. I usaully just wait until it is safe and run the light.