NEWS
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Indicators and Turn Signals
A recent study has shown that failure to use turn signals is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. It is especially true for left turns and rear-ends collisions, which can devastate motorcycle riders.
Correctly using turn signals is essential for motorcyclists and car drivers alike. It can lower the risk of motorcycle accidents, including left turns and rear-end collisions.
Turn Signals
A turn signal is a light that you activate while driving to let other riders and motorists know that you will change lanes. It helps to ensure your safety and others on the road and prevents accidents.
Aside from letting other drivers know which direction you’re turning, your turn signals also act as warning lights for vehicles in the blind spots or behind you. Using your turn signals is essential when changing lanes and making left turns on the road.
You can control your turn signals by moving a switch on the handlebars. Generally, this is operated by the left thumb.
When you are ready to activate your turn signal, move the switch right to ‘R’ or left to ‘L’ to flash your right or left signal lights. When you complete your turn and want to cancel the turn signals, the signal lever will be caught by a cam on the steering column and automatically shut off.
If your turn signals do not work correctly or you’re having trouble with them, you should get them fixed as soon as possible. A broken or faulty turn signal can cause other drivers to mistake your signals for an accident, leading to serious accidents and injuries.
Thankfully, there are many ways to improve your turn signals and help keep you safe on the road. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a set of LED motorcycle turn signals. These lights are brighter than stock and will catch the attention of other motorists more effectively.
One option is to buy a mirror set from purposebuiltmoto.com/product-category/indicators-turn-signals/ that features built-in turn signals. Especially for newer motorcycles, this is a smart way to stay minimalist and ensure that other motorists can see you.
Although not required by law, a set of front turn signals is a good idea for any motorcycle. These are the easiest to install and will increase your visibility on the road.
Brake Light
The brake light is a vital component of your motorcycle’s signal system and plays an important role in alerting drivers to your intentions. It makes them more likely to stop for you and helps prevent accidents.
One of the most basic things you can do to improve your motorcycle’s visibility is to upgrade your stock brake lights with aftermarket options. These brighter, more effective alternatives are a great way to enhance your ride’s appearance and increase safety, all while saving you money in the long run.
LED brake lights are popular among bikers because they’re much brighter and more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. They also require less power, which means you can install other electronics that need more electricity without worrying about a big impact on your battery’s capacity.
While they’re more expensive than traditional brake lights, LEDs are easy to install and provide a noticeable increase in brightness that you’ll love. Plus, they’re safer for the environment as they use less energy than standard bulbs and produce minimal heat.
If you’re looking for a simple solution to brighten your brake lights, consider installing a set of LED lights from a reputable retailer. They’re available in various styles and colors, making it easy to find a setup that suits your bike’s aesthetic.
Another good idea is to fit a switch that activates your brake lights when the front or rear brake is applied. These are usually easy to install and don’t require much modification to the wiring.
Horn
Horns are one of the most important safety devices on a motorcycle. They alert traffic to your presence and can also be used to warn animals and birds off the road. They should be loud enough to make your presence known but not so loud as to interfere with other drivers’ hearing.
Horns also serve as a reminder for motorists to slow down and safely pass you. They’re a vital part of motorcyclists’ safety strategies, and the best way to ensure they’re working properly is to check them before each ride.
Most horns on newer motorcycles are dual-tone, meaning they make two different sounds: a lower tone to warn other riders and a higher one to indicate that you’re passing. Some horns come with a separate volume control, which lets you adjust the sound to your liking.
However, the horns on older bikes often only make one sound, so you’ll need to use other methods to notify people of your presence on the road. It can include using other warning devices, such as your headlight or turn signals, and even displaying a sign on your bike.
While the stock horn on your motorcycle may draw a fixed amount of current, you can boost it by installing an aftermarket horn with more power. These are available in many different types, including dual-tone and single-tone versions.
Air horns, which work by using a compressor to generate compressed air, are the most powerful horns on the market. They are bulky and noisy, but they’re a good choice for riders who want to get the attention of other drivers. The downside is that air horns almost always require a relay because they require more current to run.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
