Engine braking and turn signals - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Shea · 09-02-2006, 10:39 PM

Remember that we need to be aware of what our vehicles are doing and who is around us. The other day i was behind a gentleman with a sport bike. He was engine braking and his turn signals consisted of a very small, clear lens that I didn't even notice was activated until he was turning. Needless to say, I almost rear ended him. No brake lights and turn signals so small that I couldn't see almost caused an accident.

Remember that although some things look nicer or cooler, it may effect your safety. Hell, I am trying to do things to brighten my turn signals and I am seeing people trying to hide theirs.

RelicRider · 09-03-2006, 12:41 AM

Amen Brother. In the safety course they will stress we need to make our selves as visable as possible. I use the engine brake and trans to speed control. That doesn't mean I'm the only one on the road that matters. Signal early and often. There are no reset and we will always be the loser in an accident. I'm not ready to strap fog or air horns on my bike, although sombody does sell them. Nor am I ready to hollow out my exhaust pipes. Like you said, we need to make the effort to be recognized, cuse they aint out there looking for us.

Rickster · 09-03-2006, 06:47 PM

I agree, I had a buddy that did that with one of his bikes. When I told him about it, he thought I was joking. so I said let's switch bikes, and you ride behind me.

He put the stock set-up back on the next day.

Colorado Cajun · 09-05-2006, 11:59 AM

In the MSF class, the instructor stressed using your breaks and not engine brake because of that reason. I engine brake a lot but I also use my front break aswell, just to light up my tail lamp.

D_Klein · 09-06-2006, 11:52 AM

When I employ engine braking and there are cars behind me, I'll softly apply either brake to let traffic behind me see my brake light. You can never be too careful!

09-02-2006, 10:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shea Third gear and cruising Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: Buell XB12Ss Lightning Location: York, Pa Posts: 521	Engine braking and turn signals Remember that we need to be aware of what our vehicles are doing and who is around us. The other day i was behind a gentleman with a sport bike. He was engine braking and his turn signals consisted of a very small, clear lens that I didn't even notice was activated until he was turning. Needless to say, I almost rear ended him. No brake lights and turn signals so small that I couldn't see almost caused an accident. Remember that although some things look nicer or cooler, it may effect your safety. Hell, I am trying to do things to brighten my turn signals and I am seeing people trying to hide theirs.

09-03-2006, 12:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
RelicRider Seat Tester Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: Savage 02 Location: Up the River from Harrisburg PA Posts: 66	Amen Brother. In the safety course they will stress we need to make our selves as visable as possible. I use the engine brake and trans to speed control. That doesn't mean I'm the only one on the road that matters. Signal early and often. There are no reset and we will always be the loser in an accident. I'm not ready to strap fog or air horns on my bike, although sombody does sell them. Nor am I ready to hollow out my exhaust pipes. Like you said, we need to make the effort to be recognized, cuse they aint out there looking for us. __________________ I don't need a reason to ride.... just a direction

09-03-2006, 06:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,911	I agree, I had a buddy that did that with one of his bikes. When I told him about it, he thought I was joking. so I said let's switch bikes, and you ride behind me. He put the stock set-up back on the next day. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

09-05-2006, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	In the MSF class, the instructor stressed using your breaks and not engine brake because of that reason. I engine brake a lot but I also use my front break aswell, just to light up my tail lamp. __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

09-06-2006, 11:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
D_Klein 100% Title Free Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: '05 GSX-R750 (Anniversary Edition) Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,544	When I employ engine braking and there are cars behind me, I'll softly apply either brake to let traffic behind me see my brake light. You can never be too careful! __________________ "Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba...." ~Hunter S. Thompson

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