Hand signals
Hand signalsOk, I don't have any winkers. So when I'm about to make a turn while moving without stopping, hand signals are no problem.
But what do you do when you're coming to a stop sign or light, when your hand should be on the handlebar covering or using the clutch, but you should be signaling too? The best I can manage is to come to a stop, putz around finding neutral, and then hand signal, pissing off the traffic behind me and also oncoming traffic...
SignalsYou could signal while coming to a stop and slip it into neutral just before you come to a complete stop. If car is behind you just give your signal for your left turn and he should be aware of your intentions. If not, he'll just have to get over it. Best I can do.
I've never understood the necessity for signaling ones intention if turning at a stop sign, red light etc. if you and all other traffic has to stop anyway. I mean, you all have to stop so what difference does it make which way you go when you start moving again? The guy behind you has to stop too, and you'll be on your way by the time he starts moving again, what effect does your direction of travel have on him then?. The only time I see it necessary to signal ones intention is if you're turning left at a 4 way intersection and someone is approaching from the opposite direction.
So like cbx said, do teh best you can and if the other drivers don't like they'll just have to get over it. i personally signal way before hand. If i see that i'm going to stop soon. I'll signal the stop with my left hand down palm to the back THEN cover the clutch, and apply pressure to my brakes, and trust that my brake light can gather enough attention after the fact.
as for turning, maybe it's just how we drive in utah (dur hur) but it's more acceptable to move into a turning lane for left or right THEN brake for the stop, as to better aid the flow of traffic, at the cost of wandering pedestrians :p so I'll signal before or during the lane change, then brake. and in utah we have distinct lanes at even small intersections that indicated to the other drivers which way you intend on going. '65 CB77
'66 CB450k0 '93 HD FXR
I used to do the hand signals "back inda day" But I don't see anyone using them now,haven't seen it for a long time. I seriously doubt the "genius" driving these days would understand what your doing,probably think your swating flies. Man do I sound like a grumpy old man! Some days I'm just pissed off! Kustommusic
I still try to use them but it never fails. Every time you signal a left turn some dumb ass in the approaching lane will wave like you are his long lost play cousin. I dislike having to make a left turn at a stop or light with opposing traffic.I still use hand signals, but not always.Made sure this past week when I had a state trooper right behind me and then yesterday a local cop right behind me.Your right I do not think too many people know what your doing anyway!I took my test using hand signals a few years ago on my Dream.
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