That's true.
In particular, with the increasing use of electronic systems in modern motorcycles, you may not hear the clicking sound of a relay or buzzer anymore, which could be one reason why riders are more likely to forget to turn off the turn signals.
Isn’t there some way to prevent forgetting to turn them off?
There is!
That's exactly the function of auto-cancel turn signals.
Index
1.What Is Auto-Cancel Turn Signals?
The term "auto-cancel turn signals" sounds convenient, but what exactly does this function do?
It's a support feature that automatically turns off the turn signals after you've signaled and turned, based on the vehicle's assessment of the riding conditions.
Wow!
That would reduce the worry of forgetting to turn them off.
That's right.
It's a feature equipped on some large motorcycle models like the GL1800 and
CB750 HORNET to reduce misunderstandings among other road users caused by riders forgetting
to turn them off, while enhancing safety and comfort.
2.How Do They Work?
Let's start by looking at the basic operation of turn signals.
When you ride a motorcycle, you use your turn signal before turning, right?
To turn right, simply press the button to the right. To turn left, press the button to the left. Once you've finished turning, press the button in the middle to turn it off.
This switch is located on the left side of the handlebars.
As modern motorcycles have many functions besides the turn signals, and the number of buttons has increased, it’s a good idea to check where each button is located before you ride.
Surely!
I'm used to operating the turn signals, but it's important to check where the switch is before riding.
If the motorcycle is equipped with auto-cancel turn signals, does that mean the operations are different?
Don't worry.
Even with auto-cancel turn signals, the basic operations remain the same.
When the rider operates the button as usual to turn on the turn signal, the vehicle will automatically turn it off once it determines that the turn is complete.
That's convenient! I wish this feature were available on all models.
But you don't turn the handlebars as sharply on a motorcycle as you do on a car, right?
How does the vehicle know when you've finished turning?
You noticed something important!
This system uses contactless ABS wheel speed sensors installed on the front and rear wheels to detect the difference in wheel speed between the front and rear wheels and determine whether the motorcycle is traveling straight, turning, or in another riding condition.
When the speed difference between the front and rear wheels disappears, the system determines that the turn is complete and turns off the turn signal.
On top of that, it's a Honda-exclusive system that adjusts its operating parameters to compensate for changes in tire pressure and tire diameter due to wear.
I see! It seems like this would help prevent mistakes like accidentally riding with a turn signal on the whole time...
Since ABS wheel speed sensors are required on both the front and rear wheels, this feature is only available on certain models.
It seems like this feature would help prevent mistakes like accidentally riding with your turn signal on the whole time...
That's right. Forgetting to turn off your turn signal can lead other cars and motorcycles to mistakenly think you're about to turn.
The auto-cancel turn signals feature is convenient and helps mitigate such human errors.
Of course, you can also operate the turn signals manually, and you can also turn this function on or off.
This feature is not just convenient, but also helps with safety.
3.Make Good Use of This Feature to Ride Safely!
With auto-cancel turn signals, I bet I'll forget to turn them off less often from now on.
I agree! But ideally, even without the auto-canceling function, you’d be able to turn them off yourself (lol).
Ouch... you got me there... But it would be reassuring to know that this feature would help me out even if I forget!
That's exactly what the auto-cancel turn signals do.
It's not a "replacement for the
rider," but rather a "feature that supports the rider's safety."
It's a convenient
feature, but ultimately, it's important for riders to do their own self-checks too.
I see! So starting today, make it a habit to turn them off yourself first!
That mindset is the most important thing! The auto-cancel turn signals feature is convenient and subtly supports safe riding for motorcyclists.
Make good use of this features for a safe and enjoyable ride!
The other day, I saw a motorcycle driving with its right turn signal on.
In a car, the turn signals automatically turn off after you turn a corner, but it is easy to forget to turn them off on a motorcycle.