I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,068
Likes: 396
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
It's the one thing I don't like on my bike, particularly if I'm wearing my cold weather gloves. My last bike had the switch on the left side for both signals and also you could just push it over a bit for lane changes and as soon as you let go it was off, very handy compared to the HD system where you have to press it once to turn on and once again to turn off. The one thing I do love with the HD system is the self cancelling feature.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
Doesn't anyone ever use the 'already installed' throttle lock on their bike to put a slight amount of friction on the throttle?
I set the 'friction' on my throttle (by using the throttle lock, no need to spend money on anything else) so the throttle will remain in it's set position when I remove my hand, but still allow the throttle to open and close easily manually.
Just a little history, but the older Harley's we rode didn't even have a throttle return spring. The throttle stayed in it's set position, and had to be opened and closed manually.
The throttle return spring (and other features such as the bank angle sensor) were added to newer model bikes as a safety feature to keep newer, less experienced riders out of trouble.
That's why even on later model bikes (except the latest models that use a wire instead of throttle cable) they retained the throttle lock so you could add a slight amount of additional friction to the throttle.
I set the 'friction' on my throttle (by using the throttle lock, no need to spend money on anything else) so the throttle will remain in it's set position when I remove my hand, but still allow the throttle to open and close easily manually.
Just a little history, but the older Harley's we rode didn't even have a throttle return spring. The throttle stayed in it's set position, and had to be opened and closed manually.
The throttle return spring (and other features such as the bank angle sensor) were added to newer model bikes as a safety feature to keep newer, less experienced riders out of trouble.
That's why even on later model bikes (except the latest models that use a wire instead of throttle cable) they retained the throttle lock so you could add a slight amount of additional friction to the throttle.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 2
From: Denver, Colorado
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
No way am I ever touching a throttle lock - that's just asking for it. When I let go, I want that thing to close, immediately, and I'll manage it from there. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,352
Likes: 648
From: Vegas, baby!
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
Actually, I'd be kind of surprised if anyone under 40 years old even knew what the hand signals were. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
ORIGINAL: ResQer911
LOL...you're killing me...I'm the OP and a woman...and yea...I have lots of buttons, constantly being pressed...
ORIGINAL: cosmicHD
Is this guy trying to tell us he has trouble finding the "button."
I think he's on the wrong forum!
Is this guy trying to tell us he has trouble finding the "button."
I think he's on the wrong forum!
Really? Well hell, now this string is getting interesting!
[sm=ttiwwp.gif]
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 2
From: Fort Worth, TX
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
I use the throttle lock occasionally just like OFG does...just not all the time, mostly on long rides on boring roads. But I don't set it so tight it can't be manually over ridden, or loosened easily while riding. I also noticed that when I throttle down I do NOT let the spring dictate my actions, so using the throttle lock is safe used like OFG suggested.I just wished it was more of a "lever" type mechanism instead of the star wheel.
The turn signals on either side took some getting used to. I thought it was peculiar and the other bikes using it on the left side only I think are more "intuitive". But then I thought about it. Having the signals onboth sides allows Harleys to have emergency flashers! Just push both signals at the same time, and you have hazard lights. I used them at my first Patriot Guard mission yesterday, and again coming back when me and the other guy I was riding with had to pull over on the side of the road temporarily. I'm used to the turn signals now, and I have small hands with short fingers and thumbs.
I use hand signals occasionally, but I'm fully aware that the vehicle behind me probably doesn't know what the hell I'm doing, so I use turn signals mostly.
Teek
The turn signals on either side took some getting used to. I thought it was peculiar and the other bikes using it on the left side only I think are more "intuitive". But then I thought about it. Having the signals onboth sides allows Harleys to have emergency flashers! Just push both signals at the same time, and you have hazard lights. I used them at my first Patriot Guard mission yesterday, and again coming back when me and the other guy I was riding with had to pull over on the side of the road temporarily. I'm used to the turn signals now, and I have small hands with short fingers and thumbs.
I use hand signals occasionally, but I'm fully aware that the vehicle behind me probably doesn't know what the hell I'm doing, so I use turn signals mostly.
Teek
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
ORIGINAL: Teek
I use the throttle lock occasionally just like OFG does...just not all the time, mostly on long rides on boring roads. But I don't set it so tight it can't be manually over ridden, or loosened easily while riding. I also noticed that when I throttle down I do NOT let the spring dictate my actions, so using the throttle lock is safe used like OFG suggested.I just wished it was more of a "lever" type mechanism instead of the star wheel.
Teek
I use the throttle lock occasionally just like OFG does...just not all the time, mostly on long rides on boring roads. But I don't set it so tight it can't be manually over ridden, or loosened easily while riding. I also noticed that when I throttle down I do NOT let the spring dictate my actions, so using the throttle lock is safe used like OFG suggested.I just wished it was more of a "lever" type mechanism instead of the star wheel.
Teek
http://throttlemate.com/
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Detroit & Tawas Michigan
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
ORIGINAL: cHarley
Try the Throttle Mate lever, it works great, especially with gloves on.
http://throttlemate.com/
ORIGINAL: Teek
I use the throttle lock occasionally just like OFG does...just not all the time, mostly on long rides on boring roads. But I don't set it so tight it can't be manually over ridden, or loosened easily while riding. I also noticed that when I throttle down I do NOT let the spring dictate my actions, so using the throttle lock is safe used like OFG suggested.I just wished it was more of a "lever" type mechanism instead of the star wheel.
Teek
I use the throttle lock occasionally just like OFG does...just not all the time, mostly on long rides on boring roads. But I don't set it so tight it can't be manually over ridden, or loosened easily while riding. I also noticed that when I throttle down I do NOT let the spring dictate my actions, so using the throttle lock is safe used like OFG suggested.I just wished it was more of a "lever" type mechanism instead of the star wheel.
Teek
http://throttlemate.com/
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 903
Likes: 54
From: Liberty Hill, Tx.
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
I have had the same thought about hand signals. Does the guy behind me even know what the heck I am doing. On mine you have to hold the button down. Try working the clutch or throttle while holding your thumb down on the button through the turn or even coming up on the turn for that matter.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario Canada
RE: I'm only going to make left turns..ugh
Thanks all..for the good suggestions...and the need for more seat time...it's nice to know that it's not just me that found it a little bit awkward...
Stay Safe...
Stay Safe...