How long do you guys wait for the green? I just sat in a left turn lane through 2 complete cycles of all the other lights and on the 3rd. round, when the oncoming left turn went I said screw it and went. I read somewhere that reving the bike will cause the alternator to activate the sensor....that didn't work.

 

I have a magnetic device I picked up years ago which helps trip the sensors but is not 100%. It sticks to the bottom of the frame.

 

Check your state laws. Here in Minnesota, and some other states, you can proceed, when safe to do so, if the light won't change.

Try putting your kick stand down right over the sensor in the lane. I've read that tip on several different sites.

 

At my usual intersections, where i know the cycle of the lights, I'll run the red as quick as I can safely make it across.


I never think twice as long as I cant see any LEO's and I have full visibility of the intersection.

 

Well, you put up with longer than I would have. If a light does not change for me in one cycle, I'm running as soon as the coast is clear.

 

In VA if the light cycles twice and you don't get the green you can legally run it. There is also a maximum time allowed if you are at a traffic actuated intersection that isn't tripping. I can't remember the time that has to elapse before you can run it though. You don't have the right of way obviously so proceed with caution but you can't be ticketed.

Revving the engine will not trip the signal but the kick stand trick might. I have never tried that but the wire loop in the street is an impedance loop and is effected by metal objects, with a car it is the size of the interference within the loop, A bike isn't always big enough to affect it but putting the kick stand directly over the wire loop puts the metal in a much closer proximity and that might work.

 

In North Carolina, waiting 3 minutes is "an admissible defense". Meaning, you can get a ticket for running the light, and then somehow have to prove to a judge that you waited the 3 minutes at your trial. Nice, huh?

I'm on a Road King and an Ultra, not sure if that helps. I read somewhere that if there is a sensor plate or whatever, stopping right on the line in the pavement will help. So far, I've only had to use the 3 minute rule once or twice over the years.

 

40 seconds is the law in Wisconsin

 

One time I waited 10 cycles but to be honest it was late at night and the warming of the engine felt good...then I ran it!

 

One cycle for me. Even did it in front of an LEO on a left turn with a turn lane. He was waiting at the red light for the cross direction. The left turn signal stayed red while the straight ahead lanes went green. I waited for an opening and booked. LEO ignored me...

Around here my only issue is turn lanes. The others seem to cycle normally even w/o being triggered by me. Also left turns they now go blinking yellow after the green cycle happens. That is good and bad - great if making a left, but you can no longer trust a green light through the intersection. Someone can left turn in front of you...