Smart Turn System - Automatic Signal Cancelling

[MotoNews]

Published in: Gear

You may have ridden behind “Left Turn Charlies,” motorcyclists who fail to turn their signals off after completing turns. False signaling could inadvertently lead to accidents.

The Smart Turn System (STS) automatically shuts off the turn signal lights when a turn is completed. And, when the bike is “straight and level” after the turn is completed, the system automatically disables the flashing indicator.

This works at virtually any turn angle, including lane changes. The STS is also savvy when navigating “roundabouts,” or traffic circles, automatically canceling turn signals after 15 seconds if no turn is made.

What if the rider changes his mind about a turn after signaling? Moving the handlebar switch to the same direction again extinguishes the blinking turn signal lights.

How STS Works

How does it “know” to turn signal lights off after a turn? The STS “black box,” connected between the handlebar turn switch and the motorcycle wiring harness, activates relays energizing the left or right turn direction signals from the original (albeit modified) handlebar turn signal switch. Internal black box mechanisms sense the motorcycle’s path and orientation, automatically turning off signals when turns are completed.

Installation

The STS package comes with the “black box” sensor, wiring harness, connectors, zip ties, foam disks, and well-illustrated instructions.

After identifying the correct wires to be spliced to the black box, connect the positive STS lead to SWITCHED + 12 VDC, and the negative lead to ground. Crimp the bullet connector ends to the three wires coming from the handlebar switch and crimp the socket end connectors to these three wire segments leading to the motorcycle and connect them.

Turn on the ignition, looking for a flash of turn signals, indicating calibration. Then, connect the remaining three STS wires to the corresponding handlebar switch wires.

The STS black box must be fastened solidly to the bike, not to any movable steering component, nor left hanging somewhere. The STS logo must be facing UP with the arrow pointed FORWARD, and the box mounted as level as possible. The supplied zip ties and/or double-sided industrial tape or Velcro are recommended for securing the box.

Now, the most intricate part of the installation: modifying the turn signal switch. Remove the screws holding the turn switch cover. Typical turn signal switches use plastic-like blocks that shift from one side of the switch to the other, making contact between the flasher relay and the signal lights.

The foam pads defeat the latching mechanism of the switch. One foam on either side of the sliding block restricts its movement so it will not latch in either left or right position. The proper felt thickness is critical; the two sizes provided fit the majority of motorcycles but, if not, creative use of a razor blade will produce a custom fit. If the foam pads are too thick, the switch never makes contact, or requires excessive force for turn signal activation. If too thin, the switch will latch (as in the stock configuration), defeating STS operation.

Evaluation Results

After proper installation, the STS works exactly as advertised. Cruising through the traffic chaos and confusion of the Washington, D.C. area, I found the STS consistently indicated my intentions, deactivating turn signals after every maneuver, probably as fast, if not faster, than I could do the same manually.

Traffic circles don’t fool the STS either, and signaling lane changes on the interstates worked smoothly and seamlessly. The STS’s seamless and reliable functioning suggests the device may someday become a standard feature on new motorcycles. MSRP: $99 Safer-Turn.com | Also available on Amazon.com (Affiliate).

 

PROS	CONS
▲ Riding safety enhanced	▼ Turn signal switch activation requires more force after modification
▲ Rider convenience improved
▲ Easy installation with excellent instructions

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