Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125805
0 NON-DRAGS RED LIGHTING '" " Ii Q. ,... '" ~ ~ ~. '" ti 0 / f Ul :;: UJ Z UJ ...J U >- U Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 4 by John D. Ulrich Everyone who rides a motorcycle, at lea'st in California, comes across vehicle-activated traffic signals or left tum arrows that will not change for a bike alone. If the rider is lucky at one of these signals, a car or two comes along and the signal changes. If not, the rider usually just runs the signal after a long wait, thus becoming fair game for any sneaky cop hiding in the vicinity. There is a solution to this problem. The type of signal activator most commonly unresponsive to motorcycles is called a loop detector. (See Photo 1). When large masses of matter, such as a car, pass over this coil or loop of wire imbedded in the street surface, the signal control box senses a vehic.Je waiting for a signal change. Because of the relatively small mass of motorcycles, the bike must be 11ned up with one side of the loop to activate the signal. In other words, as you approach a red signal at a slow speed, look for such a 100," detector and stop on top of one side of it as seen in Photo 2. The trick is to spot the detectors in time, and stop on them if no cars are around to trip them for you. In some cases, the loop detector is set back from the signal a hundred feet or more, so you must spot them early. The second type of signal activator, the treadle, is usually more responsive to motorcycles. Most treadles (See .. Most Powerful ... MAleC .. COOPER MOTORS ... DI CD en .;: West of Missiuippi .. 110 E. Santa Anita A.e. Burbank, Ca. 91502 Photo 3) will triP the signal after a bike just passes over them.. However, some are stubborn and will not. In this case stop with the rear wheel of your bike on the treadle, as illustrated in Photo 4. With these handy bits of information you should be all set for those deserted intersections at 2:00 in the morning. Still, you may come to a signal which . will not change for your bike no matter what you do. In this case, take a good look around before you run it. =2: =- IrQ PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR Major motorcycle 'industry manufacturer see~ing Motorcycle Corporation 172 Freedom Av.enue Anaheim, California 92801 ' young, aggressive, self starter, with emphasis in areas of publicity, promotion, and follow-through to work with Public Relations Manager. Motorcycle or recreaNonaJ vehicle industry involvement helpful. Resume outlining experience and qualifications to: Cycle News, P.O. Box 498M, Long Beach. Ca. 90801. Busqval'na Klocker's SALES & SERVICE 6624 Atlantic, Bell, Ca. (213) 581-3983 CYCLE PARTS KIEL'S . Sales Service >Ie 2 Locations 2013 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, Ca. (2-13) 399-2549 >Ie 2524 Savler Rd. Oxnard, Ca. (805) 483-6536