Redlights and small scooters

Cosmetic accessories, comfort accessories, windshields, luggage racks, etc.

Moderator: Modsquad

markz
New Member
New Member
Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Dec 06, 2013 9:42 am
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Redlights and small scooters

Post by markz »

In South Florida, most intersections use vehicle sense schemes as described in this writeup:

http://www.wikihow.com/Trigger-Green-Traffic-Lights

My 1984 NN50MD has the ferrous metal content of a hefty flyswatter, and my new PCX125 isn't much better at being acknowledged at intersections.

I took the video's advice and sprung for a small box of similar rare earth magnets:

http://www.amazon.com/BYKES-Neodymium-M ... m_indust_8

I place two end to end, and duct taped them up to both of my scooters underside.

Low and behold, they did the trick, and the red lights no longer discriminate me and my little ride...

FWIW....
:)
User avatar
GeorgeSK
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 986
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 9:36 pm
Year: 13PCX,15Forza
Color: Both Red
Location: Danvers MA USA

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by GeorgeSK »

Interesting trick - I might give it a try when the weather breaks. I do have one light that I hit on not rare occasion that has been problematic.

Thanks!
On my scoot, getting there is WAY more than half the fun!

Please paste this address into a new tab and add yourself to the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NlP7xk7KMdJReQnm-iDhldFBdpQ&ll=4.995760578398276%2C0&z=2
but please, don't delete anybody, no matter how badly they deserve deleting :)
User avatar
Mel46
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 6959
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2012 5:13 pm
Year: 2013
Color: red PCX
Location: Dallas, Ga USA

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by Mel46 »

I haven't checked recently but last year I put two magnets on my cenerstand and they seemed to do the trick. However, I haven't checked lately to see if they are still there. The scooters are stored for the winter right now. This discussion reminds me to go down there and check.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
User avatar
maddiedog
Benevolent Overlord
Benevolent Overlord
Posts: 3636
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:04 pm
Year: 2011
Color: White
Location: New Mexico
Contact:

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by maddiedog »

I hop off and press the pedestrian crossing buttons. :lol:
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
User avatar
logepoge1
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 03, 2013 11:46 pm
Location: Ruston, Louisiana, USA
Contact:

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by logepoge1 »

I've thought about that a couple of times maddiedog but didn't want light to change before I could get back on. Have been tempted to call to pedestrians jaywalking to press button for me(other side of street cross button doesn't work so we all just have to jaywalk on campus). My intermediate programming course is a 20 minute route walking or 6 minute by scooter, but I kinda enjoy walking instead of sharing roads with these inpatient people
ImageImage
User avatar
RusticCharm
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:47 pm
Year: 2013
Color: red
Location: Sun City AZ

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by RusticCharm »

In Wisconsin motorcycles may cross against a red light if you have waited at least 45 seconds, the signal is car activated and you may proceed safely. I know other states have similar laws. Check your motorcycle laws.
User avatar
logepoge1
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 03, 2013 11:46 pm
Location: Ruston, Louisiana, USA
Contact:

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by logepoge1 »

I just do it anyways when it never changes. I have to jaywalk that street all the time since the button doesn't work
ImageImage
User avatar
sendler2112
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 1412
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Year: 2013 PCX150
Location: Syracuse, NY, USA 13045

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by sendler2112 »

I tried magnets on my CBR250R. I lined one side of the ferrous swing arm with giant heo magnets I stripped from a worn out wind mill. It doesn't work. No difference. If the light doesn't change, it is considered to be malfuntioning. At which point, you treat it like a flashing red according to law and proceed when it is safe. We had a big discussion at the 250 forum with a few people trying it and it magnets generally do not make any difference.
Image
User avatar
kramnala58
Mod Emeritus
Mod Emeritus
Posts: 2864
Joined: Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:49 am
Color: White is faster
Location: Niagara Falls, USA

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by kramnala58 »

My understanding of the buttons for pedestrians is that they don't usually activate the light, they simply make sure that the walk signal stays on long enough for the average pedestrian to clear he crosswalk, contrary to popular believe that they trigger the light to change.
2010 Honda PCX 125 in Thailand (White) - "White Lightning" Sold in Sept 2017 :(
2009 Yamaha Majesty YP400 in USA (Metalic Titanium) - "The Throne" Sold in June 2020 :(
User avatar
logepoge1
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 03, 2013 11:46 pm
Location: Ruston, Louisiana, USA
Contact:

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by logepoge1 »

Must be different there in Thailand then
ImageImage
User avatar
maddiedog
Benevolent Overlord
Benevolent Overlord
Posts: 3636
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:04 pm
Year: 2011
Color: White
Location: New Mexico
Contact:

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by maddiedog »

kramnala58 wrote:My understanding of the buttons for pedestrians is that they don't usually activate the light, they simply make sure that the walk signal stays on long enough for the average pedestrian to clear he crosswalk, contrary to popular believe that they trigger the light to change.
It depends on the light. A lot of the ones in the USA aren't even hooked up. The ones that are in my area change the light almost immediately (within seconds), so you have to RUN back to your bike if you hit them. :lol:
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
User avatar
Slickvic
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 329
Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2012 9:03 am
Location: S.E. Wisconsin

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by Slickvic »

RusticCharm wrote:In Wisconsin motorcycles may cross against a red light if you have waited at least 45 seconds, the signal is car activated and you may proceed safely. I know other states have similar laws. Check your motorcycle laws.

Yep. That's what I do.
Previous - 1986 Honda Elite 250, 2007 Ninja 500r, 2013 Honda PCX-150
Current - 2015 Honda CBR650F :o
MKE PCX
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2015 4:17 pm
Year: 2013
Color: Black
Location: Germantown, WI

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by MKE PCX »

RusticCharm wrote:In Wisconsin motorcycles may cross against a red light if you have waited at least 45 seconds, the signal is car activated and you may proceed safely. I know other states have similar laws. Check your motorcycle laws.
Have you found this in writing anywhere?

I'd love to keep a copy of that statute with both my PCX and my Triumph. I get stuck waiting all the time and always end up running the light.
User avatar
dkazzed
Frequent Poster
Frequent Poster
Posts: 524
Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2015 9:58 pm
Year: N/A
Location: Kelowna BC Canada

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by dkazzed »

I have a rare earth magnet on my oil drain plug, it does double duty of helping to activate traffic signals and picking up ferrous material in the oil.
2015 Honda CB300F ABS
User avatar
RusticCharm
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:47 pm
Year: 2013
Color: red
Location: Sun City AZ

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by RusticCharm »

MKE PCX Page 9 of 2014 Wisconsin motorcyclists' handbook contains motorcycle red light law. Can be found on line..
MKE PCX
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 88
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2015 4:17 pm
Year: 2013
Color: Black
Location: Germantown, WI

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by MKE PCX »

RusticCharm wrote:MKE PCX Page 9 of 2014 Wisconsin motorcyclists' handbook contains motorcycle red light law. Can be found on line..
Awesome. Thanks.

I've got one of those at home somewhere.
User avatar
homie
Prestige
Prestige
Posts: 6103
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:49 pm
Year: 2015 PCX150
Color: Pearl White
Location: FloridaLand

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by homie »

RusticCharm wrote:In Wisconsin motorcycles may cross against a red light if you have waited at least 45 seconds, the signal is car activated and you may proceed safely. I know other states have similar laws. Check your motorcycle laws.
We have that option here in Illinois
I have a bunch of these super magnets... Cool! I think I will attach them to my boot rather than the scooter.
Image
User avatar
sendler2112
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 1412
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Year: 2013 PCX150
Location: Syracuse, NY, USA 13045

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by sendler2112 »

dkazzed wrote:rare earth magnet .
I tried a dozen gigantic neo magnets I robbed out of a windmill all along the swing arm of my 250R. And then stacked all along the lower plastic spoiler under the engine. They changed nothing in trying to trip the red light sensors on two different places along my commute.
Image
speedandstyle
Regular User
Regular User
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2014 9:25 pm
Location: Roswell,NM yes that Roswell!

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by speedandstyle »

Magnets will never work on the optical sensors. Several lights here have those. Sometimes flashing your high beams or turning slightly will affect them. Personally my opinion is they should not be allowed unless they can detect all legal motorized vehicles!
User avatar
sendler2112
Forum Benefactor
Forum Benefactor
Posts: 1412
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Year: 2013 PCX150
Location: Syracuse, NY, USA 13045

Re: Redlights and small scooters

Post by sendler2112 »

speedandstyle wrote:Magnets will never work on the optical sensors.
Obviously. The optical sensors work fine for motorcycles. The inductive sensors in the pavement rarely work and even gigantic magnets don't make any difference since you really need to affect the whole, car shaped loop. So you are left with sitting there until someone pulls up behind you. Or considering it as defective. Which it is. At which point it is legal to proceed as if it were a flashing red.
Image
Post Reply