Vehicle complaints--NHTSA

[LgFJR]

Interesting reading here........check out your vehicles and see if there are any overwhelming problems. Just looked at the 05 FJR and only 3 complaints. ! gas cap vent plugged- 1 Ticker 1- Newbie who says his FJR will not operate the traffic signals properly!............LOL

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm

Make: YAMAHA

Model: FJR1300

Year: 2005

Complaint Number: 10170839

Summary:

I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE AND A GREAT MANY TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN I AM AT AN INTERSECTION. SENSORS UNDER THE STREET TRIGGER MANY TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THESE SENSORS ARE OFTEN NOT ADJUSTED TO DETECT MOTORCYCLES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I AM FORCED TO RUN THROUGH RED LIGHTS ALL THE TIME AND OFTEN I MUST ENTER INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. LEFT TURN LIGHTS THAT WILL NOT SENSE MOTORCYCLES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE RIGHT AWAY. THIS IS A MAJOR PRODUCT SAFETY DEFECT. *NM

 

[Murph]

Complaint Number: 10170839 Summary:

I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE AND A GREAT MANY TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN I AM AT AN INTERSECTION.

To that guy, I respond .... welcome to the world of motorcycling.

 

[Scab]

I HAVE A MOTORCYCLE AND A GREAT MANY TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN I AM AT AN INTERSECTION. SENSORS UNDER THE STREET TRIGGER MANY TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THESE SENSORS ARE OFTEN NOT ADJUSTED TO DETECT MOTORCYCLES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I AM FORCED TO RUN THROUGH RED LIGHTS ALL THE TIME AND OFTEN I MUST ENTER INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. LEFT TURN LIGHTS THAT WILL NOT SENSE MOTORCYCLES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE RIGHT AWAY. THIS IS A MAJOR PRODUCT SAFETY DEFECT. *NM

Shouldn't that little problem been raged against the SENSORS?

 

[v65]

Shouldn't that little problem been raged against the SENSORS?

Nah, if his goldwing would trigger the sensor and the FJR won't it's the bike.

 

[ARFJR]

Motor Cycle Consumer News did an article on this subject not long ago.

As I recall, they recommended either stopping within 18” of the left hand edge and upper corner of the “sensor” which is buried under the asphalt, or turning right at the intersection and looping back. Some bikes have a bit more ferrous metal content than others which of coarse would help trigger the magnetic field the sensors use. MCN also mentioned the big magnets that are sold to motorcyclists didn’t have much effect on the ground based sensors.

The same article addressed the newer optical sensors, which also aren’t sensitive enough either.

Arkansas, of all places, enacted a law a couple of years ago that allows motorcycles to treat intersections with these sensors as though they were at a stop sign. As in stop, then proceed when traffic is clear. I carry a copy of the law to show to any LEOs, who may not have not gotten the memo on this.

 

[greg97224]

When you come to the sensors in the street, which are usually round, place your bike so that it is either on the very left or right of the sensor. Since I started doing this, I haven't had any more problem with traffic lights.

Greg

 

[Ignacio]

Unfortunately folks....your tidbits of knowledge sharing are preaching to the choir. The dude that wrote the stupid stuff probably isn't here to read it....or won't dare fess up. In fact, I wonder if it was somebody like our old troll Downn2/Starcruiser that did it?

 

[ARFJR]

Yea but all us preachers like to here ourselves preaching.

 

[RoadGlide]

Must be his first bike!

 

[TheBlueStreak]

Hey ARFJR, Would it be possible to make a copy then scan and email me the copy of the law. I'm a MSF Instructor and could use this in my class. Email is [email protected].

THANKS

Rob

 

[LgFJR]

I actually made the post because I was very impressed there was only ONE real complaint against the 05 FJR. Very cool deal to me........if you want to see a bunch of complaints check out the 2002 Goldwing 1800. I think there were 89 listed, and almost all were cooling problems. Not to bash the wing, had one myself, and love Hondas in general......I'm just really happy with that low number on the Feejer.

 

[double_entendre]

Unfortunately folks....your tidbits of knowledge sharing are preaching to the choir. The dude that wrote the stupid stuff probably isn't here to read it....or won't dare fess up. In fact, I wonder if it was somebody like our old troll Downn2/Starcruiser that did it?

I have problems with lights not triggering and figured that that gluing a magnet to the bottom of the engine might help, but it didn't. So I put one of these down there instead. Bingo. Problem solved. :lol:

Rancho

 

[v65]

I have problems with lights not triggering and figured that that gluing a magnet to the bottom of the engine might help, but it didn't. So I put one of these down there instead. Bingo. Problem solved. :lol:
Rancho

Boy, that has to be a real pain to change the oil!

 

[Bustanut joker]

I just wear my tinfoil hat over my helmet. Keeps me safe an' takes care of those pesky sensors.

:jester:

 

[ARFJR]

For- The Bluestreak -

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/acts...lic/act1886.pdf

Hope it helps with your class.

LgFJR- Sorry about shifting the focus of your thread!

 

[double_entendre]

For- The Bluestreak -
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/acts...lic/act1886.pdf

Hope it helps with your class.

LgFJR- Sorry about shifting the focus of your thread!

Man, it would be awesome if they would do that here in CA. So many lights won't trigger for a bike.

Rancho

 

[kulwen]

I was not the one to make the complaint, because I know how to fix it.

I pick up the phone and call the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) to inform them the light does not pick up my bike. With-in a few weeks problem solved. They send someone out to change how sensitive the sensor is. In NV the DOT seems to handle this problem quickly.

 

[slapnpop]

TN also adopted aa similar law a few years ago.

I used to install these sensors, and we'd always adjust them so we could set them off with a pair of channel lock pliers.

 

[Harald]

I've also sent letters to local traffic agencies to address specific lights that won't trigger for me. I've also included in the letters that they need to be aware of motorcyclists at all intersections when adjusting their sensors.

Although I don't believe we have a "free - run red light" law here in WA, I figure that there's no way I could be ticketed/prosecuted for ignoring a malfunctioning traffic light. And as proof that I've made good faith effort to fix the problem, I have copies of my letters to show the judge. ALWAYS keep documentation because that's what saves your bacon when it comes to legal matters.