Did I just waste $13.95?

[jamiep24]

I pretty much have gotten everything I think I need when I pick up my new bike next week. Jacket, vest, chaps, shades, 2 helmets, bike cover, rain suit, pressure gauge, plug kit, kickstand coaster, several pair of gloves, and more. My MSF instructor said that many times when you're sitting at a red light, the light may never change because of the size of the bike. Some wait til a car or truck come behing them to change the light and some just run it, and he says most cops won't pull you over for that reason. Well, I can't trust these cops down here, they're just looking for a reason to pull anyone over. I looked up what is called the "light changer". It goes under the bike with adhesive and a strap. Some of you may or may not have heard of this. The website says that many modern traffic lights sense the amount of metal on your vehicle and there's not enough metal on a motorcyle to make it change and this device (about the size of a domino), will trick the light into thinking there's more metal than there really is. You can tell I can't wait to get the bike cause I'm getting just about anything I can think of. Without laughing, tell me if you think I wasted that $13.95 (and that included shipping, too). The website is www.thelightchanger.com Like I said, I don't trust these cops down here. Thanks

[cactusjack]

Only you can decide if you wasted your money. Let us know how it works for you.

[jonsamson]

I have always wondered how those work. If they do than it is cheaper than a ticket for running a light. I am curious too, let us know how it works.
-Jon

[caddman11]

I've never had a problem with the Nomad at stoplights, but I do have problems with the wife's Sportster, but then again the Nad has another 300 pounds of steel.

[damark115]

I've always had issues at lights. Never knew whether or not to trust those light changers.
Late at night when I ride I tend to plan my routes around the intersections that give me issues.
During the day, I just pull forward and the car behind me sets it off.

[dogdoc]

some bikes are so light they dont put enough weight on the concrete pads to change the light. the Nomad does have enough weight, so I have never had a problem.

[dandolfn]

You can buy magnets at Lowe's for less $$.

But I have one intersection where I still can't change the light. I pull forward so the car behind me can trip the light.

Or if there's not another car, I take a right and then a left and a left to get back to my street.

Just today, I called the county to see if the sensitivity could be changed.

We'll see what they say.

[Yellow Jacket]

Actually, it's not weight that trips the lights. The grid of wires that is in the pavement senses a change in capacitance when a vehicle moves over the grid. You can usually see where they have placed the wires into the pavement. I've never had any problems here in Georgia but one thing you can try is to just put the kickstand down right on top of one of the grid wires.

[dabull]

i too recentlysaw this device...can't wait to hear if it works...but i haven't had this issue with the lighs here in town;)

[ells]

Never had that problem with either the Nomad or my VN800, then again, many lights around here will trip with a bicycle in the right spot, usually marked.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Only you can decide if you wasted your money. Let us know how it works for you.

Ditto on CJ's comment.

I have sat at lights that have not changed too many times.

If that works -- let us know. (Be sure to give it some time though).

Good luck and enjoy the experience your bike will provide!

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

Actually, it's not weight that trips the lights. The grid of wires that is in the pavement senses a change in capacitance when a vehicle moves over the grid. You can usually see where they have placed the wires into the pavement. I've never had any problems here in Georgia but one thing you can try is to just put the kickstand down right on top of one of the grid wires.

Never understood how stop lights worked before. Always wondered.

I HAVE had the the problem where lights do not change often. I will try the kickstand idea.

Thanks!

[Cajunrider]

They are starting to use cameras over here on the new traffic controled intersections. Those work well no matter what you are riding in or on. I've had trouble at a few lights with the sensor grid. One light has made three cycles in 100 degree heat and I said to heck with it and went through when I had an opening. The website swears these things work. Let us know

[bobhamlin]

I think the device originated for the crotch rocket crowd since there is a lot of plastic involved. I've never had trouble on any cruiser.

That said, I do pay attention to the sensors in the street and make sure that I pass directly over them.

[VulcanE]

I've never had a problem getting lights to change. As Bob said, the trigger wires are in the pavement. You can see them as you pull up to the light. There's usually 3 of them. When I come up to a light, I stop to where I'm directly on top of one of them (the one in the center if I'm alone). I have the whole length of the bike for the triggers to "sense"