Turn Signal Cancellation

[char-lee]

2024 Trail
Has anyone added a self cancelling turn signal feature to their bike. I need something. I’ve been riding for 50 plus years and the last bikes (for 25 yrs) I that I have ridden had such a feature. Now It’s a big safety issue for me.

Charlie

 

[dmonkey]

I haven't, but there are devices on the market for that. If I were to try one I'd likely go with the Custom Dynamics module which is a simple timer cancellation. The Honda Trail doesn't have more advanced sensor like a steering angle sensor or inertial measure unit sensor, so a timer might be the best option without getting too involved in an electronics project.

 

[Cpd419]

I have a Yamaha gt-9 tracer that has about every electronic option available but somehow doesn’t have signal cancellation. It can’t be that hard to include. I had 80’s bikes with it.

 

[m in sc]

the 80s and some late 70s Yamahas had them, even on the 2 strokes. I personally see no need but im sure a timer, as said, can be adapted. I don't see the need but its not my thumb so?

 

[Kev250R]

It's a common feature on Harley's. When I had one it was a feature which I'll admit that I used regularly just because it was more convenient but not one that I've missed my other bikes (Honda, Yamaha, KTM) not having.

One thing which does annoy me is that Honda swaps the turn signal control with the horn so it's opposite of most other bikes I've ridden. I ride my Honda's more then then my Yamaha or KTM and can always tell if it's been a while because at the end of my street when I go to signal my turn onto another road, I'll beep the horn instead of hitting the turn signal switch. Thankfully I'm on good terms with my neighbors so they just think I'm being friendly LOL!

 

[bluenoser2]

Same problem here! My Tiger has them and when you get used to self cancelling, it’s hard to go back. I just bought my Trail and I often look down and find my signal has been on for some time. I was thinking of installing the ST2 Turn System (https://st2-systems.com) which I put on an older Honda Transalp. It was superb and even handled lane changes extremely well. It appears to be compatible so I will likely order a kit soon.

 

[char-lee]

Thanks for the information bluenoser2. And the e-mail
I knew I wasn’t the only person with this problem.
I was thinking today that I might use the stock Clown horn muffled to make a pretty good reminder. I had an ‘80’s bike once that had an audible turn signal ‘Buzzer’.
Anyone care to tell me how one might “wire-in” an audible reminder. Maybe a relay in line with the
Turn signal indicator on the ‘Dash‘.

Good suggestions from this thread.

p.s. to bluenose2, I got to sail/motor on the Bluenose in Halifax Harbour in the 80’s. Good trip!
Nova Scotia would be a great place to tour the backroads on a small bike.

Charlie

 

[dmonkey]

There is a turn signal relay under the plastic panel between the gas tank and rear carrier, you can replace that relay with one that makes a loud audible sound, you just need to make sure it's similarly spec'd and will work with the LED turn signals. I documented replacing it here:

Hazards and Passing Lights on Left Handle Switch

The Honda CT125 doesn't come with hazard lights / four-way flashers / park-anywhere lights and that's a feature I find myself wanting to make use of on occasion for temporary parking or for extra visibility. * Check your local laws before using hazard lights. In many states there are few...

hondatrail125.com

Here is a link to an article (machine translated by Google which can be a bit rough) that I read from someone who intentionally replaced it with a louder relay. With some custom wiring, you could also relocate it from behind the seat to in front of the seat to hear it better.

ハンターカブに作動音付ウィンカーリレーやオーディブルパイロット（ウィンカーブザー）をつけて、カチカチ鳴るウィンカーにしてみたい。〈若林浩志のスーパー・カブカブ・ダイアリーズ Vol.218〉 - webオートバイ

以前紹介したウィンカーブザー。ウィンカーを出した時のカチカチ音とかピッピ音ね。機械式や電子式によって音が違うのよね。今回は、本来ウィンカーブザー音がならないCT125・ハンターカブに、作動音付ウィンカーリレーやオーディブルパイロットを取り付けて、カチカチウィンカーハンターカブを目指してみるよ。

www-autoby-jp.translate.goog

 

[char-lee]

Hey, the ST2 turn signal system looks very promising to solve my problem. $100 plus is a whole lot cheaper than a crash, injuries, bike damage 3 hospitals, COVID and missing 3 months of riding season. Yeah been there and done that. ( not turn signal related but coulda been)

 

[m in sc]

like half my bikes don't even have turn signals. (some are so old they were optional) lol. they have never been a safety issue. bit the self cancelling unit seems like an OK way to go for sure. prob just a simple 12v time delay off circuit, ive used those for other things before.

 

[bluenoser2]

Thanks for the information bluenoser2. And the e-mail
I knew I wasn’t the only person with this problem.
I was thinking today that I might use the stock Clown horn muffled to make a pretty good reminder. I had an ‘80’s bike once that had an audible turn signal ‘Buzzer’.
Anyone care to tell me how one might “wire-in” an audible reminder. Maybe a relay in line with the
Turn signal indicator on the ‘Dash‘.

Good suggestions from this thread.

p.s. to bluenose2, I got to sail/motor on the Bluenose in Halifax Harbour in the 80’s. Good trip!
Nova Scotia would be a great place to tour the backroads on a small bike.

Charlie

Hi Charlie, the Bluenose is certainly iconic and is also on our dimes.

I got the Trail for just that (backroads) - as I get older I am less confident in being able to pick up my Tiger if I drop it. I was out yesterday and the other thing that makes turning off the signal harder is that the panel/display is much lower than on a larger bike. An audible reminder is a good idea.

Ride Safe!
David

 

[SneakyDingo]

I've had issues with cancelling my turn signal. I usually hit it with electrical cleaner and it goes away. Same time I usually hit the ignition with some graphite, and use a toothbrush to clear any gunk that's accumulated on the key.

 

[char-lee]

The ST2 unit was way too expensive for me and the reviews on the Company squelched any interest in that product.
I received a response from Custom Dynamics and it was over my head. Maybe quite understandable by some/ many members. Let me know your opinions. Here is their response.

Leigh Anne (Custom Dynamics) May 12, 2025, 9:57 AM EDT Good morning! You are more than welcome to repost my response on any forum you are in where riders have similar questions! Below I will attach my email response from last week: For your 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 and 2024 Honda Trail 125, we recommend looking into our Universal Auto-Cancel Turn Signal Module as a potential solution. The ATC-5 is a universal flasher replacement designed to convert standard turn signals into auto-canceling ones, with the added benefit of built-in 4-way hazard flashers. This is a hardwire module that connects directly to the battery terminals and ties into your left and right turn signal wires. For ease of installation, we include Posi-Tap™ and Posi-Lock® connectors. The ATC-5 offers selectable cancel times of 10, 20, or 40 seconds, depending on how long you hold the turn signal switch. If your bike uses latching switches instead of momentary ones, the unit defaults to a 40-second cancel time and still allows for hazard mode. All signal modes can also be manually canceled by pressing the same signal button again. Additionally, the ATC-5 supports LED turn signals without causing rapid flash and is backed by a lifetime warranty. That said, our ATC-5 is designed as an auto-canceling turn signal flasher, but since we don’t have access to the technical specifications for the Honda Super Cub 125 or Trail 125, we can’t confirm whether your stock flasher is replaceable or compatible. These models may use integrated control systems or proprietary wiring setups, which means the module may or may not be adaptable to your specific bikes. We recommend consulting your owner’s manual, service manual, or wiring diagram to determine whether your existing flasher relay can be replaced with a unit like the ATC-5. If you’re working with a technician or dealership, they may also be able to assist with identifying compatibility. If there is anything else you need, just let me know! Leigh Anne EVERYTHING To Light Up Your Ride!® Custom Dynamics LLC® 15 Cypress Drive Youngsville, NC 27596 http://www.customdynamics.com Phone: 800-382-1388 Phone: 919-554-0949 Fax: 919-882-9611

As an alternative to those possible solutions I have tried to come up with a basic
solution. Don’t know if it will work.
Do I even need a relay ?
I forgot to add a fuse in my schematic.
Will it Work as an Audible reminder that I left my signal on ?

 

[dmonkey]

The bike already has a flasher relay. If you replace it with an audible one that's known to work with the LED turn signals (~$30 USD or so for the Kitaco one shipped to the USA) and extend the wiring so you can relocate it in front of you, I think that's a fairly elegant, fully reversible, and affordable solution if that's what you're looking for.

 

[char-lee]

Oops , forgot to read your reference in your Post.
Yes. It’s a great solution.

Thanks to you, dmonkey

 

[MisterB]

My short commute is nothing but a series of turns and I always use my blinker. Easy to change focus from blinkers to road hazards and forget to turn off! Lacking a clutch lever, (on mine, at least) I've thought about either modding by removing the internal mechanical retention system of the switch or just replacing it with a momentary that snaps back to center (off).
Holding it in the ON position doesn't seem like effort to me and the potential collision prevention is a real thing.
The drivers who DO see us may make a decision based on blinker signaling we're going to turn.
Will update if I dig in.

 

[char-lee]

Well put MisterB.
A return to neutral would not bother me either. Keep us posted.

Honda should have done that to a successful time tested turn signal switch or at least offered a parts swap. (wouldn’t be cheap though). Future Trail or Cub models will certainly address this problem. Maybe.

I am working on a $15 plus my labor solution ( just for fun). Probably won’t be elegant but if it saves a crash or death caused by me, it’ll be worth it.
Charlie